Boss Audio Systems 636CA User manual

10R - 021004

MP3-Compatible In-Dash AM/FM Receiver
with Front Panel AUX Input
ENCODER
VOLUME
KNOB
CD
PAUSE
BUTTON
CD
SCAN
BUTTON
CD
SHUFFLE
BUTTON
CD
REPEAT
BUTTON
FUNCTION
SELECT
BUTTON
DISPLAY/
ID3 TAG
INFORMATION
BUTTON
TUNING / SEEK /
TRACK / MP3 FILES SEARCH
UP/DOWN BUTTON
DIRECTORY
UP/ DOWN
PANEL
RELEASE
BUTTON
CD
SLOT
MUTE
BUTTON
EJECT
BUTTON
DSP
BUTTON
SCAN
BUTTON
POWER
BUTTON
AMS/
MP3
MENU
BUTTON
BAND/
LOUDNESS/
MP3
ENTER
BUTTON
PRESET MEMORY BUTTONS
(M1-M6)
LOCAL
BUTTON
MONO
BUTTON
MODE
BUTTON
REMOTE CONTROL
TUNING / SEEK / CD TRACK UP / DOWN BUTTON
POWER BUTTON
VOLUME UP / DOWN BUTTONS
MODE BUTTON
FUNCTION SELECT BUTTON
DISPLAY/ ID3 TAG INFORMATION BUTTON
PRESET MEMORY BUTTONS
DSP BUTTON
SCAN BUTTON
CD PAUSE BUTTON
CD SHUFFLE BUTTON
MP3/AMS BUTTON
LOCAL/DX BUTTON
FM STEREO / MONO BUTTON
CD SCAN BUTTON
REPEAT BUTTON
BAND / LOUDNESS / MP3 ENTER BUTTON
DIRECTORY UP/DOWN BUTTONS

E - 1
HANDLING COMPACT DISCS
MOISTURE CONDENSATION
NOTES ON CDs
P. 3
P. 4
P. 6
P. 7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
NOTES ON DISCS
There are paste residue.
Ink is sticky (P.5).
Stickers that are beginning
to peel away, leaving a
sticky residue (P.6).
Labels are attached (P.7).
On a rainy day or in a very damp area, moisture may condense on the lenses inside the unit.
Should this occur, the unit will not operate properly. In such a case, remove the disc and wait
for about an hour until the moisture has evaporated.
A dirty or defective disc may cause sound
dropouts while playing. To enjoy optimum
sound, handle the disc as follows.
Handle the disc by its edge. To keep the
disc clean, do not touch the surface (P.1).
If you use the discs explained below, the
sticky residue can cause the CD to stop
spinning and may cause malfunction or
ruin your discs.
Do not use second-hand or rental CDs that
have a sticky residue on the surface (for
example, from peeled-off stickers or from
ink, or glue leaking from under the
stickers).
Do not stick paper or tape on the disc (P.2).
Before playing, clean the discs with an
optional cleaning cloth. Wipe each disc from
the centre out (P.4).
Do not use solvents such as benzine,
thinner,commercially available cleaners, or
antistatic spray intended for analog discs.
Do not expose the discs to direct sunlight or
heat sources such as hot air-ducts, or leave
them in a car parked in direct sunlight where
there can be a considerable rise in
temperature inside the car (P.3).
Do not use rental CDs with old labels that
are beginning to peel off.
Do not use your CDs with labels or
stickers attached.
*******
*******
*******
*******
*******
Do Not Use Special Shape CDs
Be sure to use round shape CDs only for
this unit and do not use any special shape
CDs. Use of special shape CDs may
cause the unit to malfunction.(P.8).
Be sure to use CDs with disc mark
Only for this unit.
CD-Rs and CD-RWs which have not
undergone finalization processing cannot
be played. (For more information on
finalization processing, refer to the manual
for your CD-R/CD-RW writing software or
CD-R/CD-RW recorder.) Additionally,
depending on the recording status, it may
prove impossible to play certain CDs
record on CD-R or CD-RW.
P. 8
**************
*******
*******
*******
P. 5
****
*******
******* *******
*******
RECORDABLE REWRITABLE
P. 2
P. 1

