Optimus 744 User Manual
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Mini Stereo Component System
Cat. No. 13-1291
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
Sys t em 744
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Warning: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expo se t his product to rain
or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER OR BACK. NO US ER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
This sym bol is in te nd ed to a le rt yo u
to the pr e s en ce of uninsu la ted dangerous voltage within the product’s
enclos u re t h at m ig ht b e of s ufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock. Do not open the
product’s case.
This symbol is intended to inform
you that important operating and
!
maintenance instructions are included in th e l itera ture a ccomp an ying this product.
!
Note: Most material on compact discs
and prerecorded tapes i s copyrighted.
Unauthorized duplication of copyrighted material is a violation of the copyright laws of most countries and such
duplication may result in fines and/or
imprisonment. Note, however, that in
the United States, it is not a violation
of U.S. copyright laws for a consumer
to use an audio recording device to
duplicate musical recordings for noncommercial (personal) use.
Warning: This CD changer employs a
laser light beam. Only a qualified service person should remove the cover
or attempt to service this device, due
to possible eye injury.
THE FCC WANTS YOU
TO KNOW
This equipment complies with the limits for a Class B digital device as specified in Part 15 of
limits provide reasonable protection
against radio and TV interference in a
residential area. However, your equipment might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating
properly. To eliminate interference,
you can try one or more of the following corrective measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna
• Increase the distance between the
equipment and the radio or TV
• Use outlets on different electrical
circuits for the equipment and the
radio or TV
Consult your local RadioShack store if
the problem still exists.
You must use shielded interface cables with this stereo system.
FCC Rules
. These
© 1996 Tandy Corporation.
Optimus is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
RadioShack is a trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserv ed .
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FEATURES
Your Optimus System 744 Mini Stereo
Component System offers all of the
features you need for excellent stereo
sound and entertainment in one attractive pack age. The system includes
a 21-disc CD changer, precision AM/
FM stereo tuner, and high-speed dual
cassette decks, as well as severa l o ther special features. The supplied remote control lets you control the
system from across the room. The
supplied twin speakers let you immediately begin using your system.
The system’s auxiliary input jacks let
you connect an au xiliary audio source
to the system, such as a TV, VCR, or
camcorder, so you can use the system to listen to the audio source.
CD CHANGER
lets you load
21-Disc CD Changer
up to 21 5-inch CDs.
Audible Search
particular section of a CD by rapidly
playing it in either direction.
rammable Pla
Pro
gram and play up to 50 tracks from all
loaded CDs in any order.
—
helps you locate a
—
— lets you pro-
loaded CDs, or a programmed sequence.
scans and
Music and Disc Scan
plays the first 10 seconds of each
track (music scan) or the first track
(disc scan) on each loaded CD, so
you can find a specific track.
Group Pla
each loaded CD to any of three music
groups, and play only thos e CDs assigned to the selected group.
CD Case Holder
jewel cases, to safely store them and
help you remember where you load ed
CDs in the system.
back
— holds up to 21 CD
—
lets you assign
—
DUAL CASSETTE DECK
Multiple Source Recordin
you record onto a cass ette tape from
the CD changer, radio, or another cassette tape.
h-Speed Dubbing
Hi
copy at a high speed from one cassette deck to the other.
Consecutive Pla
each of two tapes, one after the other.
— plays one side
— lets
lets you
—
lets you set the sys-
—
Random P la
tem to randomly play at least 100
tracks from all loaded CDs.
Repeat Pla
repeat a single track on a CD, all
tracks on a single CD, all tracks on all
lets you automatically
—
Automatic Level Control (ALC)
automatically adjusts the recording
level.
—
Soft Cassette Tape E
opens the cassette com partment d oor
when you press the eject button, so
the tape does not pop out.
ect
—
slowly
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STEREO TUNER
Digital Sy nthesized Tu ning
nates tuning drift by locking the tuner
on the selected frequency.
Preset Tuning Memories
store and easily recall up to 24 of your
favorite AM and FM radio stations.
—
let you
—
elimi-
OTHER SPECIAL
FEATURES
Remote Control
most of the system’s functions from a
distance.
Two Backlit Displays
play your system’s indicators for easy
viewing in almost any lighting condition.
Four Preset Graphic Equalizer Settings
provide you with common
—
sound settings for enhancing pop,
jazz, or classical music at the press of
a button. Or, you can select a flat setting for natural, unaltered music reproduction.
lets you control
—
clearly dis-
—
Notes:
• The remote control requires two
AAA batteries (not supplied) for
power.
• You must remove all CDs from the
CD changer before you move t he
system.
