Sony SPK-PC4 User Manual
Sports pack, Spk-pc4, Precaution
![background image](/manuals/135512/1/background.png)
English
This mark indicates that this
products is a genuine accessory
for Sony video products. When
purchasing Sony video
products, Sony recommends
that you purchase accessories
with this “GENUINE VIDEO
ACCESSORIES” mark.
Usable at the depth as low as 2 meters (6.5
feet) under water.
For using your video camera recorder with this
pack, refer to the operating instructions of the
recorder.
The splash-proof sports pack SPK-PC4 is water-
and moisture- resistant, making it possible to
use the Sony Digital Handycam camcorder such
as DCR-PC1/PC1E/PC2E/PC3/PC3E/PC4E/
PC5/PC5E/PC6E/PC9/PC9E/PC101/PC101E,
in the rain or at the beach.
Notice
• Before you start recording, make sure that
the camcorder is working correctly and
there is no water leakage.
• Sony does not accept liability for damage
to the camcorder, battery, etc., when using
the sports pack or for the cost of recording
if water leakage occurs as a result of
incorrect use.
• Before you use the camcorder, check the
waterproof gasket for any sand or dirt and
to make sure that it is not loose or that
nothing is wedged in the gasket. Water
leakage will occur if the camcorder is used
in these states.
Precaution
• Do not subject the front glass to strong shock,
as it may crack.
• Avoid opening the sports pack in the sea or at
the beach. Preparation such as installing and
changing a cassette tape should be done in a
place with low humidity and no salty air.
• Do not throw the sports pack into the water.
• Avoid using the sports pack under the
following situations:
– in a very hot or humid place.
– in water hotter than 40˚C (104˚F).
– at temperatures lower than 0˚C.
In these situations moisture condensation or
water leakage may occur and damage the
equipment.
• Use the sports pack for no longer than one
hour at a time in temperatures above 35˚C
(95˚F).
• Do not leave the sports pack under direct
sunlight for a long period of time. If you
cannot avoid leaving the sports pack under
direct sunlight, be sure to cover the pack with
a towel or other protection.
Before You Begin
To make sure that you do not miss good
shooting opportunities, go over the following
checklist before installing your camcorder into
the sports pack.
Note
When recording with this pack, we recommend
you to use the battery pack of larger capacity.
However, you cannot use the battery pack NP-
FM90/FM91.
Battery pack
Cassette tape
Waterproof
gasket
Maintenance and
Precautions
Water Leakage
If water happens to leak in, stop exposing the
sports pack to water immediately.
If the camcorder gets wet, take it to the nearest
Sony service facility immediately.
Notes on the Waterproof Gasket
• Check that there are no scratches or cracks on
the waterproof gasket as they may allow
water to leak in. If there are scratches or
cracks, replace the damaged waterproof
gasket with a new one.
Do not remove the waterproof gasket with a
metal tool or a tool with a sharp point.
• Remove foreign materials such as dust, sand
or hair from the waterproof gasket, the groove
and from any surface the gasket touches.
If the body is closed with such materials
present, these areas may be damaged and
water may leak in.
• After checking that there are no cracks or dust
on the waterproof gasket, coat it slightly with
the supplied grease using your finger. This
will prevent wearing.
While applying the grease, recheck for cracks
or dust.
Never use cloth or paper for greasing as the
fibers may cling.
Do not use any type of grease other than that
supplied, as it may damage the waterproof
gasket.
• Put the waterproof gasket in the grooves
evenly, with the tapering side up. Never twist
it. (See illustration L.)
Fully charged.
• The tape length will cover
the planned recording time.
• The tape is wound to the
point where you want to
start recording.
• The safety tab on the
cassette is in the correct
position. (The red portion is
not visible.)
• No scratches or cracks. No
dust, sand or hair around
the gasket.
• Correctly set in the groove.
(See “Note on the
Waterproof gasket” for
details.)
D
Installing the Camcorder
1 Set the POWER switch of the
camcorder to OFF.
