Panasonic Agrt850 Operating Instructions Manual

							21
Frame Switcher Connection and Recording
Connections (using the WJ-FS616)
MIC
REMOTE
BATTERY
PUSH OPENCAMERA
IN
OUT
TAPE END OUT
WARNING/
REC OUT
REC IN
COMMON
ALARM RESET IN
ALARM IN
AUDIOIN
OUT VIEDO
GND SW OUT
Time Lapse VTR
AG-RT850
Camera switching
Video Output Video Input
CAMERA
SW INREC OUT
VIDEOPLAY IN
VIDEO
WJ-FS616
AC IN
RS-232C
•Do not supply signals from color cameras and black-and-white cameras simultaneously to the camera input
connectors since this may disturb the synchronization on the monitor screen or generate noise.
•During playback, turn the Quasi-V insertion to ON or OFF with the FWD ADV button. This enables the appearance
of the pictures of other cameras to be reduced. 
						

							22
Playback Procedure
Before operating the unit, check that the internal/external timer recording displays (INT/EXT) have been cleared from
the display. (If INT or EXT is displayed, use the TIMER MODE switch to clear it.)
rPress the PLAY button.
PLAY
qSwitch on the power to the unit and TV monitor.
wInsert the recorded cassette tape into the unit.
eSelect the time mode.
TIME MODE
Notes on operation
1. Bear in mind the following points when playing back parts of a tape recorded in a time lapse (L18 to 240 hour)
mode.
•When the tape is played back in the same mode, noise resembling dropouts will appear on the screen: this is not
indicative of malfunctioning.
•The picture may oscillate in the vertical direction: this is not indicative of malfunctioning.
•When a tape is played back in the same time mode, the picture may shake slightly sideways: this is not indicative
of malfunctioning.
•Turn Quasi-V insertion ON (
) or OFF () with the FWD ADV button. Dancing can be minimized when a tape is
played back in a time lapse (L18 to 240 hour) mode. Moreover, playing back a tape in a system featuring a frame
switcher enables the appearance of the pictures of other cameras to be reduced.
2. Bear in mind the following points when playing back parts of a tape recorded in a VHS mode (6 hours).
•When a tape is played back in a time lapse mode, slight noise may appear at the top and bottom of the screen:
this is not indicative of malfunctioning.
3. When noise has occurred during still-picture playback, press the FWD ADV button to play it out. (It may not always
be possible to play out the noise.)
4. Bear in mind that if the power cable is disconnected and then re-connected or if the power has been restored after
it has failed when the tape was played with EXT indicated on the display by the TIMER MODE button, the unit will
automatically be set from playback to the recording mode.
5. When the PAUSE/STILL button is pressed during playback, the unit is set to the pause mode, and a still picture
PLAY button. If the unit is kept in the pause mode for more than 5 minutes, it will be set to the stop mode.
6. If the horizontal AFC on the TV monitor is too long or when a video camera with random interlace scanning has
been used, the top area of the TV monitor may be distorted: this is not indicative of malfunctioning.
7. A tape recorded in the 2-hour mode on a different deck can be played back in the 2-hour mode. However, it cannot
be played back in time lapse (L18 to 240 hour) mode.
•“6H” appears when a tape is played back which was recorded for 6 hours using another VTR.
8. Tapes recorded on this machine cannot be played back other VHS video recorder as they are not compatible.
9. When the power cord has come out of the socket or a power failure has occurred during fast forwarding or
rewinding, no operations will be acknowledged for about 30 seconds after the power has been restored: this is to
protect the tape.
Tracking
When noise such as that shown below appears on the
playback image in the 6-hour time mode, press the
tracking (+ or –) button to minimize the noise.
          
          
TRACKING /
V-LOCK
•For the tracking default setting, press the “+” and “–”
buttons together (in the 6-hour time mode only).
•In the L18 or L24 hour mode, press the “+” or “–”
button to adjust the tracking.
Vertical Hold Adjustment
If the image shakes slightly in the vertical direction
during still-picture playback, press the V-LOCK buttons
(–, +) to reduce the dancing.
REC
ALARM
EJECTREC REVIEWREC
REVFWDTRACKING /
V-LOCK RESETPULL OPEN
COUNTER /TIME MODESEARCH
•If the TV monitor has a vertical hold control, adjust
that control also. 
						

