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2-686-605-11(1)

Operating Instructions

Mode d’emploi

AC Adaptor/Charger
Adaptateur secteur/
chargeur

 © 2006  Sony Corporation   Printed in Japan

AC-VQ900AM

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not
expose the unit to rain or moisture.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “Dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.

NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE U.S.A AND CANADA

The Graphical Symbols with Supplemental Marking is located on the
bottom of the unit.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the unit.
Record the serial number in the space provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer
regarding this product.

Model No.  AC-

Serial No.

Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.  This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.  If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted to this equipment for
your safety and convenience.

Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the
same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to
BS1362 (i.e., marked with 

 or 

 mark) must be used.

If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover,
be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use
the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover,
please contact your nearest Sony service station.

Printed on 100% recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.

A

1

B

C

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

The AC Power cord must only be changed at a qualified service shop.

CAUTION

Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury
may result.

PRECAUTION

The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it
is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.

Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the European Union and other European
countries with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that
this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it
shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the
recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring
this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent
potential negative consequences for the environment and
human health, which could otherwise be caused by
inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of
materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more
detailed information about recycling of this product, please
contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal
service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Notes on Use

This unit does not have dust-proof, splash-proof or water-proof
specifications.

Charging

• Designed for use with compatible Sony batteries.
• Only charge recommended battery packs with this unit.

Compensation for Recorded Content

We will not provide compensation for a failure to record or play back
images, sound or other content due to a malfunction of the battery back, AC
adapter/charger.

Charging temperature

• To provide maximum battery efficiency, the recommended temperature

range when charging is 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F).

• This unit complies with quick charging, but charging outside the

recommended temperature range will lead to longer charging times in
order to protect the battery pack. Once the charging time has been
extended, it will not return to quick charging even if the temperature is
brought within the recommended temperature range. Reattach the
battery and then recharge it.

Others

•Do not place the unit in a location where it is:
– Extremely hot or cold

Placing this unit in locations subject to the direct sunlight such as on
dashboards or near heating apparatus may cause this unit to deform or
malfunction.

– Dusty or dirty

In locations such as the seashore and other sandy areas or where dust
clouds occur, protect the unit from sand and dust. There is risk of break
down.

– Very humid
– Vibrating

Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration.

• Do not use the unit placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and

furniture.

• Attach the battery pack firmly.

The battery terminal may be damaged if the battery pack is not attached
correctly.

• Do not use this unit in a place with strong radio waves or radiation.

Images may not be recorded or played back correctly.

• To protect the battery pack, remove the battery pack from the unit as soon

as the charging is completed.

• Do not apply mechanical shock or drop the unit.
• Keep the unit away from a TV or AM receivers. In particular, noise from

the device may enter a TV or radio if it is placed nearby.

• Use this unit near to a wall outlet. This is to ensure that the power plug

can be immediately unplugged from the wall outlet to turn the power off
if some abnormality occurs during use.

• Be sure that nothing metallic comes into contact with the metal parts of

the unit or connecting plate. If it does, a short may occur and the unit may
be damaged.

• Do not connect this unit to a voltage adaptor (travel converter) for

overseas travel. This may result in overheating or other malfunction.

• While the unit is in use, it gets warm. But this is normal.
• Unplug the unit from the wall outlet after use. To disconnect the cord,

pull it out by the plug. Never pull the cord itself.

• Connect this unit to an available wall socket.  Even though the CHARGE

lamp of this unit is off, it is not disconnected from the power source. If
any trouble occurs while the unit is in use, unplug it from the wall socket
to disconnect the power source.

• The negligible amount of electric current will flow into the AC adaptor/

charger as long as the AC adaptor/charger is plugged into the wall outlet.

• Unplug the unit from the wall outlet if it will not be used for extended

period of time.  To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug.  Never pull
the cord itself.

• Do not operate the unit with a damaged cord or if it has been dropped or

damaged.

• The nameplate indicating operating voltage, power consumption, etc. is

located on the bottom.

• Always keep the metal contacts clean.
• Do not disassemble or convert the unit.
• Do not remove the ferrite core attached to the connecting cord. Use the

connecting cord with the ferrite core attached to prevent unnecessary
radio waves from being emitted.

If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony
dealer.

Identifying the parts

See illustration 

A

.

1

Terminal shutter

2

Slot 

1

3

CHARGE lamp 

1

4

Slot 

2

5

CHARGE lamp 

2

6

Mode change switch

7

CHARGE mode lamp

8

Display window

9

Slot indicator lamp

q;

DISPLAY change button

qa

Connecting cord

1

2

qa

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

q;

WARNING

BATTERY LIFE

TIME TO CHG
NORMAL FULL

h

m

VCR/CAMERA

qs

qd

qf

qg

qh

qj

qk

ql

4

4

1

3

2

To remove

4

Connecting cord

1

3

2

D

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

1

2

3

4

5

6

A battery pack installed in Slot 

1

 only

Two battery packs installed in Slot 

1

 and Slot 

2

The contents of the display window change each time you
press the DISPLAY change button.

