Optimus 120-2117 User Manual

AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player
(120-2117) Features Faxback Doc. # 57140

Your Optimus AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player can be easily installed in
almost any vehicle. The stereo will not operate when you remove its anti
theft control panel. You can quickly remove and store the control panel
in the supplied carry case and take it with you for added security.

The stereo's features include:

Front CD IN Jack - lets you quickly connect a portable CD player
to the stereo, so you can play your favorite
CDs in your vehicle.

Auto-Stop - stop's the tape when it reaches the end, to
reduce wear on your tape and the cassette
deck.

Tone and Balance Controls - lets you adjust high and low sounds and the
balance between left/right speakers, so you
can tailor the sound to suit your preferences

Metal/CrO2 - takes advantage of the improved sound quality
of metal or CrO2 tapes.

Mono/Stereo Control - lets you select FM reception in stereo on
strong stations or monaural reception on weak
stations.

Push Band Selector - lets you easily select an AM or FM station
with the push of a button.

Built-In Noise-Suppression - reduces the noise caused by your vehicle's
Choke electrical system.

For your permanent records, we recommend you record your stereo's serial
number in the space below. The serial number is on the top of the stereo.

Serial Number: ________________________________

AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player
(120-2117) Installation Faxback Doc. # 57141

Before You Begin The Installation

Before you install your stereo, we recommend you read through all the
instructions in this owner's manual. You should be able to answer all of
these questions about your vehicle's electrical and sound systems.

Which terminal in my vehicle's fuse box supplies power even when the
ignition is turned off?

Which terminal in my vehicle's fuse box is for accessories?

How do I connect a wire to the fuse box?

Which stereo wires are line-level outputs and which are speaker outputs?

Also, be aware that installation in your vehicle might require cutting or
modifying your vehicle.

Note: Before permanent installation, we recommend that you install the
stereo by temporarily connecting it to ground and power, optional
components, and your speakers. Then test the connections. Next
disconnect the stereo, mount it in your vehicle, and then reconnect
it. Place the stereo as close as possible to the selected mounting
location when making the temporary connections.

CAUTION: Be sure your speakers can handle 14 watts of power (7 watts per
channel). Each speaker must have an impedance of at least 4
Ohms. Your local RadioShack store carries a full line of
speakers.

Preparing the Mounting Area

Before you mount the stereo, make sure you have all the necessary
materials. Then confirm that the stereo fits your vehicle's stereo
mounting area. This auto-sound stereo system is a DIN-E size unit that
requires a 2-1/16-inch high by 7-3/16-inch wide by 6-11/16-inch deep (52 x
182 x 170 mm) mounting area.

Note: If the mounting area is too large, you might be able to mount the
stereo with an in-dash installation kit, available at your local
RadioShack store. Follow the installation kit's instructions to
mount the stereo.

CAUTION: Be careful to avoid obstructions behind the mounting surface.

Routing Speaker Wire

If you install speakers, avoid routing the speaker wires near moving parts
or sharp edges. You can usually route them along the wiring channel
beneath the vehicle's door facing by carefully removing the molding that
holds the carpet in place. After you route the speaker wires, replace the
molding.

Testing the Stereo

Before you mount the stereo or any speaker, test the stereo by temporarily
connecting the power wire, speakers, and antenna as described in "Making
the Connections," below. If you plan to use an adapter harness to connect
the stereo, see "Using an Adapter Harness," below.

Making The Connections

The supplied harness with the 14-pin connector includes all the lead wires
you need to connect the stereo to ground, power, optional components, and
speakers.

IMPORTANT: Do not cut these wires. If you cut any wire, you cannot obtain
a refund or exchange on this product. However, your local Radio
Shack store will provide warranty service if you cut a wire and
find the product is defective.

Depending on your individual auto sound system, you might need additional
wire to complete connections. Your local RadioShack store carries a full
line of wire and wire management accessories.

CAUTIONS: For added safety and to protect your stereo, remember to
disconnect the cable from your vehicle battery's negative (-)
terminal before you begin making the connections.

You must connect the ground and primary wires first, then make
all other connections before you plug the 14-wire harness into
the stereo. (See "Using an Adapter Harness," below.) If you do
not make connections in the order shown, damage to the stereo
is possible if any wire connections are made incorrectly.

