jack - 17th Mar 2007 23:06 DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISMANTLE OR USE ANY CLEANING SOLUTIONS INSIDE ANY JVC UNIT! If the device displays a Condensation error: 1. Open the tape compartment 2. Remove the tape 3. Keep the power ON (important) - if you do not the device "memory" will NOT clear itself 4. Wait approximately 5-10 min for the message to clear Read more below - the manufacturer is well aware of this condition and has designed these units to be "highly sensitive" to moisture build up. ============================================================================ If this device has been cooled down in a cold place and is then carried to a warm place, the moisture contained in the warm air may adhere to the head drum or tape guides and be cooled into water droplets. This phenomenon is referred to as condensation (dew). When this occurs, the head drum and tape guides are covered with droplets allowing the tape to be stuck to them, leading to tape damage. • Condensation occurs in the following cases: • When this device is suddenly moved from a cold place to a warm place. • When a room heater has just started or when this device is exposed directly to cold air from an air conditioner. • When this device is placed in a very humid place. • “CONDENSATION ON DRUM” is displayed on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder when condensation occurs in this device. Keep the power on until the warning message disappears. If the power is turned off while the warning message is displayed, condensation may remain in the device even if the warning message is not displayed. Wait until this device is completely dry before using. • Pay attention to condensation even before the condensation indication appears. As condensation forms gradually, the condensation indication may not appear for the first 10-15 minutes after condensation has formed inside. In an extremely cold place, the condensation could freeze and turn into frost. In such a case, it takes an additional 2- 3 hours for the frost to first melt into condensation and then to be dissolved. • To prevent condensation When moving this device from one place to another where the temperatures are greatly deferent, first remove the videocassette, place this device in a tightly sealed vinyl bag, and then move it to a new environment. To ensure no condensation occurs, allow the temperature of this device in the bag to reach that of the new environment before using it. PS: Seems to be the same shit with each JVC Camcorder try to dry it first as described above , otherwise try the hard reset...

After months of research I found this method (hard reset) to work well on my JVC GR-D70U. The first time I dissected the camera I unscrewed 20 plus screws because I didn’t know any better. I ended up unscrewing the LCD, and the lens which is not necessary. The “hard reset” method lasted for a few months before I had to do it again. This time around I made sure to unscrew only the screws necessary for this procedure. I took note of which screws I removed to make it easier for myself the next time around and so I can share this useful information with you all. Wrap each screw with a Post It note. On the outside of the Post It note write where the screw belongs. After you are done unwrap the screws and put them back in their proper places. (If you have a better method please feel free to use it) 11 Screws Total: 1. Very Top Screw of the Camera (when looking at the camera with a birds eye view/lens pointing away) 2. Top of camera Screw next to the W/T zoom knob (when looking at the camera with a birds eye view/ lens pointing away) 3. Inside the battery slot Top Left corner screw (long screw) 4. Inside the battery slot Top Right corner screw (long screw) 5. Inside the battery slot Middle Left screw. 6. Screw next to the Firewire port (inside the LCD area) 7. Screw under the “Battery Release” Knob (when look at the bottom of the camera lens facing down) 8. Screw to the Right of the SD Card Slot (when look at the bottom of the camera lens facing down) 9. Above the Tri Pod hole LEFT Screw closer to the LCD (when look at the bottom of the camera lens facing down) 10. Below the Tri Pod hole and Below that small black hole.. Screw to the left closer to the LCD (when look at the bottom of the camera lens facing down) 11. Below the Tri Pod hole and Below that small black hole.. Screw closest to the edge and closest to the speaker (when look at the bottom of the camera lens facing down) Total: 11 Screws. After removing the Screws… 1. First remove the grey plastic piece on the very top of the camera. (Above the eye piece) 2. Carefully separate the camera in half. 4. Look for the big White plug closest to the battery slot. (It is located on the circuit board and it has a bunch of wires coming out of it) 5. Unplug it and wait for a few minuets. Then re-plug it. (At this point I personally tried to put the battery in and turn the camera on to see if it had worked. (i don't know this may be dangerous so be careful!!!) 6. Carefully bring the 2 camera sides back together and make sure you get a snug fit. (The section by the speaker should snap in properly) 7. Put the grey piece back in its proper place. 8. Put the screws back into their proper places.

I have the same issue. What is the answer? At this point my camera will not accept the tape and therefore is non usable...suggestions??

I have the same problem with my camera - did you ever get an answer? Thanks, Karen