Emerson SB251, SB250 User Manual

PORTABLE CD, CD-R/RW PLAYER
with AM/FM STEREO RADIO

OWNER'S MANUAL

SB250/SB251

Copyright 2003 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon,
SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are
trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Created by Stephen Hillenburg.

!

CAUTION

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT USE THIS PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES
CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE. TO PREVENT FIRE
OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAU TION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

The lightning flash with arrow­head symbol, within an equi­lateral triangle is intented 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.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF ELE CTRI C SHOCK
DO NOT RE MOVE COVER
(O R B ACK) , NO U SER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERV ICING T O
Q UA L IF IE D SE RV I CE
PERSONNEL.

The exclam ation point within
an equilateral triangle is in­tended to alert the user to
the presence of important
operating and maintenance
(servicing) instr uctions in
the literature accompany­ing the appliance.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1.) Read these instructions.

2.) Keep these instructions.

3.) Heed all warnings.

4.) Follow all instructions.

5.) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6.) Clean only with dry cloth.

7.) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

8.) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9.) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10.) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11.) Only use attachments / accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12.) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

13.) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain
or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

14.) This appliance shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing water and no object filled with
liquids such as vases shall be placed on the apparatus.

15.) Do not overload wall outlet. Use only power source as indicated.

16.) Use replacement parts as specified by the manufacturer.

17.) The product may be mounted to a wall only if recommended by the manufacturer.

18.) Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks.

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Emerson Radio Corp. has produced this audio product under licence from
Nickelodeon. We have taken great care to make sure your unit was in
perfect working order when it left our factory.

It has been designed to give you many years of enjoyment and trouble free
operation. Read this manual before operating this unit to become familiar
with its features. In the event you require technical assistance, please contact
the Emerson Radio Customer Service hotline at 1-800-898-9020. Retain
this manual for future reference.

NOTES:

• Please avoid using this unit in places of high temperature or humidity
over prolonged periods of time as damage may occur.

• Exposure to direct sunlight in places such as car interiors may cause
the unit to become warped and/or lead to malfunctioning.

• Avoid using or storing this unit in dusty or sandy locations.

The serial number of your unit is located on a label on the bottom cabinet.
Please take a moment now to record the serial number in the space
provided below. You may need this number in case your unit is damaged
or lost. You may also be asked to provide this number when calling to
request warranty service.

Model No: SB250/SB251
Serial No:

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2

IMPORTANT NOTE S

• Av oid ins talling this unit in pl aces

exposed to direct sunlight or close to
heat radiating appliances such as
electric heaters, on top of other ster eo
equipment that radiates too much heat,
places lacking ventilation or dusty areas,
places subject to constant vibration and/
or humid or moist areas.

• Do not attempt to c lean this unit with

chemical solvents as this might damage

• Operate c on trols and s wi tches as
described in the manual.

• Before turning ‘On’ the power, make
certain that power cord is properly
installed.

• Store your CDs in a cool area to avoid
damage from heat.

• When moving the set, be sure to first
disconnect the power cord.

the finish. Use a clean dry cloth.

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

APPAREIL Á LASER DE CLASSE 1

PRODUCTO LASER DE CLASE 1

This product contains a low power Laser Device.

FCC INFORMATION

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 . The se limits are designed to provide
reasonable pro tecti on against harmful interfe rence in a re sidential installa tion. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with t he instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference wi ll no t occ ur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turnin g th e 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.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION

INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION

WHEN OPEN AND INTERLOCKS

DEFEATED.

AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM

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3

PREPARATION FOR USE

UNPACKING AND SET UP

• Carefully remove the main unit and the AC power cord from the display

carton. Remove all the packing material from the unit. Remove any
decorative or descriptive labels from the front or top of the cabinet. Do
not remove any labels from the back or bottom of the cabinet.

• Carefully remove any small strips of tape that may have been used to

prevent the CD door from opening in transit.

• Unwind the AC power cord and extend it to its full length.

• This unit was shipped with a dummy CD transit card in the CD player.