E - 2
INSTALLATION
Before finally installing the unit, connect the wiring temporarily and make sure it is all
connected up properly and the unit and system work properly.
Use only the parts included with the unit to ensure proper installation. The use of
unauthorized parts can cause malfunctions.
Consult with your nearest dealer if installation requires the drilling of holes or other
modifications of the vehicle.
Install the unit where it does not get in the driver's way and cannot injure the passenger if
there is a sudden stop, like an emergency stop.I
If installation angle exceeds 30° from horizontal, the unit might not give its optimum
performance.
Avoid installing the unit where it would be subject to high temperature, such as from direct
sunlight, or from hot air, from heater, or where it would be subject to dust dirt or excessive
vibration.
Be sure to remove the front panel before installing the unit.
DIN FRONT/REAR-MOUNT
This unit can be property installed either from “Front” (conventional DIN Front-mount) or
“Rear”(DIN Rear-mount installation, utilizing threaded screw holes at the sides of the unit
chassis). For details, refer to the following illustrated installation methods A and B.
DIN FRONT-MOUNT (Method A)
Installation the unit
1. Dashboard
2. Holder
After inserting the half sleeve into the dashboard,
select the appropriate tab according to the
thickness of the dashboard material and bend
them inwards to secure the holder in place.
3. Screw
1. Dashboard
2. Nut (5mm)
3. Spring washer
4. Screw (5x15mm)
5. Screw
6. Support Strap
Be sure to use the support strap to secure the
back of the unit in place. The strap can be bent by
hand to the desired angle.
7. Plain washer
Removing the unit
a. Frame
b. Insert fingers into the groove in the front of frame
and pull out to remove the frame. (When re-
attaching the frame, point the side with a groove
down wards and attach it.)
c. Insert the levers supplied with the unit into the
grooves at both sides of the unit as shown in
figure until they click. Pulling the levers makes it
possible to remove the unit from the dashboard.
a
b
c
Trim Plate Installation:
Push the trim plate against the chassis until it is fitted.
You must do this before you install the front panel, otherwise it can't be attached.
RCA LINE OUT JACK(OPTION)
30°
1
7
4
23
5
6
182
53
12
3

E - 3
DIN REAR-MOUNT (METHOD B)
Installation using the screw holes on the sides of the unit.
Fastening the unit to the factory radio mounting bracket.
1. Select a position where the screw holes of
the bracket and the screw holes of the main
unit become aligned (are fitted) and tighten
the screws at 2 places on each side.
2. Screw(must not use more than 6mm length)
3. Factory radio mounting bracket.
4. Dashboard or Console
5. Hook (Remove this part)
Note: the mounting box, outer trim ring,
and half-sleeve are not used for method B
installation.
DETACHABLE CONTROL PANEL (D.C.P.)
Removing The Detachable Control Panel (D.C.P.).
PANEL RELEASE
BUTTON
B
A
2
Attaching the DCP
CAUTION
DO NOT insert the D.C.P from the left side. Doing so may damage it.
The D.C.P can easily be damaged by shocks. After removing it, place it in a protective case
and be careful not to drop it or subject it to strong shocks.
When the release button is pressed and the D.C.P is unlocked, the car's vibrations may
cause it to fall. To prevent damage to the D.C.P, always store it in a protective case after
detaching it.
The rear connector that connects the main unit and the D.C.P is an extremely important
part. Be careful not to damage it by pressing on it with fingernails, pens, screwdrivers, etc.
These 2 screws are used to prevent damage to the CD
mechanism during transportation Please make sure to
remove the 2 screws before installing the unit into the vehicle.
DO NOT insert a CD into the unit before removing the 2
screws.
IMPORTANT
5
2
4
3
2
5
Note:
If the D.C.P is dirty, wipe off the dirt with soft,
dry cloth only. And use a cotton swab soaked
in isopropyl alcohol to clean the socket on the
back of the D.C.P.
1. Turn the power off
2. Press the D.C.P. release button
3. Remove the D.C.P.
1. Attach the panel at the right side first, with
point B on the main unit touching point A on
the D.C.P. (As shown on the digram).
2. Then press the left side of D.C.P. onto the
main unit until a “click” sound is heard.
Socket

