Casio Exilim EX-Z500 Troubleshooting guide

R
EX-Z500
AUG. 2005
(without price)
■ Precaution
Make sure to read “Discharging” on page 19, before start of disassembling.
Be fully care not to get electric shocked.
Ver.3 : Jan. 2006

CONTENTS
SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 1
BLOCK DIAGRAM ...................................................................................................................................... 5
TEST MODE ................................................................................................................................................ 6
PROGRAM VERSION UPGRADING .......................................................................................................... 7
1. To update the firmware version ..................................................................................................... 7
2. How to restore the firmware........................................................................................................... 8
3. To install the firmware .................................................................................................................... 9
ADJ TOOL ................................................................................................................................................. 10
1. Preparation..................................................................................................................................... 10
2. How to use ADJ Tool when replacing Lens unit ........................................................................ 12
3. How to use ADJ Tool when replacing MAIN PCB ...................................................................... 13
VCOM DC ADJUSTMENT ........................................................................................................................ 14
CURRENT CONSUMPTION ..................................................................................................................... 17
THE COUNTERMEASURE FOR "SYSTEM ERROR" ............................................................................. 17
FUSE ON THE MAIN PCB ........................................................................................................................ 18
CHECK/CORRECTION OF THE LANGUAGE MENU.............................................................................. 18
DISASSEMBLY ......................................................................................................................................... 19
EXPLODED VIEW ..................................................................................................................................... 27
PARTS LIST .............................................................................................................................................. 28
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD ..................................................................................................................... 30
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS ......................................................................................................................... 32

— 1 —
SPECIFICATIONS
Image Files Format Snapshots: JPEG (Exif Ver.2.2); DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) 1.0 standard;
DPOF compliant
Movies: AVI (Motion JPEG)
Audio: WAV
Recording Media 8.7MB built-in memory
SD Memory Card
MultiMediaCard
Image Size Snapshots: 2560 x 1920 pixels
2560 x 1712 (3:2) pixels
2304 x 1728 pixels
2048 x 1536 pixels
1600 x 1200 pixels
640 x 480 pixels
Movies: 320 x 240 pixels
Approximate Memory Capacity and File sizes
• Snapshots
* Based on Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. products. Capacity depends on card manufacturer.
* To determine the number of images that can be stored on a memory card of a different capacity, multiply the capacities
in the table by the appropriate value.
• Movies (320 x 240 pixels)
File Size
(pixels)
2560 x 1920
2560 x 1712
(3:2)
2304 x 1728
2048 x 1536
1600 x 1200
(UXGA)
640 x 480
(VGA)
Quality
Fine
Normal
Economy
Fine
Normal
Economy
Fine
Normal
Economy
Fine
Normal
Economy
Fine
Normal
Economy
Fine
Normal
Economy
Approximate Image
File Size
3.0MB
2.0MB
1.0MB
2.68MB
1.79MB
890KB
2.43MB
1.62MB
810KB
1.92MB
1.28MB
640KB
1.17MB
780KB
390KB
360KB
240KB
120KB
Built-in flash memory
8.7MB
2 shots
4 shots
7 shots
3 shots
4 shots
8 shots
3 shots
5 shots
9 shots
4 shots
6 shots
12 shots
7 shots
10 shots
19 shots
22 shots
33 shots
62 shots
SD Memory Card*
256MB
78 shots
116 shots
221 shots
87 shots
129 shots
246 shots
97 shots
143 shots
271 shots
121 shots
180 shots
348 shots
196 shots
286 shots
530 shots
625 shots
938 shots
1742 shots
Data Size 2.45MB/second max.

