How do I do the Dew?

A dew-point hygrometer uses a metal mirros to catch moisture from the air to tell you the dew point, at what temperature the condensation appears is the dew point. For a better and more clear explanation see http://www.ehow.com/list_7153637_types-hygrometers.html

Dew Formation
• What is “dew formation”?
When cold water is poured into a glass,
dew drops form on the glass. This clinging
of water drops is called dew formation.
• When dew forms in your camcorder.
Dew will gradually form on the head drum
of your camcorder and make the video
tape stick to the head. This causes
damage both to the head and the tape.
When dew forms, recording and playback
may not function properly.
Dew is likely to form in the following
circumstances:
—When moving the camcorder from a
cold place to a warm place.
—When placing the camcorder in a cold
room which is then heated rapidly.
—When moving the camcorder outdoors
from an air conditioned room or car.
—When placing the camcorder in the
direct path of air
blowing from an air
conditioner.
—When placing the
camcorder in a
humid room.
• How to prevent trouble.
When using the camcorder in a place
where dew is likely to form, allow the
camcorder and the video tape to
acclimate to the surroundings for about
one hour.
For example, when bringing the
camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in
a plastic bag.
1Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag
containing the camcorder.
2Remove the bag when the air temperature
inside it reaches the temperature
of the room.
• “Dew” warning feature
If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on
the screen, and the power will automatically
turn off in approximately 10 seconds.
Plastic bag
1If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette,
leave the cassette compartment open,
and wait for a few hours to allow the
camcorder to acclimate to the
surrounding temperature.
2To use the camcorder again, turn on the
power after waiting for a few hours. Be
sure that “DEW” has disappeared.
3Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is
flashing; this may result in damage to
the tape.
4Since dew forms gradually, it may take
10 to 15 minutes before the dew
warning feature engages.

- the solder joints to the DEW Sensor were "cold joints" which means that the solder joint is defective - is not a sound joint. This means that with temperature variation, the solder joint can intermittently separate and break the circuit, causing the DEW Indicator to come on and completely shut down the camera. The first problem I had with the camera was on a cold day, so it seemed to make sense.

Here is a picture from the perspective of the tape cover being at the top of the picture and the rest of the camera at the bottom. The dew sensor will be on your left.

go to:
http://omlets.tripod.com/sharpdew.jpg
Then, get a real slim soldering iron with a fine point. Open the tape cover and take the tape out. Get a strong light to shine down into the mechanism.

If your camera is like mine was, you may see a brownish material on or around the solder joint - this is flux used in soldering which was applied too heavily, and not heated long enough to burn off. The joint therefore doesn't quite connect the dew sensor to the terminal post - depending upon heat/cold ambient conditions, sometimes it makes contact and sometimes it doesn't .

Heat up the soldering iron - make certain the point is tinned (has a thin film of solder on it). Carefully just touch each solder joint for a couple of seconds - just enough for it to melt, and then quickly remove the soldering iron. You don't want to leave the iron in contact with the solder too long or it may melt other insulation around the terminal. This all probably sounds more complicated than it really is - but it really is just a 5 minute operation. If you've not done much soldering, and feel uncomfortable about trying it, you may want to take it to a radio, tv or computer repair shop and ask them to do it for you.

Many times dew sensor stops giving moisture signal if hot air blows in open cassette compartment for 3-4 minutes from distance through hair dryer.
and some times dew sensor needs to be replaced to stop giving dew signal.

xiii
Dew Formation
• What is “dew formation”?
When cold water is poured into a glass,
dew drops form on the glass. This clinging
of water drops is called dew formation.
• When dew forms in your camcorder.
Dew will gradually form on the head drum
of your camcorder and make the video
tape stick to the head. This causes
damage both to the head and the tape.
When dew forms, recording and playback
may not function properly.
Dew is likely to form in the following
circumstances:
—When moving the camcorder from a
cold place to a warm place.
—When placing the camcorder in a cold
room which is then heated rapidly.
—When moving the camcorder outdoors
from an air conditioned room or car.
—When placing the camcorder in the
direct path of air
blowing from an air
conditioner.
—When placing the
camcorder in a
humid room.
• How to prevent trouble.
When using the camcorder in a place
where dew is likely to form, allow the
camcorder and the video tape to
acclimate to the surroundings for about
one hour.
For example, when bringing the
camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in
a plastic bag.
1Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag
containing the camcorder.
2Remove the bag when the air temperature
inside it reaches the temperature
of the room.
• “Dew” warning feature
If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on
the screen, and the power will automatically
turn off in approximately 10 seconds.
Plastic bag
1If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette,
leave the cassette compartment open,
and wait for a few hours to allow the
camcorder to acclimate to the
surrounding temperature.
2To use the camcorder again, turn on the
power after waiting for a few hours. Be
sure that “DEW” has disappeared.
3Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is
flashing; this may result in damage to
the tape.
4Since dew forms gradually, it may take
10 to 15 minutes before the dew
warning feature engages.

Dew sensor is defective and you need to replace it to fix the problem.

LA HUMEDAD CON EL CALOR ALTERA Y HACE QUE EL SENSOR DE HUMEDAD DE LA CAMARA SE ACTIVE. YO PROBE CON UNA SECADORA DE PELO DE MI MUJER Y ME FUNCIONO. LA CAMARA AHORA ESTA BUENA. HABRE EL MECANISMO DEL TAPE (CASETERA) Y SOPLA CON EL SECADOR DE PELO DURANTE UN RATO DENTRO DEL MECANISMO DE LA CAMARA TAMBIEN ALRREDEDOR DEL LUGAR DE LA BATERIA Y ALRREDEDOR DEL BOTOM ROJO REC-VHS-OFF, DEJALA HABIERTA UN RATO Y PRUEBA DESPUES PONIENDOLA A FUNCIONAR. DEBERA FUNCIONARTE CORRECTAMENTE Y SIN EL WARNING-DEW DETECTED

Where are you keeping that camera? I would return this camera if it keeps happening (before warranty expire).

There have been several compaints about this dew issue. I recommend calling Sharp.

Support: (800) 237-4277

I don't know if this will help, but when I leave the camera open with no tape in it for a day or so, "dew" goes away. Now I just store it open without a tape in it and have never had this problem again.

Hope this helps.