E - 4
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
a. Make sure your car battery is a 12 volt (6 filler caps) negative ground system (if not, a
converter will be necessary).
b. Before starting wiring connections, disconnect the power supply by removing the fuse from
the fuse box.
c. Connect the power wire to one of the extra terminals of the fuse box.
d. Connect the black ground wire to a metal part of the car. It is important to make good contact.
e. Make other wiring connections as shown.
f. If your car does not have ISO connector, you can procure it from any car accessory shop.
Press this button to remove the control panel.
Press this button to turn on or off the power.
4. BASIC OPERATIONS
PANEL RELEASE BUTTON
POWER BUTTON
Notes: INCORRECT WIRING OR OPERATION WILL AVOID THE WARRANTY OF THIS UNIT.
Fuse Replacement:
To replace the fuse, pull out the blown fuse
from the socket. Insert a new one with same
rating.
FUSE
(CAR UNIT BACK SIDE)
DISPLAY BUTTON
A) Tuner mode (Radio)
B) CDP/MP3 (only if a CD or Mp3 disc is inserted)
C) AUX mode (only if this unit is equipped with this feature)
MODE BUTTON
Press this button to select different mode, sequence as follow:
MODE PRIORITY
FRONT CABINET
RIGHT TRACK
GROUND
AUX IN
LEFT TRACK
Note: If press RESET button, the unit still cannot function normally, please use a cotton
swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol to clean the socket on the back of the control panel.
The RESET button is located on the main unit (as shown on the diagram). To press it vertically
with a ballpoint pen or metal object will activate it. The reset button is to be activated for the
following reasons:
RESET BUTTON
Initial installation of the unit when all wiring is completed.
All the function buttons do not operate.
Error symbol on the display.
FRONT AUX INPUT
Connect the external signal to the front 3.5mm earphone jack on front panel, then press Mode
button to select Aux mode. Press Mode Button again to cancel Aux Mode and return to
previous mode.
Press this button briefly, the LCD will display the clock for about 2 seconds, then return to
previous display mode.
Clock Adjustment
Under clock display mode, press DISP button until the LCD flashes, press Tuning Up Button to
adjust hour and Tuning Down Button to adjust minute.

E - 5
AUDIO OPERATIONS
ENCODER VOLUME KNOB
Turn this knob to adjust desired volume level.
FUNCTION SELECT BUTTON
Press this button to select desired audio function.
While the selected function is displayed, turn Volume Knob to adjust the level within 5 seconds,
otherwise the unit will return to volume adjustment mode.
MUTE BUTTON
Press this button to mute the sound. Press it again to resume listening.
DSP BUTTON (DIGITAL SOUND PROCESSOR)
Press this button to toggle the following EQ setting:
At DSP OFF mode, EQ will be controlled by Bass/Treble setting.
BAND/LOUDNESS BUTTON
Press the Band/Loudness Button long to switch the loudness on or off. When Loudness is on,
display will show 'Loud On' for a few seconds.
ORDER OF FUNCTION:
VOLUME(VOL) -> BASS(BAS) -> TREBLE(TRE) ->BALANCE(BAL) ->FADER(FAD)
FLAT->CLASSICS->POP M->ROCK M->DSP OFF
TUNING / SEEK UP AND TUNING / SEEK DOWN BUTTONS
1.Press these buttons briefly will operate AUTO SEARCH tuning mode, the radio will tune up or
down to the next station and remain on the frequency.
2.Press these buttons more than 2 seconds, operate as MANUAL SEARCH buttons, under this
mode the tuning frequency will advance up or down rapidly when the button is pressed. If the
buttons are not pressed within 3 seconds, they will return to auto search mode.
BAND/LOUDNESS BUTTON
This a dual function button. Press this button short to change between BAND FM1, FM2, FM3
AM(MW) bands. Press it long to turn on or off Loudness function.
RADIO OPERATIONS
RADIO SIGNAL STRENGTH METER
This is use to indicate the signal strength of current radio station broadcast. When you choose
RADIO mode, it will show on the display.
Best
reception
Worst
reception
This control can be used to change between Local and Distant (-DX) tuning mode. Local
mode improves reception in some areas where the signal is too strong.
Press this button, the radio will tune up to search stations, the available stations will blinking
and stay on the display for a few seconds.
LOCAL / DX BUTTON
SCAN BUTTON
Use this control to select stereo or monaural reception for FM radio stations. You can
sometimes improve reception of distant stations by selecting mono mode.
FM MONO / STEREO BUTTON (MONO)
DUAL FREQUENCY SWITCH
Unit is defaulted in U.S.A frequency, if EURO frequency is required, a sharp pen is needed to
switch the button on the left side of the chassis to EURO frequency.
US EU