2 Attach the camera mounting shoe.
Use the metal parts of shoulder strap as
shown in the illustration.
3 Attach the reflex prevention ring.
Attaching this ring to a certain extent
prevents reflection of the lens ring section of
the camcorder in the front glass.
4 Check the POWER switch of the sports
pack is set to OFF.
5 Release the buckle.
1
Slide the unlock button in the direction
of the arrow, and release the buckle.
2
Open the side body.
The black rubber part is a spacer. Keep the
spacer since you will need it to store the
unit.
6 Preparing the sports pack
1
Grease the waterproof gasket.
Check there are no dust, sand or cracks
on the waterproof gasket or the surface
where it touches, and grease them
slightly.
Closing the lid with sand or dust
attached to it may scratch the lid and
allow water to enter.
2
Coat the front glass with anti-fogging
lens solution.
The inside surface of the glass on the
front of the sports pack becomes foggy.
So, be sure to coat the surface of the glass
with the supplied anti-fogging lens
solution.
7 Connect the remote control plug to
LANC (remote) jack sliding the
camera mounting shoe a short way
into the sports pack (1), and the
microphone plug to MIC (plug in
power) jack (2).
8 Install the camcorder.
Check the lens and the LCD screen is clean
before installing the camcorder.
Push the camera mounting shoe until it
clicks.
9 Close the side body.
Secure the side body, and fasten the buckle
until it clicks.
Notes
• You cannot change the battery pack after
attaching the mounting shoe (DCR-PC1/
PC1E/PC2E/PC3/PC3E only).
• Fold the grip strap as illustrated, and attach
the camera mounting shoe. (See illustration
D–2.) (DCR-PC5/PC5E/PC6E/PC9/PC9E
only)
• Do not tighten the reflex prevention ring too
rightly. This may maker it harder for you to
remove the reflex prevention ring.
• When closing the side body, be careful not to
pinch the cable. Otherwise, these parts may be
damaged or water may leak in.
When using DCR-PC1/PC1E/PC3/PC3E/
PC5/PC5E, fit the jack cover rightly to S video
jack before installing the camcorder.
Otherwise, the jack cover may rotate and be
pinched.
E
How to place the connecting
cord
If the connecting cord is not placed correctly when
closing the side body, water leakage may occur.
Place the cord correctly. (See illustration E.)
F
Preparing the Sports Pack
1 Adjust the grip strap.
Holding the sports pack so that the tips of
your finger can easily touch the POWER
switch, START/STOP button and ZOOM
button, pull the strap to adjust its length.
2 Attach the shoulder strap.
The Sony mark should be on the outside.
Using the Sports Pack
G
Recording
1 Turn the POWER switch to CAMERA.
2 Press START/STOP button to start
recording.
To finish recording
Press START/STOP button then turn the
POWER switch to OFF.
To stop recording
Press START/STOP. Press it again to resume
recording.
Zooming
Press ZOOM.
• Keep the W side pressed for wide-angle.
• Keep the T side pressed for telephoto.
Press it gently for a relatively slow zoom.
Notes on recording
• If you leave the camcorder for 5 minutes or
more with a cassette inserted in Standby mode,
the camcorder goes off automatically. This
prevents battery and tape wear. To resume
Standby mode, turn the POWER switch to OFF
and then turn it to CAMERA again.
• During recording when the LCD screen is
facing out, the counter does not appear.
• The POWER switch of the sports pack has
priority over the POWER switch of the
camcorder.
H
When Shooting with the LCD
Screen
1 Open the mirror hood.
2 Open the wings and insert the
projections into each hole.
To close the mirror hood
Close the lower wing first.
Notes
• When opening the LCD panel, the picture
does not appear in the viewfinder. (DCR-
PC3/PC3E/PC5/PC5E only)
• Do not hold the mirror hood directly for
shooting.
• A part of the LCD screen may be covered with
the unit depending on the camcorder.
I
Recording a Still Picture
You can record a still picture like a photograph.
1 Turn the POWER switch to CAMERA.
2 Press PHOTO button.
The still picture is recorded.
