Sony XR-6600RDS User Manual

FM/MW/LW Cassette Car Stereo

3-856-008-11 (1)

Operating Instructions

Mode d’emploi

Bedienungsanleitung

Istruzioni per l’uso

For installation and connections, see the supplied installation/connections manual.

En ce qui concerne l’installation et les connexions, consulter le manuel d’installation/connexions fourni.

Zur Installation und zum Anschluß siehe die mitgelieferte Installations-/ Anschlußanleitung.

Per l’installazione e i collegamenti, fare riferimento al manuale di istruzioni di installazione/collegamenti in dotazione.

XR-6600RDS

 1996 by Sony Corporation

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Features

General

• Detachable-front panel enables you to take

the front panel away with you when you leave your car (page 4).

• Caution alarm will be activated if you turn

off the ignition key without removing the front panel from the unit.

• Provided with a digital 24-hour clock

(page 5).

• Built-in power amplifier (max. output: 25 W × 4 ch) enables you to enjoy a 4-

speaker system.

Cassette player section

• Intro scan function plays the first 10 seconds

of each track (page 6).

• Repeat play function plays back a track

repeatedly (page 6).

• ATA (Automatic Tuner Activation)

automatically turning on the tuner while fastforwarding or rewinding a tape (page 6).

• Blank skip function automatically skipping

blanks during tape playback (page 6).

Tuner section

• Up to 30 stations can be preset: 18 stations on

FM and 6 stations each on MW and LW.

• BTM (Best Tuning Memory) function

automatically searches and stores the stations with the strongest signals on the preset number buttons in order of frequency (page 7).

• Additional services are available, if FM RDS

stations can be received (page 9).

• Compatible with the RDS features such as

EON (Enhanced Other Networks), AF (Alternative Frequency), TA (Traffic Announcement) and CT (Clock Time) function (page 9, 10, 11 and 12).

Optional the rotary commander can be used.

You can use the rotary commander (RM-X2S) which can be operated like the wiper or headlight switch of your car while driving.

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Table of Contents

Precautions ............................................................... 4

Detaching and Attaching the Front Panel ............ 4

Setting the Clock ...................................................... 5

Cassette Player Operation

Listening to Tape Playback .................................... 5

Ejecting the Cassette ................................................ 5

Fast-winding the Tape ............................................ 5

Locating the Beginnings of the Tracks

— AMS (Automatic Music Sensor)

Function .......................................................... 6

Searching the Desired Track

— Intro Scan Function ....................................... 6

Playing Tracks Repeatedly

— Repeat Play Function .................................... 6

Radio Reception during Fast-forwarding or

Rewinding of a Tape — ATA (Automatic Tuner Activation)

Function .......................................................... 6

Skipping Blanks Automatically during Tape

Playback

— Blank Skip Function ...................................... 6

Radio Reception

Searching for the Stations Automatically

— Automatic Tuning ......................................... 7

If FM Stereo Reception is Poor

— Monaural Mode ............................................. 7

Tuning in by Adjusting the Frequency

— Manual Tuning ............................................... 7

Memorizing Stations Automatically

— BTM (Best Tuning Memory) Function ........ 7

Memorizing Only the Desired Stations ................ 8

Receiving the Memorized Stations ....................... 8

RDS Functions

Overview of the RDS Function .............................. 9

Displaying the Station Name ................................. 9

Re-tuning the Same Programme Automatically

— Alternative Frequencies (AF) Function....... 9

Listening to Traffic Announcements .................. 10

Presetting the RDS Stations with the AF

and TA Data ....................................................... 11

Locating a Station by Programme Type ............. 11

Using RDS Data for Setting the Clock

Automatically .................................................... 12

Other Functions

Adjusting the Sound Characteristics .................. 12

Enjoying Bass and Treble even at Low Volume

— Loudness Function ...................................... 12

Muting the Sound Quickly

— Mute Function .............................................. 12

Muting the Beep Tone ........................................... 13

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

Dismounting the Unit ........................................... 14

The Rotary Commander Labels ........................... 14

Location of Controls .............................................. 15

Specifications .......................................................... 16

Troubleshooting Guide ......................................... 17

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Precautions

• Before operating the unit for the first time or

after replacing the car battery, press the reset button with a ball-point pen etc., and then start operating the unit.

