Curtis RCD836 User manual

MODEL: RCD836
PHONOGRAHPH WITH
AM/FM RADIO, CASSETTE & CD PLAYER
1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
AUDIO PRODUCTS-READ THOROUGHLY
When using electrical products, basic precautions should always befollowed including:
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the
product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
3. Heed Instructions - All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should
be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions- Alloperating and user instructions should be followed.
5. Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
6. Attachments - Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer
as they maycause hazards.
7. Water and Moisture - Do not use this product near water-for example, near a bath
tub,wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool,
etc.
8. 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. Any mounting of the product should follow the
manufacturer's instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.
9. Transporting - Aproduct and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to
overturn.
10. Ventilation - Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation, to ensure
reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on
a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.
11. Power Sources - This product should be operated only from the type of power source
indicated on themarking label. If you are not sure of thetype of powersupply to your home,
consult your product dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from
battery power,or other sources,refer to theoperating instructions.
12. Grounding or Polarization - This product may be equipped with a polarized
alternating- current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will
fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug.
13. Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
product.
OPERATION MANUAL

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICSHOCK DO NOTOPEN
Toreduce the riskof electric shock:do not removecover(or back).
No user serviceableparts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING:
Toreduce the riskof fire orelectric shock, donot expose thisappliance to rainor moisture.
CAUTION:
Use of controlsor adjustments orperformance of proceduresother than thosespecified
may result in hazardous radiation exposures.
CAUTION
For Compact DiscUnits Only:
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AND INTERLOCK FAILED
OR DEFEATED, AVOID DIRECT EXPORSURE TO LASER BEAM.
(See markings onthe back of the unit.)
CAUTION:
Toprevent electric shock,match wide bladeof plug towide slot, fullyinsert.
14. 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-linesurges.
15. Power Lines - An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of
overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such
power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be
taken to keepfrom touching suchpower lines orcircuits as contactwith them might be fatal.
16. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience
receptacles as thiscan result ina risk offire or electricshock.
17. Object and Liquid Entry - 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 orelectric shock. Neverspill liquid ofany kind onthe product.
18. 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.
19. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualifiedservice personnel underthe following conditions:
a. If the power-supplycord or plugis damaged.
b. If liquid hasspilled, or objectshave fallen intothe product.
c. If the producthas been exposedto rain orwater.
d. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controlsthat are coveredby the operatinginstructions, as an improper ajustment
of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restorethe product toits normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way, and if the product exhibits a
distinct change inperformance-this indicates aneed for service.
20. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same
characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric
shock, or other hazards.
21. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper
operating condition.
22. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as
recommended by themanufacturer.
23. Heat - The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Precautions
Safety Information
CAUTION:
1. DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING.
2. USE OFCONTROLS AND ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES
OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION
EXPOSURE.
3. IF THIS PRODUCT DEVELOPS TROUBLE, CONTACT A QUALIFIED SERVICE CENTER,
AND DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT IN A DEFECTIVE STATE.
Safety Precautions
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage"
within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute risk ofelectric shock topersons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert user to
the presence of important operating and maintenance(servicing)instructions
in the literature accompanying the appliance.
2 3

