JVC GR AX26 User Manual

COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER  
GR-AX76  
GR-AX46  
GR-AX26  
Compact VHS  
For Customer Use:  
Enter below the Serial Nos. of the  
GR-AX76U/GR-AX46U/GR-AX26U  
camcorder and the AA-V11U AC Power  
Adapter/Charger.  
(The camcorder illustrations appearing in  
these instructions are of the GR-AX76.)  
The serial numbers are located on the  
bottom of the GR-AX76U/GR-AX46U/  
GR-AX26U, and the AA-V11U.  
Model No.  
GR-AX76U/GR-AX46U/GR-AX26U  
INSTRUCTIONS  
AA-V11U  
Serial No.  
LYT0002-015A  
3
5. Ventilation  
IMPORTANT PRODUCT  
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for  
ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the product and  
to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be  
blocked or covered.  
Electrical energy can perform many useful functions. But  
improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire  
hazards. This product has been engineered and  
• Do not block the openings by placing the product on a  
bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.  
• Do not place the product in a built-in installation such as  
a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided  
or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.  
manufactured to assure your personal safety. In order not to  
defeat the built-in safeguards, observe the following basic  
rules for its installation, use and servicing.  
6. Wall or Ceiling Mounting  
The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as  
recommended by the manufacturer.  
ATTENTION:  
Follow and obey all warnings and instructions marked on  
your product and its operating instructions. For your safety,  
please read all the safety and operating instructions before  
you operate this product and keep this manual for future  
reference.  
ANTENNA INSTALLATION  
INSTRUCTIONS  
1. Outdoor Antenna Grounding  
INSTALLATION  
1. Grounding or Polarization  
If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the  
product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded  
so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and  
built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical  
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to  
proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure,  
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit,  
size of grounding conductors, location of antenna  
discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and  
requirements for the grounding electrode.  
(A) Your product may be equipped with a polarized  
alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade  
wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power  
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature.  
If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet,  
try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit,  
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete  
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the  
polarized plug.  
2. Lightning  
For added protection for this product during a lightning  
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long  
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and  
disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent  
damage to the product due to lightning and power-line  
surges.  
(B) Your product may be equipped with a 3-wire  
grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding)  
pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power  
outlet. This is a safety feature.  
If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet,  
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete  
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the  
grounding-type plug.  
3. Power Lines  
An outside antenna system should not be located in the  
vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or  
power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or  
circuits. When installing an outside antenna system,  
extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such  
power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.  
2. Power Sources  
Operate your product only from the type of power source  
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the  
type of power supply to your home, consult your product  
dealer or local power company. If your product is intended  
to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the  
operating instructions.  
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER  
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, ANSI/NFPA 70  
3. Overloading  
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral  
convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or  
electric shock.  
ANTENNA  
LEAD IN WIRE  
GROUND CLAMP  
4. Power Cord Protection  
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not  
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or  
against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs,  
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit  
from the product.  
ANTENNA  
DISCHARGE UNIT  
(NEC SECTION  
810-20)  
ELECTRIC SERVICE  
EQUIPMENT  
GROUNDING  
CONDUCTORS  
(NEC SECTION 810-21)  
GROUND CLAMPS  
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM  
(NEC ART 250. PART H)  
NEC – NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE  
4
USE  
SERVICING  
1. Servicing  
1. Accessories  
To avoid personal injury:  
If your product is not operating correctly or exhibits  
a marked change in performance and you are  
unable to restore normal operation by following the  
detailed procedure in its operating instructions, do  
not attempt to service it yourself as opening or  
removing covers may expose you to dangerous  
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to  
qualified service personnel.  
Do not place this product on an unstable cart,  
stand, tripod, bracket or table. It may fall, causing  
serious injury to a child or adult, and serious  
damage to the product.  
Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or  
table recommended by the manufacturer or sold  
with the product.  
Use a mounting accessory recommended by the  
manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s  
instructions for any mounting of the product.  
Do not try to roll a cart with small casters across  
thresholds or deep-pile carpets.  
2. Damage Requiring Service  
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer  
servicing to qualified service personnel under the  
following conditions:  
a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.  
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen  
into the product.  
2. Product and Cart Combination  
A product and cart combination should be moved  
with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven  
surfaces may cause the product and cart combina-  
tion to overturn.  
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.  
d. If the product does not operate normally by  
following the operating instructions. Adjust only  
those controls that are covered by the operating  
instructions as an improper adjustment of other  
controls may result in damage and will often  
require extensive work by a qualified technician  
to restore the product to its normal operation.  
e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in  
any way.  
