My Sharp Viewcam VL-Z7 Mini DV has the above problem. I heard it was very expensive to repair and it was a design problem with the moisture sensor. Is there any way to fix it?
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.
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.
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Dew indicator on for about 2 years. Many cameras apparently have failed this way. I considered it a manufacturing flaw but Sharp did not "step up to the plate" to correct its problem. I have crossed all Sharp items off my shopping list for eternity....
how to work it have a sharp vl-a111 8, have no manuel its a viewcam,model no vl-a111u,serial no.dc3.6v, u204845069,
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