English

Thank you for purchasing the Sony AC Adaptor/Charger.

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it
for future reference.

The AC-VQ900AM AC Adaptor/Charger can be used as follows:

This unit can be used as an AC adaptor or a battery charger with the
supplied AC Power cord connected to a wall outlet.
• Operates Sony equipment (digital single lens reflex cameras, etc.)
• Charges Sony rechargeable battery packs (M series)

This unit has the following functions when used with “InfoLITHIUM”
battery packs:
– Enables quick charging

(Quick charging is faster than normal charging, such as with a battery
charger supplied with a camera.)

– Displays approximate Remaining time and Battery life.
– Battery packs marked “SQ” also support SuperQuick charging, which is

faster than normal or quick charging.
For details on “InfoLITHIUM” and SuperQuick (SQ) charging, see
““InfoLITHIUM” battery packs and SuperQuick (SQ) charging.”

• Use only lithium ion type battery packs. This unit cannot be used to

charge Ni-Cd or Ni-MH type battery packs.

• This unit may not be compatible with some equipment (digital single

lens reflex cameras, etc.) Check your equipment before use.

Display window

qs

“InfoLITHIUM” indicator

qd

WARNING indicator

qf

TIME TO CHG (charge) indicator

qg

Time indicator

qh

BATTERY LIFE (battery remaining

time) indicator

qj

VCR/CAMERA indicator

qk

Full charge indicator

ql

Battery life indicator

Using the unit as an AC Adaptor

See illustration 

B

.

For details of the connection, refer to the operating instructions of the
camera.

1 Set the mode change switch to VCR/CAMERA.

2 Connect the AC Power cord to this unit.

3 Connect the AC Power cord to a wall outlet.

4 Connect the connecting cord to the camera.

Notes

• If you set the mode change switch to CHARGE while operating the

camera, the power supply to the camera stops.

• You cannot charge the battery pack attached to this unit if you set the

mode change switch to VCR/CAMERA.

• Keep this unit away from the equipment you are using if the picture is

disturbed.

• The connecting cord may not be compatible with some equipment. Check

your equipment before use.

• The illustrated example is of connection to a DSLR-A100 digital single

lens reflex camera.

To Charge the Battery Pack

See illustration 

C

-

1

.

1 Set the mode change switch to CHARGE.

2 Connect the AC Power cord to this unit.

3 Connect the AC Power cord to a wall outlet.

There is a beep and the display window comes on.

4 Install the battery pack.

Charging begins. When the battery life indicator becomes 

 and the

CHARGE lamp lights up, normal charge is completed. The QUICK
MODE lamp lights up during quick charging.
For a full charge, which allows you to use the battery slightly longer
than a “normal charge”, leave the battery pack installed until the battery
life indicator becomes 

 and the CHARGE lamp goes out.

Remove the battery pack when required.  It can be used even if charging
is not completed.

5 When charging is complete, remove the battery pack.

Installing two battery packs simultaneously

This unit allows installation of two battery packs simultaneously.
Charging starts with the battery pack installed in Slot 

1

.

When two battery packs are installed but not simultaneously, charging
starts with the battery pack installed first regardless of whether it is in
Slot 

1

 or 

2

.

Note

This unit cannot charge two battery packs simultaneously.

To install the battery pack

See illustration 

C

-

2

.

1

 Place the battery pack on this unit with the 

mark facing the

terminal shutter.

2

 Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow.

Press the battery pack until the terminal shutter completely enters the
unit.

To remove the battery pack

See illustration 

C

-

2

.

Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow and lift it straight out.

Notes

• Do not lift the unit by holding the battery pack.
• When installing the battery pack, be sure not to hit it against the terminal

shutter.

• Be careful not to pinch your fingers while installing or removing the

battery pack.

Charging time

The following table shows the charging time for a main battery pack that
has been completely discharged.

Quick Charge

• For how to check the battery life, refer to the instruction manual of your

video equipment.

• The charging time may differ depending on the condition of the battery

pack or the ambient temperature.

• The approximate times shown are when charging an empty battery pack

with this unit at 25 °C (77 °F).

• Approximate minutes to charge an empty battery pack fully (

Full charge

).

• Approximate minutes in parentheses indicate the time when you charge

normally (

Normal charge

).

• To ascertain the battery life, refer to the instruction manual of the video

equipment which you use.