We recommend you rec ord the serial
number of your system here. The
number is on the back of the system.
Serial Number: _________________
CDs that can be played on this changer have this mark on them:
Important:
CD changer, you must remove the CD
protection lock on the bottom of the
system. See “Removing the CD Protection Lock” on Page 9.
Before you operate the
Rear Speaker Jacks
nect optional rear stereo speak ers, to
provide a simulated surround sound
effect.
Auxiliary Input Jack s
nect an additional audio source, such
as a TV, VCR, or turntable, to your
system.
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let you con-
—
let yo u co n-
—
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CONTENTS
Preparation............................................................................................................ 7
Connecting Speakers....................................................................................... 7
Connecting the Front Speakers ................................................................ 7
Connecting Rear Speakers ...................................................................... 7
Choosing a Location for Your Speakers........................................................... 8
Connecting the Antennas................................................................................. 8
Connecting the AM Loop Antenna ............................................................ 8
Connecting the FM Antenna ..................................................................... 9
Removing the CD Protection Lock ................................................................... 9
Connecting an Additional Audio Source ........................................................ 10
Connecting Power.......................................................................................... 10
Resetting the CD Changer........................ ..... .. ..... .. ..... ..... .. ..... .. ..... ..... .. ..... .. . 10
Installing Batteries in the Remote Control ...................................................... 10
Connecting Headphones .. ............................................................................. 11
Listening Safely ...................................................................................... 11
Basic Operation.................................................................................................. 12
System Displays ............................................................................................ 12
Using the Remote Control .............................................................................. 12
Using the System........................................................................................... 12
Using Mute..................................................................................................... 13
Using the Preset Graphic Equalizer............................................................... 14
the Tuner .................................................................................................. 15
Usin
Manual Tuning ............................................................................................... 15
Automatic Tuning ........................................................................................... 16
Preset Tuning................................................................................................. 16
Storing Preset Stations ........................................................................... 16
Recalling a Preset Station ...................................................................... 17
the CD Changer ....................................................................................... 18
Usin
Loading CDs . ................................................................................................. 18
Removing CDs ............................................................................................... 20
Selecting and Playing a CD ........................................................................... 20
Displaying Information About CDs .......................................................... 22
Skip Play ................................................................................................. 22
Audible Search........................................................................................ 22
Random Play .......................................................................................... 23
Repeat Play ............................................................................................ 23
Random Repeat Play ...............................................................................24
Music Scan ............................................................................................. 24
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Disc Scan ................................................................................................ 25
Programmed Play ........................................................................................... 25
Programming and Playing a Sequence .................................................. 25
Reviewing the Programmed Sequence .................................................. 27
Clearing the Programmed Sequence .................................................... .. 27
Group File Play............................................................................................... 27
Assigning CDs to Groups ........................................................................ 27
Reviewing a Group Program ................................................................... 28
Playing a Group ...................................................................................... 29
Clearing a CD from a Group ............................................ .. ....... .......... .... 29
Clearing an Entire Group ........................................................................ 29
CD Care Tips.................................................................................................. 30
Using the Cassette Deck.................................................................................... 31
Loading and Playing a Cassette Tape............................................................ 31
Using Consecutive Play.................................................................................. 32
Recording....................................................................................................... 33
Dubbing (Copying) Cassette Tapes ........................................................ 33
Copying CDs to a Cassette Tape ............................................................ 34
Recording from the Tuner or Another Sound Source .............................. 35
Tape Tips........................................................................................................ 35
Recommended Tapes ............................................................................. 35
Storing Your Tapes . ................................................................................. 35
Erasing a Cassette Tape.......................................................................... 36
Preventing Accidental Erasure ................................................................ 36
Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality ............................................ 36
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................. 37
Care and Maintenance........................................................................................ 39
Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts ................................................................. 40
Specifications...................................................................................................... 41
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PREPARATION
Cautions:
• Do not connect the system to AC
power until you complete the
speaker and antenna connections.
If you want to connect front
Note:
speakers other than the supplied
ones, use speakers with an impedance of 8 ohms.
• Be sure to follow all the instructions in the enclosed “Safety
Instructions” sheet.
CONNECTING
SPEAKERS
Cautions:
• Never operate the system without
first connecting speakers.
• To avoid damaging your system
and speakers, never let the
speaker wire’s bare ends touch
each other.
You can operate the system
Note:
without connecting optional rear
speakers.
