Emerson SB280 User Manual

Copyright 2004 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. N ickelodeon,
SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are
trademarks of Viacom International Inc. C reated 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 SHO CK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER
(OR BACK ), NO US E R
SERVICEABLE PARTS IN SIDE
REFER SER V IC I NG TO
Q U A L I F I E D S E R V I C E
PERSONNEL.

The exclamation point withi n
an equilateral tri angle is in­tended to al ert the user to
the presence of important
operating and m aintenance
(servicing) instructions 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. Inst all in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

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

9.) Do not defe at the safety purpo se of the polarized or gro unding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third
groundin g prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provide d
plug does not fit in to your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete o utlet.

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 appara tus, the app aratus has b een 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 ser vice or repairs to this produc t, ask the service technician t o
perform safety checks.

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Emerson Radio Corp. has produced this AM/FM Radio with CD & Cassette
player, under license from Nickelodeon.

We have taken great care to make sure that your CD & Cassette player
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 it s
features and obtain the performance that will bring you continued enjoyme nt
for many years. In the event you requi re technical assistance, please contact
the Emerson Radio Consumer Service hotline at: 1-800-898-9020.

For future reference, record the serial number in the space provided.

Model : SB280
Serial Number:

SB280_033104.p65 31/3/2004, 10:452

2

IMPORTANT NOTES

Avoid installing the u nit in locat ions described below:

• Places exposed to direct sunlight or close

to heat radiating appliances such as
electric heaters, on top of other stereo
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 clean this unit with

chemical solvents as this might damage
the finish. Use a clean dry cloth.

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

• Operate contro ls and switches as
described in the manual.

• Before turning ‘On’ the power, make certain
AC cord or batteries are properly installed.

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

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

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
APPAREIL Á LASER DE CLASSE 1
PRODUCTO LASER DE CLASE 1

INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION

WHEN OPEN AND INTERLOCKS

AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM

CAUTION

DEFEATED.

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 . These limits are designed to prov ide
reasonable protection against ha rmful interference i n 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 equipmen t 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.

SB280_033104.p65 31/3/2004, 10:453

3

PREPARATION FOR USE

UNPACKING AND SET UP

·Carefully remove the unit from the carton and remove al l packing material s from

the unit.

·Carefully remove any small strips of tape which may have been used to keep

the CD and Cassette doors closed during shipment.

·Open the CD compartment by placing you finger under the notch on the front of

the CD door and lifting upward. Inside the CD compartment you will see a white
transit card which is used to prevent the laser pick-up from moving during
shipment. Carefully remove this card and close the CD compartment door.

·Please save the carton and packing materials in the event that your unit ever

needs to be returned for service. The original carton and packing materials are
the only way to protect the unit from damage during shipment.

POWER SOURCES

This unit is designed to operate 8 “C” batteries, not included, or on nor mal 120V
60Hz AC house current. Operating this unit from any other power source may
cause damage to the unit, and such damage is not
covered by your warranty.

Battery Operation

1.) Remove the battery compartment door on the

bottom of the cabinet by pressing down on the
“Arrow” symbol and sliding the door in the direction
of the arrow.

2.) Insert 8 “C” size batteries into the battery

compartment according to the polarity diagram
engraved inside the compartment. If the batteries
are inserted incorrectly the unit will not work.

3.) Replace the battery compartment door.

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AC Operation

To prevent loss the AC cord is permanently attached to the unit and is stored inside
the battery compartment. Do not try to detach the AC cord from the unit.

• Remove the battery compartment door on the bottom of the cabi net by pressing

down on the “Arrow” symbol and sliding the door in the direction of the arrow.

• Remove the AC cord from its storage compartment and extend it to its full

length.

• With the unit upside down position the cord so that it is resting in the ‘notch’ on

the back of the cord storage compartment.

• With the cord resting in the ‘notch’ replace the battery compartment door.

• Turn the unit right side up and connect the plug to any convenient 120V 60Hz

AC outlet.

