Does anyone have any technical info from Sony regarding this fault or can give me some advice and put me in the right direction to enable me to get these camcorders back up and working again as i still have some tapes that I need to transfer from Hi8 to digital. I have a friend who has a service manual which I will be getting from him later. Looking for Service Manuals? To access over 1,200 service manuals via a subscription to the Electronic Service Manual Library, click here.Individual service manuals may be purchased by calling 1-800-538-7550.
This manual is about using the Psion organiser and the Sony LISA interfaceto control the settings of a particular Sony camcorder. Go to the Sony LISA Manuals pagefor a list of all similar manuals available on this site.
SONY®
Applicable models:
CCD-V800E
CCD-V700E
CCD-F550E
CCD-F450E
vs. 4.1
J. Devenyns
User Manual
Table of Contents
1. Starting the program2. Top menu 2.1. AF-DATA 2.2. LANC-CONTROL 2.3. EMG_Inhibit3. Service menu 3.1. EVR-Adjust 3.2. Alignments 3.3. Test modes 3.4. Data handling4. Camera Adjustments 4.1. General 4.2. Hall adjustment 4.3. Shutter IN/OUT adjustment (not for CCD-F450E) 4.4. Standard AE level adjustment (not for CCD-F450E) 4.5. Auto White Balance adjustment 4.6. Macro Area adjustment (only for CCD-V700E/CCD-V800E) 4.7. Auto Focus adjustment5. Ending the program6. Suggestions
1. Starting the program
- Switch off your Organiser by selecting OFF from the top level menu
- Insert the EVR Alignments datapack in one of the side slots
Be sure to remove other EVR software datapacks before you insert this one. Thenames of the procedures that are used in the programs are the same, but they havea different function. Therefore the Organiser could get confused and could crash.
So make sure that different EVR datapacks are never plugged into the Organiser atthe same time.
- Press the ON/CLEAR key twice. The first press switches the Organiser on and the secondpress loads the software.
You will see that a new option, called 'V700' is now added to the Organiser's top level menu.If you did not insert the datapack properly, a 'Device Load Error' may be reported. This iscaused by trying to load a program when only the hardware interface (and no software) isavailable. If you select the 'V700' option from the top level menu, a title screen 'SONYSERVICE CENTRE EUROPE' will be displayed. This means the program has now started.
If, at any time during the execution of the program, you get an ' OUT OF MEMORY 'message, there is not enough internal memory left on your Organiser to load the EVRAlignments software. You can try to clear some memory (delete any non-vital files or records;use the Tidy option in the Diary), but the best thing to do is to save your files on a datapackand erase them on A:.
Even if you have enough memory left, it is still recommended to save all important filesyou may have on the PSION to a datapack before running the EVR software, to coveryou for the unlikely event that a serious error might damage your files.
The EVR program is mainly constructed by using menus, so you only have to select theapplication you want from the menu. There are two ways to select an item from a menu:
- Run through the menu using the four arrow keys (= cursor keys) until the cursor ispositioned at the first letter of the item you want. Then press the EXE key.
- Press the key corresponding to the first letter of the option required.
Important note: never unplug the interface, or remove the EVR datapack while theOrganiser is switched on. This could cause electrical damage to the Organiser.
2. Top menu
When the program is started and the title screen is displayed, a key press (any other key thanON/CLEAR, which will end the program) will cause the following menu to be displayed:
AF_DATA LANC_CONTROL EMG_Inhibit
In further explanations, this menu will be referred to as the 'top menu'. Pressing theON/CLEAR key when you are in this menu will end the program and you will be returned tothe Organiser top level menu (V700, Find, Save, Diary, ...). This is also the only way out, soyou will always have to return to this top menu to be able to quit the program.
The three items that are presented in the top menu are now briefly described.
2.1. AF-DATA
This option allows you to use the Organiser as an AF Data Reader Jig. Connect the AF plugof the interface to connector CN801 on the camera. You will be asked to connect the RM-95to the remote terminal of the camcorder. If you set the camera adjust mode, you can run throughthe EVR addresses with the RM-95 and read the AF Jig data (in hexadecimal) on the top lineof the Organiser's display. If the data changes so fast that it can't be read (or if you want tokeep a certain value in memory), pressing the 'M' key will cause the current AF data to bedisplayed as a fixed value on the bottom line of the LCD screen.
