TCR-100  (430-0273)             Maintenance           Faxback Doc. # 6429

ERASE-PROTECTION TABS

Most cassette tapes have two erase-protection tabs-one for each side of
the tape.  When a tab is in place, you can erase or record on that tape
side.  When the tab is not in place, you cannot erase or record on that
side.

To prevent your recordings from being accidentally erased or recorded
over carefully break off the erase-protection tabs, using a screwdriver
or similar tool.

If you later decide to erase or record over the tape, you can place a
piece of tape over the holes.

Note:  When covering the holes, cover only position that was originally
       protected by the plastic tab.

Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality

After you play a cassette tape several times, the tape might become
tightly wound on the cassette reels.  This can cause playback sound
quality to deteriorate.

To restore the sound quality, fast-forward the tape from the beginning
to the end of the one side, then completely rewind it.  Then loosen the
tape reels by gently tapping each side of the cassette's outer shell on
a flat surface.

Note:  Be careful not to damage the cassette when tapping it.  Do not
       touch the exposed tape or allow any sharp objects near the
       cassette.

CLEANING THE TAPE-HANDLING PARTS

Dirt, dust, or particles of the tape's coating can accumulate on the tape
heads and other parts that the tape touches.  This can greatly reduce the
performance of the cassette recorder.  Use the following cleaning
procedure after about every 20 hours of tape player operation.

1.  Remove the batteries and disconnect any other power source.

2.  Open the cassette compartment door.

3.  Press PLAY to expose the tape handling parts.

4.  Use a cotton swab dipped in tape head cleaning solution or denatured
    alcohol to gently clean the pinch roller, capstan, and record and
    erase heads.

5.  When you finish cleaning, press STOP and close the compartment.

Radio Shack carries a complete line of cleaning accessories.

(LB/smc-04/26/94)