PANASONIC PV-GS12PL (01) PDF Document

The following are the specifications for the PANASONIC PV-GS12PL Digital Video Camcorder.

When servicing your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, follow these important safety guidelines:

1. Special components used in this equipment are marked by the Δ symbol in Schematic Diagrams, Exploded Views, and Replacement Parts Lists. These parts should be replaced with manufacturer’s specified parts to prevent shock, fire, or other hazards. Do not modify the original design without the manufacturer’s permission.

2. An isolation transformer should always be used during servicing of the AC Adaptor whose chassis is not isolated from the AC power line. Use a transformer of adequate power rating to protect the technician from accidental personal injury from electrical shocks. It will also protect the AC Adaptor from being damaged by accidental shorting.

3. When servicing, observe the original lead dress. If a short circuit is found, replace all parts that have been overheated or damaged by the short circuit.

4. After servicing, ensure that all protective devices such as insulation barriers and insulation papers shields are properly installed.

5. After servicing, make the following leakage current checks to prevent the customer from being exposed to shock hazards.

To perform a leakage current cold check on your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the AC cord and connect a jumper between the two prongs on the plug.

2. Measure the resistance value with an ohmmeter between the jumpered AC plug and each exposed metallic cabinet part on the equipment, such as screwheads, connectors, control shafts, etc. When the exposed metallic part has a return path to the chassis, the reading should be between 1 MΩ and 5.2 MΩ. When the exposed metal does not have a return path to the chassis, the reading must be infinite.

To perform a leakage current hot check on your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, follow these steps:

1. Plug the AC cord directly into the AC outlet. Do not use an isolation transformer for this check.

2. Connect a 1.5 kΩ, 10 W resistor, in parallel with a 0.15 µF capacitor, between each exposed metallic part on the set and a good earth ground.

3. Use an AC voltmeter with 1 kΩ/V or more sensitivity to measure the potential across the resistor.

4. Check each exposed metallic part, and measure the voltage at each point.

5. Reverse the AC plug in the AC outlet and repeat each of the above measurements.

6. The potential at any point should not exceed 0.75 V RMS. A leakage current tester (Simpson Model 229 or equivalent) may be used to make the hot checks. If a measurement is outside of the specified limits, there is a possibility of a shock hazard, and the equipment should be repaired and rechecked before it is returned to the customer.

When working on the PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, some semiconductor (solid state) devices can be damaged easily by static electricity. Such components are called Electrostatically Sensitive (ES) Devices. It is important to follow these precautions to prevent component damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD).

1. Immediately before handling any semiconductor component or semiconductor-equipped assembly, drain off any ESD on your body by touching a known earth ground. Alternatively, obtain and wear a commercially available ESD wrist strap, which should be removed for potential shock reasons prior to applying power to the unit under test.

2. After removing an electrical assembly equipped with ES devices, place the assembly on a conductive surface such as aluminum foil, to prevent electrostatic charge buildup or exposure of the assembly.

3. Use only a grounded-tip soldering iron to solder or unsolder ES devices.

4. Use only an antistatic solder removal device. Some solder removal devices not classified as “antistatic (ESD protected)” can generate electrical charge sufficient to damage ES devices.

5. Do not use freon-propelled chemicals. These can generate electrical charges sufficient to damage ES devices.

6. Do not remove a replacement ES device from its protective package until immediately before you are ready to install it. (Most replacement ES devices are packaged with leads electrically shorted together by conductive foam, aluminum foil or comparable conductive material).

7. Immediately before removing the protective material from the leads of a replacement ES device, touch the protective material to the chassis or circuit assembly into which the device will be installed.

CAUTION: Be sure no power is applied to the chassis or circuit, and observe all other safety precautions.

8. Minimize bodily motions when handling unpackaged replacement ES devices. (Otherwise harmless motion such as the brushing together of your clothes fabric or the lifting of your foot from a carpeted floor can generate static electricity (ESD) sufficient to damage an ES device).

The PANASONIC PV-GS12PL uses lead-free solder, indicated by a PbF printing on the PCB. When servicing, please observe the following:

CAUTION:

• Pb free solder has a higher melting point than standard solder. Typically the melting point is 50 °F – 70 °F (30 °C – 40 °C) higher.

• Please use a soldering iron with temperature control and adjust it to 700 °F ±20 °F (370 °C ±10 °C).

• Please be careful not to heat the P.C.B. for too long.

• Pb free solder will tend to splash when heated too high (around 1100 °F / 600 °C).

• All products with the printed circuit board with PbF stamp or printing must be serviced with lead free solder.

• When soldering or unsoldering, completely remove all of the solder from the pins or solder area, and be sure to heat the soldering points with the lead free solder until it melts sufficiently.