Reset button

• If your car was parked in direct sunlight

resulting in a considerable rise in temperature inside the car, allow the unit to cool off before switching on.

• If no power is being supplied to the unit,

check the connections first. If everything is in order, check the fuse.

• If no sound comes from the speakers of a

2-speaker system, set the fader control to the centre position.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your unit that are not covered in this manual, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Notes on Cassettes Cassette care

• Do not touch the tape surface of a cassette, as

any dirt or dust will contaminate the heads.

• Keep cassettes away from equipment with

built-in magnets such as speakers and amplifiers, as erasure or distortion on the recorded tape could occur.

• Do not expose cassettes to direct sunlight,

extremely cold temperatures or moisture.

• When the tape is played back for a long

period, the cassette shell may become warm because of the built-in power amplifier. However, this is not a sign of a malfunction.

Cassettes longer than 90 minutes

The use of cassettes longer than 90 minutes is not recommended except for long continuous play. The tapes used for these cassettes are very thin and tend to be stretched easily. Frequent playing and stopping of these tapes may cause them to be pulled into the cassette deck mechanism.

Detaching and Attaching the Front Panel

The front panel of this unit can be detached in

order to prevent the unit from being stolen.

Detaching the Front Panel

Before detaching the front panel, be sure to press the OFF button first. Then press the RELEASE button to release the front panel. Detach the panel by pulling it towards you as illustrated.

RELEASE button

Be sure not to drop the panel when detaching it from the unit.

Attaching the Front Panel

Apply the right hand side of the front panel to the unit by attaching part A of the front panel to part B of the unit as illustrated and push until it clicks.

Notes

• Make sure that the front panel is the right way up when

attaching it to the unit as it cannot be attached upside down.

• Do not press the front panel hard against the unit when

attaching it to the unit. It can easily be attached by pressing it lightly against the unit.

• When you carry the front panel with you, put it in the

supplied front panel case.

• Do not press hard or give excessive pressure to the

display windows of the front panel.

• Before removing the front panel, be sure to turn the

power off. However, if you press the RELEASE button to detach the panel while the unit is still turned on, the power will be automatically turned off in order to protect the speakers from being damaged.

• Do not expose the front panel to direct sunlight, heat

sources such as hot air ducts or leave it in a humid place. Never leave it on the dashboard etc. of a car parked in direct sunlight where there may be a considerable rise in temperature inside the car.

Caution alarm

If you turn the ignition key to the OFF position without removing the front panel, the caution alarm will be activated and a beep tone will be heard for a few seconds (only when the POWER SELECT switch is set to the A position).

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Setting the Clock

The clock has a 24-hour digital indication.

For example, setting it to 10:08

1 Display the time.

(Press the operation.)

2 Press the

seconds.

The hour digit blinks.

Set the hour digits.

3 Press the

The minute digit blinks.

Set the minute digits.

DSPL

button during the unit

DSPL

button for more than two

100

to go forward

to go back

1000

SEL

button momentarily.

1000

to go forward

to go back

Cassette Player Operation

Listening to Tape Playback

After inserting the cassette, playback will start automatically.

If a cassette is already inserted, press

TAPE

the If you press during playback, the tape transport direction will change.

Indication of Tape Transport Direction

The side facing up is being played.

The side facing down is being played.

To stop playback,

eject the cassette by pressing the button or press the OFF button. Playback stops also when you select radio by pressing the

button to start playback.

FWD

REV

TUNER

button.