This dummy CD prevents the laser pick up from moving during
shipment. This card must be removed before you can insert your own
CDs. Press on the indented area of the CD door to open it. Carefully
remove the dummy CD from the player and discard it. Close the CD
door.

• Place the unit on a flat, level surface such as a table, desk, counter,

shelf, etc, convenient to a 120V 60 Hz AC outlet, out of direct sunlight,
and away from sources of excess heat, dust, moisture, or strong
magnetic fields.

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POWER SOURCES

AC Outlet

This model is designed to operate on 120V 60Hz AC or 12V DC (8 “C” batteries,
not included). Attempting to operate this model from any other power source could
cause damage to the unit and such damage is not covered by your warranty.

AC Operation

Connect the small end of the AC power cord to the AC socket on the back cabinet,
then plug the AC power cord into a 120V AC outlet.

PHONES

NOTE:This unit has a polarized AC plug with one wide blade and one narrow

blade. This plug will only fit into a matching polarized AC outlet. This is a safety
feature to reduce the possibility of
electric shock. If this plug will not fit
in your AC outlet, you probably have
an outdated non-polarized outlet.
You should have your outdated
outlet changed by a qualified,
licensed electrician. Do not file the
wide blade on the plug, or use an
adapter to make the plug fit into your outlet. This defeats the safety feature and
could expose you to electric shock.

Note: In order to operate the unit on batteries the AC power cord must be
completely disconnected from the AC socket on the back cabinet.

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AC Plug

Battery Operation

1.) Turn the unit upside down. The battery compartment is located on the bottom

cabinet.

2.) Press downward on the battery door locking tabs and remove the battery door.

Locking Tabs

3.) Insert 8 fresh “C” batteries, not included, in the battery compartment. We

recommend alkaline batteries for longest life and best performance. Be sure
to observe the battery polarity markings engraved in the battery compartment.
If the batteries are inserted incorrectly the unit will not work.

4.) Replace the battery door.

When the sound becomes weak or distorted it is time to change the batteries.
Always change all 8 batteries at the same time. Do not mix old and new batteries
together. Do not mix different types of batteries, such as alkaline batteries and
normal batteries, in the battery compartment.

If the unit will not be used for an extended period of time - such as two weeks or
more – or if the unit will be used mainly on AC power, remove the batteries from
the battery compartment. If weak or dead batteries are left in the battery
compartment they may eventually leak, causing possible corrosion damage to the
unit, and such damage is not covered by your warranty.

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BATTERY PRECAUTIONS

Follow these precautions when using batteries in this device:

1. Use only the size and type of batteries specified.

2. Be sure to follow the correct polarity when installing the batteries as indicated in the battery
compartment. Reversed batteries may cause damage to the device.

3. Do not mix different type s of batteries together (e.g. Alkaline and Carbon-Zinc) or old batteries
with fresh ones.

4. If the device is not to be used for a long period of time, remove the batteries t o prevent
damage or injury from possible battery leakage.

5. Do not try to recharge batteries n ot intend ed to be recharged; they can overheat and rupture.
(Follow battery manufacturer’s directions.)

PROTECT YOUR FURNITURE

This model is equipped with non-skid rubber 'feet' to prevent the product from
moving when you operate the controls. These 'feet' are made from non-migrating
rubber material specially formulated to avoid leaving any marks or stains on your
furniture. However certain types of oi l based furniture polishes, wood preservatives,
or c leaning sprays may cause the rubber 'feet' to soften, and leave marks or a
rubber residue on the furniture. To prevent any damage to your furniture we strongly
recommend that you purchase small self-adhesive fel t pads, available at hardware
stores and home improvement centers everywhere, and apply these pads to the
bottom of the rubber 'feet' before you place the product on fine wooden furniture.

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7

LOCATION OF CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

FRONT PANEL

6
5

4
3

2
1

TOP PANEL

19
18

17
16

15
14

7
8

9

10
11

12
13

20
21

22
23

24

14

1.) INTRO Button.

2.) PROGRAM Button.

3.) FWD. SKIP Button.

4.) REV. SKIP Button.

5.) VOLUME Control.

6.) LCD Display.

7.) POWER “On” Indicator.

8.) TUNING Control.

9.) STOP Button.

10.) REPEAT Button.

