Quick question about Panasonic Battery and Red X on top left corner

A

adambrochu

Member
hi everyone,

I have the Panasonic CGP-D28 that works on the DVX100.

My question is what is the nob or switch at the back of the battery? There is a red dot indicator that shows if I switch it one way, and if I move it the other it is black. What is it for and what does it mean?

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As a side note question, I have the DVX100A, i don't think it came with a tape head cleaner. I've been getting the red X on the top left corner. Can I use any tape head cleaner or is using a panasonic brand tape header cleaner best?

Also as a newbie question, how is one suppose to properly use a tape cleaner? Do I just record on it? fast forward and rewind on it? Duration? Even better is if there is a web guide to how to use tape cleaner properly on DVX, please advise.

Thanks guys for your time and help I really appreciate it.

Adam
 
adambrochu said:
hi everyone,

I have the Panasonic CGP-D28 that works on the DVX100.

My question is what is the nob or switch at the back of the battery? There is a red dot indicator that shows if I switch it one way, and if I move it the other it is black. What is it for and what does it mean?
Click to expand...

Doesn't affect anything electronic. It's a visual indicator you can use to show if the battery is charged (black) or if you have burned through it for the day (red). This is helpful on busy shoots when you're juggling multiple batteries.

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adambrochu said:
As a side note question, I have the DVX100A, i don't think it came with a tape head cleaner. I've been getting the red X on the top left corner. Can I use any tape head cleaner or is using a panasonic brand tape header cleaner best?

Also as a newbie question, how is one suppose to properly use a tape cleaner? Do I just record on it? fast forward and rewind on it? Duration? Even better is if there is a web guide to how to use tape cleaner properly on DVX, please advise.

Thanks guys for your time and help I really appreciate it.

Adam
Click to expand...

For cleaning tapes, first make sure that you get the same type of cleaner as the tape you have been using (wet type or dry type). To make absolutely sure, get the same brand cleaner as the tapes you use.

Second, DO NOT record, FFW, or RWD with a cleaner! Turn the camera to VTR mode, insert the tape, and press PLAY. Let it roll for NO MORE THAN 5 SECONDS. After you reach the end of the cleaning tape, throw it away! Do not rewind and reuse! Cleaning tapes are abrasive. RWD or FFW is like dragging sand paper across the heads at high speed. That'll kill your heads in no time.

Use the cleaner only sparingly (no more than once a month if needed).

But here's another trick that can solve your problem, and it's actually better on the heads than the cleaner tape:

Get a fresh, unused miniDV cassette. Put the camera in VTR mode. Insert the tape, and press play. Let it run for an hour (to the end of the tape. Eject the tape and throw it out. yeah, it burns a new tape, but it's a worthy investment for proper care of your camera.

Those steps take care of the play heads. If the record heads are the problem, read this:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=6888
 
Last edited:
hi C2V

Thank you so much for your help.

That is such a handy feature on the batteries! Thank you for informing me on that.

As for the tape cleaning, I'm going to go with your advice and use a new miniDV tape. It's currently playing now in VTR mode, I'll eject and throw it out after the hour passes.

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I just have one final question you mentioned wet type or dry type, this is my first time hearing that there is wet and dry variations of miniDV tape. How can you tell what type is your tape, and is there a pro and con to either?

Thank you again for your time and help I really appreciate it.

Regards,
Adam
 
adambrochu said:
I just have one final question you mentioned wet type or dry type, this is my first time hearing that there is wet and dry variations of miniDV tape. How can you tell what type is your tape, and is there a pro and con to either?
Click to expand...

Hi, Adam,

"Wet" or "dry" refers to the lubrication on miniDV tape. Some are dry, or powder-based. Others are a more traditional wet lubricant. This is also why tape (brand) loyalty is recommended with miniDV. Combine the two and you'll get goop that clogs your heads. At that point, you'll need a professional cleaning from a service center.

The plastic wrap might say which you're using, or you can contact the manufacturer. Sony is the only wet-type that I know of. Maxxell, JVC, Panasonic, Fuji, and TDK are all dry.

No pro or con. Just manufacturer specs.

Peace,
C2V
 
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