Recommendations:

Recommended lead free solder composition is Sn96.5 Ag3.0 Cu0.5.

To replace the lithium battery (Type No.: ML-621S/F9D) in your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, follow these steps:

1. Remove the Jack C.B.A. (Refer to “DISASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES”).

2. Un-solder the old Lithium Battery and then replace it with the new one.

NOTE:

This Lithium battery is a critical component.

• It must never be subjected to excessive heat or discharge.

• It must therefore only be fitted in equipment designed specifically for its use.

• Replacement batteries must be of the same type and manufacture.

• They must be fitted in the same manner and location as the original battery, with the correct polarity contacts observed.

• Do not attempt to re-charge the old battery or re-use it for any other purpose.

• It should be disposed of in waste products destined for burial rather than incineration.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to manufacturer’s instructions.

U.S.A. CONSUMERS: ATTENTION:

A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased. For information on how to recycle this battery, you may contact the appropriate recycling centers.

If “PUSH THE RESET SWITCH” is displayed on the EVF or the LCD Monitor of your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, it indicates an undesirable condition has occurred. Follow these steps:

1. Push the RESET button.

2. If the camcorder is then able to be operated correctly, the issue is resolved.

3. If the message persists, or if you do not push the Reset Button within 1 minute, the power will turn OFF. Try pushing the Reset button again.

Note: If the “PUSH THE RESET SWITCH” message is displayed repeatedly, repair is required. Check the Error Code which is listed in the Service Menu.

To enter the Service Menu on your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, press the MENU button on the operation panel. Then, press and hold the BACKLIGHT, the REW-, and the PHOTOSHOT buttons for more than 3 seconds with no SD Card inserted. The Service Menu will be displayed.

Note:

1. When an Error Display “PUSH THE RESET SWITCH” is displayed on the monitor, it is not necessary to push the MENU button to enter the Service Menu.

2. Do not operate items 1 – 5 in the Service Menu.

The service menu on the PANASONIC PV-GS12PL displays the following items:

• *1…Cylinder elapsed time reset: After replacing the Cylinder Unit, clear the Cylinder elapsed time to 0. Press the STILL or the FADE button to select this item. Then, press the ENTER button.

• *2…Cylinder elapsed time: This item displays the Cylinder elapsed time (in Base 16). Calculation method: For example if “0001234F” is displayed, this is 74574 in Base 10. The elapsed time is calculated as (74574 x 4.3 seconds) / 3600 = 89.1 hours.

• *3…Mechanism lock code record: The current lock code, the last lock code and the lock code before last are displayed.

• *4…Lens motor lock code record: The current lock code, the last lock code and the lock code before last are displayed.

To exit the Service Menu on your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, unplug the AC Cord.

After repairing your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, to delete all lock codes, press and hold the BACKLIGHT, the REW-, and the REC/PAUSE buttons for more than 3 seconds in power on condition (with no SD Card inserted). Otherwise, new lock code will not be recorded correctly.

The lock codes in the service menu indicate the cause of a mechanism or lens motor error. Refer to the table below for explanations.

To remove or install an F.P.C. from a Non ZIF connector on your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, follow these steps:

Removal/Installation:

1. The Non ZIF connectors and the ZIF connectors are used on the unit. There are 2 types (Type A, Type B) of Non ZIF connectors.

2. To remove the F.P.C. from the Non ZIF connector, use the Plier for Non ZIF Connector (LSVQ0028) to pull out the F.P.C. as shown. The same Plier for Non ZIF Connector (LSVQ0028) should be used to insert the F.P.C. to the Non ZIF Connector.

3. Connect the F.P.C.s to the Non ZIF connectors, verifying the direction of F.P.C as shown in the service manual diagrams.

To manually operate the loading mechanism on the PANASONIC PV-GS12PL:

CAUTION: If loading does not start after DC Power Supply is applied, DO NOT continue to apply DC Power.

Apply +3 VDC Power Supply to the Loading Motor terminals.

Loading: DC (+) to Portion “a,” DC (-) to Portion “b”

Unloading: DC (+) to Portion “a,” DC (-) to Portion “b”

To remove a jammed tape in your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, follow this electrical method:

1. Open the Jack Cover. Then, insert a flat headed (-) screwdriver or similar object into the gap of the Post Cover, and remove it while releasing the 2 Locking Tabs.

Note: Be careful not to damage the Locking Tabs on the Post Cover.

2. Open the Cassette Cover by hand.

3. Apply +3 V DC Power Supply to Portions “a” and “b” on the Loading Motor.

Note: DO NOT let the Cassette Up Unit eject when pushing down the Cassette Cover. If the Cassette Up Unit is in the up position, the cassette tape may be damaged.