11.) PLAY/P AUSE Button.

12.) FM ST Indicator.

13.) Battery Compartment.
(Bottom Cabinet)

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14.) Speakers.

15.) CD Door.

16.) FUNCTION Selector Switch.
(POWER OFF/CD/RADIO)

17.) BASS BOOST ON /OFF Button.

18.) AC Cord Socket. (Back Cabinet)

19.) Telescopic Antenna.

20.) PHONES Jack. (Back Cabinet)

21.) Carrying Handle.

22.) FM MODE ST /MONO Button.

23.) BAND (FM/AM) Selector Switch.

24.) CD Door OPEN/CLOSE Position.

8

OPERATING INS TRUCTIONS

• Make sure you have installed the batteries in the battery compartment, or

• Connect the AC power cord plug to a 120V 60Hz AC outlet.

GENERAL CONTROLS

BASS BOOST ON /OFF Button

Set this button to the ‘ON ’ position to increase the bass response. Set to the
‘OFF ’ position for normal bass response.

FM MODE Selector

Normally you should leave this switch set to the “ST ” position for FM Stereo
reception. However if you are listening to a distant FM Stereo station and the
reception is noisy or weak set this switch to the ‘MONO ’ position. This will
normally provide some improvement in reception, however the sound will no longer
be in stereo.

LISTENING TO THE RADIO

1.) Slide the POWER OFF/CD/RADIO selector switch, located on the top cabinet,
to the RADIO position. The Power indicator will light.

2.) Select the desired band – AM or FM – by sliding the BAND selector, located
on the right side, to the correct position.

3.) Fully extend the telescoping FM rod antenna.

4.) Set the FM MODE button to the Stereo “ST ” position.

5.) Tune to the desired station by slowly rotating the TUNING control on the right
side. If you tune to an FM Stereo station the FM ST indicator will light.

6.) Rotate the VOLUME control to adjust the volume to the desired level.

7.) Set the BASS BOOST switch to the “ST ” position to increase the bass
response if desired.

8.) When you are finished listening slide the POWER OFF/CD/RADIO selector
switch back to the POWER OFF position. The Power indicator goes off.

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Hints For Better Reception

FM

Adjust the length and direction of the telescoping FM rod antenna until you find the
position and direction that provides the best reception.

AM

The AM ferrite bar antenna is inside the cabinet. If AM reception is unsatisfactory
try turning the cabinet slightly until you find the position that provides the best
reception.

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10

PLAYING COMPACT DISCS

NOTE: Although this portable CD player ca n read CD- R and CD- RW discs, in
addition to normal CDs, the playability of CD-R and CD-RW discs may be
effected by the type of software that was used to create the discs, as well as
the quality and condition of the blank media you are using. 100% playability
cannot be guaranteed. This is not an indication of a problem with the player.

1.) Slide the POWER OFF/CD/RADIO selector switch on the top cabinet to the
CD position. The Power indicator will light.

2.) The display will show two flashing dashes “– –” in
the track number display.

After a few seconds the track number display will
show “no”, indicating that there is no disc in the
player.

3.) Press on the indented area of the CD door to open it. The “OP” indicator
appears in the display. If you have not already done so, before loading your
own disc, be sure to remove the dummy CD transit card from the player and
discard it.

4.) Place your disc on the center spindle with the printed label side facing up.
Make sure that the disc is properly centered on the spindle.

5.) Close the CD door. The disc will spin for a few
seconds while the player reads the TOC (Table of
Contents) on the disc. Then the disc will stop
spinning and the display will show the total number
of tracks on the disc.

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6.) Press the PLAY/PAUSE button. Playback
begins on track 1 and the Play indicator appears
in the display.

Adjust the VOLUME and BASS BOOST controls
as desired.

7.) Playback will continue until the last track has played then the disc stops, the
Play indicator disappears, and the display again shows the total number of
tracks on the disc. To stop playback before the disc ends press the STOP
button at any time. The disc stops and the display again shows the total tracks
on the disc.

8.) If you are finished listening remove your disc from the player and close the CD
door.

9.) Slide the POWER OFF/CD/RADIO selector switch back to the POWER OFF
position. The Power indicator goes off.

