AM/FM Cassette Player  (120-1814) Care and Maintenance Faxback Doc. # 7514

Caring for the Stereo

Your Realistic AM/FM Stereo Car Cassette Player is an example of superior
design and craftsmanship.  The following suggestions will help you care
for the stereo so you can enjoy it for years.

   Keep the stereo dry.  If it does get wet, wipe it dry immediately.
   Liquids can contain minerals that can corrode electronic circuits.

   Handle the stereo gently and carefully.  Dropping it can damage the
   case and circuit boards and can cause the stereo to work improperly.

   Keep the stereo away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature
   wear of parts.

   Wipe the stereo with a damp cloth to keep it looking new.  Do not
   use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean
   the stereo.

Modifying or tampering with the stereo's internal parts can cause a
malfunction and might invalidate your stereo's warranty and voice your FCC
authorization to operate it.  If your stereo is not operating as it
should, take it to your local Radio Shack store for assistance.

THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW

Your stereo might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating
properly.  To determine whether your stereo is causing the interference, 
turn off your stereo.  If the interference goes away, your stereo is
causing the interference.  Try to eliminate the interference by:

   Moving your stereo away from the receiver.

   Contacting your local Radio Shack store for help.

If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop
using your stereo.

CLEANING THE TAPE-HANDLING PARTS

Clean the tape head after every 20 hours of playing time.  Insert a
special head-cleaning cassette (such as Cat. No. 44-1163), and let it run 
for a few minutes to remove any foreign matter.

DEMAGNETIZING THE PLAYBACK HEAD

Demagnetize the playback head after every 10 hours of use.  Insert a
special head-demagnetizer cassette (Cat. No. 44-1165), and let it run
for a few seconds.

LOOSENING TAPE TENSION

If you play a cassette tape several times, the tape can become tightly
wound on one of the hubs.  This can cause distortion.  To restore the
correct tension, fast-forward through the entire cassette.  Then turn over
the tape and completely fast-forward through the other side.

REPLACING A FUSE

If the stereo does not operate, you might need to replace the red power
wire's fuse.

WARNING:  Before you begin, turn off the stereo and your vehicle's
          ignition.

Follow these steps to check and change a fuse:

1.  Disconnect the red power wire.

2.  Push together and twist the fuse holder's parts until they spring
    apart.

3.  If the fuse is blown, replace it.  Use only standard 1 1/4-inch
    fuses with the proper rating.  The fuse for the red power wire must
    be 3.0 amps.

4.  Reassemble the fuse holder by pushing together and twisting the two
    parts until they snap together.

5.  Reconnect the red power wire.

(ALL-9/7/94)