Optimus STA-3500 User Manual

e

31-3034

Cat. No.

Digit al Sy nthesiz
AM/FM
Stereo Receiver

STA-3500

STAND BY

POWER

PHONES

STA-3500 DIGITAL SYNTHESIZED AM/FM STEREO RECEIVER

MEMORY

SPEAKERS

AB

FM MONO

TREBLE

VOLUME

BALANCE

L

R

TUNER

CLASS

FM/AM

LD/DVD

TAPE 1

VCR

STATION

TUNING

CD

TAPE 2

MONITOR

MIN MAX

BASS

PHONO

SUPER
BASS

OSR

Owner’s Manual

Please read before using this equipment.

Introducing the Optimu s STA-3500

Your Optimus STA-3500 Digital Synthesized AM/FM Stereo Receiver is the per­fect control center for your audio/video system. It combines 100 watts-per-chan­nel of clean power with modern styling. It provides connections for two tape
decks, a turntable, a CD player, and one other audio source, such as audio from
a digital video disk (DVD) player. You can also connect up to two pairs of speak­ers (not provided) to your receiver.

Additional features include:

Digital-Synthesized Tuner

Automatic Tuning

30 Memory Locations

Tape Mo ni t ori ng

Built-In Protection Circuits

Remote Control

Precisely tunes to AM and FM stations.
Lets you search for the next available FM station.
Let you store and recall the frequencies for up to 30 radio stations.
Lets you listen to the actual recording as you record, if your tape deck has a

tape-monitoring feature. Also lets you listen to a tape playing in TAPE 2 while
TA PE 1 continues to record the program you selected.

Turn off the receiver to help prevent damage if a power surge or short circuit
occurs.

Lets you use a single remote control for the receiver and other compatible com­ponents connected to the receiver.

We recommend you record the receiver’s serial number here. The serial number is
on the receiver’s back panel.

Serial Number:_____________________________________________

1996 Tandy Corporation.



Optimus is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.

RadioShack is a trademark used by Tandy Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.

3

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(

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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This receiver is made and tested to meet exacting
safety stand ards. It meets both UL and FCC require­ments

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this sys­tem to rain or moisture.

CAUTION

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF

!

ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE­ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

This symbo l is intended to alert y ou to the
presen ce of uninsulated d angerous 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 s ymb ol is in te nd ed t o inf or m y ou th at i m­portant operating and maintenance instruc-

!

tions are included in the literature acc­ompanying this system.

CAUTION

Power Line s

power li ne s.

Nonuse Periods

when you will not use it for extended periods.

Outdoor Antenn a Groun ding

or cable sy stem is connecte d to the receiver, ground
the antenna or cable system so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up static
charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 80, provides information about proper
grounding of the mast and supporting structure,
grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge
unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna­discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes,
and requirements for the grounding electrode. See the
example below.

NEC -- National Electrical Code

— Locat e an ou tdoor ante nna away from

—Unplug the receiver’s power cord

— If a n outs ide an te nna

Antenna
Lead-In
Wire

Ground Clamp

Antenna
Discharge Unit

Electric
Service
Equipment

(NEC S ection 810-20)
Grounding Conductor

(NEC S ection 810-21)

Grounding Clamps

Power S ervice Grounding
Electrode System

NECArticle 250,Part H

Careful attention is devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your receiver, and safety i
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 receiver an
accessories. Read all the included safety and operating instructions before using your receiver. Fol
low 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 damag e to the product. Us
only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with th
product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting, and use a recommended mountin
accessory.

Power Sources

If you are not sure of your home's power type, consult your product dealer or local power company

Polariz ation

wider than the other). This plug will fit in the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. I
you cannot insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still doesn't fit, con
tact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polar
ized 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, conve
nience receptac les, and the point wher e they exit from the product.

Lightning

tended an d unus ed fo r lo ng per i od s of t im e, un plug it fro m t he wall ou t le t and di sco nn ect the an te n
na or cabl e s yst e m. This w il l prev en t d am ag e to t h e p rodu ct du e t o li gh t ni ng an d p ow er- l ine s ur g es

Overloading

as this can result in a risk of fire or ele c tric shock.

Objects and Liquids

may to uch da nger ou s volt ag e poin ts or short out pa rts that coul d resu lt in a fire or ele ctric sh ock
Never spill liqui d of any kind on the product.

Servicing

expo se yo u to dangero us vo lt age or oth er hazards . Ref e r al l servicin g t o qu al if i ed se r v ic e pe r s on
nel.

Damage Requiring Service

ified s ervice pe rsonnel 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 expo sed to rain or water.

• If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust onl
those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, as an improper adjustment o
other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified techni
cian to restore the product to normal operation.

• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.

• When the product exhibit s a distinct change in performance.

Replacement Parts

replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or having the same characteristics as the origina
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 Ceiling Mount

by the manufacturer.

Heat

— The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers

stoves, or other products (including amplifier s ) that produce heat.

— Follow all warnings on the product and in th e operating instructions.