Connecting the Front
Speakers
For the maximum bass response and
best overall performance, connect the
supplied front speakers t o the
SPEAKERS
the system so their polarities match
(black to negative, and red to positive).
terminals on the back of
FRON T
(illus)
1. Flip open the pair of terminal
tabs marked
R
(+ and –) on the ba ck of the system, then insert the right front
speaker’s red wire into the red (+)
terminal and its black wire into the
black (–) terminal. Then push the
tabs in the opposite direction to
lock them.
2. Repeat Step 1 to connect the l eft
front speaker ’s wires to the terminals marked
(+ and –).
FRONT SPEAKERS
FRONT SPEAKERS L
Connecting Rear Speakers
For wider stereo response and a simulated surround effect, you can connect optional rear stereo speakers to
REAR SPEAKERS
the
back of the system. Be sure to connect them accordin g to the proper polarity (black to negative, and red to
positive).
terminals on the
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Note: Use only 8-watt speakers with
an impedance of 8 ohms. A selection
of speakers is available at your local
RadioShack store.
CHOOSING A LOCATION
FOR YOUR SPEAKERS
(show both front and stereo wide
speakers installed)
For the best sound quality, place the
front speakers on each side of the
system, at equal distances from the
system.
To increase the bass, place the front
speakers on the floor in t he corners of
your room or against the wall. Avoid
placing the speakers on thick carpet.
To decrease the bass, m ove the front
speakers slightly away from the corners, pull them out from the wall, or
raise them 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45
cm) off the floor.
If you connected rear speakers to the
system, place them behind or to the
sides of your listening area.
CONNECTING THE
ANTENNAS
You can use the supplied indoor AM
loop antenna and FM antenna for
adequate reception in most areas.
For the best reception, you can connect an outdoor antenna. Your local
RadioShack store sells a complete
line of outdoor AM and FM ante nnas
and accessories.
Warning: Use extreme caution when
you install or remove an outdoor AM or
FM antenna. If the antenna starts to
fall, let it g o! It co uld cont act over head
power lines. If the antenna touches the
power line, contact with the antenna,
mast, cable, or guy wires can cause
electrocu tion and death . Call the power
company to remove the antenna. DO
NOT attempt to do so yourself.
Connecting the AM Loo p
Antenna
1. Assemble the supplied AM loop
antenna.
(show loop part of antenna
being inserted into base)
8
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2. Uncoil the loop antenna’s braided
wire.
3. Flip open the pair of terminal tabs
marked
the system, then insert the loop
antenna’s bare wires into the terminals. Then push t he tabs in the
opposite direction to lock them.
Notes:
• To avoid noise or interference, do
not place the loop ant enna near a
power source or speaker cord.
• For the best reception, install the
loop antenna away from any wall.
AM LOOP
on the back of
(illus)
Connecting the FM Antenna
(illus)
Extend and position the antenna’s
wire for the best reception.
REMOVING THE CD
PROTECTION LOCK
The system has a CD protection lock
under the system’ s base. Installed at
the factory, the CD protection lock secures the system’s CD changer to protect it from damage during shipping.
To use the CD changer, you m ust remove the CD protection lock.
(one combined illus for all
following steps)
To connect the supplied F M antenna,
flip open the pair of terminal tabs
marked
system, and insert the antenna’s bare
wires into the terminals. Then push
the tabs in the opposite direction to
lock them.
FM 300
on the back of the
W
Caution:
unplugged from the AC outlet before
you begin.
To remove the CD protection lock,
turn it in the direction of the arrow until
it stops, then pull it out to remove
it.
Note:
so you can use it to secure the system
if you move it.
Be sure the power cord is
Save the CD protection lock
9
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CONNECTING AN
ADDITIONAL AUDIO
SOURCE
If you have a VCR or other equipment,
such as a camcorder or a TV that has
line-level audio outputs, you c an play
the sound through your system. Use a
cable with two phono jacks to connect
the source’s left and right audio output
jacks to the
the back of the system.
VCR/AUX L
(illus)
and
R
jacks on
CONNECTING POWER
To connect power, after all o ther connections are made, plug your system’s
power cord into a standard AC outlet.
The STANDBY indicator (above the
BAND
button at the to p of the system)
lights.
RESETTING THE CD
CHANGER
If the CD changer does not work properly, you might need to reset it by unplugging the system’s power cord
from the AC outlet. Wait at least 10
seconds, then plug the power cord
back in.
Note:
If you unplug the system, it
saves all tuner memory settings for
about a week.
INSTALLING BATTERIES
IN THE REMOTE
CONTROL
The remote control requires two AA A
batteries (not supplied) for power. For
the best performance and longest life,
we recommend alkaline batteries,
such as RadioShack Cat. No. 23-555.
