Radio Shack Optimus CTR-109, Optimus 14-1116 Owner's Manual

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Cat. No. 14-1116

OWNER’S MANUAL

Please read before using this equipment.

CTR -109

AC²DC Portable

Cassette Recorder

g

ying

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FEATURES

Your RadioShack CTR-109 AC²DC
Portable Cassette Recorder is a multi­functional recorder that includes a tone
control and tape counter. Easy to use
and reliable, it is ideal for both personal
and business use. Its features include:

Automatic Stop

— protects the tape
and tape handling pa rts by automati­cally stopping the tape when it reaches
the end.

Tape Counter

— helps you locate

specific sections on the tape.

Built-In Condenser Microphone

—

gives you high sensitivity for recording
speakers from several feet away, such
as at conferences.

MIC Jack

— lets you connect an op­tional external microphone to record
from longer distances.

Automatic Level Control (ALC) Cir-

— automatically ensures the

cuit

proper recording level.

Cue/Review

— lets you listen to re­cordings at high speed so you can find
a particular section.

Three Power Sources

— let you pow­er the recorder from four C batteries,
standard AC power (with the supplied
power cord), or vehicle DC power (with
an optional DC adapter).

AUX Jack

— lets you connect from an
external sound source so you can
record directly from it.

Supplied Earphone

— lets you listen
to the recorder without disturbing oth­ers.

Supplied Erase P lu

— makes eras-

ing a cassette tape easy.

Built-In Carr

Handle

— lets you
easily carry the cassette recorder any­where you go.

Record Indicator

— lights steadily to

confirm you are recording.

Tone Control

— lets you customize

the sound to your personal preference.

© 1997 Tandy Corporation.

Optimus and RadioShack are registered trademarks used by Tandy Corporation.

All Rights Reserv ed .

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Warnin

: To prevent fire or s hock
hazard, do not expose this product
to rain or moisture.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

CAUTION

ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER OR BACK. NO U SER-SE RVICE­ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVIC­ING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

!

: TO REDUCE THE RI SK OF

This symbol is intended to alert you
to the pr esence of uninsu lated dan­gerous voltage within the system’s
enclos ure that mig ht be of suf ficient
magni tude to co nsti tute a risk of el ec­tric shock. Do not open the system’s
case.

This symb ol i s in tend ed to i n fo rm y ou
that impo rta nt oper atin g and ma inte­nance i nstr u ctio ns a re in cl ud ed i n t he
literature accompanying this system.

!

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CONTENTS

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

Connecting Power .............................................................................................5

Using Internal Batteries...............................................................................5

Using AC Power ..........................................................................................6

Using Vehicle Battery Power.......................................................................6

Using an Earphone............................................................................................7

Listening Safely...........................................................................................7

Traffic Safety...............................................................................................7

Operation................................................................................................................8

Loading a Cassette Tape...................................................................................8

Playing a Cassette Tape....................................................................................8

Recording..........................................................................................................9

Using the Built-In Microphone.....................................................................9

Using an External Microphone ..................................................................10

Recording from a Connected Audio Source .............................................10

Using the Tape Counter...................................................................................11

Tape Tips.. .......................................................................................................11

Recommended Tapes...............................................................................11

Erasing a Cassette Tape...........................................................................11

Preventin g Acci d e nt a l Era s u re.......................................... ................... .....12

Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality..............................................12

Maintenance.........................................................................................................13

Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts.................................................... ...............14

Specifi c ations.............................................. ......... ................... .......... ...................15

4

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PREPARATION

CONNECTING POWER

You can power the CTR-109 from any
of three power sources:

• Internal batteries

• Standard AC power (with the sup­plied power cord)

• Your vehicle’s cigarette-lighter
socket (with an optional DC
adapter)

: Connecting the power cord or a

Note

DC adapter disconnects the internal
batteries.

Using Internal Batteries

You can power the CTR-109 from four
C batteries (not supplied). For the best
performance, we recomme nd alkaline
batteries, such as RadioShack Cat.
No. 23-551/651.

2. Install the batteries as indicated
by the polarity symbols (+ and –)
marked inside the compartment.

Cautions:

• Use only fresh batteries of the

required size and recom­mended type.

• Do not mix old and new batter-

ies, different types of batteries
(standard, alkaline, or re­chargeable), or rechargeable
batteries of different capacities.

3. Replace the cover.

When the record indicator becomes
dim, replace the batteries.

Cautions:

• Always dispose of old batteries
promptly and properly.

• Never leave dead, old, or weak
batteries in the CTR-109. They
can leak chemicals and corrode or
damage electronic circuits.

{

|

|

{

{

|

|

{

1. Press down on the battery com­partment cover and slide it off in
the direction of the arrow on the
cover.

• If you do not plan to use the CTR­109 for a week o r more, or if you
plan to use an adapter only,
remove the batteries to protect the
CTR-109 from possible battery
leakage.

