Radio Shack 1600430 User Manual

OWNERÕS MANUAL

Model 40

AC-DC Video Cassette Player

Please read before using this equipment.

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CST.INDEWTV/ VCP

VIDEO CASSETTE PLAYER

MODEL 40

AC

/DC 12V OPERATION DIGITAL AUTO TRACKING

Cat. No. 16-430

Your Optimus Model 40 AC-DC Video
Cassette Player (VCP) is lightweight,
easy to use, and has many convenient
features, its dual power options let you
enjoy it almost anywhere Ñ at home or
the office, or even in your vehicle. The
VCPÕs compact size and front-loading
design are especially ideal for vans, RVs
or campers, and the supplied remote
control lets you control it from a distance.

Its other features include:

Automatic Power-On Ñ automatically
turns on the VCPÕs power when you
load a video cassette.

Quick Start Mechanism Ñ automatical­ly starts playback when you load a video
cassette.

Automatic Play Speed Selection Ñ
senses the tapeÕs recording speed and
automatically adjusts the VCP for proper
playback.

Automatic Rewind Ñ rewinds the tape
when it reaches the end.

Visual Search Ñ lets you play a tape at
a faster speed to quickly locate a
specific portion of the tape.

Freeze-Frame Ñ lets you pause the
tape during playback so you can view a
single frame.

Automatic Repeat Ñ lets you set the
VCP to automatically rewind and replay
the video tape when it reaches the end.

Digital Auto Tracking Ñ automatically
aligns the playback heads to the record­ed track.

Dew Protection System Ñ keeps the
VCP from playing a tape when the sys­tem senses moisture on the tape heads.

Soft-Touch Controls Ñ let you easily
control the VCPÕs functions.

Note: The remote control requires two
AAA batteries (not supplied) for power.

We recommend that you carefully read
this ownerÕs manual. It was prepared to
assist you with the initial setup proce­dures and to guide you in the everyday
operation of the VCP.

We recommend you record your VCPÕs
serial number here. The number is on
the back of the VCP.

Serial Number:

FEATURES

2

© 1999 Tandy Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.

Optimus and RadioShack are registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.

This symbol is intended to alert you to
the presence of uninsulated danger­ous voltage within the productÕs enclo­sure that might be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of elec­tric shock. Do not open the productÕs
case.

This symbol is intended to inform you
that important operating and mainte­nance instructions are included in the
literature accompanying this product.

Warning: Do not use controls or adjust­ments not specified in this manual. If you
remove the cover or attempt to service
this unit, you might expose yourself to
dangerous voltage.

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CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE­ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION

Warning: To reduce the risk of

fire or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or
moisture.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

These simple precautions will help ensure that
you get many years of safe enjoyment from your
new product.

Read Instructions Ð Read all of the safety and
operating instructions before operating the
product.

Retain Instructions Ð Keep all safety and
operating instructions for future reference.

Heed Warnings Ð Follow warnings on the
product and in the operating guide.

Follow Instructions Ð Follow all operating and
use instructions.

Cleaning Ð Unplug this product from the wall
outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners
or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.

Attachments Ð Do not use attachments not
recommended by product manufacturer as they
may cause hazards.

Water and Moisture Ð Do not use this product
near waterÑfor example, near a bathtub, wash
bowl, sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or
near a swimming pool.

Accessories Ð Do not place product on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
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. Any mounting of product should
follow manufacturerÕs instructions and should
use a mounting accessory recommended by
manufacturer.

Transporting Product Ð Move
product and cart combinations
with care. Quick stops, excessive
force, and uneven surfaces may
cause product and cart
combination to overturn.

Ventilation Ð Slots and openings in cabinet must
not be blocked or covered. They are provided for
ventilation, to ensure reliable operation, and to
protect from overheating. Never block openings
by placing product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. Do not place product in built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided or manufacturerÕs
instructions have been adhered to.

Power Sources Ð Operate product only from
type of power source indicated on marking label.
If you are not sure of the type of power supply to
your home, consult your product dealer or local
power company. For products intended to
operate from battery power or other sources,
refer to manual.

Line-Cord Polarization Ð Product is equipped
with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a
plug having one blade wider than the other). As a
safety feature, this plug will fit into power outlet
only one way. If youÕre unable to insert plug fully
into outlet, try reversing the plug. If plug still fails
to fit, contact an electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat safety purpose of
polarized plug.

Power-Cord Protection Ð Route power-supply
cords so they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them,
paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from product.

Outdoor Antenna Grounding Ð If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to this
product, be sure antenna or cable system is
grounded so as to provide some protection
against voltage surges and built-up static
charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical
Code (USA), ANSI/NFPA 70 provides
information on grounding of mast and supporting
structure, grounding of lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for grounding
electrode.( See Fig. 1 below. )

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Antenna Lead-in Wire

Antenna Discharge Unit
NEC Section 810-20

Grounding Conductors
NEC Section 810-21

Ground Clamps

Power Service Grounding
Electrode System
NEC Art 250, Part H

Ground

Clamp

Electric Service

Equipment

NEC: National Electrical Code

Antenna grounding per NEC Code, ANSI/NFPA 70

Fig. 1

Lightning Ð For added protection for this product
during a lightning storm, or when product is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect
antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to product due to lightning and power line
surges.

