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EVR software for use with CCD-V600E/F455E/F555E/F375E/F385E/V6000E

This manual is about using the Psion organiser and the Sony LISA interface to control the settings of a particular Sony camcorder. Go to the Sony LISA Manuals page for a list of all similar manuals available on this site.

Table of Contents

1. Starting the program 2. Top menu 2.1. LANC-CONTROL 2.2. EMG_Inhibit 2.3. AF-DATA 3. Service menu 3.1. EVR-Adjust 3.2. Alignments 3.3. Test modes 3.4. Data handling 4. Camera Adjustments 4.1. General 4.2. CCD-V600E and CCD-F555E 4.3. CCD-F455E and CCD-F375E/F385E 4.4. CCD-V6000E 5. Ending the program 6. Suggestions

1. Starting the program

• Switch off your Organiser by selecting OFF from the top level menu
• Insert the EVR Alignments datapack in one of the side slots

Be sure to remove other EVR software datapacks before you insert this one. The names of the procedures that are used in the programs are the same, but they have a different function. Therefore the Organiser could get confused and could crash.

So make sure that different EVR datapacks are never plugged into the Organiser at the same time.

• Press the ON/CLEAR key twice. The first press switches the Organiser on and the second press loads the software.

You will see that a new option, called "V600" is now added to the Organiser's top level menu. If you did not insert the datapack properly, a "Device Load Error" may be reported. This is caused by trying to load a program when only the hardware interface (and no software) is available. If you select the "V600" option from the top level menu, a title screen "SONY SERVICE CENTRE EUROPE" will be displayed. This means the program has now started.

If, at any time during the execution of the program, you get an " OUT OF MEMORY " message, there is not enough internal memory left on your Organiser to load the EVR Alignments software. You can try to clear some memory (delete any non-vital files or records; use the Tidy option in the Diary), but the best thing to do is to save your files on a datapack and erase them on A:.

Even if you have enough memory left, it is still recommended to save all important files you may have on the PSION to a datapack before running the EVR software, to cover you for the unlikely event that a serious error might damage your files.

The EVR program is mainly constructed by using menus, so you only have to select the application you want from the menu. There are two ways to select an item from a menu:

1. Run through the menu using the four arrow keys (= cursor keys) until the cursor is positioned at the first letter of the item you want. Then press the EXE key.
2. Press the key corresponding to the first letter of the option required.

Important note: never unplug the interface, or remove the EVR datapack while the Organiser is switched on. This could cause electrical damage to the Organiser.

2. Top menu

When the program is started and the title screen is displayed, a key press (any other key than ON/CLEAR, which will end the program) will cause the following menu to be displayed:

LANC_CONTROL   EMG_Inhibit AF_DATA

In further explanations, this menu will be referred to as the "top menu". Pressing the ON/CLEAR key when you are in this menu will end the program and you will be returned to the Organiser top level menu (V600, Find, Save, Diary, ...). This is also the only way out, so you will always have to return to this top menu to be able to quit the program.

The three items that are presented in the top menu are now briefly described.

2.1. LANC-CONTROL

As the title indicates, in this mode the Organiser will communicate with the camcorder through LANC (asynchronous data transfer via the remote terminal). The Organiser will be able to perform all of the adjustment facilities that the RM-95 has, plus automatic alignments.

The moment you select this option, you should make sure all the necessary preparations are made:

• Interface connected via the remote terminal
• Camera powered on
• Switch on the interface set to "SERV"

If something has been forgotten, the Organiser will detect it and display the adequate error message:

• " CAMERA NOT CONNECTED ":
  The interface is not (properly) inserted in the Organiser
• " POWER ON CAMERA Press any key to proceed; Q to quit ":
  The camera is not powered on, or the mini-minijack of the interface isn't plugged into the remote terminal. Correct, and press any key to continue, or Q to return to the top menu
• " Please switch to service mode ":
  The switch on the interface is still set to "NORM"

If everything is OK, the following "service menu" will be displayed:

EVR-Adjust   Alignments Test_modes Data-handling

Only the items in the rectangle are initially displayed, the other items can be reached by scrolling through the menu, or can immediately be selected by pressing the first character.

2.2. EMG_Inhibit

This option is used to set the Emergency inhibit mode, in which no emergencies, except for TAPE/TOP.END, are detected. This means that even if the battery is ended, the set will not be switched off (unless the voltage drops below approx. 4.5V).