Caution:
of the required size and type.
Always use fresh batteries
Caution:
has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). If you have difficulty
inserting the plug into the outlet, do
not force it. Turn the plug over and try
again.
10
Your system’s power cord
(illus)
1. Remove the battery compartment
cover by sliding it in t he direction
of the arrow.
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2. Insert the batteries into the compartment as indicated by the
polarity symbols (+ and –) ma rked
inside.
3. Replace the cover.
Caution: Always dispose of old batteries promptly and properly; do not
bury or burn them.
Notes:
• If you will not be using the remote
control for a month or more,
remove the batteries.
(illus)
Note : Connecting headphones automatically disconnects the system’s
speakers.
• If the remote control does not
work or has poor range, replace
both batteries.
CONNECTING
HEADPHONES
To listen without disturbing others, you
can connect a pair of stereo headphones with a
plied) to the system. Your local
RadioShack store has a wide selection of headphones.
To connect headphones, insert the
headphones’
PHONES
jack on the front of the sys-
tem.
1
4
-inch plug (not sup-
/
1
4
-inch plug into the
/
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these
guidelines when you use headphones.
• Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening.
After you begin listening, adjust
the volume to a comfortable level.
• Do not listen at extremely high
volume levels. Extended highvolume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Once you set the volume, do not
increase it. Over time, your ears
adapt to the volume level, so a
volume level that does not cause
discomfort might still damage your
hearing.
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BASIC OPERATION
SYSTEM DISPLAYS
The system (upper) display shows information about many of the system’s
functions. The CD (lower) display
shows information about t he system’s
CD functions.
(illus - show displays at initial
turn on)
USING THE REMOTE
CONTROL
To use the remote control, point it directly at the infrared sensor (marked
REMOTE SENSOR ) on the right side
of the system display, then firmly
press the desired button.
does not have
CLEAR
and
has these buttons.
Caution:
or the remote sens or t o direct sunl ight
or strong lights, such as a spotlight,
will reduce its operating distance a nd
can make it inoperative.
MUTE, PROG., REPEAT
— only the remo te control
Exposing the remote control
USING THE SYSTEM
Important:
age, set the volume to its lowest level
before playing the radio, a CD, a cassette tape, or an additional audio
source.
1. To turn on the system, press
POWER
turns off, and the system’s last
selected settings appear.
To prevent hearing dam-
. The STANDBY indicator
(illus - call out STANDBY
indicator)
,
(illus)
Many of the system’s buttons also
have a corresponding button on the
remote control, and you can press either the system or remote control button to control the function. The system
12
2. Press one of the
TOR
buttons (
VCR/AUX
or
want to listen to.
TUNER, TAPE, CD
) to choose what you
(illus)
INPUT SELEC-
,
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Notes:
• When you turn on the system, it
automatically selects the same
function that was selected when
you turned it off.
• If you choose another function
TA PE
(for example,
) while playing a CD, the system automatically stops playing the CD and
selects that function.
3. Start the selected audio source, if
necessary.
4. If you conne cted rear s tereo speakers to the
REAR SPEAKERS
jacks
on the back of the system, press
SURROUND
on the front of the system until it clicks in to turn on the
rear speakers. Press in
SURROUND
until it clicks out to resume normal
sound.
5. Repeatedly press
TROL
UP or
system (or
DOWN
on the remote control) to
VOLUME CON-
DOWN
VOLUME UP
on the
or
adjust the sound to a comfortable
listening level.
6. To turn off the system, press
POWER
. The STANDBY indicator
turns on and the system turns off.
Note: If you do not plan to use the
system for a long time, disconnect it
from the AC outlet. The system draws
a small amount of power even when it
is not turned on.
USING MUTE
To turn off the sound temporarily,
press
MUTE
and all information on the system display flashes.
To resume listening, press
again.
tem display.
MUTE
on the remote control.
appears on the system display,
(illus)
MUTE
MUTE
disappears from the sys-
(illus)
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USING THE PRESET
GRAPHIC EQUALIZER
The system has preset graphic equalizer settings to let you vary the balance of sound produced over these
three frequencies:
• 100 Hz
•1 kHz
• 10 kHz
These settings are designed to give
you the best sound for jazz, pop, and
FLAT
classical music. The
vides an unaltered tone for all types of
music.
setting pro-
Each time you turn it on, the system
automatically uses the last selected
graphic equalizer setting. To change
the setting, press one of the
EQUALIZER
POPS
, or
FLAT
buttons (
) on the system. The in-
CLASSIC, JAZZ
GRAPHIC
dicator for that setting lights.
(illus)
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