Three CD Component (130-1272) Care/Maintenance Faxback Doc. # 6560 Stereo System CAUTION: To prevent fire or shock hazard, disconnect the system from the AC power source when cleaning. ABOUT CASSETTE TAPES Use only well known brands of high-quality blank tapes for recording. For best results, use only normal bias tapes. Do not use high bias tapes such as chrome (Cr02) and metal tape formulations. Protect the cassettes from excessive heat, humidity, dust, dirt, moisture, shock and vibration. Store them in their plastic storage boxes when not in use. Keep the tapes away from strong magnets or magnetic fields. If you notice visible ridges in the tape through the center window, fast forward and rewind until the ridges are eliminated. If any excess tape is hanging outside the cassette housing, insert a pencil in one of the sprockets and rotate the pencil until the tape is once again completely inside the housing. Do not touch the tape with the fingers. Do not open the housing or try to splice the tape yourself. Do not use tape longer than 90 minutes, 45 minutes per side. ABOUT CASSETTE MECHANISMS Oxide particles from the tape eventually build up on the head(s) capstan(s), and pinch roller(s) leading to poor sound quality and possible tapes jamming in the mechanism. Clean these vital parts with a cotton swab moistened with head cleaning solution or normal isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Special wet-type and dry-type head cleaning cassettes are available wherever tapes are sold. If you use these devices, follow their instructions carefully and do not over-use. Do not exert excessive pressure on the heads to avoid forcing them out of alignment. After prolonged use the tape head(s) and capstan(s) may become magnetized, resulting in poor sound quality. If you experience a worsening of tape sound quality, and cleaning the mechanism does not correct the problem, try demagnetizing the head(s). Use a tape head demagnetizer available from you local Radio Shack store. Read the instructions carefully before use. Never allow any metal objects such as knives, screwdrivers, etc. to come in contact with the tape head(s). Do not leave cassettes in the mechanism, with PLAY or RECORD pressed for long periods of time. Use PAUSE only for temporary stops. Always release F FWD and REWIND by pressing STOP/EJECT. Never force RECORD to engage. Damage to the mechanism could result. If RECORD will not engage, check to see if the cassette has a missing erase protection tab. If the tab is missing, and you still want to record, cover the opening with cellophane tape. ABOUT COMPACT DISCS CDs are played with the label side up. If the disc is inserted label side down, the laser cannot read the disc and the system displays EE. Always store your discs in their plastic storage cases when not in use. Never write on or attach labels/sticker/stamps to the disc surface. Avoid getting fingerprints on the disc, especially on the unprinted playing surface. If fingerprints do occur, wipe the disc with a soft, dry cloth in a straight line from the center hole to the outside edge. Do not wipe in a circular motion. Avoid scratching the disc surface. The player can ignore minor scratches but larger scratches can cause the player to skip or become stuck in one spot on the disc. If this occurs, replace the damaged disc. Never spray the discs with any general purpose household cleaner. ABOUT COMPACT DISC PLAYERS Avoid bumping or jarring the player while a disc is playing. It might skip momentarily or stop completely. If it stops completely, press PLAY/PAUSE again. In some cases you might have to turn the power off and on again before restarting the CD player. If the player cannot read a disc and repeatedly gives an error indication, try a few more discs before contacting the local Radio Shack Store for assistance. If the other discs play normally, the problem is with the disc, not the CD player. Always keep the CD door/CD drawer closed, except when loading, unloading, or programming discs to keep the CD lens free from dust. Never touch the CD lens. If you notice dust on the lens, try to blow it off with a squeeze-type camera lens blower. Never use compressed air sprays. Special CD lens cleaning devices are available at the local Radio Shack store. If you use them, follow their instructions carefully. Do not press the door/drawer OPEN/CLOSE button while the disc is playing. Always press the CD STOP button first. CD players might interfere with TV or radio reception under certain conditions. If interference occurs, move the player away from the TV or radio. The CD player draws some power even when the disc has finished and the player has stopped. Always turn off power when the system is not in use. CLEANING the CABINET When cleaning is necessary, wipe the cabinet with a soft cloth, slightly moistened with a mild soap and water solution. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners. Do not allow any liquids to get inside the cabinet. Always disconnect the AC power cord before cleaning. NOTE: In some cases disconnecting the AC power cord erases the tuner and timer memory settings. (CJD/all-07/12/94)