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IMPORTANT:

AC Outlet

• When you plan to operate the unit on batteries and carry it around with you, be

sure to re-fold the AC cord and return it to its built in storage compartment. Do
not allow the cord to dangle out of the unit while you are carrying it around as a
portable.

• 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.

SB280_033104.p65 31/3/2004, 10:456

AC Plug

6

LOCATION OF CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

1315171921

12

141618

20

22

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

1.) CD Compartment.

2.) CD Track Display.

3.) VOLUME Control.

4.) FUNCTION (CD/TAPE/RADIO)

Selector Switch.

5.) CD SKIP/SEARCH Reverse

Button.

6.) CD SKIP/SEARCH Forward

Button.

7.) CD PROGRAM Button &

Indicator.

8.) Cassette Stop Button.

9.) Cassette Fast Forward

Button.

10.) Cassette Play Button.

11.) Cassette Compartment.

12.) AC Cord.
(Inside battery compartment)

13.) Carrying Handle.

14.) FM STEREO Indicator.

15.) Dial Pointer.

16.) FM Antenna.

17.) TUNING Control.

18.) BAND (AM/FM) Selector.

19.) CD PLAY/PAUSE Button &
Indicator.

20.) CD REPEAT Button & Indicator.

21.) CD STOP Button.

22.) Battery Compartment.
(At bottom of unit.)

7

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

LISTENING TO THE RADIO

1.) Move the FUNCTION selector to the Radio position.

2.) Move the BAND selector to the desired band, FM ST, FM or AM.

3.) Tune to your desired station with the T UNING control. If you have set the BAND
selector to FM ST. (Stereo) and you tune to a FM Stereo station the FM STEREO
LED Indicator will light.

4.) Set the VOLUME control to the desired level.

5.) When you are finished listening move the FUNCTION selector back to the
TAPE (Radio Off) position to shut the power ‘Off’ and extend the battery life.

Antenna Information

AM

The AM antenna is inside the cabinet. IF AM reception is unsatisfactory try rotating
the entire unit until you find the position that provides the best reception.

FM ANTENNA

FM

The FM antenna is located on the rear of the cabinet behind the TUNING control.
Please do not pull on this antenna. It does not ext end. If FM reception is
unsatisfactory rotate the cabinet until you find the position that provides the best
reception.

Note: If you are listening to a weak FM Stereo station you can usually improve the
reception by moving the BAND selector from the FM ST position to the FM positi on,
however the sound will now be mono.

8

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PLAYING CASSETTE TAPES

1.) Open the cassette door by placing your finger in the notch at the top edge of
the door and pulling toward you.

2.) Place a pre-recorded cassette tape into the slots on the inside of the door with
the exposed tape facing up and the full reel on the right side.

Close cassette door.

3.) Move the FUNCTION selector to the TAPE position.

4.) Press the cassette Play button to begin playback.

5.) Set the VOLUME control to the desired level.

6.) To advance the tape ra pidly press the F. Fwd button. To stop the tape
before it ends press the Stop button.

7.) When the tape ends the Automatic Stop System releases the Play button
and shuts off the tape motor. You may then open the cassette door, remove
your tape, turn it over and play the other side if desired.

8.) When you are finished listening stop the tape, open the door, remove the tape
and close the door. If you are playing a tape and then switch to the RADIO or
CD function be sure to pres s the Stop button to disengage the tape
mechanism. This prevents excess wear and tear on the mechanism.

IMPORTANT:

Alway s press the Stop button to shut off the tape motor before opening the
cassette door to remove your tape. The Automatic Stop System does not function
in the F. Fwd mode. When the tape ends in the F. Fwd mode the motor
continues to run. You must press the Stop button to shut off the motor before
opening the door to remove your tape.

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PLAYING COMPACT DISCS

Note: Although this portable CD player can 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 conditi on
of the blank media you are using. 100% playability cannot be guaranteed. This is
not an indication of a problem with the player.

NORMAL PLAYBACK

1.) Move the FUNCTION selector to the CD position.

2.) Open the CD door by placing your finger in the notch on the front of the door
and lifting upward. If you have not already removed the white transit card from
the CD player, please remove it now.