This feature could be very useful for camcorders that have had a faulty battery down adjustment. In this case, the camcorder will always display the battery end sign and switch off seconds after the power on, even if your power source supplies as much as 8V.

To invoke the Emergency Inhibit mode, connect the LISA to the 'Remote' terminal of the set, and make sure that the switch on the LISA is set to 'Serv'. Follow the instructions of the Organiser: power on the camcorder and the Emergency Inhibit mode will be set immediately. This mode is automatically cancelled the next time you switch off the camcorder.

2.3. AF-DATA

This option allows you to use the Organiser as an AF Data Reader Jig. Connect the AF plug of the interface to the dedicated connector CN801 on the camera. You will be asked to connect can run through the EVR addresses with the RM-95 and read the AF Jig data (in hexadecimal) on the top line of the Organiser's display. If the data changes so fast that it can't be read (or if you want to keep a certain value in memory), pressing the "M" key will cause the current AF data to be displayed as a fixed value on the bottom line of the LCD screen.

Pressing the "ON/CLEAR" key will return you to the top menu.

3. Service menu

3.1. EVR-Adjust

This service mode is for adjustment of the camera block through EVR (Electronic Variable Resistors). Of course the Organiser can only start the EVR access if the right adjust mode is set. If it is not, the necessary indications to set it will be displayed.

Possible key presses when you are in the EVR mode are:

• Left/right arrows: change EVR address
• Up/down arrows: change EVR data
• "MODE" Key: pressing this key will allow you to select one of the "direct setting" facilities. A menu with the following options will be displayed:

  ReadDat: read the data from a specified address you can enter at the cursor:

  Read data from   addr. _

  (enter addr. and press "EXE")

  SetDAT: set the specified address to a specified data (without storing this data):

  Set addr. _   To data _

  (enter addr. and press "EXE") (enter data and press "EXE")

  WriteDat: unlike the option "SetDat", the specified data will be stored in the specified address.

  Write data _   To addr. _

  (enter data and press "EXE") (enter addr. and press "EXE")

  PgSet:

  Set page _

  (enter page and press "EXE")

  There's no need to press the "SHIFT" key in order to enter a number. The Organiser will only accept keys 0 to 9 and A to F. If you enter a wrong number (and you have not pressed "EXE" yet), this can be corrected by entering the correct numbers until the right two digit value is displayed.

• "R" key: read the current AF data (make sure that the AF plug is connected, or else the result is always 00). This way the Organiser can be used as RM-95 and AF Data Reader Jig at the same time.

  If the AF data is displayed on the bottom line, the "M" key can be used to display the current AF data as a memory value next to the (possibly changing) AF data.

• ON/CLEAR key: return to service menu

3.2. Alignments

Upon selection of this item, two options are displayed:

CAMERA_ADJ.   BATT_DOWN_ADJ.

3.2.1. Camera Alignments

The following menu is displayed.

CCD-V600E   CCD-F455E CCD-F555E CCD-F375E CCD-V6000E

If you want to adjust a CCD-F385E, choose CCD-F375E.

When a camera type is selected, the respective adjustment menu is displayed.

The different camera alignments are described in section 4.

3.2.2. Battery Down Adjustment

It may be useful to set the Emergency Inhibit mode (see above) before running this adjustment. This will eliminate the possibility that the camcorder switches off in the middle of the alignment (of course, if you let the variable power source drop below 4.5V, it will switch off anyway).

Preparations:

• Connect a stabilized variable power supply to the battery terminals of the camcorder. Set it initially to 6V.
• Connect a digital voltmeter to the battery terminals of the camcorder. It is essential that you connect it there, and not to the output terminals of the power supply, as there's always a significant voltage drop across the power supply leads.

If you should neglect to set the voltage to 5.58V when the Organiser tells you so, the Battery Down Adjustment will be faulty and the camcorder will switch off even with a fully charged battery. So be sure to follow the procedure correctly.

3.3. Test modes

Under this title, three features are included:

Motor_Check   Emergency Code REC_without_Cass

3.3.1. Motor Check

Loading motor, drum motor and capstan motor can be operated separately, independent from each other.

As this can only be done when the mechanism is in the 'loaded' condition, the Organiser will first take the necessary actions to do this. Then you will get a menu with which you can rotate the selected motor forward, reverse or stop it.