							23
1. Outline of RS-232C interface
This interface is for enabling the basic functions of the VTR to be operated using a personal computer.
The D-SUB 9P connector is used to connect the VTR with the personal computer.
•
2. Hardware specifications
D-DUB 9P, female
Straight cable ■D-DUB 9-pin connector specifications
Connector:
Compatible cable:•
•
D-SUB 9P input signals
Pin No. Abbreviation Circuit name Details
CD (DCD) 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9Carrier detection PC receives this signal.
RD (RXD) Received data PC receives data.
SD (TXD) Transmitted data PC sends data.
ER (DTR) Data terminal ready PC sends this signal.
SG (--) Signal ground Signal ground
DR (DSR) Data set ready PC receives this signal.
RS (RTS) Request to send PC sends this signal.
CS (CTS) Clear to send PC receives this signal.
CI (RI) Ring indicator PC receives this signal.
PCVTR
Pin No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Pin No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9L: groundDetails
Data output
Data input
OP (ready output)
GND
Ready output (OP)
L: ground
(short)
RS-232C Interface 
						

							24
RS-232C Interface
02h (HEX)
3Bh command delimiter
ccc
   ccc: command (3 ASCII characters)
3Ah parameter delimiter
parameter (any number: based on command)
03H
In some cases, the format does not contain what is enclosed in the square brackets.
3. Protocol
■Receiving format (personal computer → VTR)
stx:
; (semicolon):
command:
: (colon):
data:
etx: General format: stx command [:data] [;command [:data]] etx
■Example
stxO S Petx (stop command)
02,4F,53,50,03 (stop command in HEX notation)
■Sending format (personal computer ← VTR)
Command receive verification 
ack (with error-free receipt of command)
nak e (when communication error has occurred)
•
e: error code
1: parity error
3: framing error
4: overrun error
Response message
General format: stx message [:data] etx
Error message (when error has occurred in protocol or command)
General format: stx error message etx
•
•
06h
15h
02h
mmmm
   mmmm: message (any number of ASCII characters)
3Ah parameter delimiter
parameter (any number)
ERnnn (error code)
   nnn: 3-digit number
   001: Invalid command (not supported)
   002: Invalid parameter 
   003: Receive buffer overflow
   004: Defective connection
03h ack:
nak:
stx:
message:
: (colon):
data:
error message:
etx:
As soon as the receive buffer becomes full, receive buffer overflow is returned, and subsequent commands are 
canceled.
The ACK or NAK response must commence within 20ms.
When a new command has been received during the processing of an non-interruptible command, the receive 
verification code is returned within 20ms, after which the applicable ERROR code is returned, and the 
processing of the previous command is resumed.
When it takes time for execution to be completed, it is to be possible for the next command to be processed (in 
principle, after the ACK response) without waiting for the completion of the said execution. (This applies only to 
commands whose processing can be interrupted.)
When a command which does not entail a transfer of the deck mode is received, the message of having 
completed the received command is returned regardless of the deck mode. ■Explanatory description
•
•
•
•
• 
						

							25
■Table of commands
Command Completion messageCommand parameter
Counter reset CRT CRT
Eject OEJ OEJ
Fast forward OFF OFF
Pause/still OPA OPA
Play OPL OPL
Record ORC ORC
Rewind ORW ORW
Stop OSP OSP
Field advance (+) OAF OAF
Field advance (–) OAR OAR
Power ON PON PON
Power OFF POF POF
Recording check ORR ORR
Tracking (+) ZTU ZTU
Tracking (–) ZTD ZTD
Auto tracking ZTA ZTA
Time setting LTJ LTJ
Time mode switching LTM: 
∗LTM
Key lock setting RML: 
∗∗RML
Display switching LFI: 
∗LFI
Version request QRV VER a. ee date
Communication check RCK RCK
Counter data request QCD QCD fwghmmss
ID request QID AG-RT 
∗∗∗∗
Status request QOP∗∗∗
All status request QOS OPS dddddd
Time mode request QLT LTM
∗
Display status request QFI LFI∗
Key lock request QRM RML∗
ACK return ON RAN RAN
ACK return status request QRA RA
∗
Automatic send setting command OCS: ∗OCS
Automatic sent setting request QSC OCS
∗
Interruptible
    : Yes     : No
ACK return OFF RAF RAF
Search forward OSF: 
∗OSF
Search reverse OSR: ∗OSR
Notes:
• With ACK return ON, [ACK] is returned from the VTR with the LTM and QID commands only.
• 
∗ denotes parameters. 
						