Cassette Player Operation

1008

DSPL

4 Press the

button momentarily.

1008

The clock activates.

Note

If the POWER SELECT switch on the bottom of the unit is set to the B position, the clock cannot be set unless the power is turned on. Set the clock after you have turned on the radio, or started cassette playback.

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Changing the Displayed Items

Each time you press the displayed items change as follows:

z Tape playback z Time

Frequency (activate the ATA function) “

Ejecting the Cassette

Press the button.

DSPL

button, the

PRESET

REW FF

Fast-winding the Tape

PRESET

REW FF

To start playback during rewinding or fastforwarding, press the

PRESET

REW FF

TAPE

button.

Fast-forwardRewind

Playing Tracks Repeatedly

— Repeat Play Function

REP

Press the playback. n “REP” appears on the display.

When the currently played track is over, it will be played again from the beginning. To cancel this mode, press the button again.

button during

Locating the Beginnings of the Tracks

— AMS (Automatic Music Sensor) Function

During playback, press either side of the SEEK/AMS button the number of times you wish to skip the tracks.

SEEK

AMS

To locate the previous tracks

Up to nine tracks can be skipped.

If the blanks between the tracks are shorter than four seconds, or if there are noises, the AMS function will not work. Also, the unit may read long sections of low volume music or quiet sections on a track as blanks between tracks.

SEEK

AMS

To locate the succeeding tracks

Searching the Desired Track

Press the n “INTRO” appears on the display.

The first 10 seconds of all the tracks are played. When you find the desired track, press the button once more. The unit returns to the normal playback mode.

— Intro Scan Function

INTRO

button during playback.

Radio Reception during Fast-forwarding or Rewinding of a Tape

— ATA (Automatic Tuner Activation) Function

ATA

Press the n “ATA” appears on the display.

When fast-forwarding or rewinding with the

automatically.

button during playback.

button, the tuner will turn on

Skipping Blanks Automatically during Tape Playback

Press the n “BL.SKIP” appears on the display.

Blanks longer than eight seconds will be automatically skipped during tape playback.

— Blank Skip Function

BL.

SKIP

button during playback.

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Radio Reception

Searching for the Stations Automatically

— Automatic Tuning

1 Select the desired band.

TUNER

FM1 n FM2 n FM3 n MW n LW n FM1 n ···

Tuning in by Adjusting the Frequency

1 Select the desired band.

TUNER

2 Press and hold either side of the SEEK/

AMS button.

Release the button when the desired station is received.

— Manual Tuning

SEEK

AMS

SEEK

AMS

2 Press either side of the SEEK/AMS

button to search for the station (automatic tuning).

SEEK

AMS

For lower frequencies

The scanning stops when a station is received. Press either side of the button repeatedly until the desired station is received.

When an FM stereo program with a sufficient signal strength is tuned in,

SEEK

AMS

For higher frequencies

10430

the "ST" indication will appear.

To avoid the automatic tuning from stopping on stations too frequently (local seek mode), press

SENS

the indication.

Only the stations with relatively strong signals can be tuned in. The local seek mode functions only when the automatic tuning is in operation.

Changing the Displayed Items

Each time you press the displayed items alternate the between frequency and time.

button momentarily to get the “LCL”

DSPL

button, the

If FM Stereo Reception is

— Monaural Mode

Poor

Press the n “MONO” appears on the display.

The sound will improve, but it will become monaural.

SENS

button momentarily.

For lower frequencies

PREVENTING ACCIDENTS!

When tuning in during driving, use the automatic tuning and the memory preset search function (page 8) instead of the manual tuning.

For higher frequencies

Memorizing Stations Automatically

— BTM (Best Tuning Memory) Function

This function selects from the currently received band the stations with the strongest signals and memorizes them in order of their frequency.

1 Select the desired band.

TUNER

BTM

2 Press the

seconds.

• When there is no preset number indicated

on the display window, stations will be stored on all preset number buttons on the currently selected band.

