Optimus SCT-56 User Manual
Cat. No.
14-676
High-Speed
R
Dubbing Stereo
Cassette Deck
SCT-56
Owner’s Manual
Please read before using this equipment.
Features
Your Optimus SCT-56 High-Speed Dubbing Stereo Cassette Deck combines two auto-reverse cassette decks for pr ofessional-quality dubbing
and the convenience of extended play. Its fea tu r es include:
Auto Search Music System (ASMS) Lets you quickly locate a selection.
Dolby B-C Noise Reduction System Reduces tape hiss and noise for the best possible audio recording.
Dolby HX Pro System Improves high-frequency respo nse on all recordings; you can play back
the tape on any player, even if the player does not have the Dolby NR or
HX Pro system.
Auto Tape Selector Automatically adjusts equalization and bias to match the type of tape
you use.
Auto-Reverse Lets you play or record (Dec k 2 only) both sides of a cassette tape with-
out turning it over.
Blank Skip Skips long blank spaces on the tape.
Relay Play Let s you repeatedly play two tapes for hour s of cont inuous play.
High-Speed Dubbing Lets you copy tapes at twice the normal speed.
CD-DECK Synchro-Start Dubbing Starts dubbing with the touch of a button.
Record Mute Lets you record a few seconds of silence between select ions.
Auto-Stop Protects the tape and the play back/record mechanisms by stopping
playback or recor ding at the end of the tape.
Logic-Controlled Operation Gives you error-free, soft-touch control.
Recording Level Control and Two-
Channel Peak Level Meters Let you control the quality of your recordings.
Rewind Auto Play Automatically rewinds the tape in Deck 1 to the beginning and star t s
play.
For your permanent records, we urge you to record your cassette deck’s
serial number in the space below. You can find the serial number on the label
on the back panel of the cassette deck.
Serial Number: _____________________________________________
Caution:
Most material o n prerecorded tapes is copyrighted. T he unauthorized duplication of copyrighte d material is a violatio n of the co pyrig ht laws of
most countrie s and such duplicati on might result i n fines and impr isonment.
Note, however, in the United States, it is not a violation of U.S. copyright laws
for a consumer to use an audio recording device to dup licate
musical
ings for noncommercial (personal) use.
record-
Dolby Noise Reduction and HX Pro Headroom Extension manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Dolby, the double-D symbol , and HX PRO are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
HX Pro originated by Bang and Olufsen.
1996 Tandy Corporation.
Optimus and Radio Shack are registered trademarks used by Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Important Safety Instructions
The SCT-56 is made and tested to meet exacting safety
standards. It meets both UL and FCC requirements
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this system 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 USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
This symbol is intended to alert you to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage
within the system’s enclosure that might be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock. Do not open the system’s
case.
This symbol is intended to inform you that important operating and maintenance instruc-
!
tions are included in the literature
accompanying this system.
This equipment complies with the limits for a Class B
digital device as specified in Part 15 of
These 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 Radio Shack store or an experienced radio/TV technician if the problem still exists.
You must use shielded interface cables with this equipment.
FCC Rules
Careful attention is devot ed to quality standards in the manuf acture of your cassette deck, and safety is a major factor in its design. However, safety is also your responsibility.
This section lists important information that will help you properly use and enjoy your cassette deck
and accessories. Read all the included safety and operating instructions before using your cassette
deck. Follow them closely, and retain them for future reference.
Heed Warnings
Cleaning
cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Attachments
turer, as they might create a hazard.
Water and Moisture
kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool).
Accessories
product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use
only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the
product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting, and use a recommended mounting accessory.
Power Sources
If you are not sure of your home's po wer type, consult your product dealer or local power company.
Polarization
wider than the other). This plug will fit in the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If
you cannot insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still doesn't fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpos e of the polarized plug. If you need an extension, use a polarized cord.
Power-Cord Protection
pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
Lightning
tended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the anten-
.
na or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
Overloading
as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Objects and Liquids
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could resu lt in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
Servicing
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified ser vice personnel.
Damage Requiring Service
ified service personnel under the following conditions:
• When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
• If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product.
• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
• If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by t he operating i nstructions, as an improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal operation.
• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
• When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
Replacement Parts
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or having the same characteristics as the original
part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
Safety Check
to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
Wall or Ceilin g Mount
by the manufacturer.
Heat
— The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
— Follow all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.
— Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for
— Do not use attachments/accessories not recommended by the product manufac-
— Do not use this product near water (for example, near a bathtub, w ashbowl,
— Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
Carts
— Move the product on a cart carefully. Quick st ops, exc essiv e force, and
uneven surfaces may cause the product/cart to overturn.