Notes
• You cannot check the still pictures by pressing
PHOTO button of the sports pack lightly.
• While using the sports pack, you can not use
NightShot function.
• Some video camera recorders have only the
tape photo recording function.
J
Playing Back with the
Remote Commander
You can play back pictures on the LCD screen,
using the Remote Commander (supplied with
your camcorder).
1 Set the mirror hood.
See “H When Shooting with the LCD
Screen”.
2 Turn the POWER switch to PLAYER.
3 Press N PLAY on the remote.
Use the remote commander for all other
functions including STOP, REW and FF.
Note
The picture on the mirror looks turned
sideways.
K
Removing the Camcorder
Before opening the sports pack, wipe moisture
off the sports pack and yourself. Do not allow
water on the camcorder.
1 Set the POWER switch to OFF.
2 Release the buckle and open the side
body, with mirror hood side up.
Close the mirror hood firmly before
performing the step above.
3 Take out the camcorder and disconnect
the plugs.
1
Unlock the camera mounting shoe by
picking up the knob.
2
Take out the camcorder.
3
Disconnect the remote control plug and
the MIC plug.
After removing the camcorder, put the
plugs in the plug holder inside of the sports
pack.
4 Detach the camera mounting shoe and
the reflex prevention ring.
After using the camera mounting shoe,
attach it to the sports pack.
Notes
• Be sure to disconnect the plugs before taking
out the camcorder. Otherwise, the plugs may
be damaged.
• If sun oil is on the sports pack, be sure to wash
it off thoroughly using lukewarm water. If
the sports pack is left with sun oil on its body,
the surface of the sports pack may become
discolored or damaged.
• After using the sports pack, read Maintenance
and Precautions for storing.
Model No. SPK-PC4 Serial No.
For the customers in Germany
Directive: EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
92/31/EEC
This equipment complies with the EMC
regulations when used under the following
circumstances:
• Residential area
• Business district
• Light-industry district
(This equipment complies with the EMC
standard regulations EN55022 Class B.)
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on
the bottom. Record the serial number in the
space provided below. Refer to these numbers
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer
regarding this product.
Troubleshooting
Symptom
The sound is not
recorded.
There are drops of
water inside of the
sports pack.
The recording and
playing back function
does not work.
Cause
The microphone plug is not
connected.
• The buckles are not fastened.
• The waterproof gasket is not set
correctly .
• There are scratches or cracks on
the waterproof gasket.
• The battery pack is run out.
• The tape has run out.
• The safety tab on the cassette is
set to unrecordable position.
Corrective Actions
Connect it to MIC (plug in power)
jack on the camcorder.
• Fasten the buckles until they
click.
• Put the gasket in the groove
evenly.
• Replace the gasket with a new
one.
• Charge the battery pack fully.
• Rewind the tape or use a new
one.
• Slide the safety tab or install a
new cassette tape.
3-069-204-13(1)
Sony Corporation ©2001 Printed in Japan
Sports Pack
Operating Instructions
Mode d’emploi
Manual de instrucciones
Gebruiksaanwijzing
SPK-PC4
A
mounting shoe
sabot de montage
A
B
C
2
B
Mounting shoe A, C
2
Sabot de montage A, C
2
Mounting shoe B
Sabot de montage B
To disassemble after using
Démontage après emploi
C
4
model
modèle
DCR-PC4E/PC5/PC5E
DCR-PC1/PC1E/PC2E/PC3/PC3E
DCR-PC6E/PC9/PC9E/PC101/PC101E
Tripod screw plate
Plaquette à vis
Mounting shoe A, C
2
Sabot de montage A, C
2
Tripod screw plate
Plaquette à vis
Mounting shoe B
Sabot de montage B
D
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
Use metal parts of
shoulder belt.
Utilisez les pièces
métalliques de la
bandoulière.