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Using AC Power

To power the CTR-109 from standard
AC power, plug the supplied power

CTR-109 CASSETTE RECORDER

AC/DC/BATTERY

AC IN

AC IN

jack on the side of

OPTIMUS

jack before you plug it

AC IN

jack.

cord in to the
the CTR-109. Then plug the other end
into a standard AC outlet.

Cautions:

• Always plug the power cord into
the
into the AC outlet, and always
unplug the power cord from the
AC outlet before you unplug it
from th e

• The power cord has a polarized
plug that is designed to fit into the
recorder’s jack only one way. If
the plug does not easily fit into the
jack, do n ot force i t. Sim ply turn it
over and try again.

Cautions:

• You must use a DC adapter that
supplies 6 volts and delivers at
least 300 milliamps. Its center tip
must be set to negative, and its
plug ,ust correctly fit the CTR-

DC IN 6V

109’s

jack. The recom­mended adapter meets these
specifications. Using an adapter
that does not could damage the
CTR-109 or the adapter.

• Always plug the adapter into the
CTR-109 before you plug it into
the cigarette-lighter socket, and
always unplug the adapter from
the cigarette-lighter socket before
you unplug it from the CTR-109.

Follow these steps to u se vehicle bat­tery power.

DC IN 6V

AUX

REM

MIC

TONE VOLUME

EAR

Using Vehicle Battery Power

You can power the CTR-109 from your
vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket using
a DC adapter, such as Cat. No. 27 3­1802 (not supplied).

6

1. Set the DC adapter’s voltage
switch to 6V.

2. Insert the adapter’s barrel plug
into the CTR-109’s

DC IN 6V

jack.

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3. Insert the adapter’s larger plug
into the vehicle’s cigarette-lighter
socket.

USING AN EARPHONE

For private listening, insert the sup­plied earphone’s

EAR

jack.

DC IN 6V

AUX

Note:

Connecting the earphone aut o­matically disconnects the built-in
speaker.

Listening Safely

1

/8-inch plug into the

REM

MIC

TONE VOLUME

EAR

• 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.

Traffic Safety

Do not wear an earphone while operat­ing a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle.
This can create a traffic hazard and
can be ille g al in so me a re as .

Even though some earphones let you
hear some outside sounds when lis­tening at normal volume levels, they
still can present a traffic hazard.

To protect your hearing, follow these
guidelines when you use the ear­phone.

• Set the volume to the lowes t 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 high vol­ume listening can lead to perma­nent hearing loss.

7

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OPERATION

LOADING A CASSETTE
TAPE

1. Take up any slack in the tape by
turning one of the cassette’s hubs
with a pencil.

Caution

excess slack, the tape could
become tangled in the record/
playback mechanism.

2. Press
cassette compartment door.

3. Load the cassette into the s lot in
the door with its open edge out,
the side you want to play facing
up, and its full reel to the left.

: If you do not remove the

STOP/EJECT

MICROPHONE

PLAY

RECORD

REWIND FAST-F
REVIEW

to open the

PAUSE

STOP

CUE

EJECT

PLAYING A CASSETTE
TAPE

1. Load the cassette tape.

PLAY

2. Press
until it reaches the end of the side,
then it automatically stops.

MIC

RECORD

Notes:

•Press

stop playback. Press
again to resume playback.

• If you hold down

REVIEW

the tape is playing, you can
hear the tape as it moves at a
faster speed. This makes it
easy to locate a specific part of
a recording. When you rel ease

REWIND/REVIEW
CUE

mal speed.

. The cassette plays

CTR-109 CASSETTE RECORDER

AC / DC / BATTERY

PLAY

PAUSE

REWIND FAST-F

CUE

REVIEW

to temporarily

PAUSE

STOP
EJECT

PAUSE

REWIND/

FAST-F/CUE

or

or

while

FAST-F/

, the tape plays at its nor-

4. Close the door.

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3. Adjust

VOLUME

and

TONE

desired.

REM

4. Press

TONE VOLUME

MIC

STOP

to completely stop
playback before it automatically
stops. Press

STOP/EJECT

again to
open the cassette compartment
and remove the cassette tape.

RECORDING

Notes:

• Before you load a cassette tape
for recording, be sure its erase­protection tabs are in place (see
“Preventing Accidental Erasure”
on Page 1 2).

• The recorder’s Automatic Level
Control (ALC) circuit automatically
adjusts the recording level.

UME

has no effect on recording.

as

VOL-

Using the Built-In
Microphone

1. Load a blank cassette tape, or
one you want to record over, into
the cassette compartment.

2. Place the CTR-109 2 to 3 feet
from the recording source.

3. Press

RECORD

ing. Bot h
down.