You must connect a separate wire to each speaker terminal as
described in the following procedure. Do not use a common wire
or chassis ground for any speaker connection.

Using an Adapter Harness

If you are replacing an existing stereo, or if your vehicle has been
factory-wired for auto sound components, you might be able to use an
adapter harness to connect the power and speakers.

Follow the directions supplied with the adapter harness to temporarily
connect the power and speakers.

A selection of adapter harnesses is available at your local RadioShack
store.

Connecting Ground, Power, and Optional Components

Follow these steps to connect the supplied harness with the 14-pin
connector to ground, primary and optional components.

1. Disconnect the cable from your vehicle battery's negative (-)
terminal.

2. Connect the black GROUND (-) wire to a chassis ground, such as a metal
screw attached to a metal part of the vehicle's frame. Be sure that
the screw is not insulated from the chassis by a plastic part.

3. Connect the red +12V TO IGNITION wire (with the in-line fuse holder)
to a point in your vehicle's fuse block that has power only when you
turn the vehicle's ignition key to either the accessory (ACC) or ON
position.

This connection turns on the stereo when you turn on the ignition or
turn the key to ACC, and turns off the stereo when you turn off the
ignition. This prevents your vehicle's battery from being drained if
you leave the stereo on when you turn off the ignition.

4. Connect the yellow +12V TO BATTERY wire (with in-line fuse holder) to
your vehicle battery's positive (+) terminal or to a point in your
vehicle's fuse block that provides a continuous source of 12 volts.

This connection provides continuous power for the stereo's LED
indicator when the faceplate is removed.

5. Cut the loop at the end of the blue AMP REMOTE TURN ON 500MA MAX wire,
strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from its end, then connect it to
any optional equipment (designed to run from a switched source) that
you want the stereo to turn on and off (such as a power antenna).

This wire does not provide power to the component. It simply turns
other equipment on or off. If you do not use this wire, secure it
with a wire tie and do not let it touch metal.

Connecting Speakers

1. Connect the gray wire to the right speaker's positive terminal. This
terminal is usually marked with a plus (+) sign or red mark.

2. Connect the gray/black wire to the right speaker's negative terminal.
This terminal might be marked with a minus (-) sign or it might not be
marked at all.

3. Connect the white wire to the left speaker's positive terminal.

4. Connect the white/black wire to the left speaker's negative terminal.

Connecting the Antenna

Connect the vehicle's antenna cable to the stereo's antenna jack at the
back of the stereo.

Completing the Connections

After you have securely made all other connections, plug the l4-pin
connector into the stereo's 14-pin wiring socket.

Then reconnect the cable to the vehicle's negative (-) battery terminal.

Testing The Connections

Turn on your vehicle's ignition, install the stereo's faceplate and test
the stereo.

If the stereo does not work, immediately disconnect your vehicle battery's
negative (-) terminal. Then recheck your connections.

After you test the stereo and verify that everything works, make sure the
connections are marked or identified. Then follow the instructions in
"Mounting the Stereo," below.

Mounting The Stereo

Be sure you test the stereo first and verify that it works properly.

Follow these steps to mount the stereo.

1. Disconnect the cable from the vehicle battery's negative (-) terminal.

2. Temporarily disconnect the wire harness and antenna.

3. Lift the top of the outer trim ring then pull it straight out to
remove it.

4. Insert both of the supplied keys into the slots at the middle left and
right sides of the stereo until they lock into place, and slide the
sleeve off of the stereo.

5. Slide the sleeve into the dash and bend out all the side tabs with a
screwdriver to secure the sleeve.

6. Reconnect the wire harness and the antenna.

7. Slide the stereo into the sleeve until it locks into place, then
attach the outer trim ring to the front of the stereo.

8. Use the supplied hardware to attach one end of the supplied metal
strap to the bolt on the back of the stereo. If necessary, bend the
metal strap to fit your vehicle's mounting area. Then attach the other
end of the strap to an existing bolt on a solid metal part of the
vehicle. This strap also helps ensure proper electrical grounding of
the stereo.