Pressing the 'ON/CLEAR' key will return you to the top menu.
![Sony Ccd-v800e Service Manual Sony Ccd-v800e Service Manual](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125836694/446006421.jpg)
2.2. LANC-CONTROL
As the title indicates, in this mode the Organiser will communicate with the camcorderthrough LANC (asynchronous data transfer via the remote terminal). The Organiser will beable to perform all of the adjustment facilities that the RM-95 has, plus automatic alignments.
The moment you select this option, you should make sure all the necessary preparations aremade:
- Interface connected via the remote terminal
- Camera powered on
- Switch on the interface set to 'SERV'
If something has been forgotten, the Organiser will detect it and display the adequate errormessage:
- ' CAMERA NOT CONNECTED ':
The interface is not (properly) inserted in the Organiser - ' POWER ON CAMERA Press any key to proceed; Q to quit ':
The camera is not powered on, or the mini-minijack of the interface isn't plugged into the remote terminal. Correct, and press any key to continue, or Q to return to the top menu - ' Please switch to service mode ':
The switch on the interface is still set to 'NORM'
If everything is OK, the following 'service menu' will be displayed:
EVR-Adjust Alignments Test_modesData-handling
Only the items in the rectangle are initially displayed, the other items can be reached byscrolling through the menu, or can immediately be selected by pressing the first character.
2.3. EMG_Inhibit
This option is used to set the Emergency inhibit mode, in which no emergencies, except forTAPE/TOP.END, are detected. This means that even if the battery is ended, the set will notbe switched off (unless the voltage drops below approx. 4.5V).
This feature could be very useful for camcorders that have had a faulty battery downadjustment. In this case, the camcorder will always display the battery end sign and switch offseconds after the power on, even if your power source supplies as much as 8V.
To invoke the Emergency Inhibit mode, connect the LISA to the 'Remote' terminal of theset, and make sure that the switch on the LISA is set to 'Serv'. Follow the instructions of theOrganiser: power on the camcorder and the Emergency Inhibit mode will be set immediately.This mode is automatically cancelled the next time you switch off the camcorder.
3. Service menu
3.1. EVR-Adjust
This service mode is for adjustment of the camera block through EVR (Electronic VariableResistors). Of course the Organiser can only start the EVR access if the right adjust mode isset. If it is not, the necessary indications to set it will be displayed.
Possible key presses when you are in the EVR mode are:
- Left/right arrows: change EVR address
- Up/down arrows: change EVR data
- 'MODE' Key: pressing this key will allow you to select one of the 'direct setting' facilities. A menu with the following options will be displayed:ReadDat: read the data from a specified address you can enter at the cursor:
Read data from addr. _
(enter addr. and press 'EXE')SetDAT: set the specified address to a specified data (without storing this data):Set addr. _ To data _ (enter addr. and press 'EXE')
(enter data and press 'EXE')WriteDat: unlike the option 'SetDat', the specified data will be stored in the specified address.Write data _ To addr. _ (enter data and press 'EXE')
(enter addr. and press 'EXE')PgSet:Set page _ (enter page and press 'EXE') There's no need to press the 'SHIFT' key in order to enter a number. The Organiser willonly accept keys 0 to 9 and A to F. If you enter a wrong number (and you have not pressed'EXE' yet), this can be corrected by entering the correct numbers until the right two digit valueis displayed. - 'R' key: read the current AF data (make sure that the AF plug is connected, or else the result is always 00). This way the Organiser can be used as RM-95 and AF Data Reader Jig at the same time.If the AF data is displayed on the bottom line, the 'M' key can be used to display the current AF data as a memory value next to the (possibly changing) AF data.
- ON/CLEAR key: return to service menu
3.2. Alignments
Upon selection of this item, two options are displayed:
CAMERA_ADJ. BATT_DOWN_ADJ.
3.2.1. Camera Alignments
Under this option, some alignments can be made automatically. The following menu isdisplayed.
CCD-V700E CCD-F450E CCD-F550ECCD-F800E
When a camera type is selected, the respective adjustment menu is displayed.
The different camera alignments are described in section 4.
3.2.2. Battery Down Adjustment
It may be useful to set the Emergency Inhibit mode (see above) before running thisadjustment. This will eliminate the possibility that the camcorder switches off in the middleof the alignment (of course, if you let the variable power source drop below 4.5V, it will switchoff anyway).