— Unplu g this p roduc t from t he wall outl et befor e clea ning. U se on ly a dam p cloth fo

— Do not use attachments/accessories not recommended by t he product manufac

— Do no t use th is pr oduc t nea r wat er (f or examp le, near a batht ub, washbo wl

— Do not place this product on an unstable cart, st and, tripod, bracket, or table. Th

Carts

— Move the product on a cart carefully. Quick stops, excessive force, an

uneven surfaces may cause the product/cart to overturn.

Ventilation

able operation, and protect from overheating. Do not block or cover these open
ings, and do not place the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. D
not pl ace the product in a built-in bookcase or rack unless it pr ovides proper ven
tilat ion as specified by the manufacturer.

— Opera te th is pr oduc t usin g onl y the p owe r sourc e ind icat ed on i ts mar kin g labe l

— This pr odu ct is equip p ed wit h a po lariz ed A C li ne pl ug (a p lu g hav ing on e bla d

— For ad de d protec tio n f or this product dur in g a li ghtning st orm , o r w he n it is left un at

— Do not ov erl oad wal l outle ts, ex ten sion co rds, or integ ral conven ienc e recept acl es

— Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers ma

— Upon completion of service or repairs to this product, ask the service technicia

— Slots an d openings i n the cabinet provide ventilation , e ns ure reli

— Route power-supply cords so they are not likely to be walked on o

— Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings, as the

— Unplug this product fro m the wall outlet and refer servici ng to qual

— When r eplacement parts are requir ed, be sure the service technician use

— The product sh oul d be mou nte d to a wa ll or ce ili ng on ly as r ecom mende

Contents

reparing Your Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Positioning Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Connecting Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Connecting Program Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Connecting the Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Using One Remote Control for More Than One Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Installing the Remote Control’s Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Using the AC Power Outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Connecting to AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

asic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Tuning the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Using FM Mono . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Balance Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Muting the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Using Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Cassette Deck Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

sing the Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

roubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

are and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

he FCC Wants You to Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

pecifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

ndex to Features by Control Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

5

Prepar in g Your Rec ei ver

a

e

Caution: Make all the necessary connections before you plug in or turn on the receiver.

Positioning Speakers

L

b

Person in Listening Area

Halfway Point
Between Speak

a=b

R

Where you place your speakers can make a noticeable difference in your sys­tem’s sound. The guidelines in this section will help you choose the best loca­tions. After you use your receiver for a while, you might want to try different
locations for your speakers.

Bass response depends largely on speaker location. For strong bass, place the
speakers in the corners of the room. If you want even stronger bass, place the
speakers directly on the floor. If the bass is too strong, move the speakers
slightly away from the corners of the room, or raise them 6 to 18 inches off the
floor. You can buy speaker stands at your local RadioShack store.

The distance between the speakers should be about the same as the distance
between the normal listening point and the point halfway between the speakers.
If you place the speakers too close together, you reduce the stereo separation.
If you place them too far apart, you reduce the bass effect and create a
the middle of the sound.

Most speakers have a tweeter dispersion angle of about 60 degrees. Ideally ,
your listening position should be just inside the overlap area of the tweeter dis­persion. You can angle the speakers toward you for better stereo effect.

hole

in

Preparing Your Receiver

d

onnecting Speakers

Follow these guidelines when you select
and connect speakers.

• Only connect speakers that are rated
at between 8 and 16 Ohms.

• Be sure you properly connect all
speakers.

• Do not connect t wo pairs of speakers
to a single set of terminals (A or B) at
the same time. When you use two
pairs of speakers, conne ct one set to

Speakers A

and one set to

• Realistic, Optimus, and other high­quality speakers have color-coded
speaker terminals (red for positive
polarity and black for negative polar­ity). Use these color-coded terminals
as a guide to hel p you properly con­nect the speakers to the receiver.

• Use 16-gauge (or larger) speaker wire
for all speaker connections, and con­sider possible speaker locations
before you decide how much spe aker
wire you need.

Speakers B

Preparing the Speaker Wires

Speaker wire consists of two conductors (individual wires) encased in insulation
and is usually color-coded or marked with a ridge along one side so you can
identify each conductor. Use these markings as a guide to help you properly
connect the speakers to your receiver.

Follow these steps to prepare the speaker wires.

Wire Stran

Wire Strands

Conductor

.

1. Cut the speaker wires to the necessary length.

2. Separate the wires about 4 inches on each end.

3. Using a wire stripper, carefully strip about

4. Twist the end of each conductor to secure any loose wire strands.

Speaker Wire

end of each conductor.

Conductor

Conductor

Wire Strands

Wire Strands

3

/4 inch of insulation from the

7

Preparing Your Receiver

-

-

-

Connecting the A and B Speakers

Notes:

• Be sure you connect the receiver’s
right and left positive (+) and negative
(–) terminals to the speaker’s corre­sponding right and left positive (+) and
negative (–) terminals.

• Fully insert the speaker wires to
ensure a good connection. Leave
extra wire at the back of the receiver
so you do not disconnect the wires
when you move the receiver.

Caution:

To prevent a short circuit, twist
the end of each conductor to be sure
that stray speaker wire strands do not
touch other speaker terminals or any
other receiver terminals.