9. Reconnect the cable to the vehicle's negative (-) battery terminal.
Then install the stereo's faceplate.

Removing The Stereo From the Dash

If you ever want to remove the stereo from the dash, follow these steps.

1. Disconnect the cable from the vehicle battery's negative (-) terminal.

2. Remove the metal strap attached to the back of the stereo.

3. Insert the left and right supplied release key (with tooth up) into
the slot on both sides of the unit until the locking tab is released.
Be sure R and L (printed on the keys) face out.

4. Pull up and back on the key so that the tip pushes down onto the
release catch. Then slide the unit out of the sleeve.

AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player
(120-2117) Anti-Theft Panel Faxback Doc. # 57142

Using The Anti-Theft Control Panel

The stereo's anti-theft control panel must be in place for the stereo to
operate. When you remove the control panel, a red indicator flashes on
the front of the stereo and the stereo cannot be used.

Installing The Anti-Theft Control Panel

CAUTION: Avoid pushing on the display or pressing any buttons while
installing the control panel.

1. Insert the right edge of the faceplate into the right edge of the
recess. Make sure the tabs in the recess fit into the slots in the
edge of the faceplate.

2. Gently push the left edge of the faceplate into the recess until you
hear a click.

Removing The Anti-Theft Control Panel

1. Press Release. You hear a click and the left side of the faceplate
pops out slightly.

2. Pull the faceplate away from the stereo, then store it in the supplied
carry case.

AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player
(120-2117) Operation Faxback Doc. # 57143

Turning the Stereo ON and OFF

CAUTION: Use common sense. Do not change your stereo's setting in heavy
traffic or during hazardous driving condition.

To turn on the stereo, turn ON/VOL clockwise until it clicks. To turn off
the stereo, turn ON/VOL counterclockwise until it clicks.

Adjusting The Sound/Tuning

When you listen to your stereo, adjust the following controls to suit your
listening preference and tune the stereo.

ON/VOL - turn clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the
volume.

WARNING: To protect your hearing, do not listen at high volume
levels. Slowly increase the volume to a comfortable
listening level.

BAL - rotate the outer control to adjust the balance between the left
and right speakers.

TONE - rotate to decrease or increase low sounds.

TUN - rotate the inner control clockwise or counterclockwise to tune to
the next station in the selected band.

Radio Operation

1. Rotate ON/VOL clockwise until it clicks to turn on the stereo.

2. Press BAND to select between AM and FM bands. The corresponding band
indicator lights.

3. Press MO/ST to select FM mono and FM stereo in the FM band. ST lights
when the radio receives an FM stereo station.

Note: If the reception is weak, press MO/ST once.

4. Tune to the desired station by rotating TUN/BAL.

Note: To improve reception of strong stations, press LO/DX. The LO
indicator lights.

5. Adjust VOL, BAL and TONE, as desired.

Cassette Player Operation

WARNING: To prevent hearing damage, always turn the volume to its lowest
level before you begin listening to a tape.

CAUTION: Avoid using C-120 cassette tapes. They are very thin and can
easily become tangled in the tape-handling parts.

Follow these steps to play a cassette tape.

1. Take up any slack by turning the cassette's hub with your finger or a
pencil. (Avoid touching the tape.)

2. Turn ON/VOL clockwise until it clicks to turn on the stereo.

3. Insert the tape into the cassette compartment with its open edge to
the right. The tape begins to play, and the tape indicator lights.

4. If you are playing a metal or CrO2 tape, press MTL. The MTL indictor
lights.

5. Adjust VOL, BAL and TONE to suit your listening preference.

6. Press (/\/>>) in all the way to stop the tape and eject the cassette.
The radio plays.

CAUTION: We recommend you press (/\/>>) as soon as you finish playing a
tape or before you leave your vehicle, to release it from the
tape handling parts. This reduces the possibility of a tape
being inadvertently tangled or damaged.

Note: When a tape reaches the end, the cassette player automatically stops
and the radio plays, but the cassette player does not eject the tape

Fast-Forward and Rewind

To fast-forward the current side, press (/\/>>) about half-way in and the
button locks. The tape quickly winds. To stop fast-forward, press gently
and lightly and the button releases.

To rewind a tape, simply eject the tape by pressing (/\/>>) all the way

in, turn the tape over, then fast-forward the other side.