Notes

• When the mode change switch is set to VCR/CAMERA during charging,

charging stops.

• If the CHARGE lamp does not light or flash, check that the battery pack is

correctly attached to the AC adaptor/charger. If it is not attached it will
not be charged.

• Quick charging is only performed with “InfoLITHIUM” battery packs.
• If anything goes wrong during charging, the charge lamp blinks and

“WARNING” appears on the display. For details, see “Troubleshooting”.

To Check Charging

See illustration 

D

.

This unit shows the remaining times until normal charge and full charge are
complete in the display window. You can change the displayed information
by pressing the DISPLAY change button.

Press DISPLAY while charging is underway.

After attaching a battery pack, wait for about 1 min. Each time you press
DISPLAY, the slot indicator lamp lights up and the display in the display
window changes to the display shown below.
When two battery packs are attached simultaneously, the time display of
the battery pack not being charged will automatically return to the time
display of the battery pack being charged after about 10 seconds.
Here is an example of installation of a battery pack in Slot 

1

 first and then

in Slot 

2

. The slot indicator lamp corresponds to the slot number.

1

Battery life if the first installed battery pack is installed in your
“InfoLITHIUM” electronic equipment.

The battery life is not displayed if it is less than five minutes.

2

Remaining time until normal charging of the first installed
battery pack is complete.

The normal charge time is not displayed after normal charging is
complete.

3

Remaining time until full charging of the first installed battery
pack is complete.

The full charge time is not displayed after full charging is complete.

4

Battery life if the last installed battery pack is installed in your
“InfoLITHIUM” electronic equipment.

The battery life is not displayed if it is less than five minutes.

5

Remaining time until normal charging of the last installed
battery pack is complete.

The normal charge time is not displayed after normal charging is
complete.

6

Remaining time until full charging of the last installed battery
pack is complete.

The full charge time is not displayed after full charging is complete.

* The battery life indicates the remaining time of each battery pack if installed in the

same equipment (camcorder, etc.) in which it was used prior to recharging. With a

digital single lens reflex camera, the battery remaining time varies considerably

depending on the shooting method. Take the battery remaining time as a guide to

the amount of charge in the battery pack. For details, refer to ““InfoLITHIUM”

battery packs and SuperQuick (SQ) charging.”

Notes

• No value is indicated for a new battery pack that has not yet been fitted to

any equipment. The display shows “– – – –”. Attach the new battery pack
to your digital single reflex camera etc. and use for about 20 seconds
before charging with this unit.

• The time display shows the approximate time when charging at 25 °C (77

°F). The time display may differ from the actual charging time depending
on the environment of use. The time may not be displayed depending on
the condition of the battery pack. This is not a malfunction.

• It may take a while for the time to appear after DISPLAY is pressed.
• It may take a while for the time to appear with a battery pack that has not

been charged.

• When you attach a fully charged battery pack to this unit, “TIME TO CHG

FULL 1h” may appear on the display. This is not a malfunction.

• The displayed time may differ from the actual time in the following cases.

This is not a malfunction.
– If the battery pack is removed between normal charge and full charge.

(Full charge requires about one hour after normal charge is complete.)

– If charging a battery pack that has not been used for a long time. (Fully

charge the battery pack.)

“InfoLITHIUM” battery packs and
SuperQuick (SQ) charging

This unit supports “InfoLITHIUM” battery packs (M series). The unit’s
function of displaying the battery life is available when using in
combination with “InfoLITHIUM” compatible equipment (mainly
camcorders). Battery packs marked “SQ” also support SuperQuick
charging, which is faster than normal or quick charging.

What is the “InfoLITHIUM” ?

The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data
with compatible electronic equipment about its battery consumption. Sony
recommends that you use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (M series) with
electronic equipment having the 

 mark.

“InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

What is SuperQuick (SQ) Charge?

SuperQuick (SQ) Charge is the general name of a quick charging feature
and power system. The combination of the “InfoLITHIUM” batteries
having the 

 or 

 mark and their corresponding devices realizes this

feature. SuperQuick (SQ) Charge provides a vast reduction in the charging
time in comparison to conventional quick charging (or ordinary charging).

The charge mode lamp lights up as shown below in accordance with the
charge mode.

x

 SuperQuick (SQ) Charge underway

t

 The “SQ MODE” lamp lights up.

x

 Quick charging underway

t

 The “QUICK MODE” lamp lights up.

The charge mode lamp goes out when normal charge is completed.

About the battery life

While charging the battery pack, this unit will show the battery life with
your video equipment, etc. on the following conditions.
•Using the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack
•Using the electronic equipment having the 

 mark

Make sure that you use the battery pack having the 

 mark

Consult the operating instructions supplied with your video equipment if it
is applied to “InfoLITHIUM”.