							26
RS-232C Interface
Details of commands
Time mode switching command
This sets the time mode during deck recording/playback.
However, when REC T-MODE has been set, it takes 
precedence over the other modes during recording.
PC:    [STX] LTM: 
∗ [ETX]
VTR: [STX] LTM [ETX]
2h
6h
L18h
L24h
48h
72h
96h
120h
168h
180h
240h0
1
2
4
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
Key lock setting command
This selects whether the front panel keys are to be locked.
PC:    [STX] RML: F
∗ [ETX]
VTR: [STX] RML [ETX]∗:
Display switching command
Operation is the same as for the COUNTER/SEARCH key on 
the front panel.
PC:    [STX] LFI: 
∗ [ETX]
VTR: [STX] LFI [ETX]∗:N = ON
F = OFF
C
T
M
A
R
Version request command
This is for verifying the version of the microcomputer.
PC:    [STX] QRV [ETX]
VTR: [STX] VER 1.00 11/30/96 [ETX]
Month
dayyear
Communication check command
This is for verifying whether communication has been 
established.
PC:    [STX] RCK [ETX]
VTR: [STX] RCK [ETX]
Display status request command
This is for verifying the front panel display.
PC:    [STX] QFI [ETX]
VTR: [STX] LFI [ETX]
∗:T
C 
M 
A 
(C = repeat recording count display
shown)
Key lock status request command
This is for verifying the front panel key lock status.
PC:    [STX] QRM [ETX]
VTR: [STX] RML
∗ [ETX]∗:N = ON
F = OFFCounter data request command
This requests the current value on the CTL counter.
PC:    [STX] QCD [ETX]
VTR: [STX] CDCwghmmss g:
 hmmss:
W: S;
P;for a minus amount, space
for a plus amount
hours/minutes/seconds
for STOP, EJECT, STILL, 
FWD ADV and REW ADV.
for modes other than the 
above.
ID request command
This is for verifying the model number.
PC:    [STX] QID [ETX]
VTR: [STX] AG-RT850P [ETX]
Time mode request command
This is for verifying the time mode.
PC:    [STX] QLT  [ETX]
VTR: [STX] LTM
∗ [ETX]
Status request command
When the status request command has been received, the 
target operation mode of the system control is detected and 
the status command is sent.
PC:    [STX] QOP [ETX]
VTR: [STX] 
∗∗∗ [ETX]∗∗∗:OSP
OEJ
ORW
OFF
ORC
ORP
OPL
OPP
POF
OSF
OSRSTOP
EJECT
REW
FF
REC
REC PAUSE
PLAY
STILL/PAUSE
POWER OFF
CUE
REV
ACK return ON command
This turns ACK return ON.
PC:    [STX] RAN [ETX]
VTR: [STX] RAN [ETX]
ACK return OFF command
This turns ACK return OFF.
PC:    [STX] RAF [ETX]
VTR: [STX] RAF [ETX]
ACK is returned only for the LTM and
QID commands.
Time mode∗
2h
6h
L18h
L24h
48h
72h
96h
120h
168h
180h
240h0
1
3
4
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
Time mode∗
=
=
=
=
=counter display
time display
memory stop display
alarm search display
repeat count display
=
=
=
=clock display shown
 counter display shown
memory stop display shown
alarm search display 
						