3. Water and Moisture  
Do not use this product  
PORTABLE CART WARNING  
(Symbol provided by RETAC)  
near water—for example,  
near a bath tub, wash  
bowl, kitchen sink or  
laundry tub, in a wet  
basement, or near a  
swimming pool and the  
like.  
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in  
performance—this indicates a need for service.  
3. Replacement Parts  
When replacement parts are required, be sure the  
service technician has used replacement parts  
specified by the manufacturer or have the same  
characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized  
substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or  
other hazards.  
4. Object and Liquid Entry  
Never push objects of any kind into this product  
through openings as they may touch dangerous  
voltage points or short-out parts that could result in  
a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any  
kind on the product.  
4. Safety Check  
5. Attachments  
Upon completion of any service or repairs to this  
product, ask the service technician to perform safety  
checks to determine that the product is in safe  
operating condition.  
Do not use attachments not recommended by the  
manufacturer of this product as they may cause  
hazards.  
6. Cleaning  
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before  
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol  
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.  
7. Heat  
The product should be situated away from heat  
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or  
other products (including amplifiers) that produce  
heat.  
QUICK OPERATION GUIDE  
5
SUPPLY POWER  
INSERTING A VIDEO CASSETTE  
Hook on.  
EJECT  
1
1
Push in.  
2
2
3
Insert.  
PUSH  
BATT. RELEASE  
Using the battery pack  
1 Hook-on the battery pack’s top end to the  
camcorder. (Charging procedure, pg. 8)  
2 Push in the battery pack until it locks into  
place.  
1 Slide EJECT.  
2 Insert a video cassette.  
3 Press PUSH.  
(For more details, pg. 12)  
To remove the battery pack  
Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery  
pack.  
PLAYBACK  
SHOOTING  
STOP  
REW  
2
1
LENS COVER  
open/close knob  
3
2
PLAY/PAUSE  
Set to “CAMERA”  
Recording Start/Stop button  
3
1
Set to “PLAY”  
1 Slide the LENS COVER open/close knob to  
open the lens cover.  
2 Set the power switch to “CAMERA”.  
— The power indicator will light and an  
image will appear in the viewfinder.  
3 Press the Recording Start/Stop button.  
— Recording starts.  
1 Set the power switch to “PLAY”.  
2 Press REW.  
— The tape will automatically stop at the  
beginning of the tape.  
3 Press PLAY/PAUSE.  
— Playback starts and the playback picture  
appears in the viewfinder.  
To stop playback, press STOP.  
(For more details, pg. 32.)  
To stop recording temporarily, momentarily  
press the Recording Start/Stop button once  
again.  
(For more details, pg. 14)  
Or simply play back the tape on a VHS  
VCR using the Cassette Adapter  
(VHS Playpak). pg. 30  
MAJOR FEATURES  
6
REMEMBER  
Program Manager  
(pg. 18 – 29)  
Program AE with Special Effects, Exposure  
Control, Focus, Fader, Wide, Instant Title,  
Date/Time Character Insert, White  
The Logical Choice  
Balance Adjustment, Menu Adjustment  
Variable-Speed Hyper Zoom  
The only compact video  
cassettes that can be  
(pg. 15)  
used with your VHS VCR*  
Zoom-in  
Program AE with Special  
Effects (pg. 18)  
Zoom-out  
Auto Mode Lock Auto Mode Release  
Electronic Fog Filter ND Effect  
Sepia Twilight Sports  
1/1000 sec. High Speed Shutter  
1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter  
Random Assemble Editing  
(pg. 35 – 37)  
2
8
5
4
1
6
3
7
Integrated Auto Light  
(GR-AX76 only) (pg. 17)  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PROVIDED ACCESSORIES  
•AC Power Adapter/  
Charger AA-V11U  
Cassette Adapter  
(VHS PlayPak)  
C-P7U  
•Battery Pack  
BN-V11U  
•Remote Control  
Unit RM-V705U  
(GR-AX76 only)  
•Lithium Battery CR2025  
x2 for GR-AX76 (clock operation and  
remote control unit)  
x1 for GR-AX46/AX26 (clock operation)  
•Shoulder Strap  
DC Cord  
Cassettes marked  
can be used with this camcorder.  