— 2 —
Delete Single-file, all files (with protection)
Effective Pixels 5.0 million
Imaging Element 1/2.5-inch square pixel color CCD (Total pixels: 5.25 million)
Lens/Focal Distance Lenses: F2.7 (W) to 5.2 (T); f=6.2 (W) to 18.6mm (T) (equivalent to approximately 38 (W)
to 114mm (T) for 35mm film)
6 lenses in 5 groups, with aspherical lens
Zoom 3X optical zoom; 4X digital zoom (12X in combination with optical zoom)
Focusing Contrast Detection Auto Focus
Focus Modes: Auto Focus, Macro mode, Pan Focus, Infinity mode, manual focus
AF Area: spot, multi; AF Assist Light
Approximate Focus Range Auto Focus: 40cm to ∞(1.3´ to ∞)
(from lens surface) Macro: 17cm to 50cm (6.7˝ to 19.7˝)
Infinity Mode: ∞
Manual: 17cm to ∞(6.7˝ to ∞)
• Using optical zoom causes the above ranges to change.
Exposure Control Light Metering: Multi-pattern, center-weighted, spot by CCD
Exposure: Program AE
Exposure Compensation: –2EV to +2EV (1/3EV units)
Shutter CCD electronic shutter; mechanical shutter
Snapshot mode (Auto): 1/8 to 1/2000 second
• Above shutter speeds do not apply when using a BEST SHOT scene.
Aperture F2.7/4.3, auto switching
• Using optical zoom causes the aperture to change.
White Balance Auto WB, fixed (6 modes), manual switching
Sensitivity Snapshots: Auto, ISO 50, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400
Movies: Auto
Self-timer 10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer
Built-in Flash Flash Modes: Auto Flash, ON, OFF, Red eye reduction
Flash Range: Wide Angle Optical Zoom: 0.4 to 2.4 meters (1.3´ to 7.9´)
Telephoto Optical Zoom: 0.4 to 1.3 meters (1.3´ to 5.6´)
(ISO Sensitivity: “Auto”)
* Depends on zoom factor.
Recording Functions Snapshot; audio snapshot; macro; self-timer; Continuous shutter; movie with audio ; Voice
Recording; BEST SHOT mode (scenes other than Voice Recording)
• Audio recording is monaural.
Audio Recording Time Audio Snapshot: Approximately 30 seconds maximum per image
Voice Recording: Approximately 27 minutes with built-in memory
After Recording: Approximately 30 seconds maximum per image
Monitor Screen 2.7-inch TFT color LCD 153,600 pixels (640 ✕240)
Viewfinder Monitor screen
Timekeeping Functions Built-in digital quartz clock
Date and Time: Recorded with image data
Auto Calendar: To 2049
World Time: City; Date; Time; Summer time; 162 cities in 32 time zones
Input/Output Terminals Cradle connector
USB USB 2.0 (Full-Speed) compatible
Microphone Monaural
Speaker Monaural

— 3 —
Supported Battery: NP-40 (Rated Capacitance: 1330mAh)
Storage Medium: SD Memory Card
*1 Number of Shots (CIPA Standard)
• Temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Monitor Screen: On
• Zoom operation between full wide to full telephoto every 30 seconds, during which two images are recorded, one image
with flash; power turned off and back on every time 10 images are recorded.
*2 Continuous Recording Conditions
• Temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Monitor screen: On
• Flash: Off
• Image recorded every 12 seconds, alternating full wide-angle and full telephoto zoom
*3 Continuous Snapshot Playback Conditions
• Temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Scroll one image about every 10 seconds
*4 Approximate time for continuous movie recording, without using zoom.
*5 Voice recording times are based on continuous recording.
Power Consumption 3.7V DC Approximately 3.4W
Dimensions 88.5(W) x 57(H) x 20.5(D) mm
(3.48˝(W) x 2.2˝(H) x 0.81˝(D))
(excluding projections; 18.6 mm (0.73˝) at thinnest part)
Weight Approximately 112 g (4.3 oz) (excluding battery and accessories)
Bundled Accessories Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-40); USB cradle (CA-29); Special AC adaptor; AC
power cord; USB cable; AV Cable; Strap; CD-ROM; Basic Reference
Power Requirements
Power Requirements Rechargeable lithium ion battery
(NP-40) x 1
Approximate Battery Life:
The values below indicate the amount of time under the conditions defined below, until power automatically turns off due to battery
failure. They do not guarantee that you will be able to achieve this level of operation. Low temperatures shorten battery life.
Apporoximate Battery Life
500 shots
(250 minutes)
1330 shots
(270 minutes)
470 minutes
220 minutes
460 minutes
Operation
Number of Shots (CIPA Standard)*1
(Operating Time)
Number of Shots, Continuous Recording*2
(Operating Time)
Continuous Snapshot Playback*3
Continuous Movie Recording*4
Continuous Voice Recording*5