3.3.2. Emergency codes (not applicable for CCD-V6000E)

Here, the codes representing the First and Last Emergencies are displayed.

Emg Code: 00 01  Mode Code: 30

The meaning of these codes are explained in the following table:

The first emergency code is the most important one, as this one tells you what the original problem is. The last emergency code is updated every time a new emergency is generated, so it doesn't necessarily give any information about the actual cause.

As a third option in this menu, you can clear both emergencies (clearing only one is not possible).

3.3.3. Putting the camera in REC mode without cassette

Before you start this feature, be sure that there's no cassette in the camcorder, and that the lid is closed (if the lid is open, this test mode will not function properly).

To check the functioning of the mechanical section during REC mode it might be easier if there's no cassette in the way. Therefore this option can be selected: just follow the instructions that come on the Organiser's display; the Psion does the rest.

As soon as the message 'Press any key to cancel this mode' is displayed, you will see that the camera goes into REC mode. You can also put the camera in standby by pressing the REC button on the camcorder.

Remember that even if the camcorder is switched off and on again, this test mode will still be active. The only way to cancel this mode is to let the Organiser complete its program (of course, the camera must remain powered on).

3.4. Data handling

The EVR data of the camcorder can be handled as a file that can be transferred between the camera and the Organiser in three ways:

Save Restore   Preprogram

3.4.1 Save

Before changing the EVR data, it is recommended to save the original data. That gives you a backup in case the EVR data gets altered by accident.

You can keep only one EVR file in the Organiser's memory, so if you want to save the EVR contents of a camcorder while there is still a file from a previous camera in memory, the following messages will be displayed:

Still EVR file   in memory

OK to erase? Y/N

If you type 'Y', the EVR file in memory will be overwritten by the new one.

Once an EVR file is saved, it can only be removed from the memory by overwriting it with another EVR file, or by resetting the Organiser ('Cold boot'). So even if the EVR software is removed from the Organiser's memory, the saved EVR data file will still be in memory.

Of page D, only 4 addresses are saved, because only those addresses need to be adjusted. All other addresses have fixed data. For page F, all addresses are saved.

3.4.2. Restore

If you wish to put the EVR addresses back to their original (previously saved) values, you can use this 'Restore' option. Be sure, however, not to restore data from another camera type. The program cannot stop you from saving the EVR data from a CCD-F455E, and restoring this data to a CCD-V600E. Therefore, you will be warned that the current EVR data of the camcorder will be overwritten, and asked to reconfirm you really want to restore:

! WARNING !   Current EVR data will be lost

RESTORE   Are you sure?Y/N

Only if you answer 'Y' to this question, the Organiser will start restoring.

Once the restoring has started, it is impossible to stop this process, so pressing any key is useless. You just have to wait until every address is restored with the data in memory.

Of course, if you choose the 'Restore' option while there is no EVR data in memory, the Organiser will tell you so.

3.4.3. Preprogram

If the EVR μCOM has to be replaced, you must write initial values to the addresses of pages D and F of the new EVR μCOM before you can start adjusting the camcorder. As this 'preprogramming' may take a lot of time, you can initialize the EVR μCOM automatically using the 'Preprogram' option. If you do so, you will have to select which camera type you want to initialize. Again, the program cannot stop you from selecting another camera type than the one you actually preprogram. So please be careful when using this option.

When the camcorder type is selected, you will be asked to choose the page you want to preprogram. If you initialize page D, remember that, even if you have saved the EVR data to the Psion, the Organiser doesn't have a backup of page D.

To avoid unwanted preprogramming as much as possible, you will be warned and asked to confirm the initializing process.

! WARNING !   Current EVR data will be lost

PREPROGRAM   Are you sure?Y/N

Only if you answer 'Y' to this question, the Organiser will start preprogramming page F.

Once the preprogramming has started, it is impossible to stop this process, so pressing any key is useless. You just have to wait until every address is initialized with the data in memory.

4. Camera Adjustments

4.1. General

Every time a specific action is required (setting AF mode, placing filters, ...), the adequate messages will be displayed. The Organiser takes care of setting the EVR addresses and data, reading the AF data, and performs all the required calculations.

Once a certain alignment is selected, some messages will be displayed telling you how to prepare that adjustment. You can skip to the next message by pressing any key. If you want to quit the alignment, press the ON/CLEAR key. You will then be returned to the adjustment menu.