Cassette Tape
Tape Handling:
Do not storetapes in thefollowing places:
1. On top of heaters, exposed to direct sunlight or in any other places with high
temperatures.
2. Near speakers, on TV sets or amplifiers or where they would be exposed to strong
magnetic fields.
3. Where humidityis high andin dirty, dusty places.
4. Avoid dropping or subjecting cassettes to excessive shocks.
5. As C-120 tapes are physically weak and could become entangled in the transport
mechanism, do notuse them.
Loading a Cassettetape:
1. Use your finger or a pencil to turn the cassette
hub and takeup any slacktape.
Note: Avoid touching the tape .Fingerprints attract
dust and dirt.
2. Press STOP/EJECT button to open cassettedoor.
Note: The cassette holder cannot be opened
during recording orplay back.
3. Load thecassette tape withits open edgefacing down.
4. Gently closethe compartment door.
MAINTENANCE:
The heads andtape path shouldbe cleaned and demagnetized periodically.
(Cleaning materials notincluded)
Cleaning Tape path
Apply head cleaningfluid to a cotton swab or soft cloth,
and lightly rubthe heads, capstanand all metalparts in
the tape path.
Also clean thepinch roller usingrubber cleaning fluid.
Demagnetizing Heads:
Be sure that the power is off, then demagnetize the heads using a demagnetizer. For details
of its use,read its instructions.
CLEANING STICK
CAPSTAN
ERASE HEAD
PRESSURE ROLLER RECORD/PLAYBACK HEAD
Before Use
Before Use
1. Choose unit installation location carefully. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or close to a
source of heat. Also avoid locations subject to vibrations and excessive dust, cold or
moisture. Keep awayfrom sources thathum, such astransformers or motors.
2. Do not open the cabinet as this might result in damage to the circuitry or electrical shock.
If a foreignobject should get into the set, contact your dealer.
3. Be sure not to handle discs with dirty fingers. Never insert a disc that has a crack on the
surface.
4. When removing the power plug from the wall outlet, always pull directly on the plug, never
pull the cord.
5. To keep thelaser pickup clean,do not touchit, and do not forget to close the disc tray.
6. Do not attempt to clean the unit with chemical solvents as this might damage the finish.
Use a clean,dry cloth.
7. In order to shut off the power to this product completely, unplug the power cord from the
wall outlet. Be sure to unplug the unit if you do not intend to use it for an extended period of
time, such asa vacation.
8. Keep thismanual in asafe place for future reference.
Beware of Condensation
When the player (or a compact disc) is moved from a cold to a warm place or is used after a
sudden temperature change, there is a danger of condensation. Water vapor in the air could
condense on the mechanism or the laser pickup. If droplets of water form on these parts,
correct playback will be impossible because the laser cannot read the information from the
disc correctly. To prevent this, if you are going to use the player in a condition where
condensation could occur, you should not use the player for 1 or 2 hours after plugging it
into an AC outlet depending on the amount of condensation. If this is done, the player will
stabilize at thetemperature of itssurroundings.
For U.S.A.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against interference in a residential area. This device generates and
uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, it may cause interference to radio or TV reception. If this unit does cause
interference with TV or radioreception you can try to correct the interference by one or more
of the followingmeasures:
A) Reorient orrelocate the receiving antenna.
B) Increase theseparation between theequipment and receiver.
C) Plug the equipment into a different outlet so that it is not on the same circuit as the
receiver. If necessary, consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
additional suggestions
CAUTION:
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Manufacturer for
compliance could voidthe user's authorityto operate thisequipment.
Listening to a Tape or Compact Disc
4 5

1. Connect theAC powercord.
2. The silver screw protects the phonograph chassis during transportation. If the speed of
your phonograph seems slow or you hear a rubbing sound, adjust the screw with a coin to
correct the balanceof the turntable.
Compact Disc
Handing the Discs:
This unit has been designed specifically for sound
reproduction from compactdiscs bearing the mark.
No other discscan be used.
1. Always place the compact disc in the disc tray with the
label facing upward. (Compact discs can be played only
on one side).
2. To remove a disc from its storage case, press down on
the centre of the case and lift the disc out, holding it
carefully by the edge.
3. Fingermarks and dust should be carefully wiped off
the disc recordedsurface with asoft cloth (notincluded)
4. Never use such chemicals as record sprays, anti-static sprays or fluid, benzine or thinner
to clean compact discs. Such chemicals will do irreparable damage to the disc's plastic
surface.
5. Discs should be return to their cases after use to avoid serious scratches that could
cause laser pickupto skip.
6. Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or high humidity and temperature for extended
periods. Long exposureto high temperaturecan warp thedisc.
7. Do not stick paper or write anything with a ballpoint pen on the surface of the label side.
8. Do not use irregular shaped CD's (octangonal, heart-shape, etc.) Which can damage the
unit.
HANDLE DISC ONLY AS SHOWN
CLEAN FROM CENTER TO EDGE
Preparation of Use
AUDIO
6 7
How To Replace The Turntable Stylus?
Removing old stylus
1. Set ascrewdriver at thetip of thestylus and push
down to thedirection "A".
2. Remove thestylus by pullingit forward anddown.
Installing a newstylus
1. Hold thetip of thestylus and insertthe other
edge by pressingin the direction"B".
2. Push upin the direction"C" until itlocks at thetip.
Guide Pins (inside)
B
A
C