• When there is a preset number indicated

on the display window, the unit will store stations on all preset number buttons from the one currently displayed.

For example, when you select FM2 and preset number 3 is displayed,

the operation will start from preset number 3 on FM2, and will stop at preset number 6 on FM3.

button for more than two

Cassette Player Operation/Radio Reception

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Memorizing Only the Desired Stations

1 Select the desired band.

TUNER

2 Tune in the station which you wish to

store on the preset number button.

3 Keep the desired preset number button

INTRO

( seconds until you hear a beep tone.

The number of the pressed preset number button appears on the display window.

Up to 6 stations on each band (FM1, FM2, FM3, MW and LW) can be stored on the preset number buttons in order of your choice. Therefore, 18 stations can be memorized on FM. If you try to store another station on the same preset number button, the previously stored station will be erased.

BL.

) pressed for about two

SKIP

Press either side of the PRESET button momentarily to receive in order the stations stored in the memory (Preset Search Function).

PRESET

REW FF

Press momentarily 1 n 2 n ··· n 5 n 6 n 1 n ···

PRESET

REW FF

Press momentarily 1 n 6 n 5 n ··· n 2 n 1 n ···

Receiving the Memorized Stations

1 Select the desired band.

TUNER

2 Press momentarily the preset number

INTRO

( desired station is stored.

Note

If you press the preset number button for more than two seconds, the currently received station will be memorized again. To receive the previously memorized station, make sure that the preset number button is pressed only momentarily.

BL.

) button on which the

SKIP

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

RDS Functions

Overview of the RDS Function

Radio Data System (RDS) is a broadcasting service that allows FM stations to send additional digital information along with the regular radio programme signal. Your car stereo offers you a variety of services. Here are just a few: Re-tuning the same programme automatically, Listening to traffic announcements and Locating a station by programme type.

Re-tuning the Same Programme Automatically

— Alternative Frequencies (AF) Function

The Alternative Frequencies (AF) function automatically selects and re-tunes the station with the strongest signal in a network. By using this function, you can continuously listen to the same programme during a longdistance drive without having to re-tune the station manually.

Frequencies change automatically

96.0 MHz

98.5 MHz

Notes

• Depending on the country or region, not all of the RDS

functions are available.

• RDS may not work properly if the signal strength is

weak or if the station you are tuned in is not transmitting RDS data.

Displaying the Station Name

The name of the station currently received lights up in the display.

Select an FM station.

When you tune in an FM station that transmits RDS data, the station name lights up on the display.

FM1

BBC 1 FM

Note

The “*” indication means that an RDS station is being received.

Changing the Displayed Items

Each time you press the displayed items change as follows:

z Frequency z Time z Station Name

Note

“NO NAME” lights up if the station received does not transmit RDS data.

DSPL

button, the

Station

102.5 MHz

1 Select an FM station.

2 Press the

lights up in the display.

The unit starts searching for an alternative station with a stronger signal in the same network.

Note

When there is no alternative station in the area and you don’t need to search for an alternative station, turn the AF function off by pressing the AF/TA button until “AF/TA OFF” lights up.

Changing the Displayed Items

Each time you press the AF/TA button, the displayed items change as follows:

* Select this to turn on both AF and TA functions.

Notes

• “NO AF” and the station name flashes alternately, if the

unit cannot find an alternative station in the network.

• If the station service name starts flashing after you've

made the preset selection, it means that no alternative frequency is available and the unit cannot receive the PI (Programme Identification) data of the memorized station. Press the SEEK/AMS button while the station service name is flashing (for about eight seconds) so the unit starts searching for a station with the same PI data, but with another frequency (“PI SEEK” lights up and no sound is heard). If the unit still cannot find an alternative station, “NO PI” lights up and the unit goes back to the original preset station.