4. When the Mechanism is in EJECT position (snapping sound), cut the Power Supply immediately.

5. Move up the Cassette Up Unit carefully by hand so as not to damage the Mechanism or tape due to tape slack.

6. Take out the cassette tape from the Cassette Up Unit carefully.

7. Remove the tape slack by rotating the Take-up Reel Gear of the cassette tape.

8. Connect the Power or Battery to set the Mechanism to STOP Position.

CAUTION: Be sure to save the EEPROM data using PC-EVR Adjustment Program before service and adjustment in order to make a copy to avoid an accidental data loss, etc. When adjustment data is lost, use PC-EVR Adjustment Program by first.

The EEPROM IC on the Main C.B.A. is IC6002.

To clean the video heads of your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL using the cleaning tape, follow these steps. Note: This cleaning tape has a total playback time of 2 minutes 30 seconds and can be used 30 times.

1. Confirm the picture. If it is OK, no cleaning is needed. If NG (No Good), proceed to step 2.

2. Playback the cleaning tape for 20 seconds.

3. Confirm the picture again. If it is OK, you are done. If NG, proceed to step 4.

4. Playback the cleaning tape for 20 seconds.

5. Confirm the picture again. If it is OK, you are done. If NG, proceed to step 6.

6. Playback the cleaning tape for 20 seconds.

7. Confirm the picture again. If it is OK, you are done. If NG, proceed to step 8.

8. Replace the Cylinder Unit. If the picture is still not OK after this process, the heads may be clogged and require replacement.

After cleaning, you can playback any normal DVC tape for 20 minutes or over to confirm operation.

To remove a CSP IC during service of the PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, follow this procedure using a Spot Heater and Pre-Heater:

1. Power on, then wait more than 5 min, till the air temperature stabilizes. Note: Open the shutter of the Pre-Heater.

2. Move the Circuit Board Support Plate so that the position of CSP meets the blower hole.

3. Wait 90 sec. for pre-heating of the Circuit Board.

4. Set the blower to the blower holder, then adjust the height with knobs located on the Blower Stand until the CSP nozzle comes close to the surface of CSP as much as possible. Note: The CSP nozzle should not touch the components and the surface of the Circuit Board.

5. Apply the hot air for 40 sec. (The solder starts to melt.) Keep the CSP nozzle as close to the surface of CSP as possible but not touching it. Caution: Be careful with the hot air.

6. Move the CSP nozzle away, and pick up the CSP by Vacuum Pick-up. Caution: Be careful with CSP heated up.

7. Close Shutter of Pre-Heater, and remove the Circuit Board after 30 sec. (less than 30 sec. -> The solder becomes hard.)

8. Open Shutter of Pre-Heater.

The removal of CSP has been completed. The removed CSP can not be used again.

To install a new CSP IC on your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, follow these steps for cleaning, positioning, and mounting:

A. Cleaning

1. Applying the flux to the round terminal pattern. Apply the flux using an applicator, then tap it on round terminals.

2. Applying the solder to round terminals of PCB. [Using string solder] Apply the solder to the soldering iron, then trace the soldering iron on the round terminals so that the solder evenly stays on the round terminals. Note: The power of the soldering iron should be less than 30 W. Be sure to make all solders applied are the same in size and height. Caution: Do not touch the round terminals with the soldering iron. Otherwise, pattern may be damage.

3. For CSP with Reinforcing Round -> Removing the solder on 4 corners (Reinforcing Rounds). Remove the solder on Reinforcing Round.

4. Cleaning of the round terminal pattern using an applicator with the cleaner (alcohol etc.).

5. Applying the flux to the round terminal pattern. Note: Do not let any dust get into the flux.

B. Positioning

6. Check if there are solder on new CSP or not. If not, perform steps (1) – (4) above. When applying the solder, do not touch the surface of CSP with the soldering iron. (1) Apply enough flux to the CSP. (2) Apply a small amount of the solder. (3) Heat the flux once. (4) Apply a small amount of flux to CSP. Note: Do not apply too much the flux.

7. Positioning of new CSP on the round terminal pattern. Put CSP on the round terminal pattern so that 4 corners of CSP meet the positioning marks printed on PCB.

C. Mounting

1. Set the Circuit Board on Pre-Heater (after positioning CSP).

2. Move P.C.B. Holder so that CSP position comes over the center of the blower hole.

3. Warm up the Circuit Board for 90 sec.

4. Set CSP nozzle over CSP. The height of CSP nozzle is already adjusted during its removal.

5. Heat up CSP for 40 sec. [Solder starts to melt.] When the solder melts, the CSP will move slightly by itself until it sits correctly on the molten solder. Keep the CSP nozzle close to the surface of CSP as possible but not touching it. Caution: Be careful with the hot air. Be careful with any parts (connector, etc.).