— 4 —
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery (NP-40)
USB Cradle (CA-29)
Special AC Adaptor (Inlet Type) (AD-C52G)
Power Supply
• Use only the special NP-40 rechargeable lithium ion battery to power this camera. Use of any other type of battery is not
supported.
• This camera does not have a separate battery for the clock. The date and time settings of the camera are cleared
whenever power is totally cut off (from both the battery and USB cradle). Be sure to reconfigure these settings after
power is interrupted.
LCD Panel
• The LCD panel is a product of the latest LCD manufacturing technology that provides a pixel yield of 99.99%. This means
that less than 0.01% of the total pixels are defective (they do not turn on or always remain turned on).
Lens
• You may sometimes notice some distortion in certain types of images, such as a slight bend in lines that should be
straight. This is due to the characteristics of lens, and does not indicate malfunction of the camera.
Special AC Adaptor (Plug-in Type) (AD-C52J)
Input/Output Terminals Camera connector; USB port; AC adaptor terminal (DC IN 5.3V) / AV output port (Special
mini port, NTSC / PAL)
Power Consumption 5.3V DC Approximately 3.2W
Dimensions 105(W) x 16(H) x 61(D) mm (4.1˝(W) x 0.6˝(H) x 2.4˝(D)) (excluding projections)
Weight Approximately 60 g (2.1 oz)
Power Requirement 100 to 240V AC, 50/60Hz, 83 mA
Output 5.3V DC, 650 mA
Dimensions 50(W) x 20(H) x 70(D) mm (2.0˝(W) x 0.8˝(H) x 2.8˝(D)) (excluding projections and cable)
Weight Approximately 87 g (3.1 oz)
Rated Voltage 3.7 V
Rated Capacitance 1300 mAh
Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Range
Dimensions 38.5(W) x 38.0(H) x 9.3(D) mm (1.53˝(W) x 1.50˝(H) x 0.37˝(D))
Weight Approximately 34 g (1.2 oz)
Power Requirement 100 to 240V AC, 50/60Hz, 83mA
Output 5.3V DC, 650mA
Dimensions 50(W) x 18(H) x 70(D) mm (2.0˝(W) x 0.7˝(H) x 0.8˝(D)) (excluding projections and cable)
Weight Approximately 85 g (3.0 oz)

— 5 —
BLOCK DIAGRAM
RIGHT
PLAYLEFT
DOWN
UP
MENU
BS
RECPLAY
Lenz Unit
CCD-FPC
CCD
Connector
27PIN Connector
25PIN
VCC
15C VEE
7.5C
Vcc3.3-1 Vcc5-2
VCC15C VEE7.5C Vcc3.3-1
Vcc3.3-1
Vcc1.2 Vcc3AVcc3DVcc1.8
Vcc3.3-1
Vcc3.3A
Vcc3.3-1
Vcc15
Vcc3.3A
EVcc3.3 EVcc3.3
Vcc1-0 Vcc5-2
MIC
EVcc3.3
Vcc5-2
Vcc3.3-1
32.769KHz
PWCTL0~5
Vcc1-0
Vcc1-1
Vcc1.2
Vcc1.8
Vcc3.3-1
Vcc3.3A
Vcc3.3D
EVcc3.3
Vcc5-1
Vcc5-2
VCC15
Vcc15
VEE7.5
48MHz
VOUT
MONOOUT
D+/D-
DGND
DC
CHARGE
BAT+
GND1
TH
–
+
CDS+Vdr
AD9923
LSI-SIP
R8J30224BG
VIDEO_IC
NJW1331KK1
Connector
33PIN Connector
17PIN
AF_LED
Connector
30PIN
Connector
DC
JACK A/V
JACK
SHUTTER
WIDETELE
POWER
Connector
6PIN
LCD / BL KEY FPC
Strobe Unit
Credle
Audio IC
AK4631VG 8 bit micom
UPD78F8011
Back-up C
Dynamic
Speaker
Li- ion Battery
Power Supply
Block
SD Connecter
Motor Driver
R2S30401NP
2.7" Digital I/F LCD
BL (LEDx5)
Two LED