3.) Place your CD on the center spindle with the printed label
side facing up. Close the CD door. The player will read the
Table of Contents and the display will show the total number
of tracks on the disc.

4.) Press the CD PLAY/PAUSE button to begin playback on
Track 1. The CD Play/Pause Indicator lights up.

• To skip to higher or lower numbered tracks during playba ck press the SKIP/
SEARCH or SKIP/SEARCH button repeatedly until the desired trackck
number appears in the display. Playback will begin on the selected track.

• To searc h rapidly forward or backward during playback to locate a specific
portion of a track, depress and hold the SKIP/SEARCH or SKIP/SEARCH

button. The player will search rapidly forward or backward as long as the

buttons are depressed. Normal speed playback will resume when the buttons
are released.

• To Pause momentarily duri ng playback press the PLAY/PAUSE button again.
The sound stops and the Play/Pause Indicator flashes, however the disc
continues to spin. To cancel Pause and resume normal playback pr ess the
PLAY/PAUSE button once more. Normal playback resumes and the Play/
Pause Indicator stops flashing.

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SB280_033104.p65 31/3/2004, 10:4510

5.) Adjust the VOLUME control to the desired level.

6.) To Stop playback at any time press the CD STOP button. The disc stops and
the display again shows the total number of tracks on the disc . After the last
track has played the disc stops automatically and the display again shows the
total number of tracks on the disc.

7.) Open the CD door, remove your disc, and close the CD door again.

8.) Move the FUNCTION selector to the TAPE (Radio Off) position to shut the
power ‘Off’.

TO START PLAYBACK FROM A SPECIFIC TRACK

Insert your disc in the player, close the door, and wait until the display shows the
total tracks. Press either the SKIP/SEARCH or SKIP/SEARCH button
until the desired track number appears in the display, then press the PLA Y/PAUSE

button to begin playback on that track.

REPEAT PLAYBACK

You can program the player to repeat either a single track or all tracks on the disc
continuously. The Repeat feature can be activated while the disc is playing or
while the disc is stopped.

One Track Repeat

Press the REPEAT button once. The Repeat Indicator begins flashing. Select the
track you wish to repeat with the SKIP/SEARCH / buttons and then pressss
the PLAY/PAUSE button. The selected track will be repeated continuously..

To cancel One Track Repeat press the STOP button.

ALL Tracks Repeat

Press the REPEAT button twice. The Repeat Indicator remains ‘On’.
Pres s the PLAY/PAUSE button to begin playback. The entire disc will be
repeated continuously.

To cancel All Track Repeat press the STOP button.

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PROGRAMMED PLAYBACK

You can program up to 20 tracks on a disc to playback in any desired order. You
may also program a specific track to play several times within the same program.

Note: The player cannot be programmed while a disc is pl aying. If a disc is playing
press the STOP button to stop playback before y ou begin the programming
steps below.

1.) Move the FUNCTION selector to CD, insert your disc in the player, close the
door, and wait until the total track number appears in the display.

2.) Press the CD PROGRAM button once. The Program Indicator
flashes and program memory “01” begins flashing in the
display.

3.) Use the SKIP/SEARCH / buttons to select the first
track to be programmed. (Example: Track 8).

4.) When track number “8” appears in the display, press the
PROGRAM button once again to enter the track “8” in
program memory number “01”. Track number “8” disappears
and program memory number “02” begins flashing in the
display, indicating that you may now select a track to be
entered in program memory number “02”.

5.) Use the SKIP/SEARCH / buttons to select the next track to be
programmed. When the desired track number appears in the display press the
PROGRAM button again to enter that track in the program memory.

6.) Repeat Step 5 until you have entered up to 20 tracks in the
program memory. When the memory is full, the LED display
shows the programmed tracks 1-20 in sequence, then “0 1”
indicator flashes.

7.) To begin programmed playback press the PLAY/PAUSE
button. The LED display will show the first programmed track
and playback will begin on that track. The Program Indicator
lights.