Power Lines Ð An outside antenna system should
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power
lines or other electric light or power circuits, or
where it can fall into such power lines or circuits.
When installing an outside antenna system, take
extreme care to keep from touching such power
lines or circuits, as contact with them might be
fatal.

Overloading Ð Do not overload wall outlets,
extension cords or integral convenience
receptacles, as this can result in risk of fire or
electric shock.

Object and Liquid Entry Ð Never push objects of
any kind into this product through openings, as
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short­out parts that could result in fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on product.

Servicing Ð Do not attempt to service this product
yourself, as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.

Wall or Ceiling Mounting Ð Mount product to wall
or ceiling only as recommended by manufacturer.

Replacement Parts Ð When replacement part(s)
are required, be sure service technician has used
replacement part(s) specified by manufacturer or
have same characteristics as original part(s).
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.

Damage Requiring Service Ð Unplug this product
from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under these conditions:

a. If power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen

into product.

c. If product has been exposed to rain or water.

d. If product doesnÕt operate normally by following

handbook instructions. Adjust only those
controls covered by handbook instructions;
improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and often requires extensive
work by a qualified technician to restore
product to normal operation.

e. If product has been dropped or cabinet has

been damaged.

f. If product exhibits a distinct change in

performance.

Heat Ð Keep product away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Safety Check Ð Upon completion of any service
or repairs to this product, ask service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that product is
in proper operating condition.

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CONTENTS

Preparation .................................................................................................................5

Accessories............................................................................................................5

Choosing a Location ...................................................................................................5

Making Connections ..............................................................................................6

Connecting a Standard TV...............................................................................7

Connecting a TV Monitor .................................................................................8

Connecting a VCR ...........................................................................................9

Setting the Channel Switch..................................................................................10

Connecting Power................................................................................................10

Using AC Power.............................................................................................10

Using Vehicle Battery Power .........................................................................11

Dew Protection System........................................................................................12

Installing the Remote ControlÕs Batteries.............................................................12

VCP Status Display..............................................................................................13

How to Access Menu ...........................................................................................13

Operation ..................................................................................................................14

Using the Remote Control....................................................................................14

Playing a Video Tape...........................................................................................14

Fast-Forward/Rewind ..........................................................................................15

Visual Search.................................................................................................15

Freeze-Frame ......................................................................................................16

Auto Repeat Playback .........................................................................................16

Adjusting Tracking ...............................................................................................16

Watching Broadcast TV .......................................................................................17

Copying a Video Tape .........................................................................................17

Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................18

Care and Maintenance .............................................................................................20

Cleaning the Video Heads ...................................................................................21

Video Tape Tips...................................................................................................21

Replacing the Fuse ..............................................................................................22

The FCC wants You to Know...............................................................................22

Specifications...........................................................................................................23

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PREPARATION

ACCESSORIES

Your VCP includes the following connec­tion accessories. Be sure to unpack all
of them before you throw away the
packing material.

300-to-75-ohm Adapter Ñ connects a
300-ohm antenna wire to the VCPÕs

ANT.IN terminal.

75-ohm Coaxial Cable Ñ connects the

VCPÕs RF.OUT terminal to your TVÕs 75-
ohm antenna terminal.

VCP/TV DC Power Cord Ñ lets you
power the VCP and a portable TV (not
supplied) from your vehicleÕs cigarette
lighter socket.

AC Adapter Ñ lets you power the VCP
from a standard AC outlet.

CHOOSING A LOCATION

For safe and effective operation of your
VCP, consider the following when you
choose an installation location.

¥ Place the VCP away from direct

sunlight and heat sources, such as
radiators and heat vents.

¥ Do not place the VCP in a dusty or

humid area.

¥ Do not block the VCPÕs ventilation

holes. For example, do not push the
back of the VCP against a padded
surface.

¥ Place the VCP on a flat surface,

away from strong vibrations or
magnetic fields.

¥ Do not put anything on top of the

VCP.

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MAKING CONNECTIONS

You can connect your VCP to a TV mon­itor, a VCR (video cassette recorder), or
both. To help you make the right
connections:

¥ If connection a TV, use the connec-

tions de-scribed in ÒConnecting a
Standard TVÓ on Page 7.

A Òstandard TVÓ can receive broad­cast TV signals from an antenna or
cable system, and can be tuned to
different channels to view the broad­casts. It does not have separate
audio and video input jacks.

¥ If connection a monitor or TV/moni-

tor, use the connections described
in ÒConnect-ing a TV/MonitorÓ on
Page 8. (An additional audio/video
cable is required.)

A ÒTV/monitorÓ is like a standard TV,
but it also has separate audio and
video input jacks. Using the sepa­rate audio and video input jacks
results in a better quality picture and
sound.

¥ If you want to connect a VCR to the

VCP for copying tapes, use the con­nections described in ÒConnecting a
VCRÓ on Page 9. (An additional
audio/video cable is required.)

Note to the CATV System Installer:

This reminder is provided to call the
CATV system installerÕs attention to arti­cle 820-40 of the NEC that provides
guidelines for proper grounding and, in
particular, specifies that the cable
ground shall be connected to the ground­ing system of the building, as close to
the point of cable entry as practical.

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