— 6 —
TEST MODE
Note: Never perform the menu items unless otherwise instructed. Doing so may cause destruction of
the data inside, which will make the camera unusable.
■To boot the test mode
1. While firmly pressing down both [BS] and [UPPER], turn the power on.
1 :VERSION INFO
2 :USB TCC TEST
3 :ROM UPDATE
4 :LAST MEMORY
5 :FORMAT
++ KX806 ++
Ver 1.00
1 :USB TCC ON
2 :USB TCC OFF
3 :USB STORAGE
4 :USB SPEED
"DOWN" button -> "DOWN" button -> "BS" button -> "MENU" button
"SET" button
"MENU" button
2. After the version appears, press buttons in the order of [DOWN], [DOWN], [BS] and [MENU] in 0.5
second. The diagnostic menu appears.
[BS] button
[BS] button
[DOWN] button
[MENU] button
[UPPER] button

—7 —
PROGRAM VERSION UPGRADING
1. To update the firmware version
1. Prepare the memory card which contains the firmware for EX-Z500 in the root directory.
EX-Z500.bin
2. Insert the above memory card into the camera, and set a fully charged battery in the camera.
3. Press the [power button] while holding [MENU] depressed. Keep holding [MENU] depressed until
“PROGRAM UPDATE”appears in the display.
•The following appears.
•The version of the firmware in the memory card appears at the bottom of the display.
NOTE 1) When a wrong software is mistakenly used,
the message below appears. Update the
firmware again with the correct software.
PROGRAM UPDATE
YES
NO
NEW VERSION IS
VER 1.00
FILE ERROR!
VER 1.00
NOTE 2) When only the version appears in the display
even though you are trying to operate the
camera, charge the battery to the fullest and
try again. The level of the battery indicator
should be highest in order to update the
firmware.
4. Align the white cursor to [YES] by [UPPER] and [DOWN], and then press [SET].
•“NOW LOADING”appears in the display and the update starts.
5. “COMPLETE”appears after the update finishes.
6. Remove the memory card after turning the power off once. Turn the power back on again while holding
[MENU] depressed, and check the version.
•“VER.1.00”appears.
7. If the version is correct, turn the power off.
8. Finally, check the operation by recording, playing back and deleting an image.
(As of August 2005)
(As of August 2005)

— 8 —
2. How to restore the firmware
1. Prepare the firmware restoration program and change its name as follows;
rom806_gm11.lbn 씮titan.bin
NOTE: This software and procedure automatically restores the firmware even if the firmware belongs
to a wrong model code. Make sure to use the correct software for the correct model.
2. Copy the above file to the root directory in the memory card.
3. Insert the memory card into the camera.
4. Set a fully charged battery in the camera.
NOTE: This software and procedure automatically restores the firmware even if the battery capacity of
the camera is low. Make sure to use a fully charged battery to prevent the danger of power
down during firmware restoration.
5. Turn the power on while pressing the [shutter release] button.
If the power does not turn on only by pressing the power button, insert the battery while holding the
[shutter release] button depressed.
• The LED next to the optical viewfinder changes from “green/red blinking”, “green blinking” to “green
steady”.
NOTE: This software and procedure automatically restores the firmware even if the firmware belongs
to a wrong model code. Make sure to use the correct software for the correct mode.
6. When the LED becomes “green steady”, the firmware restoration is finished.
Remove the battery and the memory card, and then turn the power off.
7. Turn the power on again while holding [BS] and [UPPER] depressed.
Check the model name and the program version (PR:) in the opening screen of the test menu.
++KX806++
Ver 1.00
8. If the model name and the program version are correct, perform SYSTEM INITIAL to initialize the
system area.
“BS + UPPER + PW ON” 씮“DOWN, DOWN, BS, MENU” 씮“3:ROM UPDATE” 씮“5:SYSTEM INITIAL”
NOTE: After SYSTEM INITIAL is performed, “SYSTEM ERROR” appears when the power is turned
on again.
9. Write the latest firmware. (Refer to page 6)
After the firmware is written, check the model name and the program version (PR:) in the opening
screen of the test menu.
10. Finally, start the camera normally to check the operation by recording, playing back and deleting an
image. Check also that the colors in the images are not too bright or two dark.