AF/TA

button until “AF ON”

z AF ON z TA ON z AF/TA ON*

AF/TA OFF Z

Radio Reception/RDS Functions

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Listening to a Regional Programme

The “REG ON” (regional on) function of this unit lets you stay tuned to a regional programme without being switched to another regional station. (Note that you must turn the AF function on.) The unit is factory preset to “REG ON”, but if you want to turn off the function, do the following.

Press the two seconds until “REG OFF” lights up on the display.

Note that selecting “REG OFF” might cause the unit to switch to another regional station within the same network.

Note

This function does not work in the United Kingdom and in some other areas.

AF/TA

button for more than

Local Link Function (United Kingdom only)

The Local Link function lets you select other local stations in the area, even though they are not stored in your presets.

1 Press a preset number button that has

stored a local station.

2 Within five seconds, press again the

preset number button of the local station.

3 Repeat this procedure until the desired

local station is received.

Tip

When the traffic announcement starts while you are listening to another programme source, the unit automatically switches to the announcement and goes back to the original source when the announcement is over.

Notes

• “NO TP” flashes for five seconds if the received station

doesn't broadcast traffic announcements. Then, the unit starts searching for a station that does broadcast traffic announcements.

• When the “EON” indication appears with “TP” in the

display window, the current station makes use of broadcast traffic announcement of other stations in the same network.

To Cancel the Current Traffic Announcement

Press the

To cancel all traffic announcements, turn off the function by pressing the until “AF/TA OFF” lights up.

AF/TA

button momentarily.

AF/TA

button

Presetting the Volume of Traffic Announcements

You can preset the volume level of the traffic announcements beforehand so you wouldn't miss the announcement. When a traffic announcement starts, the volume will be automatically adjusted to the preset level.

1 Select the desired volume level.

2 Press the

the

A beep sounds and the setting is stored.

SEL

button while pressing

button.

Listening to Traffic Announcements

The Traffic Announcement (TA) and Traffic Programme (TP) data let you automatically tune in an FM station that is broadcasting traffic announcements even though you are listening to other programme sources.

Press the or “AF/TA ON” lights up on the display.

The unit starts searching for traffic information stations. “TP” lights up in the display when the unit finds a station broadcasting traffic announcements. When the traffic announcement starts, “TA” flashes, then flashing stops when the traffic announcement is over.

AF/TA

button until “TA ON”

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Receiving Emergency Announcements

If an emergency announcement comes in while you are listening to the radio, the programme will be automatically switched to the announcement. If you are listening to a source other than the radio, the emergency announcements will be heard if you set AF or TA to on. The unit will then automatically switch to these announcement no matter what you are listening to at the time.

Presetting the RDS

PTY

Stations with the AF and TA Data

When you preset the RDS stations, the unit stores each station’s data as well as its frequency, so you don’t have to turn on the AF or TA function every time you turn in the preset station. You can select different setting (AF, TA, or both) for individual preset station or the same setting for all preset stations.

Presetting the Same Setting for all Preset Stations

1 Select an FM band.

2 Press the

select either “AF ON”, “TA ON” or “AF/TA ON” (for both AF and TA functions).

Note that selecting “AF/TA OFF” stores not only RDS stations, but also non-RDS FM stations.

3 Press the

seconds.

Presetting different settings for each preset station

AF/TA

button repeatedly and

BTM

button for more than two

1 Select an FM band and tune in the

desired station.

2 Press the

select either “AF ON”, “TA ON” or “AF/TA ON” (for both AF and TA functions).

AF/TA

button repeatedly and

3 Press the desired preset number button

for two seconds until a beep sounds. Repeat from step 1 for presetting other stations.

Tip

If you want to change the preset AF and/or TA setting after you tuned in the preset station, you can do so by turning on/off the AF or TA function.

Locating a Station by Programme Type

You can locate the station you want by selecting one of the programme types shown below.

Note

If the countries or regions where EON data is not transmitted, you can use this function only for the stations you have tuned in once.

