RCA Full Logic Controlled Stereo Cassette Deck, SCT-570 Owner's Manual

owner’s manual

Full Logic Controlled
Stereo Cassette Deck

2

This cassette deck is made and tested to meet
exacting safety standards. It meets both UL and
FCC requirements.

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
instructions 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

FCC Rules

. 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 RadioShack store or an experienced radio/TV
technician if the problem still exists.You must use shielded interface
cables with this equipment.

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

POWER-CORD CAUTION

Handle the power cord by the plug. Do not pull
out the plug by tugging the cord and never
touch the power cord when your hands are wet
as this could cause a short circuit or electric
shock. Do not place the unit, a piece of
furniture, etc., on the power cord, or pinch the
cord. Never make a knot in the cord or tie it
with other cords. The power cords should be
routed in such a way that they are not likely to
be stepped on. A damaged power cord can cause
a fire or give you an electrical shock. Take your
cassette deck to your nearest local RadioShack
store should repairs become necessary.

CONDENSATION

When the unit is brought into a warm room
from previously cold conditions or when the
room temperature is suddenly increased,
condensation may form inside and the unit may
not be able to attain its full performance. To
prevent this, allow the unit to stand for about an
hour or raise the room temperature gradually.

Information to User

Alteration or modifications carried out without
appropriate authorization may invalidate the
user’s right to operate the equipment.

Thank you for buying this RCA product.

Please read through these operating instructions
so you will know how to operate your unit
properly. After you have finished reading the
instructions, keep them in a safe place for future
reference.

In some countries or regions, the shape of the
power plug and power outlet may sometimes
differ from that shown in the explanatory
drawings. However, the method of connecting
and operating the unit is the same.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Careful attention is devoted to quality standards in the manufacture 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 — Follow all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.

Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning.

Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

Attachments — Do not use attachments/accessories not recommended by the product manufacturer, as
they might create a hazard.

Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water (for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool).

Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
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.

Carts — Move the product on a cart carefully. Quick stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause the product/cart to overturn.

Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet provide ventilation, ensure
reliable operation, and protect from overheating. Do not block or cover these
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.

Power Sources — Operate this product using only the power source indicated on its marking label. If
you are not sure of your home’s power type, consult your product dealer or local power company.

Polarization — This product is equipped with a polarized AC line plug (a plug having one blade 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 purpose of the polarized plug. If you
need an extension, use a polarized cord.

Power-Cord Protection — Route power-supply cords so they are not likely to be walked on or 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 — For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable
system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

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

Objects and Liquids — Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings, as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.

Servicing — 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.

Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
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 the operating instructions, 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 — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses
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 — Upon completion of service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

Wall or Ceiling Mount — The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended 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.

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Your RCA SCT-570 Full Logic Controlled Stereo Cassette Deck combines two auto-reverse cassette decks
for professional-quality dubbing and the convenience of extended play. Its features include:

Auto Music Search (AMS) — lets you quickly locate a selection.

Dolby B-C Noise Reduction System with Built-In MPX Filter — reduces tape hiss and noise for the

best possible audio recording.

Auto Tape Selector — automatically adjusts equalization and bias to match the type of tape you use.

Auto-Reverse — lets you play or record (Deck II only) both sides of a cassette tape without turning it

over.

Blank Skip — skips long blank spaces on the tape.

Relay Play — lets you repeatedly play two tapes for hours of continuous play.

High-Speed Dubbing — lets you copy tapes at twice the normal playback speed.

Record Mute — lets you record a few seconds of silence between selections.

Auto-Stop — protects the tape and the playback/record mechanisms by stopping playback or recording

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.

Caution: Most material on prerecorded tapes is copyrighted. The unauthorized duplication of
copyrighted material is a violation of the copyright laws of most countries and such duplication might
result in fines and imprisonment. 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 duplicate musical recordings for
noncommercial (personal) use.

Dolby and the double-D symbol 2 are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

Dolby Noise Reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

©2000 RadioShack Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.