When the Organiser is active on the LANC-bus, the message "Working..." will be displayed. Pressing the ON/CLEAR key at that moment will not stop the adjustment. Generally, it is recommendable not to press any key while the Organiser is busy with external I/O.

Sometimes the program allows you to escape in the middle of an adjustment, when some addresses are already set to a temporary mode. If you want to quit then, a warning is displayed, telling you that the adjustment is not completed, and you are asked to confirm you want to quit the program. If you answer N (or anything else but Y), the program continues; answering Y will return you to the adjustment menu. You must keep in mind then that some addresses must be reset to their original value (addresses E0, EB and EE must be set to 00). However, you must always assume that the camera is misadjusted if you have stopped the alignment in the middle of its execution, and you should do that specific alignment all over again.

In almost every adjustment, some general error messages can be produced:

• " Illegal AF data read ": The AF data that was read has an impossible value for the adjustment currently being executed. You will be thrown out of the adjustment program, and you must check your setup for any errors. Disable the service mode, power off the camera, power on again and re-enable the service mode. Also make sure the AF plug is properly connected to the camera.
• " Results are not within limits ": The Organiser has made a calculation, and its result is not within the expected range. Perform the checks that are described above, and try again.

If a certain adjustment keeps on producing the same error for many times, you can assume there is something wrong with the circuitry that is connected to that alignment. For instance, if you have tried the auto focus adjustment 5 times, and there was always a "results are not within limits" error (and you are positive there is nothing wrong with your setup), you should check the auto focus circuit. It would be best then to make the alignment manually, and write down all the intermediate values that are used for the calculation. That way it could be easier to trace the error.

Note: If a serious error occurs while programming is busy, such as POWER OFF, or a connector is pulled out, obviously the program may "hang", has to be cold started again, and the adjustment which was busy at that moment will have to be started from scratch!

4.2. CCD-V600E and CCD-F555E

For CCD-V600E, the following menu will appear.

Hall_Adj.   Man.Gain_Adj. Std._AE_level AWB_Adj. Shutter_IN/OUT

If you select CCD-F555E, you'll have the following options:

Hall_Adj.   Std._AE_level AWB_Adj. Shutter_IN/OUT

4.2.1. Hall adjustment

Preparations:

• Pattern box at 2m; subject: all white

Possible errors:

• " Illegal AF data read ": refer to 4.1.
• " Results are not within limits ": refer to 4.1.

During the execution of the program, some numbers may be displayed at the 2nd line of the Organiser's display. These numbers are the output of the AF data bus. You don't have to pay any attention to them; they merely give an indication that the program is running.

4.2.2. Manual Gain Data Adjustment (CCD-V600E only)

Preparations:

• Pattern box at 2m; subject: colour bart standard picture frame

Possible errors: none

4.2.3. Standard AE level adjustment (Includes AE Offset adj.)

Preparations:

• Pattern box at 2m; subject: colour bar chart

Possible errors:

• "Result are not within limits": refer to 4.1.

4.2.4. Auto White Balance adjustment

Preparations:

• Filter C14
• Vectorscope (NTSC mode) connected to video out terminal
• Pattern box; subject: all white

During the alignment, you will be asked to move the luminescent sport to the specified point, using the up/down arrow keys. For CCD-V600E and CCD-F555E this is the point of intersection between -0.5mm on the R-Y axis and -0.5mm on the B-Y axis.

Changing data of address 1 will move the spot in vertical direction, while address 2 is for moving it horizontally, You can switch the addresses by pressing the MODE key. Once the spot is at the centre, press ON/CLEAR to end.

Possible errors:

• "Results are not within limits": refer to 4.1.
• "Procedure error in Preset adj.": The AWB Preset adjustment has failed, probably because the power wasn't turned off when the Psion asked for it. Start the adjustment again, and follow the instructions carefully.

4.2.5. Shutter IN/OUT adjustment

Preparations:

• ND filters to make 0.5 (0.4 + 0.1)
• Pattern box at 2m; subject: all white (standard picture frame)

Possible errors: none

4.3. CCD-F455E and CCD-F375E/F385E

For CCD-F455E, the following menu will appear:

Hall_Adj.   Shutter_IN/OUT Std._AE-level AWB-Adj. Focus_Speed AF_Adj.