1. Power on.
Connect the power plug into the wall outlet.
2. Select thesource.
3. Adjust the volume.
4. Adjustthe sub-bass volume.
5. Listening throughEarphones/Headphones.
The sound from all speakers is cut off.
SUB-BASS
-+
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
VOLUME
Lights
Basic Operation
PHONES
Listening to a Record
1. Press thePHONO button.
2. Select playerspeed.
3. Put arecord onto theturntable.
(Use 45 rpmadaptor when playing
single record.)
4. Remove thetone arm-rest holder.
5. Lift theQue-lever and movethe tone
arm gently tothe desired positionover
the record.
6. Lower theQue-lever slowly.
7. Return thetone arm tothe tone arm-rest
after reaching theend of therecord.
PHONO
33
45
78
2
3
5
4
1
2
56
47
8 9

CAUTION
When the CD is stopped, press PLAY/PAUSE button within 3 seconds after pressing MUSIC
SKIP button,or it will return to stopping state.
Skipping tracks.
Press once togo to thestart of thenext track.
Press once togo to thestart of thetrack currently
being played.
Press twice togo to thestart of theprevious track.
Lights
98
70
80
90
100
100
Light
STOP
CD
OPEN /CLOSE
F.R F.F
Skip/search
F.R F.F
Skip/search
Listening to CD
1. Press theCD button.
2. Open thetray, and place the CD on the tray.
3. Close thetray and startplaying the CD.
The CD will start playing from the first track.
4Stopping the CDplay.
5Pausing the CDplay.
Pressing the PLAY/PAUSE button will restart
playing the CD.
NOTE: Do not switchoff the unit during
CD-function, because itwill damage theunit.
CD should be placed on the tray with the label
side up.
CD should beplaced on thetray
with the label sideup.
Listening to the Radio
1. Press the TUNER button to select the desired
band (AM/FM).
2. Tuneto the desired frequency.
3. Antenna
For a good FM reception,stretch the antenna
wire and move it around until you get the
desired station clearly.
TUNING
DOWN
UP
1
6
23
45
1
1110
4. FM reception
Any strong FM stereo is
indicated by the FM
stereo lndicator. For weak
reception the unit
switches automatically to
MONO.
3
Flash
PLAY/PAUSE
OPEN/CLOSE
PLAY/PAUSE
Lights

1. Press theTAPE button.
2. Open the cassette door and insert a cassette
tape.
3. Press theplay ( )button.
At the endof the cassettetape, the cassettewill
stop automatically.
4. Stopping thetape playback.
5. Fast forwardand rewind.
Press STOP button to half fast forward
or rewinding operations.
Listening to a Tape
TAPE
PLAY
STOP/EJECT
PAUSE
STOP/EJECT
STOP/EJECT
RECORD
STOP/EJECT
PAUSE
6. Pausing theplayback.
Pressing the PAUSE button will
restart playing thetape.
Recording a Tape
1. Open the cassette door and insert the Blank tape
you wish torecord.
2. Select the source from which you will record, using
the input selectorbuttons (do notselect TAPE)
3. Press theRECORD button tostart recording.
The Play ( ) button willbe pressed automatically.
At the end of the cassette tape, the cassette will
stop automatically.
4. Stopping therecording.
5. Pausing therecording.
Pressing the PAUSE button willrestart
recording the tape.
1
43256
2
3
145
12 13