— 9 —
3. To install the firmware
Initially, firmware is not installed in the PCB supplied by the parts center.
Install the firmware into the PCB after replacing with a new one as shown in the procedures below.
Note: The camera does not operate (only LED becomes “green blinking”) if the firmware is not installed in
the PCB.
<Writing the restoration program 1>
1. Copy the following software to the root directly of the SD card.
Restoration software: rom806_gm11.lbn
Firmware: EX-Z500.bin
2. Change the name as follows;
“rom806_gm11.lbn” to “titan.bin”
3. Insert the SD card into the camera.
4. Insert the battery while holding the [shutter release] button depressed.
The LED next to the optical viewfinder changes from “green/red blinking”, “green blinking” to “green
steady”.
5. When the LED becomes “green steady”, remove the battery and turn the power off.
<System Initialize>
1. Boot the test mode.
2. Press [DOWN] twice and then press [BS], [MENU].
3. Select “3: ROM UPDATE” and then press [SET].
4. Select “5: SYSTEM INITIALIZE” and then press [SET].
5. When the following message appears, press [SET].
SYSTEM INITIALIZE
START….
PUSH OK KEY?
6. The system initialize is executed. Turn off the power when “SUCCESS” appears.
* “SYSTEM ERROR” appears when the camera is turned off without system initialize.
<Writing the firmware>
1. Turn the power on while holding [MENU] depressed.
2. When “PROGRAM UPDATE” appears, select “YES” and then press [SET].
3. “NOW LOADING” appears while the firmware is updated.
4. When “COMPLETE” appears, the firmware update is complete.
5. Turn the power on and off to check if the camera normally functions. If there is no problem, the firmware
update is successful.

— 10 —
ADJ TOOL
■Introduction
Make sure to perform the adjustment by the USB ADJ Tool “adj03SSAW.exe” when replacing the lens unit
or the PCB.
Here the necessary software, driver and setting are explained to use “adj03SSAW.exe”.
Note that the tool, drivers etc. are available only for Windows.
1. Preparation
1-1. Prepare the necessary software, driver and DLL file.
1) Prepare the following three files.
• Testmode driver
[testmode_driver] folder uusbd.dll
uusbd.inf
uusbd.sys
* testmode_driver_2.0] is for Windows except Windows98.
* [testmode_driver] is for Windows98 only.
• ADJ tool, USB DLL and ADJ setting file
[adj03SSAW] folder adj03SSAW.exe (ADJ tool itself)
uusbd.dll (USB DLL)
* .adt (ADJ setting file. Sorted by models)
2) Place the testmode driver in an appropriate place.
3) Place all of ADJ tool, USB DLL and ADJ setting file in the same folder.
1-2. Set the camera so that it recognizes the USB test mode.
1) Enter the test menu.
Turn the power on while pressing both [BS] and [UPPER].
Press [DOWN], [DOWN], [BS] and [MENU].
2) Move the cursor to “2: USB TCC TEST” and press [SET].
3) Move the cursor to “1: USB TCC ON” and press [RIGHT], [RIGHT] and [SET].
4) USB TCC ON is now active. Turn the power off.
5) The test menu appears first when the camera power is turned on.
* When changing the USB TCC ON to OFF, set “2: USB TCC OFF” in the test menu.
1-3. Install the USB driver for the USB test mode in the computer.
(The following is an example using the Windows Me.)
1) Prepare the USB driver for the USB test mode.
2) Turn the camera power on which is set in the USB test mode as shown in 1-2 and let it enter the USB
test mode directly (the test menu appears right after the power is turned on).
3) Connect the camera in the above status to the computer by the USB cable.
4) The “Add new hardware” wizard appears.
5) Check “Designate the place for the driver (for users with sufficient knowledge)” and press “Next”.
6) Check “Search for the optimum driver for the device (recommended)”.