Ventilation
able operation, and protect from overheating. Do not block or cover t hese openings, and do not place the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. Do
not place the product in a built-in bookcase or rack unless it provides proper ventilation as specified by the manufacturer.
— Operate this product using only the power source indicated on its marking label.
— This product is equipped with a polarized AC line plug (a plug having one blade
— For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unat-
— Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral conv enience receptacles ,
— Do not attempt to service t his product yourself, as opening or removing covers may
— When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses
— Upon completion of service or repairs to this product, ask the service te chnician
— Slots and openings in the cabinet provide ventilation, ensure reli-
— Route power-supply cords so they are not likely to be walked on or
— Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings, as the y
— Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qual-
— The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended
Contents
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting to Your Receiver/Amplifier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting the Remote Control Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting the CD-Deck Synchro Control Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Loading and Playing a Cassette Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Dolby Noise Reduction (NR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Fast-Forward/Rewind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Pause. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Blank Skip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Tape Counter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Automatic Search Music System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using Relay Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Rewind Auto Play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Demo Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Recording and Dubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Tape Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Erasing a Cassette Tape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Erase-Protection Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Index to Features by Control Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connections
Connecting to Your
Receiver/Amplifier
Connecting the Remote
Control Cable
1. Using one of the supplied audio cables, connect the cassette
deck’s
right tape input jacks.
2. Using the other audio cable, connect the cassette deck’s
jacks to the receiver/amplifier ’s tape output jacks.
Note: If you are not sure which receiver/amplifier jacks to use, refer to
your receiver/amplifier’s owner’s manual.
If you have an Optimus receiver/amplifier that has a remote control
jack (labeled
control to operate the cassette deck.
Connect the receiver/amplifier’s
CONTROL IN
If you have another Optimus audio co mp onent that has a remote control jack, connect the cassette deck’s
nent’s
receiver/amplifier to the other component.
Note: You must also connect audio cables to your receiver for the
receiver’s remote control to operate your cassette deck.
CONTROL IN
and R
L
CONTROL IN / OUT
jack using the suppl ied remote control cable.
LINE OUTPUT
jack. This relays the remote control signal from the
jacks to the receiver/amplifier’s left and
), you can use the receiver/amplifier’s remote
CONTROL OUT
CONTROL OUT
jack to the cassette deck’s
jack to the compo-
LINE INPUT
Connecting the CD-Deck
Synchro Control Cable
Connecting Power
If you have an Optimus CD player t h at has a
jack, connect the jack to your cassette deck’s
jack using the supplied CD-deck synchro control cable. This connection
lets you easily make CD-to-cassette deck recordings. See “CD-Deck
Synchro Recording” on Page 13.
Carefully check all connections. Then plug the AC power cord into a
standard AC outlet. The powe r cord’s plug is pol arized and fits only one
way. The cassette deck automatically turns o n .
Warning: To p revent electric shock, do not plug the power cord into an
extension cord or other receptacle unless you can fully and easily insert
the plug’s blades.
CD-DECK SYNCHRO
CD-DECK SYNCHRO
control
control
Basic Operation
Loading and Playing
a Cassette Tape
Loading a Cassette T a pe
1. Use your finger or a pencil to turn the cassette’s hub and take up
any tape slack.
Note: Avoid touching the tape. Fingerprints attract dirt.
2. Press the appropriate
the cassette compartment door.
3. Load the cassette with its open edge down. Since the decks play in
either direction, it does not mat ter which sid e faces out.
4. Gently close the compartment doo r.
( ) button (Deck 1 or Deck 2) to open
EJECT
Playing a Cassette Tape
1. Turn on the cassette deck by pressing
2. Load a tape.
3. Set
4. Set
DOLBY NR
“Dolby Noise Reduction.”
REV MODE
to the setting used when the tape was recorded. See
for one-side, two- sid e , or cont inuo us two-side play.
The cassette deck pla y s or records one side of the tape
and stops.
POWER
.
The cassette deck plays or records both sides of the tape
and stops.
Note: To play or record both sides, you must press (not
).
The cassette deck play s the tape up to eight times (16
sides) and stops.
Note: During recording, this setting is the same as oneside play.
See “Using Relay Play” for more details about
5. Set the receiver/amplifier’s volume to its lowest position.
6. Press on the appropriate deck to play t h e side facing you. Press
to play the side facing away fr om you.
7. Adjust the receiver/amplifier’s volume, tone, and balance.
8. Press
9. Press
10. To turn off the cassette de ck, press
cator lights.
( ) to stop play ba c k.
STOP
( ) to open the cassette door and remove the cassette.
EJECT
POWER
REV MODE
. Only the
.
STAND BY
indi-
Loading...