If you select CCD-F375E, you'll have the following options:

Hall_Adj.   AWB-Adj. Focus_Speed AF_Adj.

4.3.1. Hall adjustment

Preparations:

• Pattern box at 2m; subject: all white

Possible errors:

• " Illegal AF data read ": refer to 4.1.
• " Results are not within limits ": refer to 4.1.

Refer to 4.2.1. for explanations

4.3.2. Shutter IN/OUT adjustment (CCD-F455E only)

Preparations:

• ND filters to make 0.5 (0.4 + 0.1)
• Pattern box at 2m; subject: all white (standard picture frame)

Possible errors: none

4.3.3. Standard AE level adjustment (CCD-F455E only)

Preparations:

• Pattern box at 2m; subject: Colour bar chart
• Possible errors:
• " Result are not within limits ": refer to 4.1.

4.3.4. Auto White Balance adjustment

Preparations:

• Filter C14
• Vectorscope (NTSC mode) connected to video out terminal
• Pattern box; subject: all white

During the alignment, you will be asked to move the luminescent spot to the centre (= origin of the vectorscope), using the up/down arrow keys. From the moment " ADDR 1 " is displayed, these arrow keys will be active. They will change the EVR data of the address being displayed. Changing data of address 1 will move the spot in vertical direction, while address 2 is for moving it horizontally. You can switch the addresses by pressing the MODE key. Once the spot is at the centre, press ON/CLEAR to end.

Possible errors:

• " Results are not within limits ": refer to 4.1.
• " Procedure error in Preset adj. ": The AWB Preset adjustment has failed, probably because the power wasn't turned off when the Psion asked for it. Start the adjustment again, and follow the instructions carefully.

4.3.5. Focus Speed adjustment

Possible errors: none

During the execution of the program, some numbers may be displayed at the 2nd line of the Organiser's display. These numbers are the output of the AF data bus. You don't have to pay any attention to them; they merely give an indication that the program is running.

4.3.6. Auto Focus adjustment

Preparations:

• Pattern box at 1.5m; Subject: Siemens Chart
• ND filter 1.5 (1 + 0.4 +0.1)

Possible errors: none

If the transmission type Siemens Star chart for the pattern box is not available, a regular Siemens Star chart can be used. Make sure, however, that it is sufficiently illuminated. This will be checked at the beginning of the alignment, as the Psion asks you to turn the focus lens to the 1.2m point and to verify that the chart is in focus within 2 seconds after the AF mode is set to auto. If this is the case, the illumination is sufficient. If not, you should increase the illumination and restart the adjustment.

Again, at the second line of the display, the output of the AF data bus will be displayed during the execution of the program.

4.4. CCD-V6000E

The following menu will appear.

Hall_Adj.   AWB_Adj. Macro_Area AF_Adj.

4.4.1. Hall Adjustment

Refer to 4.2.1.

4.4.2. AWB Adjustment

Refer to 4.3.4.

4.4.3. Macro Area Adjustment

Possible errors:

• "Out of range try again": the zoom ring is probably not at its extreme WIDE position. Make sure it is, and try again.

4.4.4. Auto Focus Adjustment

Preparations:

• Pattern box at 2m; subject: all white

Possible errors:

• "Illegal AF data read": refer to 4.1.

5. Ending the program

If the alignment is finished, or if you have stopped the adjustment procedure, you will be returned to the adjustment menu. However, when an error (illegal AF data read or results are not within limits) has occurred, you will be returned to the top menu.

To go back to the previous menu, press ON/CLEAR. The only way to leave the EVR program is by pressing ON/CLEAR when you are in the top menu. Then the Organiser's own top level menu will be displayed.

To remove the LISA interface and the EVR datapack:

• Switch off the Organiser by selecting OFF.
• Pull out the LISA interface, then remove the EVR datapack.

The software will still be stored in memory, however. To remove this:

• Press the ON/CLEAR key to switch the organiser back on.
• Press ON/CLEAR again.

You will see that the "V600" option is removed from the top level menu.

Now the EVR software is removed, and the memory used by it freed for other uses.

6. Suggestions

For any questions and/or suggestions regarding the use of this software, please contact:

Mr. J. Devenyns Sony Service Centre (Europe) N.V. Technologielaan 7 1840 Londerzeel Belgium Tel.: (052) 307.307 Fax: (052) 307.490