CONTENTS  
7
GETTING STARTED  
8
Power ..................................................................................... 8  
Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal........................................ 10  
Viewfinder Adjustment ............................................................... 10  
Date/Time Setting .................................................................... 11  
Tape Length Setting ................................................................... 12  
Recording Mode Setting .............................................................. 12  
Loading/Unloading A Cassette ...................................................... 12  
Grip Adjustment ....................................................................... 13  
Shoulder Strap Attachment........................................................... 13  
Tripod Mounting ....................................................................... 13  
RECORDING  
14  
Basic Recording ........................................................................ 14  
Basic Features.......................................................................... 15  
Advanced Features .................................................................... 18  
PLAYBACK  
30  
Using The Cassette Adapter.......................................................... 30  
Basic Connections...................................................................... 31  
Basic Playback ......................................................................... 32  
Features ................................................................................ 33  
EDITING  
34  
Tape Dubbing........................................................................... 34  
Random Assemble Editing (R.A.Edit)................................................ 35  
USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT (GR-AX76 only)  
38  
Insert Editing ........................................................................... 40  
Audio Dubbing ......................................................................... 41  
USER MAINTENANCE  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
INDEX  
42  
43  
45  
Viewfinder ............................................................................. 45  
Controls................................................................................. 46  
Connectors.............................................................................. 47  
Indicators ............................................................................... 47  
Other Parts............................................................................. 47  
Terms .................................................................................... 48  
CAUTIONS  
49  
51  
51  
52  
54  
55  
SPECIFICATIONS  
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES  
ESPAÑOL  
FOR SERVICING  
WARRANTY  
GETTING STARTED  
8
Power  
CHG. (charge) indicator  
Marks  
This camcorders 3-way power supply system lets you  
choose the most appropriate source of power.  
POWER  
indicator  
To AC outlet  
NOTES:  
No function is available without power supply.  
Use only specified power supply.  
Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment.  
END  
indicator  
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK  
SUPPLY POWER  
Connect the chargers AC power cord to a wall  
1
2
outlet. The power indicator lights.  
ATTACH BATTERY PACK  
Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the  
direction of the arrow until it locks in place.  
The CHG. indicator lights.  
REFRESH switch  
Charge marker  
REFRESH indicator  
DETACH BATTERY PACK  
** CHARGE MARKER  
When charging is completed, the END indicator  
lights. Slide the battery pack opposite the direction  
of the arrow.  
A charge marker is provided on  
the battery pack to help you  
remember whether it has been  
charged or not. Two colors are  
provided (red and black)—you  
choose which one means  
charged and which means  
discharged.  
3
BATT. PACK  
CHARGE  
DISCHARGE  
BN-V11U  
BN-V12U  
BN-V22U  
BN-V25U  
approx. 1 hr. 10 min.  
approx. 1 hr. 10 min.  
approx. 3 hrs. 30 min.  
approx. 3 hrs. 30 min.  
approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. approx. 7 hrs.  
approx. 2 hrs. 40 min. approx. 10 hrs.  
USING THE BATTERY PACK  
ATTACH BATTERY PACK  
Hook on.  
Hook its top end to the camcorder and push the  
1
2
battery pack in until it locks in place.  
DETACH BATTERY PACK  
Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.  
APPROXIMATE RECORDING TIME  
Push in.  
BATT. PACK  
BN-V11U  
BN-V12U  
BN-V22U  
BN-V25U  
GR-AX76/AX46  
GR-AX26  
BATT. RELEASE  
1 hr. 10 min. (40 min.)  
1 hr. 10 min. (40 min.)  
2 hrs. 20 min. (1hr. 25 min.)  
3 hrs. 5 min. (1hr. 55 min.)  
1 hr. 10 min.  
1 hr. 10 min.  
2 hrs. 25 min.  
3 hrs. 10 min.  
( ): when the video light is on (GR-AX76 only).  
**REFRESH  
ATTENTION:  
The AC power adapter features a REFRESH function that allows  
you to fully discharge the battery pack before recharging.  
Before detaching the power source,  
make sure that the camcorders power  
is turned off. Failure to do so can result  
in a camcorder malfunction.  
To discharge the battery . . .  
...... attach the battery pack to the adapter as shown in the  
illustration to the left. Then push REFRESH. The REFRESH  
indicator lights when discharging starts, and goes out when  
discharging is complete.  
9
NOTES:  
The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record/Standby mode and  
the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs.  
Charging times noted on page 8 are for fully discharged battey pack, and discharging times are for fully  
charged battery pack.  
Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.  
Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from  
your camcorder.  
Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.  
High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Don’t  
allow it to discharge in container, such as a bag.  
If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before  
unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.  
Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.  
To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.  
Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.  
A blinking CHG. indicator means that the battery pack has become hot. Wait until it cools down to continue.  
The CHG. indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one thats been stored  
for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHG.  
indicator should light during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.  
USING A CAR BATTERY  
To AC outlet  
Use the optional Car Battery Cord or Car Battery  
Charger/Adapter (connect as shown in the  
illustration to the left).  
DC OUT  
terminal  
To DC  
in jack  
NOTES:  
When using the car battery, leave the engine  
idling.  
AC Power  
Adapter/Charger  
AA-V11U  
The optional Car Battery Charger (BH-V3U) can  
also be used to charge the battery pack.  
When using the optional Car Battery Charger or  
Car Battery Cord (AP-V7U), refer to the respective  
instruction booklet.  