E - 6
AUTO MEMORY STORE/PRESET SCAN BUTTON (AMS)
1.PRESET SCAN: Press AMS button briefly enter Preset Scan mode, it will scan all the preset
stations in the memories, you can hear that will stay on each station for about 5 seconds.
2.AUTO MEMORY STORE: Press AMS button long to enter Auto Store mode, this feature will
automatically scan the current band and enter up to 6 strongest stations into the 6 preset
memories. To stop Auto Store & Scan, press the AMS button again.
STATION PRESET BUTTONS (M1-M6)
1.Press these buttons briefly to recall the stored stations in the selected band.
2.Presetting stations manually, Press the BAND button to select the band for the station to be
preset. Use Tuning Up/Down to tune in the stations to be preset. Press the Preset button at
which you want to store the station for at least 2 second. The preset number will appear on
the display accompanied by a beep, this indicate that the station has been stored into
memory.
CD OPERATIONS
CD SLOT
Insert the disc into CD slot. The CD will begin to play.
CD PAUSE BUTTON
Press this button to pause CD play, press again to release pause.
CD SCAN BUTTON
Press this button, the first 10 seconds of each track will be played sequentially until this button is
pressed again, then normal play will resume at the current track.
CD REPEAT BUTTON
Press this button, the current track will be played repeatedly until this button is pressed again.
CD SHUFFLE BUTTON
Press this button to play all tracks on CD in random. Press again to deactivate it.
EJECT BUTTON
Press this button to eject the CD from the unit. The receiver will switches to radio mode
automatically.
TRACK UP AND TRACK DOWN BUTTON
Press the Track Up Button to skip to the next track or previous track. Press the Track Down
button during play will return to the beginning of the current track, press it one more time to
skip to previous skip. Press and hold Track Up/Down Button to fast forward or fast reverse. CD
player starts when you release the button.

E - 7
MP3 OPERATIONS
Notes :
- An MP3 directory is shown in this manual as “Directory”, and an MP3 file is shown as “Track”.
- Maximum length of file name : 28 characters.
- Maximum length of directory : 16 characters.
- Maximum number of tracks per disc : 254.
- Maximum number of directories per disc : 128.
- Sampling Frequencies support : 32KHz, 44 KHz, 48KHz.
- Bit Rates support : 64 - 320KHz including VBR.
- Supports Multi-Session recording.
- Supports CD, CDR and CDRW. (Playback of MP3, CD-R and CD-RW may depend on
recording conditions)
- Disc written by Packet Write (UDF) is not supported.
LOADING CD
NAVIGATING THROUGH DIRECTORIES AND TRACKS
Insert the CD as usual, if it is an MP3 CD, the display will show “MP3 T01” then the message
“READING” will appear, when disc scanning completed, the first track on the first directory will
play.
There are four ways to select your favorite track/directory
(1) By track Number
A) Under MP3 play mode, press MP3 Menu button once, the display shows “MP3 T*”, enter the
desired track number directly, then press MP3 Enter button to confirm. The distribution of the
number are listed as follow:
Number
Button
1234567890
M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 SCAN DISP
MUTE
(2) By directory or Track Name
Under MP3 Play Mode, press MP3 Menu button twice, the display shows “ * “ , enter the name
directly, Press Mp3 Enter button to confirm. The distribution of alphabetical characters are
listed as follow :
Character A,B,C D,E,F G,H,I J,K,L M,N,O P, Q , R S,T,U V, W , X Y,Z, Space _,-,+ Move Cursor Next/Previous Character
If partial directory/Track name is entered, then all directory/Track with matched characters are
displayed, Turn the Encoder Volume knob to go through the list, press MP3 Enter button to
confirm.
If directory name is selected, the display will show “ “,under this condition, Turn the Encoder
Volume knob to select the tracks under the directory, press MP3 Enter button to confirm.
(3) To select directory first
Under MP3 play mode, press MP3 Menu Button three times, Then the first directory name is
shown.
Turn the Encoder Volume knob to navigate through the directory list, press MP3 Enter button
to select the desired directory. The display will show “ “. Turn the Encoder Volume knob to
select the tracks under the selected directory, press MP3 enter button to confirm when desired
track is found.
\\
\\
B) Turn the Encoder Volume knob to skip the current track.
M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 DISP SEL VOL UP/DN
MODE TUN DN TUN UP
DSP
Button
(4) Navigating through Directory directly
Press Directory Up(M6) or Directory Down buttons(M5) to skip the current Directory forward or
backward by one position.
In a multi-level directories disc, the movement will take place at the current level until the last
directory is reached.
The next directory down operation will move the position down by one level.