Troubleshooting guide
Problem Cause Solution
Power does not come on when the
power switch is pressed
No sound comes out of the speakers
The sound is noisy
The cassette deck door can not be
closed
The tape does not move
No sound from tape
Can not record
When recording over a previously
recorded tape, the original signal can
still be heard
The sound is distorted or faint
Can not listen to any station, or signal
appears weak
The sound is distorted
Play stop immediately after starting to
play the CD, or play pauses or stops
during play
No sound
Specific CD is noisy, or playback stops
or skips
Unit is unplugged
The volume is turned down(to MIN)
The input selector does not match the
playback source
The unit is too close to a TV set or
another similar appliance
The cassette tape is not inserted
properly
The cassette tape is not inserted
properly
The tape heads are dirty
The write-protect tabs on the
cassette have been broken off
The tape heads are dirty
you are trying to record on metal
(type IV) tape
The tape heads are dirty
You are trying to record on metal(type
IV) tape
The tape heads are dirty
The station is not tuned in properly
A TV set is being used nearby
The antenna is not oriented properly
The CD is inserted upside down
The CD is dusty or dirty, or there is
condensation on the CD
The CD player is paused
The CD is scratched, damaged or
warped
The disc is very dirty
Connect the unit to the AC power
supply
Adjust the volume
Re-select the input source
Turn off the TV or other appliance,
and relocate the unit
Insert the cassette tape correctly
Insert the cassette tape correctly
Clean the tape heads
Tape over the holes with
cellophane tape
Clean the tape heads
Use a normal (type I) tape
Clean the tape heads
Use a normal(type I) tape
Clean the tape heads
Tune in the station correctly
Turn off the TV set
Re-orient the antenna until
reception improves
Insert the CD with the printed side
upper most
Clean and dry the CD
press the PLAY/PAUSE button
The CD should be changed
Clean the CD
CD Player Tuner unit Tape deck The whole unitCD Player Tuner unit Tape deck The whole unit
14 15
In case of trouble with the unit, please look through this chart and see if you can solve the
problem by yourseif before callingyour dealer.
Specification
AMPLIFIER section
Output Power......................................2.0W + 2.0W (U.S.A. / Canada)
Frequency Response...........................60 to30,000Hz
TUNER section
FM Section
Frequency Range ...............................88to 108 MHz
AM Section
Frequency Range................................530 to1710 KHz (U.S.A./ Canada)
CD PLAYER section
Frequency response............................60 to20,000 Hz +/-4dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio.......................... 55dB(IEC-A)
CASSETTE DECK section
Track System.....................................4 track, 2 channel stereo
Tapespeed ........................................4.8cm/sec
Wow and Flutter..................................0.4%(WRMS)
Frequency Response..........................125 to6,300Hz +/-6dB
RECORD PLAYER section
Motor ................................................DC servo motor
Drive System......................................Belt Drive
Speed ...............................................33-1/3rpm, 45rpm and 78rpm
Wow & Flutter.....................................less than 0.25%(WTD)
S/N Ratio .......................................... More than 50dB
Catridge Type.....................................Ceramic Stereo Catridge
Stylus................................................402-M208-165
Output Level ......................................160~ 380mV(5cm/sec at1kHz)
SPEAKER SYSTEM section
Type..................................................3 -ways
Impedance ........................................4 ohms for Tweeter speaker
6 ohms forSuper Bass speaker
8 ohms forStereo channel
Input Power........................................Max. 5W for 8 ohms speaker
Max. 10W for4 ohms speaker
Max. 25W for6 ohms speaker
GENERAL
Power Requirements...........................AC 120V~ 60 Hz(U.S.A. / Canada)
Power consumption............................19W
Dimension(W x Hx D ).........................520x 920 x340mm
Weight...............................................23.5kg
Standard Accessories.........................OperatingInstruction Booklet
Warranty Card
45 rpm Adaptor