Preparations:
- Connect a stabilized variable power supply to the battery terminals of the camcorder. Set it initially to 6V.
- Connect a digital voltmeter to the battery terminals of the camcorder. It is essential that you connect it there, and not to the output terminals of the power supply, as there's always a significant voltage drop across the power supply leads.
If you should neglect to set the voltage to 5.58V when the Organiser tells you so, the BatteryDown Adjustment will be faulty and the camcorder will switch off even with a fully chargedbattery. So be sure to follow the procedure correctly.
3.3. Test modes
Under this title, three features are included:
Motor_Check Emergency Code REC_without_Cass
3.3.1. Motor Check
Loading motor, drum motor and capstan motor can be operated separately, independent fromeach other.
As this can only be done when the mechanism is in the 'loaded' condition, the Organiser willfirst take the necessary actions to do this. Then you will get a menu with which you can rotatethe selected motor forward, reverse or stop it.
Caution:
If you are controlling the loading motor and you have selected 'forward', you should stopthis action as soon as the tape guides have reached their extreme upper position. If youdon't, the loading motor may strain the drive gear assemblies so hard that they aredislocated (or, in the worst case, the drive gear (left) assembly may break). If this happens,you will have to completely disassemble the mecha deck to put the drive gears back intheir original position or to replace them. You probably will prefer to avoid this, so select'STOP' as soon the loaded condition is reached.
If 'Reverse' is selected while the loading motor is controlled, and you let the mechanismunload completely, the cassette lid will be opened and all further action (closing the lid,activating the loading motor) will be impossible. The only way to restore the test mode isto press the ON/CLEAR key. Then the Organiser will detect the error, and give you therelevant indications in order to reset the test mode.
3.3.2. Emergency codes
Here, the codes representing the First and Last Emergencies are displayed. The meaning ofthese codes are explained in the following table:
Emg Code: 00 01 Mode Code: 30
Code | Emergency contents |
---|---|
00 00 | Normal mode. |
01 00 | Loading Motor emergency. |
02 00 | Unloading, Reel emergency. |
04 00 | Steady, Reel emergency. |
08 00 | Capstan emergency. |
00 01 | Drum steady, FG emergency. |
00 02 | Drum steady, PG emergency. |
00 21 | Drum steady, FG emergency. |
00 22 | Drum steady, PG emergency. |
00 41 | Loading, Drum FG emergency. |
00 42 | Loading, Drum PG emergency. |
00 81 | Unloading, Drum FG emergency. |
00 82 | Unloading, Drum PG emergency. |
Mode | Code | Mode | Code |
---|---|---|---|
STOP | 20 | EDIT S CUE | 5A |
FF | 30 | EDIT S REV | 5B |
REW | 38 | EDIT S STIL | 5F |
PB | 60 | +X1 | 62 |
CUE | 64 | -X1 | 63 |
REV | 65 | -STILL | 79 |
STILL | 70 | +FRAME | 76 |
REC | 40 | -FRAME | 77 |
REC.P | 41 | +X2 | 66 |
SHUTTLE EDIT (+) | 5A | -X2 | 62 |
SHUTTLE EDIT (-) | 5B | LOADING | 21 |
CAM STBY | 41 | UNLOADING | 13 |
CAM REC | 40 | EJECTED | 10 |
REC REV+ | 58 | +SLOW | 72 |
REC REV- | 59 | -SLOW | 73 |
The first emergency code is the most important one, as this one tells you what the originalproblem is. The last emergency code is updated every time a new emergency is generated, soit doesn't necessarily give any information about the actual cause.
As a third option in this menu, you can clear both emergencies (clearing only one is notpossible).
3.3.3. Putting the camera in REC mode without cassette
Before you start this feature, be sure that there's no cassette in the camcorder, and that thelid is closed (if the lid is open, this test mode will not function properly).
To check the functioning of the mechanical section during REC mode it might be easier ifthere's no cassette in the way. Therefore this option can be selected: just follow the instructionsthat come on the Organiser's display; the Psion does the rest.
As soon as the message 'Press any key to cancel this mode' is displayed, you will see thatthe camera goes into REC mode. You can also put the camera in standby by pressing the RECbutton on the camcorder.
Remember that even if the camcorder is switched off and on again, this test mode will stillbe active. The only way to cancel this mode is to let the Organiser complete its program (ofcourse, the camera must remain powered on).