— 11 —
7) Check “Designate the place to search”, designate the place which contains “inf” file in the driver by
pressing “Reference” button, and then press “Next” button.
8) When “Universal USB Driver (VMEM manufacturer’s name)” appears upon message “Searching for
the driver file for the following devices”, press “Next” button.
9) The file copy starts.
(If a message “uusbd.inf cannot be found” appears during the file copy, designate the same place as
in the step 7).
10) Press “Complete” button.
11) Right-click “My computer”, select “property”, and then open “Device manager”.
If “Universal USB Driver (VMEM manufacturer’s name)”,“USB device for UUSBD” can be found, the
computer has successfully recognized the driver.
12) Installing the test driver into either one enables the other one to recognize it.
* How to uninstall the USB driver for the USB test mode
• Connect the camera to the computer while in the USB test mode so that the computer recognizes
the camera.
• Right-click “My computer”, select “Property” and open “Device manager”.
• Select “USB device for UUSBD” , and then “Universal USB Driver (VMEM manufacturer's name)”.
• Press “Delete” button to delete the driver.
• When using Windows98/98SE/Me, delete the following three files;
(NOTE! Do NOT delete “usbd.inf” and “usbd.sys”, whose names are much alike the following.)
C:windows / inf / uusbd.inf
C:windows / inf / other / KashiwanoUUSBD.inf
C:windows / system32 / drivers / uusbd.sys
• The driver has been successfully deleted.
1-4. Use the USB ADJ Tool
1) Prepare ADJ tool, USB DLL and ADJ setting file in the same folder.
2) Turn the camera power on which is set in the USB test mode and let it enter the USB test mode directly
(the test menu appears right after the power is turned on).
3) Boot “adj03SSAW.exe” and use it as follows;
• To read ADJ data from the camera
앶앸 Press “READ ($9)”.
There is no neto set the model by “FW Item Set”.
• To write ADJ data into the camera
앶앸 Press “WRITE ($8)”.
• To save ADJ data which is read
앶앸 Select “File” and “Save All ADJ”, and save it under an appropriate name.
• Open ADJ data which is saved
앶앸 1. Select the model by "FW Item Set", and then press "Load FW ->" button.
2. Select “File” and “Open”, and open the necessary file.
• Language” radio button can switch the language between Japanese and English in which the name
of the ADJ ITEM is displayed.
• “Radix” radio button can switch the data display between decimal and hexadecimal notations.

— 12 —
2. How to use ADJ Tool when replacing Lens unit
Make sure to perform the following procedure after replacing the lens.
A floppy disk with the lens data is bundled in the spare parts of the lens unit.
1Enter the TEST mode.
1. Turn the power on while pressing both "BS" and "UP" buttons.
2. Press "DOWN" button, "DOWN" button, "BS" button, and "MENU"
button while the program version is displayed.
3. Select "2.USB TCC TEST", and press "SET" button.
4. Select "1. USB TCC ON", and press "RIGHT" button, "RIGHT" button
and "SET" button.
5. Turn the power OFF.
2Connect the camera to the computer by the USB cable.
3Boot "adj03ssaw" .
4Select the model name and click "Load FW " Key.
• EX-Z500
5Click "ADJ ALL READ", and display the data on the "adj03ssaw".
6Find the No.1163, "LCD VCOM DC".
7Write down this value(data).
8Replace the Lens unit.
9Perform the above 1to 3.
0Select the model name and click "Load FW " Key.
• EX-Z500
AFrom "File/Open", open the bundled floppy disk, and transfer the data to
the "adj03ssaw".
BFind the No.1163,"LCD VCOM DC"
CChange the data to the former value.(Refer to 7).
DClick "WRITE" button of "ADJ ALL".
EAfter adjustment, change "1. USB TCC ON" to "2. USB TCC OFF".
6
4
A
D