							27
All status request command
When the all status request command has been received, the 
current deck status is detected and sent by the bitmap shown 
below.
PC:    [STX] QOS [ETX]
VTR: [STX] OPS abcdef [ETX]
Automatic send setting command
This sets whether to detect changes in the deck status and 
send the status automatically.
PC:    [STX] OCS:
∗ [ETX] 
VTR: [STX] OCS [ETX]  abCounter commands cc: Returns fixed value.
Bit     7              6              5              4              3              2              1              0
 cdREC
LOCK
ON=1PAL
PAL
   =1Tracking
(–)      (+)
  ON=1Tape speed
    00 : 2h
    10 : 4h
    01 : 6hRepeat
REW
ON=1Alarm
IN
Usually=0
 efTest mode
00: Normal
10: Line
01: Service
11: Reverse play
Forward
   direction=0Cassette
IN
IN=1
∗:N=Automatic send ON
F=Automatic send OFF
Automatic send setting request command
This is for verifying the automatic send setting.
PC:    [STX] QSC [ETX]
VTR: [STX] OCS
∗ [ETX]∗:N=Automatic send ON
F=Automatic send OFF ACK return status request command
This is for verifying the ACK return status.
PC:    [STX] QRA [ETX]
VTR: [STX] RA
∗ [ETX]
∗:N = ON
F = OFF
Search command
•Forward
PC:    [STX] OSF:
∗ [ETX]
VTR: [STX] OSF [ETX]
•Reverse
PC:    [STX] OSR:
∗ [ETX]
VTR: [STX] OSR [ETX]∗:     0 = still (Play/Pause)
1 = 1/30×
2 = 1/10×
3, 4 = 1/5×
5, 6 = 1.0×
7 = 5.0×
8-F = 9.0× Time setting command
This sets the minutes and seconds to zero.
Time setting will change in the following manner:
HH:00:00 – HH:14:59 → HH:00:00
HH:45:00 – HH:59:59 → HH+1:00:00
The time setting command will be disregarded for other 
times.
PC:    [STX] LTJ [ETX]
VTR: [STX] LTJ [ETX] 
						

							28
Troubleshooting
Trouble with installation
No power. • Is the power plug inserted properly into the AC outlet?
No picture. • Is the unit connected properly with the TV, video cameras, etc.?
•Are any of the connecting cables making faulty contact?
Indistinct picture. • Has the focus on the video cameras been adjusted correctly?
Trouble with functions or operation
Nothing happens even when operation • Is the video cassette loaded?
buttons are pressed.
•Is the MENU/REC LOCK switch at OFF?
•Has the video cassette been inserted properly? Press the EJECT
button to eject the cassette and insert properly.
•Has INT lighted on the display?
•Has the mode lock been applied through control exercised by the
RS-232C interface?
“” mark is flashing. • The unit will not operate because its safety protection function has
been triggered. Wait until the flashing disappears.
   
In case of moisture
detection:
The “     ” mark at display
section flashes.
Ejection will remain
incomplete when a video
cassette has been inserted.
Wait until the “     ” mark
goes out with POWER switch
turned “ON”. It may take a
few hours, although it
depends upon conditions.
Date and time display data has not been • Has the unit’s power plug been disconnected from the power
stored in memory when the power failed. outlet for a long time?
Insert the unit’s power plug into the power outlet and supply power
continuously for at least 3 days to the unit.
Trouble with recording
Tape can be played, fast forwarded or • Is the tab on the video cassette broken?
rewound but not recording results.
Recording has stopped. • Is the video cassette tape at its end?
•Have more than 5 minutes elapsed since the PAUSE/STILL button
was pressed during recording?
•Are the routine inspections being carried out? If this phenomenon
keeps recurring, it means that some failure or other is to blame.
Consult with your dealer.
TRACKING /
V-LOCK RESETPULL OPEN 
						