Programme types

News

Current Affairs

Information

Sport

Education

Drama

Culture

Science

Varied

Popular Music

Rock

Middle of the Road Music

Light Classical

Classics

Other Music Types

Not specified

Note

You cannot use this function in some countries where no PTY (Programme Type selection) data is available.

1 Press the

reception until “PTY” lights up in the display.



INFO

The current programme type name appears if the station is transmitting the PTY data. “- - - - -” appears if the received station is not an RDS station or if the RDS data has not been received.

2 Press the

the desired programme type appears.

The programme types appear in the order as shown in the above table. Note that you cannot select “NONE” (Not specified) for searching.



SPORT

Display

NEWS

AFFAIRS

INFO

SPORT

EDUCATE

DRAMA

CULTURE

SCIENCE

VARIED

POP M

ROCK M

M.O.R. M

LIGHT M

CLASSICS

OTHER M

NONE

button during FM

button repeatedly until

continue to next page n

RDS Functions

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

LOUD

3 Press either side of the SEEK/AMS

button.

The unit starts searching for a station broadcasting the selected programme type. When the unit finds the programme, the programme type appears again for five seconds. “NO” and the programme type appear alternately for five seconds if the unit cannot find the programme type and it returns to the previous station.

Using RDS Data for Setting the Clock Automatically

By receiving CT (Clock Time) data, the clock of this unit can be set automatically.

REP

During FM reception, press the button while pressing the n “CT” will be displayed, and the clock will be set.

FM1

100

To cancel the CT function, press these buttons again.

Notes

• The CT function may not work even though an RDS

station is being received.

• The time set by the CT function may not be exact.

SEL

button.

Other Functions

Adjusting the Sound Characteristics

1 Select the item you want to adjust by

pressing the

VOL (volume) n BAS (bass) n TRE (treble) n BAL (balance) n FAD (fader) n VOL (volume) n ···

2 Adjust the selected item by pressing

either the or button.

Adjust within three seconds after selecting. (After three seconds the button will again serve as volume control button.)

Enjoying Bass and Treble even at Low Volume

— Loudness Function

Press the appear on the display.

Bass and treble will be reinforced. To cancel, press again.

button repeatedly.

SEL

button. n “LOUD” will

Muting the Sound Quickly

— Mute Function

Press the indication flashes.

The sound is muted at once. To restore the previous volume level, press again.

This function will be also cancelled when:

— the — ejecting a cassette by pressing the 6 button during

tape playback.

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

MUTE

button. n The “MUTE”

or OFF button is pressed.

Muting the Beep Tone

BL.

SEL

button.

SKIP

button while pressing

Press the the

To reobtain the beep tone, press these buttons again.

Maintenance

Fuse Replacement

When replacing the fuse, be sure to use one matching the amperage rating stated on the fuse. If the fuse blows, check the power connection and replace the fuse. If the fuse blows again after replacement, there may be an internal malfunction. In such a case, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Fuse (15 A)

Warning

Never use a fuse with an amperage rating exceeding the one supplied with the unit as this could damage the unit.

Cleaning the Connectors

The unit may not function properly if the connectors between the unit and the front panel are not clean. In order to prevent this, open the front panel by pressing the RELEASE button, then detach and clean with a cotton swab which was dipped in alcohol. Do not apply too much force. Otherwise, the connector may be damaged.

RDS Functions/Other Functions

Main unit

Back of the front panel

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

Dismounting the Unit

Release key (supplied)

The Rotary Commander Labels

You can control this unit with the optional rotary commander (RM-X2S). Some labels are supplied with the rotary commander. Attach the labels which match the functions of the master unit and the mounting position of the rotary commander. When you mount the rotary commander, attach the label in the illustration below.

MODE

DSPL

SEL

MODE

DSPL

Actual total number: Sony XR-6600RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-856-008-11 (1)

+ 31 hidden pages