— 13 —
3. How to use ADJ Tool when replacing MAIN PCB
Firmware is not installed in spare parts.
1Enter the TEST mode.
1. Turn the power on while pressing both "BS" and "UP" buttons.
2. Press "DOWN" button, "DOWN" button, "BS" button and "MENU"
button while the program version is displayed.
3. Select "2.USB TCC TEST", and press "SET" button.
4. Select "1. USB TCC ON", and press "RIGHT" button, "RIGHT" button
and "SET" button.
5. Turn the power OFF.
2Connect the camera to the PC by the USB cable.
3Boot "adj03ssaw".
4Select the model name and click "Load FW " Key.
• EX-Z500
5Click "ADJ ALL READ", and display the data on the "adj03ssaw".
6Save the data.
7Replace the MAIN PCB.
8Writing the Firmware.
Write the firmware into a spare part after replacing one.
NOTE: If a battery is inserted without the firmware, only LED
blinks green and the camera does not operate.
9Perform the above 1to 3.
0Select the model name and click "Load FW  " Key.
• EX-Z500
AOpen the file which is saved above, and display the data on the
"adj03ssaw".
BClick "WRITE" button of "ADJ ALL".
CAfter adjustment, change "1. USB TCC ON" to "2. USB TCC OFF".
6
5
4
A
B

— 14 —
VCOM DC ADJUSTMENT
■Purpose
Readjust the VCOM value to minimize the flicker of the LCD after replacing the LCD or the main PCB.
■Necessary tools
1. Camera (Charge its battery fully)
2. Photo diode (S2281-01) : See Fig 1.
3. Photo sensor amp (C2719) : See Fig 2.
4. BNC-BNC cable (E2573) x 2 : See Fig 3.
5. 9-volt alkaline battery (6LR61Y) x 2 : See Fig 4.
6. Oscilloscope
■Preparation
1. The three tools can be obtained from the following global site.
Photo diode (S2281-01)
Photo sensor amp (C2719)
BNC-BNC cable (E2573)
www.hamamatsu.com/
2. 9-volt alkaline battery is a standard one, but can be obtained from the following global site as well.
www.panasonic.co.jp/global/
Fig1 Photo Diode (S2281-01) Fig2 Photo Sensor Amp (C2719)
Fig3 BNC-BNC Cable (E2573) Fig4 6LR61Y

— 15 —
■Procedure
1. Camera setting
a) Turn the power on while pressing “BS” and “UPPER”.
After pressing “DOWN” key twice, press “BS” and “MENU”.
Select "2:USB TCC TEST", and press "SET" button.
Select "1:USB TCC ON", and press "RIGHT" button ,"RIGHT"
button and "SET" button.
Figure (a) appears.
b) Select “8 : ADJ_TEST” and then press SET.
(See Figure (b).)
c) Next, select “2. LCD” and then press SET.
(See Figure (c).)
2. Connecting the TOOL
a) Place two 9-volt alkaline batteries in C2719.
b) Connect the output terminal of C2719 to the channel terminal of the oscilloscope by the BNC-BNCcable.
c) Connect the input terminal to the Photo Diode by the BNC cable.
d) Turn the oscilloscope and C2719 on.
* Pull the ON/OFF switch of C2719 this way and raise/lower it. (See below Figure.)
d) Pressing SET causes the right figure to appear.
(See Figure (d).)
1: ADJ STAT CLR
2: LCD
3: LENS
.
.
.
1:VCOM OK
.
.
.
OK -> RegisterWrite
VCOM = 0xca
This value is an example and differs by products
Figure (a)
Figure (b)
Figure (c)
Figure (d)
1: VERSION INFO
2: USB TCC TEST
3: ROM UPDATE
4: LAST MEMORY
5: FORMAT
6: HARD TEST
7: IMAGE TEST
8: ADJ TEST
9: TEST SCRIPT