Pause Control

To pause momentarily during CD playback press the PLAY/PAUSE button
again. The sound stops and the track number display
flashes but the disc continues to spin. Press the PLAY/
PAUSE button again to cancel the Pause mode
and resume normal playback. The sound resumes at
the same point on the disc and the track number display
stops flashing.

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SKIP/Search Controls ( / )

During playback press the SKIP Forward or SKIP Reverse buttons
repeatedly to skip forward or back to higher or lower numbered tracks. Playback
will start at the beginning of the selected track.

• To search within a track for a specific musical passage depress and hold the
SKIP Forward or SKIP Reverse buttons. The player will search rapidly
forward or backward as long as the buttons are depressed. When you hear
the desired passage release the buttons and normal playback will resume at
that point.

Note: The volume level is automatically reduced during high-speed search
operation.

• To start playback from a specific track load your disc as usual and wait until
the display shows the total number of tracks. Press the SKIP Forward or
SKIP Reverse buttons repeatedly until the desired track number appears
in the display then press the PLAY/PAUSE button to begin playback on the
desired track.

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Special Playback Modes

Repeat Playback

You can program the player to continuously repeat a single track or the entire disc.
The Repeat mode can be selected while the disc is playing or while the disc is
stopped.

Single Track Repeat

Select the track to be repeated and then press the
REPEAT button on the front panel once. The REPEAT
indicator begins flashing in the display. If necessary,
press the PLAY/PAUSE button to begin playback.
The selected track will be repeated continuously.

All Tracks Repeat

Press the REPEAT button on the front panel twice. The
REPEAT ALL indicator remains in the display. If
necessary, press the PLAY/PAUSE button to begin
playback. The entire disc will be repeated continuously.

To cancel Repeat playback press the REPEAT button on the front panel until the
REPEAT or REPEAT ALL indicators no longer appear in the display. Repeat
Playback mode may also be cancelled by pressing the STOP button, switching
to Radio function, or shutting the power ‘Off’.

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Intro Scan Playback

This feature plays just the first 10 seconds of each track on the disc. This feature
is useful if you are looking for a particular song but you cannot remember the track
number or the song title.

1.) Load your disc as usual and wait until the display shows the total number of
tracks.

2.) Press the INTRO button. The player will begin playing track 1. After 10 seconds
the player skips to track 2, and so on, until it has played the first 10 seconds of
each track on the disc.

3.) When you hear the desired song press the INTRO button again to cancel the
Intro Scan playback mode and resume normal playback.

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15

Programmed Playback

Use the Programmed Playback feature to play up to 32 tracks on a disc in any
desired order. You may also program a particular track to play several times within
a programmed sequence if desired.

Notes: You cannot program a disc while it is playing. Press the STOP button
to stop playback and then follow the programming steps below.

1.) Load your disc as usual and wait until the display
shows the total number of tracks on the disc.

2.) Press the PROGRAM button on the front panel.
The PROG indicator begins flashing and Program
Memory number “01” appears in the display.

3.) Press the SKIP Forward or SKIP Reverse
buttons to select the first track number to be
programmed. Example: Track number 07.

When the desired track number is flashing in the
display press the PROGRAM button again.
Track 07 is now entered in Program Memory
number “01”. The program memory number now
advances to number “02”.

4.) Repeat step 3, selecting a different track number each time until you have
entered up to 32 tracks in the program memory. To confirm the program after
you have entered the last track press the PROGRAM button repeatedly. The
display will scroll through all the tracks you programmed in sequence.

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5.) When you have completed programming the
desired tracks press the PLAY/PAUSE button
to begin programmed playback. The “ ” and
“PROG” indicators appear in the display. Playback
will begin on the first track you programmed and
will continue until the last programmed track has played.

6.) When the program is completed the player stops and the display again shows
the total tracks on the disc. The PROG indicator disappears but the program
sequence remains in the memory. To repeat the program press the PROGRAM
button and then press the PLAY/PAUSE button. To cancel the program
from the memory, press the STOP button twice.

