PANASONIC PV-GS15PL (01) PDF Document

The following table lists the specifications for the PANASONIC PV-GS15PL series camcorders.

Note: The numbers (1, 2, 3) in the columns correspond to the models PV-GS9PL, PV-GS12PL, and PV-GS15PL respectively. “O” indicates the feature is present.

When servicing your PANASONIC PV-GS15PL, please follow these important safety guidelines:

1. Certain special components marked with a triangle symbol (∆) in Schematic Diagrams, Exploded Views, and Replacement Parts lists are critical for safety. It is essential that these critical parts be replaced with the manufacturer’s specified parts to prevent shock, fire, or other hazards. Do not modify the original design without the manufacturer’s permission.

2. Always use an isolation transformer when servicing an AC Adaptor whose chassis is not isolated from the AC power line. A transformer with an adequate power rating protects the technician from accidental personal injury from electrical shocks. It also protects the AC Adaptor from being damaged by accidental shorting that may occur during servicing.

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 correctly installed.

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

6. The potential at any point should not exceed 0.75 V RMS. A leakage current tester (like the Simpson Model 229 or equivalent) can be used to perform hot checks. Leakage current must not exceed 0.5 mA. 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.

To perform a leakage current cold check on your PANASONIC PV-GS15PL, 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 infinity.

To perform a leakage current hot check on your PANASONIC PV-GS15PL, 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.

Some semiconductor (solid state) devices in the PANASONIC PV-GS15PL can be damaged easily by static electricity. Follow these precautions to help reduce the incidence of component damage caused by electro static 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 discharging 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-GS15PL uses lead-free solder, identified by a PbF printing on the PCB. Here are some important points to consider when working with it:

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 component 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-GS15PL, remove the Jack C.B.A. and then unsolder the Lithium Battery “ML-621S/F9D” and replace it with a new one.

NOTE:

• This Lithium battery is a critical component. (Type No.: ML-621S/F9D Manufactured by Panasonic.)

• 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.

The message “PUSH THE RESET SWITCH” is displayed automatically on the EVF or the LCD Monitor when an undesirable condition has occurred. Follow these steps:

1. An undesirable condition occurs.

2. The monitor displays “PUSH THE RESET SWITCH”.

3. Push the Reset Button.

4. If the camcorder operates correctly (OK), it will be able to be operated correctly. You may need to power it OFF for 1 minute.

5. If the problem is not resolved (NG), the monitor will again display “PUSH THE RESET SWITCH”.

6. If the Reset Button is not pushed within 1 minute, the camcorder will power OFF in 1 minute.

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

The service menu on the PANASONIC PV-GS15PL displays cylinder elapsed time, mechanism lock code record, and lens motor lock code record.

To enter the Service Menu:

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:

• 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.

• Do not operate items 1 -5 in the Service Menu.

Service Menu Functions:

• *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, 0001234F (in Base 16) = 74574 (in Base 10). 74574 x 4.3 (seconds) = 320672.5 (seconds). 320672.5 / 3600 (seconds) = 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.

Mechanism & Lens motor lock code:

To exit the Service Menu:

Unplug the AC Cord.

Note: After repairing, to delete all lock code, 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.

Follow these steps for F.P.C. removal and installation on your PANASONIC PV-GS15PL.

Removal/Installation of F.P.C. from the Non ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) connector:

1. The Non ZIF connectors and the ZIF connectors are used on the unit. And 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 also be used to install 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.

To manually operate the loading mechanism on the PANASONIC PV-GS15PL, follow these instructions. This is useful if the mechanism is jammed.

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 “b,” DC (-) to Portion “a”

To remove a jammed tape in your PANASONIC PV-GS15PL using the Electrical Method, follow these steps:

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.

Please use the DVC head cleaning tape as described below. Note: This cleaning tape has a total playback time of 2 minutes 30 seconds, it can be used 30 times.

1. Confirm the picture. If it’s not good (NG), proceed to step 2.

2. Playback the cleaning tape for 20 seconds.

3. Confirm the picture again. If it’s OK, you can now playback any normal DVC tape for 20 minutes or over. If it’s NG, proceed to step 4.

4. Playback the cleaning tape for 20 seconds.

5. Confirm the picture again. If it’s OK, you can now playback any normal DVC tape for 20 minutes or over. If it’s NG, proceed to step 6.

6. Playback the cleaning tape for 20 seconds.

7. Confirm the picture again. If it’s OK, you can now playback any normal DVC tape for 20 minutes or over. If it’s NG, proceed to step 8.

8. Replace the Cylinder Unit.

The following flowchart indicates the disassembly steps of the cabinet parts and the P.C. Boards in order to gain access to the items to be serviced. When reassembling, perform the steps in the reverse order. Bend, route and dress the wires as they were originally.

1. Top Piece

2. Front Case Ass’y

3. Side Case R & LCD Ass’y

4. Lens Ass’y

5. Rear Ass’y & EVF Unit

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

7. Main C.B.A.

8. Mechanism Chassis Ass’y

9. Side Case L Unit

Note:

• When removing the cabinet, work with care so as not to break the Locking Tabs.

• Place a cloth or some other soft material under the P.C. Boards or Unit to prevent damage.

• When reinstalling, ensure that the connectors are reconnected and electrical components have not been damaged.

• Do not supply power to the unit during disassembly and reassembly.

When replacing the Main Chassis Unit or the Cylinder Unit on your PANASONIC PV-GS15PL, 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.

To set up and use the PC-EVR Adjustment Program for your PANASONIC PV-GS15PL, follow these steps:

Preparation:

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.

3. Connect them to the Connector B2 on the Main C.B.A. Pay attention to their direction.

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.

Using the Program:

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.

3. The menu will be displayed. Select the desired model.

4. Turn on the camcorder. Then click “Start.” Select the desired menu Model.

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.