							29
The power has been restored after a • Has the power failure lasted a long time (more than 1 week)?
power failure but recording does not Set the timer recording switch to EXT to ensure that the unit is
automatically resume. set to the recording mode even after a prolonged power failure.
Recording cannot be stopped. • First set the MENU/REC LOCK switch to OFF and then operate.
•Is REC LOCK on Menu Screen 1 at OFF?
•Has the mode lock been applied through control exercised by the
RS-232C interface?
1-week programmed timer recording • Are the date and time on the regular displays correct?
cannot be conducted properly. (See page 12)
One or more cameras do not record • Turn the time adjustment control on the frame switcher, and
when a multiple number of cameras are adjust it to a setting which is longer than the video recording
used. duration in the recording time mode.
•Connect a camera switching cable between the unit and frame
switcher. (See page 21)
No auto repeat recording. • Has the stop button been pressed during auto rewinding?
No timer recording. • Are the present time and start/stop times for the timer recording
correct?
•Has INT or EXT lighted on the display?
No alarm recording. • Have the alarm sensors and alarm input connectors been
connected properly?
•Has the alarm recording mode been selected on Menu Screen 3?
Trouble with playback
Noise sometimes appears on the • Adjust the tracking buttons. (See page 22)
playback pictures.
Dirty playback picture. • The video heads may be dirty or clogged or they may have
reached the end of their service life. Consult with your dealer.
“Snow” on playback picture. • The video heads may be dirty or clogged. Consult with your
dealer.
While a multiple number of cameras are • Has the camera switching signal cable been connected
being used, two scenes appear as the properly?
playback picture when the cameras are
switched.
Recording starts when the unit’s power • Has INT or EXT lighted on the display?
plug is connected to or disconnected
from the power outlet.
No playback because recording starts • Has INT or EXT lighted on the display?
when the main power for the connected
equipment is set to ON. 
						

							30
Specifications
Power Source:120 V AC, 50 – 60 Hz
Power Consumption:21 W
 is the safety information.
Video Recording
System:4 rotary heads, helical scanning
Tape Speed:11.12 mm/s (6-hour mode)
Tape Format:Tape width 12.7 mm (1/2 inch),
 tape
Recording Time:6 hours (with T-120, 6H mode)
8 hours (with T-160, 6H mode)
FF/REW Time:Less than 2.5 min. (with T-120)
VIDEO
Television System:EIA Standard (525 lines, 60 fields)
NTSC color signal
Modulation System:Luminance; Frequency modulation
recording
Color Signal; Converted subcarrier
phase shift recording
Input:Video Input (BNC); 1.0 Vp-p,
75 ohms
Output:Video Output (BNC); 1.0 Vp-p,
75 ohms
Horizontal Resolution:Color; More than 300 lines
B/W; More than 320 lines
S/N:B/W; 45 dB (6-hour mode, SC TRAP
OFF)
Color; 43 dB (6-hour mode, SC TRAP
ON)AUDIO
Input:Audio Input (Phono);
–10 dBV, 47 kohms, unbalanced
Mic (Mini-jack);
–60 dBV, 600 ohms, unbalanced
Output:Audio Output (Phono);
–8 dBV, 1 kohm, unbalanced
Track:1 track (Normal)
Recording/Playback Time
Modes:6H/L18H/L24H mode
CONNECTORS
Alarm Input/REC IN:Contact closure
Alarm Reset Input:+4 V – +14 V
Operating Temperature:41°F – 104°F (5°C – 40°C)
Operating Humidity:35% – 80%
Weight:8.47 lbs (3.85 kg)
Dimensions:16-15/16(W) × 3-1/2(H) × 11-9/16(D)
430 × 86.5 × 293.5 mm (excluding
rubber grip and knobs)
Weight and dimensions shown are approximate.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Terminal Signal Level Note
VIL:0 – 0.6 V
VIH:
VIH:
VOH
VOLVOL
VOH:
V
OL
4 – 14 V
11 – 13 V
VOH: 11 – 13 V
Approx. 10 sec
11 – 13 V
Alarm Input/REC IN
Alarm Reset Input
Camera Switching Output
Tape end output
Warning outputLOW Input
HIGH Input Input/Output Terminal Signal Level
V
OH = 11 – 13 V (5.6 kΩ)
V
OL = 0 – 0.6 V (max. 3 mA)
V
OH = 11 – 13 V (4.7 kΩ)
V
OL = 0 – 0.6 V (max. 3 mA)
V
OH = 11 – 13 V (4.7 kΩ)
V
OL = 0 – 0.6 V (max. 3 mA)
16.67 msec. Video recording interval
During auto repeat or
auto rewindingWhen stopped MIN 400 msec. MIN 400 msec.