MIC

PLAY

RECORD

To temporarily stop record-

Note:

ing, press
again to resume recording.

4. Speak into

MIC

PLAY

RECORD

to begin record-

PLAY

CTR-109 CASSETTE RECORDER

AC / DC / BATTERY

REWIND FAST-F
REVIEW

PAUSE

MIC

CTR-109 CASSETTE RECORDER

AC / DC / BATTERY

REWIND FAST-F
REVIEW

and

CUE

. Press

.

CUE

RECORD

lock

PAUSE

STOP
EJECT

PAUSE

PAUSE

STOP
EJECT

5. Press
ing.

STOP/EJECT

to stop record-

9

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Using an External
Microphone

You can connect an external micro­phone (not supplied) with a
plug to the CTR-109. Your local Ra­dioShack store sells a variety of micro­phones.

Connecting an external micro-

Note:

phone automatically disconnects the
built-in microphone.

1

/8-inch

To temporarily stop record-

Note:

ing, press

PAUSE

. Press

PAUSE

again to resume recording.

4. Speak into the external micro­phone.

5. Press

STOP/EJECT

to stop record-

ing.

Recording from a Connected
Audio Source

Follow these steps to record u sing an
external microphone.

1. Load a blank cassette tape, or
one you want to record over, into
the cassette compartment.

2. Insert the microphone’s plug into

MIC

MIC

TONE VOLUME

jack.

the CTR-109’s

DC IN 6V

AUX

REM

EAR

If the external microphone

Note:

has a separate, smaller plug for
remote operation, insert that plug
into the

REM

jack. Then you can
use the microphone’s remote
switch to stop or start recordi ng .

You can record directly from an e xter­nal audio source, such as a radio, tape
deck, or CD player. To make the con­nection, you need a suitable mono
patch cord with a

1

/8-inch plug (avail-

able at your local RadioShack store).

: Before you connect an external

Note

audio source to the recorder, be sure
the source’s and the recorder’s volume
controls are set to their minimum set­tings.

Follow these steps to record from an
external audio source.

If you connected an external mi-

Note:

crophone, disconnect it.

1. Load a blank cassette tape, or
one you want to record over, into
the cassette compartment.

3. Press
ing. Both

RECORD

to begin record-

PLAY

and

down.

10

RECORD

lock

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2. Connect the external source to

AUX

the
with a

jack using a patch cord

1

/8-inch plug.

DC IN 6V

AUX

REM

MIC

TONE VOLUME

External

EAR

3. Start the external audio source
and set its volume control to a nor­mal listening level.

4. Press
ing. Both

RECORD

to begin record-

PLAY

and

RECORD

lock

down.

To temporarily stop record-

Note:

ing, press
recording, press

5. Press

STOP/EJECT

PAUSE

. To resume

P AUSE

again.

to stop record-

ing. Then stop the audio source.

During recording, the speaker is

Note:

muted. If you want to monitor the re­cording, use the supplied earphone.

USING THE TAPE
COUNTER

At the beginning of a tape, press

COUNTER

000

to reset the tape counter to

. Then note the counter’s readi ng

TAPE

at the beginning of each selection.

TAPE COUNTER RECORD

000

To return to a selection, fast-forward or
rewind the tape until the counter shows
the noted reading.

TAPE TIPS

Recommended Tapes

Tape quality greatly affects the quality
of the recording. We recommend ex­tended-range or low noise Type 1 reg­ular length (60- or 90-minute) normal­bias cassette tapes. We do not recom­mend long-play cassette tapes such as
C-120s because they are thin and can
easily tangle.

Erasing a Cassette Tape

You can use the tape c ounter to help
you find specific locations on the tape.

To record over a cassette tape, simply
record as usual. The cassette deck
records over the previous recording.

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To erase the entire casset te tape, in­sert the supplied erasing plug into the

MIC

jack and press

RECORD

. (Be sure

you have not connected anything to

AUX

the

jack.)

DC IN 6V

AUX

REM

MIC

TONE VOLUME

EAR

If you need to erase an entire cassette,
you might prefer using a bulk tape
eraser, available at your local Ra­dioShack store.

Preventing Accidental
Erasure

Cassette tapes have two erase-protec­tion tabs — one for each side. When a
tab is in place, you c an record on t hat
side.

To protect a recording from being acci­dentally recorded over or erased, use
a screwdriver to remove one or both of
the cassette tape’s erase-protection
tabs. This prevents
ing pressed.

RECORD

Side A Tab

A

from b e-

If you later decide to record on a tape
side after you have removed its erase­protection tab, place a piece of strong
plastic tape over that side’s erase-pro­tection hole. Be sure you cover only
the hole originally covered by the
erase-protection tab.