6. Close Shutter of Pre-Heater, and remove the Circuit Board after 30 sec. [30 sec.] — The solder becomes hard.

Mounting of CSP is completed. Reconfirm the mounting position with Position Mark.

That’s all for CSP repair, and the final confirmation if the repair work is OK or not should be made by assembling the repaired Circuit Board into the camera unit.

The disassembly sequence for the PANASONIC PV-GS12PL is as follows. When reassembling, perform the steps in reverse order.

MAIN PARTS PORTION

1. Top Piece

2. Front Case Ass’y

FRONT CASE PORTION

3. Side Case R & LCD Ass’y

SIDE CASE R & LCD PORTION

4. Lens Ass’y

CCD & LENS PORTION

5. Rear Ass’y & EVF Unit

REAR & EVF PORTION

6. Jack C.B.A. & Bottom Angle Unit

7. Main C.B.A.

8. Mechanism Chassis Ass’y

9. Side Case L Unit

To remove the Cassette Up Unit from the mechanism of your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL, which is necessary for addressing some tape jams or service, follow these steps. This makes the mechanism position in Eject condition (For Battery).

1. Remove 3 Screws (A).

2. Release 3 Tabs.

To remove the Cylinder Unit, follow these steps after removing the Cassette Up Unit:

1. Remove the piece arrangement unit from the rail department.

2. Remove 1 Screw (B).

3. Remove 3 Screws (C).

4. Lift and remove the Cylinder Unit.

When replacing the Main Chassis Unit or the Cylinder Unit, you must perform the Envelope Output Adjustment as shown below.

1. Open the Jack Cover. Then, insert a flat headed (-) screwdriver or similar object into the gap of the Post Cover, and remove it while releasing the 2 Locking Tabs.

2. Connect the Camcorder and the Interface Board with the EVR Connector Boards, the Connection Adaptors and the 30 pin Flat Cables.

3. Connect the oscilloscope to “Envelope TP” on the Interface Board.

4. Playback the Color Bar Standard Tape (VFM3010EDS).

5. Adjust the S1 post by turning the top of post with Post Height Adjustment Fixture so that the left half of envelope signal becomes flat as possible.

6. Adjust the T1 post by turning the top of post with Post Height Adjustment Fixture so that the right half of envelope signal becomes flat as possible.

Note: After the adjustment, be sure to confirm BER (Bit Error Ratio) using EVR Adjustment Software. If it is NG, try this adjustment once again.

The table below shows which adjustments are necessary according to the unit parts and individual parts to be replaced on your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL. Make sure to perform these adjustments as shown below as necessary. (◯: Adjustment Item)

To prepare your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL for computer-assisted adjustments, follow these setup steps:

1. Insert a flat headed (-) screwdriver or similar object, remove the EVR Cover.

2. Connect the 2 Connection Adaptors and the 2 EVR Connector Boards. Then, connect the 30 pin Flat Cables to P101 and P102 on the Interface Board.

Note: When connecting them, pay attention to the direction of them.

3. Connect them to the Connector B2 on the Main C.B.A.

4. Connect the AC Adaptor to the camcorder.

5. Connect the P106 on the Interface Board to RS232C of the PC with Inter Link Cable.

6. Set the SW115 (M103 EXMOD1) on the Interface Board to “GND.”

7. Set the SW110 (RS232C SEL) on the Interface Board to “M3.”

8. Set the SW114 (M103 VPP) on the Interface Board to “3V.”

9. Set the SW103 (REC1) on the Interface Board to “OFF.”

10. Set the SW108 (BST TEST) on the Interface Board to “OFF.”

11. Set the SW109 (IRIS) on the Interface Board to center.

12. Set the SW111 (5V SEL) on the Interface Board to “CAM 5V.”

13. Set the SW113 (POWER ON) on the Interface Board to “NORM.”

14. Power on the unit.

Follow these steps to use the PC-EVR Adjustment Program with your PANASONIC PV-GS12PL:

1. Turn on the PC and install the PC-EVR Adjustment Program into the PC.

2. Execute the “kdv2004.exe” file by double clicking to start up the PC-EVR Adjustment Program. The main menu will be displayed.

3. Select the desired model.

4. Turn on the camcorder. Then click “Start.”

5. When the communication is complete, the dialog will appear. Then, click “Yes,” and “Save” to save the EEPROM data.

6. When saving for EEPROM data is complete, the menu will appear. To perform each adjustment, display the adjustment menu by selecting the desired menu from “Camera Adjust,” “Video Adjust,” “LCD Adjust” or “EVF Adjust” and select each adjustment item.

7. After adjustment, to close the software, select “Exit” in the File menu or close the window.

Note: The adjusted data is stored in the EEPROM IC after each adjustment.