open dyslexic mode

I got this JVC GR-C1U a few years ago, and I'm quite happy to say this tech from 1984 still works today in 2023. This is the same model that Marty Mcfly (Michael J. Fox) used in 1985 during the famous #deloreantimemachine demo in #backtothefuture, capturing Doc's first demonstration of time travel.

The JVC GR-C1U was considered the first commonly-available "compact" (VHS-C) "portable" camcorder for consumer use. This was a notable upgrade, considering the size of regular VHS.

I should add, the camcorder records in color and playback is in color on the tapes, and if you connect it to a "TV" etc., but the built-in LCD screen on the camera only shows black-and-white!

I have the original batteries for this camera which clip onto the back of the unit, but at almost 40 years old, they will not hold a charge. To work around this, I'm using a power supply that outputs the required 9.6 volts DC to power the camera.

Interestingly, it will stop operation and/or shut down if the voltage drops anywhere below 9.6V; it does not have much tolerance for low voltage. With the original batteries being rated at 500 mA, it's impressive to think how far we've come with battery tech - and also, how far we've come in terms of energy consumption.