Using An External Component

You can connect a portable CD player or other audio component with a line
level output or headphone jack to the stereo.

To make this connection, you need a stereo mini-jack cable with a 1/8-inch
(3.5 mm) plug. Connect one end of the cable to the stereo's CD IN jack,
then connect the cable's other end to the output jack of the CD player or
component.

When you connect a CD player or other audio component then turn it on, you
hear the component's sound through your speakers. You can use the stereo's
controls to adjust the sound.

Notes: If you connect a CD player's or other audio component's headphone
jack to the stereo, adjust the audio component's volume to a low
level then adjust the stereo's volume to a comfortable listening
level.

When you connect a cable into the stereo's CD IN jack, the radio
and cassette player do not operate. Be sure you disconnect the CD
player when you are not using it.

AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player
(120-2117) Care and Maintenance Faxback Doc. # 57144

To enjoy your Optimus AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player for a long time:

Keep the stereo dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately.

Handle the stereo gently and carefully. Don't drop it.

Keep the stereo away from dust and dirt.

Wipe the stereo with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.

Modifying or tampering with the stereo's internal components can cause a
malfunction and invalidate its warranty. If your stereo is not performing
as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.

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 player. After every 20 hours of tape player
operation, use a cassette deck cleaning kit to clean the tape-handling
parts.

Restoring Tape Tension And Sound Quality

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

To restore sound quality, fast-forward the tape from the beginning to the
end of 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.

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

Replacing A Fuse

If the stereo does not operate, you might need to replace the wire's fuse
with the supplied spare fuse.

Follow these steps to replace either of your stereo's fuses.

1. Disconnect the cable from your vehicle's negative (-) battery terminal

2. To open either fuse holder, unlatch the two latches on the fuse holder
until it springs apart.

3. Then slide off the metal holder on each end of the fuse and remove the
fuse.

4. If the fuse is blown, replace it. Use only standard 1-1/4 inch fuses
with the proper rating. The red +12 TO IGNITION wire's fuse must be 3
amps. The yellow +12V TO BATTERY wire's fuse must be 0.5 amps.

CAUTION: The supplied spare fuses have the correct rating. If you
use a fuse with an incorrect rating, the stereo could be
damaged.

5. Reassemble the fuse holder by squeezing it together until it latches.

6. Reconnect the cable to the vehicle's negative (-) battery terminal.

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 receiver away from the stereo.

Contacting your local RadioShack store for help.

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

AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player
(120-2117) Specifications Faxback Doc. # 57145

Radio:

Frequency Range (FM Nominal): ............................... 88 - 108 MHz

(AM Nominal): ............................. 530 - 1710 kHz

IF Rejection (FM Nominal): ......................................... 60 dB

(AM Nominal): ......................................... 45 dB

Image Rejection (FM Nominal): ...................................... 45 dB

(AM Nominal): ...................................... 45 dB

Selectivity (FM Nominal): .......................................... 35 dB

(AM Nominal): .......................................... 28 dB

Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Ratio (FM Nominal): .......................... 58 dB

(AM Nominal): .......................... 45 dB

Stereo Separation (FM Nominal): .................................... 30 dB

(AM Nominal): ...................................... ---

IHF Sensitivity (FM Nominal): .............................. 6 uV (3% THD)

(AM Nominal): ........................ 31.6 uV (20 dB S/N)

Cassette Player:

Cassette Mechanism: ............................................ Auto Stop

Wow and Flutter: .................................... Less than 0.35% WRMS

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ............................................. 50 dB

Separation: ........................................................ 38 dB

Frequency Response (+/-3 dB): ............................. 125 - 8,000 Hz

General:

Power Source: ..................................... 12 VDC Negative Ground

Speaker Output Impedance: ............................... 4 Ohms or 8 Ohms

Maximum Power Output: .................................... 7 W X 2 Channel

Chassis Size (HWD): ....... 1-15/16 x 7 x 5-7/8 inches (50 x 178 x 150 mm)

Weight: ........................................... 3 lbs. 5 ozs. (1.5 kg)

Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications
Are subject to change and improvement without notice.

(BR-EB 10/20/99)
LN-03/04