FEATURES

5

INSTALLATION.................................................................................................. 5

HANDLING CASSETTE TAPES .......................................................................... 6

MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................. 7

CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................. 8

FRONT PANEL FACILITIES ............................................................................... 9

PLAYBACK ....................................................................................................... 12

SINGLE PLAYBACK ..............................................................................................12

BLANK SKIP .........................................................................................................12

RELAY PLAYBACK ................................................................................................ 13

AUTO MUSIC SEARCH ........................................................................................14

RECORDING .................................................................................................... 15

RECORDING ........................................................................................................15

RECORDING MUTE ............................................................................................. 15

ERASING A TAPE .................................................................................................15

TAPE COPYING ................................................................................................ 16

TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................... 17

SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................ 19

CONTENTS

INSTALLATION

When installing the deck, avoid locations with
high temperatures or humidity, and make
sure that the deck receives adequate
ventilation.

• Do not install the deck in locations subject
to direct sunlight, or near a space heater or
other heating device, as this may cause
damage to the finish or internal parts.

• Malfunctions may also result if the deck is
installed in an excessively humid or dusty
location. Avoid installing the deck next to
kitchen counters or other locations subject
to oily smoke or humidity.

• If the deck is placed directly on top of an
amplifier, it may pick up humming or other
noise. Also, if the amplifier generates a large
amount of heat, the deck may malfunction.

• If the deck is located near a television set, it
may pick up interference noise, which will
be recorded as a whistling sound on the
tape. If this happens, move the deck further
away from the television set or turn the
television set off when operating the deck.

• Do not place a cloth over the deck, or block
the ventilation slots in any way. The
ventilation slots on this deck are necessary to
keep internal parts cool. If they are blocked,
the deck may malfunction.

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CHECK CASSETTE BEFORE USE

Check the following items before loading a
cassette tape:

Is the tape loose, or is some of the tape
outside the cassette?

If some of the tape is loose or projecting outside
the cassette shell, the tape may not load properly
between the capstan and pinch roller. This will
prevent the tape from operating properly, and
may even damage the tape itself. To prevent this,
insert a pencil into the reel hole and take up the
slack (Fig. A).

Some cassette tapes come with a plastic or thick
paper stopper to prevent the tape from
becoming slack. Remove this stopper when
loading the cassette and replace it after using the
cassette.

Are the accidental erasure prevention tabs
intact?

These tabs allow you to prevent important
recordings from being erased accidentally. When
the tab on the cassette shell is broken off (Fig.
B), it is not possible to activate the recording
function, so valuable recordings will not be
erased by mistake.

To rerecord on a cassette whose tab has been
broken off, simply stick a piece of doubled
adhesive tape over the hole (Fig. C).

When using TYPE IV (Metal) or TYPE II (High/
CrO2) tapes, be careful not to block the sensor
holes with the tape (Fig. D, Fig. E). If the holes
are blocked, the automatic tape selector
mechanism will not operate correctly.

HANDLING CASSETTE TAPES

AUTOMATIC TAPE SELECTOR
FUNCTION

This cassette deck is equipped with an
automatic tape selector function which utilizes
the sensor holes on the tape cassette to
determine the type of tape being used. The deck
is then set to match the tape recording bias and
equalization.

NOTES:

• When using TYPE IV (Metal) tapes, make
sure that the tapes have sensor holes.

• Make sure that the sensor holes on the
cassette are not blocked; otherwise the
tape selector mechanism will not
function properly.

• Do not use TYPE III (FeCr) tapes.

C

E

D

A

For erasure prevention remove

Cover prevention

adhesive tape

Turn the pencil to take up
the tape slack

Tab for Side B

Tab for Side A

TYPE II (High/CrO2) tape

Sensor holes

Erasure prevention tabs

TYPE IV (Metal) tape

B

Sensor holes

NOTES:

• The accidental erasure prevention tab for
each side is the one located on the top
left when the side that you want to
protect is facing you.

• When breaking off the tab, do not use a
magnetized screwdriver.