—16 —
3. Measurement
a) Connect S2281-01 to the camera’s LCD monitor (see below).
AC Waveforms appear on the monitor screen of the oscilloscope.
* Change the Rf range of C2719 in case the range does not match.
b) After AC waveforms of the oscilloscope appear, minimize it by pressing the camera’s up/down buttons
(see the picture).
Make sure to visually check if it has been minimized.
Photo diode
S2281-01
LCD
CAMERA BNC-BNC cable
INPUT OUTPUT
Photo sensor amp
Oscilloscope
Minimize the
ripple components
After it has been minimized, press SET key.
The screen in the right figure appears and the new VCOM is
written (VCOM adjustment is finished.).
OK -> Register Write
VCOM = 0xca
ADJ DATA SET!
This value is only an example, and differs by products.
Return to the previous display by pressing MENU or PW key.
[UPPER] button
[DOWN] button

— 17 —
THE COUNTERMEASURE FOR "SYSTEM ERROR"
System error may occur when the battery is removed while data is written to the internal memory.
■PROCEDURE
1. Initialize the system.
a) Enter the TEST mode.
b) Select "3:ROM UPDATE" and press SET button.
c) Next, select "5:SYSTEM INITIAL" and press SET button.
d) The following message appears.
SYSTEM INITIALIZE
START ...
PUSH OK KEY?
e) Press SET button and System is initialized.
"SUCCESS !" appears on the monitor.
2. Write firmware.
Refer to the "1. To update the firmware version" on page 7.
Write the firmware.
If the TEST mode boots automatically, change "USB TCC ON" to "USB TCC OFF".
Replace the Main PCB if the camera does not recover.
CURRENT CONSUMPTION
(1) Current consumption (DC in = 3.80 ±0.1 [V])
• Make sure that current consumption is less than 180 mA in PLAY mode.
• Make sure that current consumption is less than 280 mA in REC mode.
• Make sure that current consumption is less than 500 µA when power is turned OFF.
(2) The battery indicator changes according to the voltages as follows.
• DC in = less than 3.73 ±0.05 V: (PLAY mode)
• DC in = less than 3.65 ±0.05 V: (PLAY mode)
• DC in = less than 3.49 ±0.05 V: (PLAY mode)

— 18 —
FUSE ON THE MAIN PCB
FU100 ............. This fuse may be broken, if the lens works normally but the LCD does not display when the
power switch is turned on.
FU101 ............. This fuse may be btoken in the following cases.
1. All functions do not work when the power switch is turned on.
2. LED under the shutter button does not light when the battery is loaded.
*Referr to "Printed Circuit Board" on the page 30 for the location of the fuse.
CHECK/CORRECTION OF THE LANGUAGE MENU
After replacing the main PCB, make sure to check that there are ten languages in the language menu.
If there are only seven, make sure to change to ten.
Ten-language menu
■ PROCEDURE
1. Copy the script file "autorun" to the root directory of the SD card.
"autorun" is in the Qv/Soft/Adj_soft/EX-S100 of the service CD-ROM.
2. Insert the SD card into the camera and turn the power on.
3. "WRITING LANG ASIA FLAG" appears on the display after a few seconds.
4. "VOID LANG ASIA" appears on the display subsequently.
5. The camera power turns off automatically.
6. Remove the SD card from the camera, turn on the camera, and check that there are ten languages in
the menu. End this procedure if no problem occurs.