TIME LAPSE VIDEO RECORDER MAINTENANCE
The need for Regular Maintenance
The Panasonic time lapse VCR range is designed to withstand long term use. The purpose of periodic maintenance is to preserve the functionality of the machine throughout its useful life. The authorised service dealer should perform these maintenance procedures regularly to ensure that the maximum usability and reliability are achieved from the machine.
The hour meter should be used to schedule inspections and maintenance.The Time Lapse VCR is a precision piece of electromechanical and electronic equipment. It contains many motors, rollers, heads etc., which become worn and deteriorate as operation hours progress. This causes degradation of the reliability and performance of the recorded pictures. Dust, dirt and poor quality tape will also impede the proper functioning of the video recorder.
It is very important that overall maintenance be done according to an acceptable maintenance program to maintain the functionality of the recorder and to avoid accidental problems and loss of evidence.
The maintenance should also be done after any repairs are done to the equipment.
The recorder used for business applications requires particular attention for several reasons. The installation conditions and applications are not always at optimum. Long service hours and environmental conditions adversely affect the life span and performance of the machine. Regular maintenance assures that the user obtains the maximum value for this investment.
The following is the Panasonic recommended service plan.
Main Cylinder
Tape Transport Cleaning
A/c Heads
Upper Cylinder
Main Cylinder
* - Service life inspection - If severe wear is present, item should be replaced.
· - Cleaning
The above table merely serves to provide general guidelines for the inspection of typical parts involved in the regular maintenance of the machine. The timing of inspections needs to be adjusted according to the recorders operating environment and hours.
MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Experience has shown that recorders used in a 24 hr. operation mode in industry can be successfully maintained according to the following program. This can be varied according to the operating conditions and/or as required by the owner.
Inspection Item
Main Cylinder
Tape Transport Cleaning
A/c Heads
Upper Cylinder
Main Cylinder
* - Service life inspection - If severe wear is present, item should be replaced.
· - Cleaning
TYPES OF SERVICE
Minor Service
Equipment collected from site and returned to workshop for service and returned to site.
· Cleaning and inspection. Testing. Replacement of minor parts such as head cleaner arm and pressure roller assembly.
Major Service
Equipment collected from site and returned to workshop for service and returned to site.
· Cleaning and inspection. Testing. Replacement of major parts after inspection such as upper cylinder, main cylinder. This includes critical alignment and tracking adjustments.
REPLACEMENT OF TAPES
Videotape should be replaced on a regular basis and is related to the number of passes through the machine. Typically after twenty four to thirty passes, tapes should be replaced with genuine Panasonic duplication tapes.
Domestic quality tapes should never be used because they can deposit oxide on the machine and cause abrasion of the video heads. This will result in premature replacement of the upper or lower cylinders.
Use the correct tape specification for the model of machine in use. Serious loss of picture quality will result particularly if S-VHS tapes are not used in S-VHS machines.
CairnTech can supply and recommend the appropriate tape for your application.