3.3 OPERATION AND USE
3.3.1
Functional Descriptions
A. TIME & DATE, FRAME COUNTER
Whenever the unit is recording, a time/date and frame counter "stamp" is placed on the recording. The frame
counter is located directly to the right of the time and runs only runs
during recording
. The frame counter
counts rapidly from 0-99 and then starts over again. The frame counter allows specific frame identification on
playback. The time/date and frame counter will be recorded onto any NTSCcomposite video signal input
through the rear panel VIDEO IN jack.
IMPORTANT: A signal input through the rear ANT IN connector will not record time/date.
B. TIME & DATE BATTERY BACK-UP
The time/date stamp is kept in memory in the event of a AC power outage. If the unit is in the 'loop record'
mode, the unit will start recording again after power is restored. In all other modes, the unit will be in the 'off'
mode when power is restored. Any event trigger will then start the recorder automatically. If you are present
during a power outage, it is advisable to unplug the recorder until AC power is restored. The restoration of
power may cause a momentary surge in the AC line and unplugging the recorder will prevent possible damage.
C. AUTOMATIC VCR MODE
All external switch contacts on the rear of the recorder that initiate record will automatically command the VCR
to go into the VCR mode prior to recording. If cable recording is desired, place the unit into the tuner cable
mode (use the remote to exit VCR mode) and manually start record. This feature will always keep the unit
linked to the camera (video) input. The recorder also powers up into the VCR mode automatically.
D. EVENT RECORDING
This event recorder can be used to record manually or automatically, depending upon the need. While
connected to the security switches described in the installation section, the unit will record each time a switch is
activated. The record duration should be set according to the amount of time you desire the unit to record after
the switch is no longer activated. If the unit is set to record in the 30 second selection, for example, it will start
recording as soon as a trigger (switch activation) is detected. After the trigger is deactivated, it will automatically
record for the 30 second interval, and then standby for the next trigger. If, for example, a magnetic door switch
is used, the unit will begin recording when the door is opened. AS LONG AS THE DOOR IS OPEN, IT
RECORDS. After the door is closed, it will record for the time interval set. This function is important to keep in
mind when setting up the kind of switch system to be used, so that the tape use will be maximized and "dead
spots" (recording of unimportant activity) will be minimized. Record time intervals are approximate. Make sure
each interval is correct for your application by a test run.
Switch inputs are "edge triggered" and detect a
change in the state of the switch. You may stop the recorder while the switch is "active" but another
trigger will be required to start the recorder again if manually stopped.
IMPORTANT: An event trigger record duration is terminated at the end of a tape, ie. if the machine is
triggered to record for a 27 minute event and has only 2 minutes left on the tape, only 2 minutes of that
event will be recorded.It will not continue to record at the beginning of the tape until a new trigger is
initiated. SEE TERMINATION OF RECORDINGS.
E. LOOP RECORD SETTING
This function is found as a selection in the record duration setting and when enabled the unit will record
continuously. At the end of a recorded tape, the unit automatically rewinds the tape. When rewinding is
complete, the unit will automatically start recording again. This function is useful for recording all events. If the
unit is recording on a standard T-120 tape in the SP mode, the user has less than two hours after a specific
event to stop the tape if the event is to be retained on the tape. If the unit is set to EP, the event will be
recorded over in 6 hours and so on. TO START LOOP RECORD ON ANY TAPE (once it has been set as the
record duration) PRESS RECORD ON THE FRONT PANEL OR REMOTE. LOOP RECORD will also be
activated by any external trigger. A on screen indicator “L” (lower left hand corner of the screen) shows the unit
is in LOOP MODE. You can stop the recorder while in loop record, but to reinstate loop record requires pushing
record from the front panel or remote or getting another external trigger. LOOP RECORD setting has priority
over the EOT options of rewind and standby or eject.
IMPORTANT: Care needs to be used in the LOOP MODE. Prior events will be erased as the machine
records over the tape continuously.
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