Programmed Repeat Playback

You may use the Programmed Playback and Repeat features together to
continuously repeat a programmed sequence. First program the desired sequence
according to steps 1 through 5 above. When
Programmed Playback begins press the REPEAT
button twice to select the Repeat All Tracks mode. The
REPEAT ALL indicator appears in the display together
with the PROG and indicators. The programmed
sequence will be repeated continuously.

Headphone Jack

The Stereo Headphone Jack is located on the back cabinet. Connect a set of
stereo headphones (not included) to this jack for private listening without disturbing
others. The internal speakers are automatically disconnected when headphones
are connected to the headphone jack.

IMPORTANT: When using headphones always set the volume control to a
low level before you put the headphones on. Then put the headphones on and
gradually increase the volume to a comfortable listening level.

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE

COMPACT DISC CARE

• To remove a disc from its storage case, press down on the center of the case

and lift the disc out, holding it carefully by the edges.

• Fingerprints and dust should be carefully wiped off the disc’s recorded surface

with a soft cloth.Unlike conventional records, compact discs have no grooves
to collect dust and microscopic debris, so gently wiping with a soft cloth should
remove most particles. Wipe in a straight line from the inside to the outside of
the disc. Small dust particles and light stains will have absolutely no effect on
reproduction quality.

• Clean the disc periodically with a soft, lint-free, dry cloth. Never use detergents

or abrasive cleaners to clean the disc. If necessary, use a CD cleaning kit.

• Never write on or affix labels to the surface of compact discs.

CARE OF THE CABINET

If the cabinet become s dusty wipe it with a soft dry dust cloth. Do not use an y wax,
polish sprays, or abrasive cleaners on the cabinet.

CAUTION

Never allow any water or other liquids to get inside the unit while cl eaning.

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TROUBLESHOO TING GUIDE

R

Should this unit exhibit a problem, check the following before seeking service.

Symptom Possible Cause Solution
Radio

Noise or sound Station not tuned properly for Retune the AM or FM
distorted on AM or FM AM or FM. broadcast station.
broadcasts. FM: Telescopic antenna is not Extend FM Telescopic

extended. antenna.
AM: The bar antenna is not Reposition the unit until
positioned correctly. best reception is obtained.

AM or FM, no sound. Function switch is not set to Set Function switch to

RADIO. RADIO position.
Volume at minimum. Increase Volume.

Compact Disc Player

CD Player will not play. Function switch is not set to Set Function switch to

CD. CD.
CD is not installed or installed Insert CD with Iabel side
incorrectly. up.

CD skips while playing. Disc is dirty or scratched. Wipe disc with cloth or use

another disc.

SERVICE

CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-695-0098

FOR ADDITIONAL SET-UP OR OPERATING ASSISTANCE

FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE, PLEASE WRITE TO:

SB250_251_ib071703.p65 17/7/2003, 14:2719

TO FIND THE LOCATION AND PHONE
NUMBER OF YOUR NEAREST SERVI CE
CENTER PERMITTED T O PERFORM
WARRANTY...

PLEASE CALL:

1-800-898-9020

Emerson Radio Corp.

Consumer Affairs Dept.

1901 Diplomat Drive,

Farmers Branch, TX 75234.

19

LIMIT ED WARRANTY

Emerson Radio Corp. warrants manufacturing defects in original material, including
original parts and workmanship, under normal use and conditions, for a period of
ninety (90) days from the date of original purchase in the U.S. With your dated
proof of purchase, we will provide repair service at no charge for labor and parts
at an authorized Depot Repair Facility, or replace the product in our discretion.
For repair or replacement, pack your unit in a padded box, enclose your check or
money order payable to Emerson Radio Corp. in the amount of $9.00 (not required
by California residents) to cover shipping and handling costs, and enclose a copy
of your proof of purchase. Send your unit to:

Emerson Radio Corp.
1901 Diplomat Drive.

Farmers Branch, TX 75234.

This warranty does not cover damage from negligence, misuse, abuse, accident,
failure to follow operating instructions, commercial use, rental, repairs by an
unauthorized facility, or products purchased, used, serviced or damaged outside
of the United States.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGA L RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY
ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

AU898M

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EMERSON

R

Part No.: 21-2049

307-01

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Printed in China