About one minute after charging starts, BATTERY LIFE appears on the
display.

• While being used as a charger, this unit indicates the battery life if the

battery pack being charged is used in your video equipment. This
function is available when using “InfoLITHIUM” (M series) battery packs
in combination with compatible equipment (mainly camcorders). Check
that the battery pack has the 

 mark. Check in the operating

instructions of your video equipment whether it is “InfoLITHIUM”
compatible.

• If the battery pack was fitted in a digital single lens reflex camera before

charging, the display indicates the battery life if it were fitted in a
camcorder with a power consumption equivalent to that of the digital
single lens reflex camera. To display the battery life of a new battery pack,
first attach it to your digital single reflex camera etc. and use it for about
20 seconds. Then charge the battery pack with this unit.

• BATTERY LIFE appears on the display one minute after charging starts.
• When using two or more “InfoLITHIUM” compatible video equipment

units, the battery life indicated is that of the last unit to be fitted with a
battery pack.

• The displayed remaining time is the approximate time when recording

via the viewfinder. The remaining time is shorter when using the LCD
display.

• The battery life may not be displayed with certain video equipment.
• A battery life of less than five minutes is not displayed.
• The time display may show “– – – –” in the following cases. This is not a

malfunction.
– If the battery life is less than five minutes.
– If the displayed time differs from the actual charging time. (Continue

charging until fully charged.)

– If the battery is not “InfoLITHIUM”. (Battery life display and other

functions are not available.)

– If the battery pack has never been fitted to this unit before. (Attach the

battery pack to your digital single reflex camera etc. and use for about 20
seconds before charging with this unit.)

Specifications

AC-VQ900AM

Input

100 - 240 V AC   50/60 Hz   33 W

Output

7.6 V DC   3.0 A (CAMERA)
8.4 V DC   2.9 A (BATT)

Operating temperature

0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)

Storage temperature

–20 °C to +60 °C (–4 °F to +140 °F)

Dimensions

Approx. 123 

×

 48 

×

 135 mm (w/h/d)

(Projections are not included (4 

7

/

8

 

×

 1 

15

/

16

 

×

 5 

3

/

8

 inches)

 in the dimensions.)
Mass

Approx. 490 g (1 lb. 1 oz.)

Included items

AC Adaptor/Charger (AC-VQ900AM) ............ (1)
AC Power cord ..................................................... (1)
Set of printed documentation

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

 is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor (not supplied), if necessary,
depending on the design of the wall outlet.

Do not connect this unit to a voltage adaptor (travel converter) for
overseas travel. This may result in overheating or other malfunction.

Symptom

Digital Single Lens Reflex
Camera does not work.

The battery is not charged.

Power immediately turns
off even though there is
sufficient battery life, or the
displayed battery life
differs from the actual time.

The display is not switched.
The rapid charging or
SuperQuick (SQ) Charge is
not performed.

The CHARGE lamp blinks,
and “WARNING” is
displayed in the display
window.

Cause/Solution

•The power plug is disconnected from the

wall outlet.

t

Insert into the wall outlet.

•The connecting cable is not properly

connected.

t

Connect properly.

•The mode change switch is set to CHARGE.

t

Set the mode change switch to VCR/
CAMERA.

•The mode change switch is set to VCR/

CAMERA.

t

Set the mode change switch to CHARGE.

•Fully charge again.

The battery life will be correctly

displayed.

•When using a digital single lens reflex

camera, the battery life may vary
considerably depending on the method of
use. For details, refer to “About the battery
life”.

t

Refer to “About the battery life”.

The display shown below may appear if a
battery pack is charged outside of the
recommended charging temperature range of
10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F).  In this case,
charging can be performed, but it will not be
performed with quick charging or SuperQuick
(SQ) Charge to protect the battery pack.

t

Check through the following chart

Remove the battery pack from this unit,  then install the same battery
pack again.

If the CHARGE lamp flashes
again:

Install another battery pack.

If the CHARGE lamp lights and
does not flash again:

If the CHARGE lamp goes out
because the charging time has
passed, there is no problem.

If the CHARGE lamp flashes
again:

The problem is with this unit.

If the CHARGE lamp lights and
does not flash again:

If the CHARGE lamp goes out
because the charging time has
passed, the problem is with the
battery pack first installed.

Please contact your nearest Sony dealer in connection with the product
with the problem.

Troubleshooting

AC plug adaptor (not supplied)

Wall outlet

AC-VQ900AM

NP-FM55H

Normal charge

70 min

Full charge

130 min

* The NP-FM55H does not support

SuperQuick (SQ) charging.

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