RCA STA-3850 User Manual

4 (1)

owner’s manual

STA-3850 STEREO RECEIVER

INTRODUCTION

Your RCA STA-3850 Stereo Receiver operates as the perfect control center for your audio system. It combines 50 wattsper-chann el of clean power with modern styling. It provides connections for one tape deck, a turntable, a CD player, and one other audio source, such as au di o fro m a di git al video d isk (DVD) player. You can also connect up to two pairs of speakers (not supplied) to your receiver.

Additional features include:

Digital-Synthesized Tuner — Precisely tunes to AM and FM stations.

60 Memory Locations — Let you store and recall the frequencies for up to 30 AM and 30 FM stations.

Automatic Tuning — Searches for the next available AM/FM station.

Tape Monitoring — Lets you listen to the actual recording as you record, if your tape deck has a tape-monitori ng feature.

Built-In Protection Circuits — Automatically turn off the receiver to help avoid power surges or short circuit damage.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product 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 SE RVICING TO Q UALIF IED PERS ONNEL.

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

This symbol is intended to inform you that important operating and maintenance

instructions are included in the literature accompanying this product.

Caution: Unplug the cassette deck's power cord when you will not use the cassette deck for extended periods.

Remote Control — Lets you use a single remot e control for the receiver and other compatible components connected to the receiver.

Note: The remote control requires two AA batteries (not supplied).

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

Serial Number:_____________________________________.

FCC NOTICE

This system complies with the limits for a Class B digital device as specified in Part 15 of

FCC Rules

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 if the problem still exists.

Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by RadioShack could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

. These limits

1999 Tandy Corporation.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Careful attention is devoted to qualit y stan da rd s in the man uf a cture o f your cassette deck, and safety is a major factor in its design. However, safety is also your responsibility.

This section lists important informatio n that will help you prope rly use and enjoy your cassette deck.

instructions before using your cassette deck.

retain them for future reference.

Heed Warnings

operating instructions.

Cleaning

Use only a damp cloth for cleanin g. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

Attachments

recommended by the product manufacturer, as they might create a hazard.

— Follow all warnings on the product and in the

— Unplug this product from the wall outlet be fore cleaning.

— Do not use attachments/accessories not

Water and Moisture

example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool).

Accessories

tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the pro duct. 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 recommende d mounting accessory.

— Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,

Carts

stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product/cart to overturn.

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 installation such a s a bookcase or rack unless it provides proper ventilation as specified by the manufacturer.

Power Sources

indicated on its marking label. If you are not sure of your home's power type, consult you r product dealer or local power company.

Polarization

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, co ntact your electrician to replace your ob solete outle t. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug. If you need an extension, use a polarized cord.

— Slots and openings in th e cabinet provide ventilation,

— Operate this product using only the power source

— This product is equipped with a polarized AC line

Power-Cord Protection

likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attent io n to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

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

integral convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

— For added prot ecti on for th is p roduc t du ring a l igh tning

— Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or

Read all the included safety and operating

Follow them closely, and

— Do not use this product near water (for

— Move the produc t o n a ca rt care fu lly. Quick

— Route power-supply cords so they are not

Objects and Liquids

product through op enings, as they may to uch dangero us volta ge points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

Servicing

opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

— Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as

Damage Requiring Serv ice

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 technicia n to restore the produc t to normal operation.

• If the product has been droppe d or dam a ge d in any way.

• When the pr oduct exhibits a distinct ch ange in performance.

Replacement Parts

the service technician uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or having the same characteristics as the origina l part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

Safety Check

product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

Wall or Ceiling Mount

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 pr oduce heat.

Non-use Periods

will not use it for extended periods.

— Never push objects of any kind into this

— Unplug this product from the wall

— When replacement parts are required, be sure

— Upon completion of service or repairs to this

— The product should be mounted to a wall

— Unplug the cassette desk’s po wer cord when you

CONTENTS

Preparation

Operation ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

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

Connecting Speakers ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Preparing the Speaker Wires ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Connecting Speakers to the A and B Terminals ................................................................................................................... 5

Connecting Program Sources ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Connecting a Turntable ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

Connecting a CD Player ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Connecting a Cassette Deck ................................................................................................................................................. 6

Connecting Another Audio Source ................................................... ...... ...... ....................................................................... 6

Connecting the Antennas ............................................................................................................................................................ 6

AM Antennas ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6

FM Antennas ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Installing the Remote Control’s B atteries ................................................................................................................................... 8

Connecting to AC Power ............................................................................................................................................................. 8

Using the Sleep Timer ................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Tuning the Radio ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Manual and Automatic Tuning ............................................................................................................................................ 9

Direct Tuning (Remote Control Only) ............................................................................................................................... 10

Memory Tuning ...................................... ....................................... ............................................................................................ 10

Automatically Storing Stations .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Manually Storing a Station ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Tuning to a Station in Memory .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Adjusting Balance ..................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Muting the Receiver .................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Using Headphones ..................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Listening Safely ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Cassette Deck Features .............................................................................................................................................................. 11

Using the Tape Monitor Button .......................................................................................................................................... 11

Recording a Program Source ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Using the Reset Button .............................................................................................................................................................. 11

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Care and Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................................... 13

The FCC Wants You to Know ................................................................................................................................................... 13

Specifications ................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

PREPARATION

Caution: Make all the necessary connectio ns before you plu g in or turn on the receiver.

POSITIONING SPEAKERS

Speaker (not supplied) placement 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 in the middle of the sound.

hole

terminals and the other pair to the B SPEAKERS terminals.

• Optimus, and other high-quality speakers have colorcoded speaker terminals (red for positive polarity and black for negative polarity). Use these color-coded terminals as a guide to help 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 speaker wire you need.

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.

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 insulation from the end of each conductor.

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

Caution: Twisting the end of each conductor helps pre v en t a short circuit because stray speaker wire strands do not touch other speaker terminals or any other receiver terminals.

Connecting Speakers to the A and B Terminals

Note:

/4 inch of

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.

CONNECTING 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 two pairs of speakers to a single set of terminals (A or B) at the same time. When you use two pairs of speakers, connect one pair to the A SPEAKERS

• 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.

Follow these steps to connect each speaker ( right or left).

1. Press open the receiver’s positive ( speaker you want to conn ect and i n sert t he r i dged or colo rcoded conductor’s end into the small hole. Release the lever to secure the conductor.

right or left or B

) red lever for the

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