Caution:
If during this procedure the camera should go crazy (tally and sign blink fast), you'llhave to remove the battery or other power supply from the camcorder and, after a coupleof seconds, put it back on.
If, in spite of all precautions built in the software, you have managed to get your setup ina condition that the Organiser is unable to reset this test mode, you can restore normaloperation by taking the following steps (use 'EVR_Adjust' on the Psion or use theRM-95):
- Set pg. 1, addr. 00 to data 01
- Set pg. D, addr. 00 to data 00
- Press 'EXE' on the Psion
'Pause' key on the RM-95 - Power off the camcorder and power on again
3.4. Data handling
The EVR data of the camcorder can be handled as a file that can be transferred between thecamera and the Organiser in three ways:
Save Restore Preprogram
3.4.1 Save
Before changing the EVR data, it is recommended to save the original data. That gives youa backup in case the EVR data gets altered by accident.
You can keep only one EVR file in the Organiser's memory, so if you want to save the EVRcontents of a camcorder while there is still a file from a previous camera in memory, thefollowing messages will be displayed:
Still EVR file in memory
OK to erase? Y/N
If you type 'Y', the EVR file in memory will be overwritten by the new one.
Once an EVR file is saved, it can only be removed from the memory by overwriting it withanother EVR file, or by resetting the Organiser ('Cold boot'). So even if the EVR software isremoved from the Organiser's memory, the saved EVR data file will still be in memory.
Of page D, only 4 addresses are saved, because only those addresses need to be adjusted. Allother addresses have fixed data. For page F, all addresses are saved.
3.4.2. Restore
If you wish to put the EVR addresses back to their original (previously saved) values, youcan use this 'Restore' option. Be sure, however, not to restore data from another camera type.The program cannot stop you from saving the EVR data from a CCD-F450E, and restoringthis data to a CCD-V700E. Therefore, you will be warned that the current EVR data of thecamcorder will be overwritten, and asked to reconfirm you really want to restore:
! WARNING ! Current EVR data will be lost
RESTORE Are you sure?Y/N
Only if you answer 'Y' to this question, the Organiser will start restoring.
Once the restoring has started, it is impossible to stop this process, so pressing any keyis useless. You just have to wait until every address is restored with the data in memory.
![Sony Ccd-v800e Service Manual Sony Ccd-v800e Service Manual](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125836694/647508934.jpg)
Of course, if you choose the 'Restore' option while there is no EVR data in memory, theOrganiser will tell you so.
3.4.3. Preprogram
If the EVR μCOM has to be replaced, you must write initial values to the addresses of pageF of the new EVR μCOM before you can start adjusting the camcorder. As this'preprogramming' may take a lot of time, you can initialize the EVR μCOM automatically using the'Preprogram' option. If you do so, you will have to select which camera type you want toinitialize. Again, the program cannot stop you from selecting another camera type than the oneyou actually preprogram. So please be careful when using this option.
To avoid unwanted preprogramming as much as possible, you will be warned and asked toconfirm the initializing process.
! WARNING ! Current EVR data will be lost
PREPROGRAM Are you sure?Y/N
Only if you answer 'Y' to this question, the Organiser will start preprogramming page F.
Once the preprogramming has started, it is impossible to stop this process, so pressingany key is useless. You just have to wait until every address is initialized with the data inmemory.
4. EVR Alignments
4.1. General
Every time a specific action is required (setting AF mode, placing filters, ...), the adequatemessages will be displayed. The Organiser takes care of setting the EVR addresses and data,reading the AF data, and performs all the required calculations.
Once a certain alignment is selected, some messages will be displayed telling you how toprepare that adjustment. You can skip to the next message by pressing any key. If you wantto quit the alignment, press the ON/CLEAR key. You will then be returned to the adjustmentmenu.
When the Organiser is active on the LANC-bus, the message 'Working...' will be displayed.Pressing the ON/CLEAR key at that moment will not stop the adjustment. Generally, it isrecommendable not to press any key while the Organiser is busy with external I/O.
Sometimes the program allows you to escape in the middle of an adjustment, when someaddresses are already set to a temporary mode. If you want to quit then, a warning is displayed,telling you that the adjustment is not completed, and you are asked to confirm you want to quitthe program. If you answer N (or anything else but Y), the program continues; answering Ywill return you to the adjustment menu. You must keep in mind then that some addresses mustbe reset to their original value (addresses E0, EB and EE must be set to 00). However, youmust always assume that the camera is misadjusted if you have stopped the alignment in themiddle of its execution, and you should do that specific alignment all over again.