A

Caution:

Removing the erase-protec­tion tabs does not prevent a bulk eras­er from erasing a cassette tape.

Resto r ing 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 the sound quality, fast­forward the tape from the beginning to
the end of one side, then completely
rewind it. Then loosen the t ape reels
by gently tapping each side of the cas­sette’s outer shell on a flat surface.

Caution

cassette when tapping it. Do not touch
the exposed tape or allow any sharp
objects near the cassette.

: Be careful not to damage the

12

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MAINTENANCE

Your RadioShack CTR-109 A C²DC Portable Cassette Rec order is an example of
superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for
your CTR-109 so you can enjoy it for years.

Keep the CTR-109 dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids
might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.

Handle the CTR-109 g ently and carefully. Dropping it can damage
circuit boards and cases and can cause the CTR-109 to work improp­erly.

Use and store the CTR-109 only in normal temperature environ­ments. Temperature extrem es can shorten t he life of electronic de­vices and distort or melt plastic parts.

Keep the CTR-109 away from dust and dirt, which can cause prema­ture wear of parts.

Wipe the CTR-109 with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking
new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong deter­gents to clean the CTR-109.

Modifying or tampering with the CTR-109’s in ternal componen ts can cause a mal­function and might invalidate your CTR-109’s warrant y. If yo ur CTR-109 is not per­forming as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.

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CLEANING THE TAPE­HANDLING 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 cause noise and
poor high-frequency response which
can greatly reduce the cassette play­er’s performance.

To help keep the cassette player work­ing at its best, clean the cassette play­er’s tape-handling parts after every 20
hours of use u sing a t ape c leaning k it,
such as Cat. No. 44-1115.

1. Remove the bat teries and di scon­nect any other power source.

2. Open the cassette compartment
cover.

3. Press the erase-protection tab
sensor, then
the tape-handling parts.

RECORD

to expose

4. Gently clean the capstan, pinch
roller, tape guides, and record/
play head.

Tape Guides
Capstan

Pinch Roller

Tape Head

Cotton Swab

5. When you finish cleaning, press

STOP

and close the compartment

door. Then reconnect power.

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SPECIFICATIONS

CASSETTE PLAYER

Track System ............................................................................... 2-Track Monaural

Tape Speed ............................................................................................. 4.75 cm/s

Recording System ...................................................................................... AC Bias

Frequency Response (@ ±6 dB) .................................................. 125 Hz– 6.3 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio ............................................. ......................................... 40 dB

Wow and Flutter (WRMS) ............................................................ Less Than 0.35%

GENERAL

Power Requirements ................................................................ AC 120V, 60 Hz, or

Four C Batteries, or

DC 6V with Optional Adapter (Cat. No. 273-1802)

5

Dimensions (HWD) .............................................................. 9

/8 ¥ 51/2 ¥ 17/8 Inches

(246 ¥ 141 ¥ 47 mm)

Weight (without batteries) ........................................................................... 1.12 lbs

(0.508 kg)

Included Accessories .............................................................................. Erase Plug

Earphone

AC Power Cord

Specifications are typical; individual units m ight vary. Specifications are subj ect to
change without notice.

15

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Limited Ninety-Day Warranty

This product is warrant ed by RadioShac k against man ufacturing d efects in materia l and workman­ship under normal use for ninety (90) day s from the date of purc hase from Rad ioShack comp any­owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED
HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRE SS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES
CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL H AVE NO LIABIL­ITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RE­SPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE
OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WAR­RANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RE SULTING FROM INCONVE­NIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN AD­VISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of in­cidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warran ty period, take the product and the RadioShack
sales receipt as proof of pur cha se date to any RadioS hack s tore. Radi oSha ck wil l, at its option, un­less otherwise provided by l aw: (a) correct the defe ct by product r epair wi thout char ge for parts and
labor; (b) replace the produc t with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase
price. All replaced parts and pr oducts, and pro ducts on which a refund is made, become the prop­erty of RadioShack. New or rec onditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of
warranty service. Repa ired or replaced parts and produ cts are warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the
expiration of the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse,
accident, misuse, impr oper or abnormal usa ge, failure to fol low i nstruct ions, improper instal lation or
maintenance, alterati on, lightning or other incidence of exc ess voltage or current; (b) any repairs
other than those provi ded by a RadioShack Autho rized Service Facility; ( c) consumables such as
fuses or batteries; (d ) cosmeti c dam age; (e) transp ortatio n, sh ipping or insuranc e c osts; or (f) cos ts
of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights, and you may also have oth er rights which vary from
state to state.

RadioShack Customer Relations, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102

We Service What We Sell

3/97

11A7 Printed in Thailand

RadioShack

A Division of Tandy Corporation

Fort Worth, Texas 76102