DC cord  
To car’s  
cigarette  
lighter  
USING AC POWER  
Use the AC Power Adapter (connect as shown in  
the illustration to the left).  
socket  
Car Battery Cord  
AP-V7U (optional)  
NOTE:  
The supplied AC Power Adapter/Charger features  
automatic voltage selection in the AC range from  
110 V to 240 V.  
Car Battery Charger/Adapter  
BH-V3U (optional)  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
10  
Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal  
This battery is necessary for clock operation and to  
perform date/time settings.  
A
SWITCH OFF POWER  
Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power  
1
2
3
supply unit.  
OPEN COVER  
Open the clock battery compartment cover while  
pressing the release tab.  
REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing)  
Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the  
A
battery and the compartment ( ) and pull the  
battery out.  
INSERT BATTERY  
Ensuring the plus (+) side is up, insert a CR2025  
lithium battery and push it in.  
4
5
CLOSE COVER  
Close the compartment cover until it clicks in place.  
NOTE:  
See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” (pg. 2) for information  
on safe handling of lithium batteries.  
Viewfinder Adjustment  
POSITION VIEWFINDER  
3
Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability  
1
2
3
(see illustration at left).  
SELECT MODE  
1
Set the power switch to CAMERA.  
2
ADJUST DIOPTER  
Turn the diopter adjustment control until the  
indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.  
Set POWER to “CAMERA”.  
11  
Date/Time Setting  
SELECT MODE  
MENU  
First set the power switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the  
PROGRAM AE select dial to any position except  
AUTO LOCK.  
1
ACCESS MENU SCREEN  
Press MENU.  
2
3
SELECT FUNCTION  
Press to move the highlight bar down to “DATE/  
TIME”, then press NEAR. The Set Date And Time  
screen appears.  
+
PROGRAM AE  
select dial  
SET DATE/TIME  
Press FAR or NEAR until the item you want to set  
begins blinking, then press + or to until the correct  
setting appears.  
4
NEAR  
•If you decide you want to return the date and time  
to the previous settings, press FAR or NEAR to  
move the highlight bar to “CANCEL”, then press  
MENU.  
FAR  
•If you’re satisfied with the settings, go on to step 5.  
GAIN UP  
TELE MACRO  
S.LX  
OFF  
Menu Screen  
INTERVAL TIMER OFF  
START CLOCK OPERATION  
REC TIME  
OFF  
07  
Once you’ve set the month, day, year and time,  
press FAR or NEAR until “SET” begins to blink, then  
press MENU. The Menu screen reappears.  
JLIP ID NO.  
SET CHARACTER  
DATE/TIME  
5
6
END :MENU KEY  
CLOSE MENU  
Press MENU.  
Set Time and  
Date Screen  
NOTES:  
JAN 1.00 AM 12:00  
To display the date and time in the viewfinder and on a  
connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” (pg. 24).  
If, in step 4, you input an invalid date (FEB 30, JUN 31,  
etc.) and perform step 5, “INPUT ERROR” appears  
blinking at the bottom of the screen. Press +, , FAR or  
NEAR to input the correct number.  
SET  
CANCEL  
Date  
Month/Day/Year  
Time  
12-hour indication with  
AM or PM  
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
12  
Tape Length Setting  
SP-EP recording mode button  
Set the tape length according to the length of the tape  
used.  
T20•30•40 tape  
length select button  
SET TAPE LENGTH  
Press T20•30•40 until the required indication  
1
appears in the veiwfinder. T20 = 20 minutes of  
recording time, T30 = 30 minutes, and T40 = 40  
minutes (in SP).  
NOTE:  
The tape remaining time (pg. 14) displayed in the  
viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has  
been selected.  
Recording Mode Setting  
Set depending on your preference.  
SET RECORDING MODE  
Set POWER to “CAMERA”.  
Tape length indicator  
Press SP•EP button. “SP” (Standard Play) provides  
1
higher picture and sound quality and is better for  
dubbing, while “EP” (Extended Play) is more  
economical, recording at 1/3 the speed of SP.  
T30  
T20  
T30  
T40  
NOTE:  
If the recording mode is switched during recording, the  
playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.  
Recording mode indicator  
Loading/Unloading A Cassette  
SP  
SP  
EP  
OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER  
Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force  
1
2
3
to open.  
INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE  
Make sure the label is facing outward.  
CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER  
Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and  
locked.  
NOTES:  
A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power  
supply is attached.  
Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the  
cassette. If there is any slack, turn the gear on the  
cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the  
slack.  
Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position  
that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some  
cassettes have removable tabs. If the tab has been  
removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape.  
The cassette holder can’t be opened while the  
camcorder is in the record mode.  
Turn to take  
up slack.  
Erase Protection  
Gear