In almost every adjustment, some general error messages can be produced:
- ' Illegal AF data read ': The AF data that was read has an impossible value for the adjustment currently being executed. You will be thrown out of the adjustment program, and you must check your setup for any errors. Disable the service mode, power off the camera, power on again and re-enable the service mode. Also make sure the AF plug is properly connected to the camera.
- ' Results are not within limits ': The Organiser has made a calculation, and its result is not within the expected range. Perform the checks that are described above, and try again.
If a certain adjustment keeps on producing the same error for many times, you can assumethere is something wrong with the circuitry that is connected to that alignment. For instance,if you have tried the auto focus adjustment 5 times, and there was always a 'results are notwithin limits' error (and you are positive there is nothing wrong with your setup), you shouldcheck the auto focus circuit. It would be best then to make the alignment manually, and writedown all the intermediate values that are used for the calculation. That way it could be easierto trace the error.
Note: If a serious error occurs while programming is busy, such as POWER OFF, or aconnector is pulled out, obviously the program may 'hang', has to be cold started again, andthe adjustment which was busy at that moment will have to be started from scratch!
4.2. Hall adjustment
Preparations:
- Pattern box at 2m; subject: all white
Possible errors:
- ' Illegal AF data read ': refer to 4.1.
- ' Results are not within limits ': refer to 4.1.
4.3. Shutter IN/OUT adjustment (not for CCD-F450E)
Preparations:
- ND filters to make 0.5 (0.4 + 0.1)
- Pattern box at 2m; subject: all white (standard picture frame)
Possible errors: none
4.4. Standard AE level adjustment (not for CCD-F450E)
Preparations:
- Pattern box at 2m; subject: Colour bar chart
Possible errors:
- 'Result are not within limits': refer to 4.1
4.5. Auto White Balance adjustment
Preparations:
- Filter C14
- Vectorscope (NTSC mode) connected to video out terminal
- Pattern box; subject: all white
During the alignment, you will be asked to move the luminescent spot to the centre (= originof the vectorscope), using the up/down arrow keys. From the moment ' ADDR 1 ' is displayed,these arrow keys will be active. They will change the EVR data of the address being displayed.Changing data of address 1 will move the spot in vertical direction, while address 2 is formoving it horizontally. You can switch the addresses by pressing the MODE key. Once thespot is at the centre, press ON/CLEAR to end.
Possible errors:
- ' Results are not within limits ': refer to 4.1.
- ' Procedure error in Preset adj. ': The AWB Preset adjustment has failed, probablybecause the power wasn't turned off when the Psion asked for it. Start the adjustment again,and follow the instructions carefully.
4.6. Macro Area adjustment (only for CCD-V700E/CCD-V800E)
Possible errors:
- 'Out of range try again' The ZOOM ring is probably not at its extreme WIDE position. Make sure it is, and try again.
4.7. Auto Focus adjustment
Preparations:
- Pattern box at 2m; subject: all white
Possible errors:
- 'Illegal AF data read': refer to 4.1.
5. Ending the program
If the alignment is finished, or if you have stopped the adjustment procedure, you will bereturned to the adjustment menu. However, when an error (illegal AF data read or results arenot within limits) has occurred, you will be returned to the top menu.
To go back to the previous menu, press ON/CLEAR. The only way to leave the EVR programis by pressing ON/CLEAR when you are in the top menu. Then the Organiser's own top levelmenu will be displayed.
To remove the LISA interface and the EVR datapack:
- Switch off the Organiser by selecting OFF.
- Pull out the LISA interface, then remove the EVR datapack.
The software will still be stored in memory, however. To remove this:
- Press the ON/CLEAR key to switch the organiser back on.
- Press ON/CLEAR again.
You will see that the 'V700' option is removed from the top level menu.
Now the EVR software is removed, and the memory used by it freed for other uses.
6. Suggestions
For any questions and/or suggestions regarding the use of this software, please contact:
Mr. J. Devenyns Sony Service Centre (Europe) N.V. Technologielaan 7 1840 Londerzeel Belgium Tel.: (052) 307.307 Fax: (052) 307.490
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