Follow these steps to connect the right speaker to the receiver’s right

ERS

terminals.

1. Press the receiver’s

A SPEAKERS R

(+) red lever and insert the ridged or

A SPEAK

color-coded conductor’s end into the small hole. Pull back the lever to
secure the conductor .

2. Press the receiver’s

A SPEAKERS R (–

) black lever and insert the other
conductor’s end into the small hole. Pull back the lever to secure the con
ductor.

3. Connect the ridged or color-coded conductor’s loose end to the right
speaker’s positive (+) terminal.

4. Connect the remaining loose conductor to the right speaker’s negative (–)
terminal.

Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to connect the left speaker to the receiver’s

ERS L

terminals.

Repeat this entire process to connect a second pair of speakers to the

SPEAKERS

terminals.

A SPEAK

B

SPEAKERS

R

L

A

B

A

B

R

L

Speakers

Speakers

Left

Left

Preparing Your Receiver

onnecting Program Sources

You can connect up to five external program sources to your receiver.

GND

PLAY

REC

OUT

L

TAPE 1

/VCR

R

L

L

R

PLAY

LD

/DVD

R

L

R

R

CD

CONTROL

L

L

OUT PUT

R

R

L
R

R

OUT PUT

L

R

R

L

LINE

REC PLAY

REC

INPUT OUTPUT

REC

PLAY

IN IN IN

L
R

L

R

L

TAPE2

MONITOR

R

R

L

REC PLAY

REC

INPUT OUTPUT

L

LINE

PHONO

L

R

L

R

L

R

PLAY

L

L
R

Turntable

Note: Use shielded audio cables with
phono connectors for all audio connec­tions.

Note:

If you place the cassette deck
directly above, below, or to the left of the
receiver, the receiver could interfere with
the cassette deck’s operation. If possi­ble, position the cassette deck to the
right of the receiver or locate it away
from the receiver.

CD

Cassette Deck

Cassette Deck

LD/DVD Player

CD Player

Connecting a Turntable

Connect a turntable with a magnetic cartridge only. Some older turntables use a
ceramic-type cartridge that does not work with this system.

Connect the turntable’s left and right cables to the receiver’s left and right

PHONO

jacks. Then connect the turntable’s ground wire to the receiver ’s

GND

terminal.

Connecting Cassette Deck(s)

You can connect cassette decks to the

TAPE 1/VCR

and the

jacks. Connect the cassette deck’s output jacks to the

TAPE 2 MONITOR PLAY
TAPE 1/VCR REC

jacks, and connect the cassette deck’s input jacks to

(audio) or

TAPE 2 MONITOR REC

jacks.

T APE 2 MONITOR

T APE 1/VCR PLAY

or

Connecting a CD Player

To connect a CD player to the receiver, connect the CD player’s left and right

L

output jacks to the receiver’s

and

R CD IN

jacks.

Connecting Another Audio Source

Connect the audio outputs of another audio source, such as the audio from a
laser disc player, TV, VCR, or CD player, to the

LD/DVD IN L

and R jacks.

9

Preparing Your Receiver

AM L

Connecting the Antennas

Warning:

low all cautions and warnings that
accompany the outdoor antenna.

To prevent injury, read and fol-

oop Antenna

FM

UNBAL

75 GND

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

GND

In many cities, the supplied indoor AM loop and FM antennas provide adequate
reception.

AM Antennas

Assemble the included antenna’s base by swinging the base in the direction of
the arrow and inserting the antenna’s bottom tabs into the base’s slot. Then
attach the antenna wires to the

AM LOOP ANTENNA

Place the antenna on a flat surface and rotate it for the best AM reception.
If the receiver is in a rack or on a shelf and there is no room for the AM loop

antenna, use two screws (not supplied) to mount the base on the wall or
another location as shown.

Notes:

• Keep the AM loop antenna connected even when you use another indoor
antenna or an outdoor AM antenna.

• Ensure the antenna does not touch the receiver or other metal objects.

• Do not place the antenna near a CD player, a personal computer, or a TV
set

• If the wire between your AM loop antenna and receiver is too short, you
can add extra wire, available at your local RadioShack store.

You can also use a RadioShack shortwave antenna kit (Cat. No. 278-

758), which makes an excellent outdoor AM antenna.

and

GND

termi nals.

ANTENNA

oor AM Antenna

FM Antenna

Note:

For the best results, use 75-ohm

FM

UNBAL

75

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

FM

UNBAL

GND

GND75 GND

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

GND

coaxial cable to connect an outdoor
antenna to the receiver.

Connect the outdoor AM antenna wire to the receiver’s AM terminal, as shown.

FM Antennas

Connect the supplied FM antenna to the
as shown.

For better FM reception, you can also use a rabbit-ear TV antenna (for indoor
use only) or an outdoor VHF TV antenna. To connect the TV antenna to the
receiver, you need a VHF/UHF/FM splitter (not included). RadioShack stores
carry a full line of quality outdoor antennas and antenna connection accesso­ries.

FM UNBAL 75Ω

terminal and extend it