C
A M
E
O
F
F
PL
AY
ER
R A
2
1
POWER
MEMORY
VCR
CAMERA
OFF
(CHARGE)
LOCK
• The useful life of the waterproof gasket
depends upon the maintenance and the
frequency of use, but we recommend
changing it once a year. To replace the
waterproof gasket, please consult the nearest
Sony dealer. Be sure to check the water
leakage after replacing the waterproof gasket.
Checking for the water leakage
after replacing the waterproof
gasket
Check for the water leakage before installing the
camcorder.
Close the sports pack without installing the
camcorder, and keep the sports pack submerged
under water at a depth of about 15 cm (6 inches)
for about 3 minutes and then check for water
leakage.
After Recording
After recording in a location subject to sea
breezes, wash the sports pack with fresh water
with the buckles fastened thoroughly, then wipe
with a soft dry cloth. It is recommended that
you submerge the sports pack in fresh water for
about 30 minutes. If it is left with salt on it,
metal portions may be damaged or rust may
form and cause water leakage. If you get suntan
lotion or other greasy substances on your sports
pack, wash it off with tepid water.
Clean the inside of the pack with a soft dry
cloth. Do not wash the inside of the pack. Do
not use any type of solvent such as alcohol,
benzine or thinner for cleaning, as this might
damage the finish.
Anti-fogging lens solution
Coat the surface of the glass with the supplied
anti-fogging lens solution. This is effective in
preventing from fogging.
How to use the anti-fogging lens
solution
Apply 1 or 2 drops of the liquid to the front
glass and the glass of the eye cup and wipe
evenly to spread the liquid out by using swabs,
a soft cloth or tissue paper.
When storing the sports pack
• Attach the spacer supplied with your sports
pack to prevent wear of the waterproof
gasket. (See illustration M.)
• Prevent dust from collecting on the
waterproof gasket.
• Avoid storing the sports pack in a cold, very
hot or humid place, or together with
naphthalene or camphor, as these conditions
might damage the unit.
Specifications
Material
Plastic (PC, ABS), glass
Waterproof
Waterproof gasket, buckle
Available operations with the unit
attached
• Turning on/off the POWER switch
when recording or playing back
• Recording a still image on a tape
• Zooming
Built-in microphone
Stereo
Dimension
Approx. 150
Ч 170 Ч 110 mm (w/h/d)
Mass
Approx. 550 g (only sports pack)
Supplied accessories
Shoulder strap (1)
Camera mounting shoe
A(1)/B(1)/C
2
(1)
Tripod screw plate (1, pre-installed on the
camera mounting shoe C
2
)
Reflex prevention ring (1)
Grease (1)
Anti-fogging lens solution (1)
Operating Instructions (1)
Design and specifications subject to change
without notice.
Preparing
For details, please refer to the operating
instructions supplied with your camcorder.
A
Selecting the Camera
Mounting Shoe
You have a choice of three types of camera
mounting shoe, depending on the location of
the screw hole for attaching the camera
mounting shoe of your camcorder.
B
Preparing the Camera
Mounting Shoe
Align the tripod screw plate to the notch of the
mounting shoe A,B or C
2
.
The tripod screw plate is pre-installed on the
camera mounting shoe A.
C
Preparing the Camcorder
For details, please refer to the operating
instructions supplied with your camcorder.
1 Remove the shoulder strap, lens cap,
filter or conversion lens from the
camcorder.
2 Install the battery pack.
Be sure to use a fully charged battery pack.
3 Insert the cassette tape.
4 When shooting with the LCD screen,
turn the LCD panel over and move
back to the camcorder with the LCD
screen facing out.
5 Set all the adjustments of the
camcorder to automatic mode.
6 Set the FOCUS switch to AUTO.
7 Set the finder power save function to
OFF in the menu.
8 Set the START/STOP MODE switch to
.
9 When shooting with the viewfinder,
pull out the viewfinder to its fullest.
When the viewfinder is not pulled out until
it clicks, the picture does not appear in the
viewfinder even if the LCD panel is closed.
(DCR-PC1/PC1E/PC2E/PC3/PC3E/PC4E/
PC5/PC5E only)
10 When your video camera recorder has
the Nightshot function, set it to OFF.