Press DISPLAY button repeatedly to Display ID3 TAG information.
If the MP3 file is available with ID3 TAG, pressing the display button repeatedly will show
information in the following sequence:
SONG TITLE > ARTIST> ALBUM TITLE
If any of the ID3-TAG information is not available, pressing the DISPLAY button repeatedly will
show information in the following sequence:
UNKNOWN SONGNAME> UNKNOWN ARTIST> NO ALBUM TITLE
If the MP3 file is without ID3 TAG, pressing the DISPLAY button, & “NO ID3 TAG” will be
displayed.
The file name & track number of the MP3 file will scroll repeatedly through the display during
the playing of the MP3 file.
ID3 TAG
E - 8

E - 9
GENERAL
AM (MW)
Power Supply
Polarity
Speaker impedance
Power Output
DC 11 -14V
Negative Ground
4 ohms
50W x 4
SPECIFICATIONS
CD PLAYER
REMARK :
Specifications subject to change without notice.
RADIO SECTION
FM
System
Usable disc
Sampling frequency
No of quantization bits
Frequency
Number of channels
S/N Ration
Compact disc audio system
44.1KHz
1bit
5-20,000Hz
2 stereo
70dB
Compact disc, CD-R, CD-RW (AUDIO/MP3 format)
Frequency Range
Intermediate Frequency
Usable Sensitivity
Stereo Separation
S/N Ratio
Frequency Range
Intermediate Frequency
Usable Sensitivity
S/N Ratio
87.5 - 107.9 Mhz
87.5 - 108 Mhz
10.7 MHz
Better than 15dB at S/N 30 dB
25 dB at 1KHz
50 dB
530 - 1710 Khz
522 - 1620 Khz
450KHz
Better than 45dB
40 dB

TROUBLE SHOOTING
Before going through the check list, check wiring connection. If any of the problems persist after
check list has been made, consult your nearest service dealer.
Symptom Cause Solution
No power The car ignition is not on. If the power supply is properly connected
to the car accessory terminal, switch the
ignition key to “ACC”
Disc cannot be loaded
or ejected
The fuse is blown. Replace the fuse.
Presence of CD disc inside
the player.
Remove the disc in the player, then put a
new one.
Inserting the disc in reverse
direction.
Insert the compact disc with the label
facing upward.
Compact disc is extremely
dirty or defective disc.
Clean the disc or try to play a new one.
Temperature inside the car is
too high.
Cool off or until the ambient temperature
returns to normal.
Condensation. Leave the player to off for an hour or so,
then try again.
Volume is in minimum. Adjust volume to a desired level.
Wiring is not properly
connected.
Check wiring connection.
The operation keys do
not work
No sound
The built-in microcomputer is
not operating properly due to
noise.
Press the RESET button.
Front panel is not properly fixed into its
place
Sound skips. The installation angle is
more than 30 degrees.
Adjust the installation angle to less 30
degrees.
The disc is extremely dirt or
defective disc. Clean the compact disc. Then try to play a
new one.
The antenna cable is not
connected. Insert the antenna cable firmly.
The signals are too weak. Select a station manually.
The radio does not
work.
The radio station
automatic selection
does not work.
ERROR 1 Mechanism Error Press the reset button if the error code
does not disappear, consult your nearest
sevice dealer.
ERROR 2 Servo Error Press the reset button if the error code
does not disappear, consult your nearest
sevice dealer.
E - 10