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After the last programmed track has played the player stops but the program remains
in the memory. The Program indicator remains “On”. To play the programmed
tracks again, press the PLAY/PAUSE button.

To cancel the programmed sequence from memory after the player stops, press
the STOP button, open the CD door, or move the FUNCTION selector to the
TAPE (Radio Off) position.

Program Repeat Playback

You can use the Program and Repeat features together to continuously repeat a
programmed sequence of tracks. First, program the desired tracks according to
Steps 1 through 7 above. When Programmed Playback begins press the REPEAT
button twice to activate the All Tracks Repeat feature. The Repeat Indicator comes
‘On’ and all the tracks in your programmed sequence will be repeated continuously.

To cancel Programmed Repeat Playback press the STOP button twice until
both the Program and Repeat Indicators go ‘Off’.

SB280_033104.p65 31/3/2004, 10:4513

13

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

CASSETTE CARE

Two common causes of trouble experienced when using cassettes are:

1.) Tape jamming — Leading to uneven speed in playback, and

2.) Tape tangling — Where the tape wraps itself around vital parts of the

mechanism.

To reduce the likelihood of these problems occurring, the following precautions
should be observed:

• Check that there are no loose layers of tape visible

through the cassette center window (see Fig. 1).
Take up any loose layers, using a pencil or hexagonal
barrelled ballpoint pen, before inserting the cassette
into the machine (see Fig. 2).

• If the cassette feels “tight” while performing operation

shown (see Fig. 2), the tape may be jamming due to
“ridges” formed in the winding of the tape (visible
through the center window). These may be removed,
in most cases, by fast winding of the cassette from
one end to the other and back again.

• Use only well-known brands of tape. Avoid use of C-120 cassettes.

Furthermore, do not expose cassettes to direct sunlight, dust or oil, and do not touch
the tape surfaces.

HEAD CLEANING

The tape heads, pinch roller and capstan require periodic cleaning. This removes
particles of the metal oxide coating that wear off the tape and accumulate on these
parts and impair performance. Switch off the power, press the STOP button to open
the cassette door, and press the PLAY button. Clean the tape heads, pinch roller
and capstan with a soft cloth or cotton pad dampened in isopropyl alcohol or special
tape head cleaner.

PINCH ROLLER

CAPSTAN

PLAY HEAD

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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 CABINETS

• If the cabinets become dusty wipe them with a soft dry dust cloth. Do not use

any wax or polish sprays on the cabinets.

• If the front panel becomes dirty or smudged with fingerprints it may be cleaned

with a soft cloth slightly dampened with a mild soap and water solution. Never
use abrasive cloths or polishes as these will mar the finish of your unit.

CAUTION:

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

15

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TROUBLESHOOTING 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 AM or FM. broadcast station.
FM broadcasts. The antenna is not positioned Reposition the unit until

correctly. best reception is obtained.
FM STEREO indicator The FUNCTION switch is set Set the FUNCTION switch
does not light. to FM position. FM ST. position.
AM or FM, no sound. FUNCTION switch is not set to Set FUNCTION switch to

RADIO. RADIO.

Volume at minimum. Increase Volume.

Cassette Player

No sound. FUNCTION switch is not set to Set the FUNCTION switch

to TAPE. TAPE.

Volume at minimum. Increase Volume.
Sound distorted. Dirty head. Clean the head.
Speed varies. Tape old or worn. Replace the tape.

Dirty roller and capstan. Clean roller and capstan.

CD 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:

SB280_033104.p65 31/3/2004, 10:4516

TO FIND THE LOCATION AND PHONE
NUMBER OF YOUR NEAREST SERVICE
CENTER PERMITTED TO PERFORM
WARRANTY...

PLEASE CALL:

1-800-898-9020

Emerson Radio Corp.

Consumer Affairs Dept.

1901 Diplomat Drive,

Farmers Branch, TX 75234.

16

LIMITED WARRANTY

Emerson Radio Corp. w arrants 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 LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY
ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STA TE.

AU898M

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EMERSON

R

Part No. : 21-2060

404-01

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Printed in China