Sony CCD-FX710 Primary User Manual - Page 11

Getting the Most out of Your Battery Pack This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the Battery Pack Always carry additional batteries. Have sufficient battery pack power to do 210 3 times as much recording as you have planned. "Battery life" indicated in this manual is measured by the continuous recording time of the camcorder, placed at a room temperature using a fully charged battery. Battery life is shorter in cold environments. Battery efficiency is decreased and the battery will be used up more quickly if you are recording in cold environments. Saving battery power Turn STANDBY on the camcorder down when not recording to save battery power. A smooth transition between scenes can be made even if recording is stopped and started again. While positioning the subject or selecting an angle, or looking through the viewfinder lens, the lens moves automatically inside the camcorder and the battery is used. The battery is also used when a tape is inserted or removed. When to Replace the Battery Pack When the M indicator inside the viewfinder changes from slow flashing to rapid flashing while you are recording, slide the POWER switch to OFF and replace the battery pack. Leave the tape in the camcorder to obtain smooth transition between scenes after the battery pack is replaced. Notes on Charging A brand-new battery A brand-new battery pack is not charged. Before using the battery pack, charge it sufficienty. A used battery pack • Make sure to use up the battery before recharging • If recording is completed before the battery indicator appears inside the viewfinder, you should remove the tape, set the POWER switch to CAMERA, turn STANDBY up, and leave the camcorder until the Ct indicator flashes rapidly. • When you use the AC-St 0 AC power adaptor, the DC-S10 car battery charger or BC-S10 portable battery charger, you can use the discharging function. • Charging the still usable battery causes a lowering of battery capacity. Battery capacity can be recovered if you fully discharge and charge the battery again. 20 Basic Operation After long storage Recharge the battery pack after a long period of storage. If the battery pack is charged fully but not used for a long time (about 1 year), it becomes discharged. Charge it again, but in this case the battery life will be shorter than normal. After several charging and discharging cycles, the battery life will recover its original capacity. Note on the Terminals If the terminals (metal parts on the back) are not clean, the battery duration will be shortened. When the terminals are not clean or when the battery pack has not been used for a long time, repeat installing and removing the battery pack. This improves the contact condition. Also, wipe the + and - terminals with a soft cloth or paper. Note on the Rechargeable Battery Pack Battery heat-up Is normal. During charging or recording, the battery pack heats up. This is caused by energy that has been generated and a chemical change that has occurred inside the battery pack. This is not cause for concern. Battery care • Remove the battery pack from the camcorder after using it, and keep it in a cool place. When the battery pack is attached to the camcorder, a small amount of current flows to the camcorder even if the POWER switch is set to OFF. It causes overdischarging and shortens battery life. • The battery pack is always discharging even when it is not in use after charging. Therefore you should charge the battery right before using the camcorder. The life of the battery pack The battery pack can be fully charged and discharged about 500 times under normal temperatures. If the C I indicator flashes rapidly just after turning on the camcorder with a fully charged battery pack, the battery pack should be replaced with a new fully charged one. Charging temperature You should charge batteries at temperatures from 10'C to 30. 0 (from 50"F to 85'F). Lower temperatures require a longer charging time. 21 Basic Operation A ;0WO 1SOVI all