Optimus CTR-106 User manual

Cat. No. 14-1111
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
CTR-106
Voice-Activated
Cassette Tape Recorder
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FEATURES
Your Optimus CTR-106 Voice-Activated Cassette Tape
Recorder gives you a convenient and reliable way to
record live audio. You can manually start recording or set
the CTR-106 to automatically start recording when the re-
corder picks up sound.
Because the CTR-106 does not record long periods of si-
lence, you not only save tape space and battery power,
you also save time when you try to find a certain section
on the tape. Your recorder is small enough to fit in a brief-
case or purse, so you can take it almost anywhere —
meetings, lectures, and so on.
The cassette recorder includes these special features:
Voice-Activated Circuit — automatically starts record-
ing when the recorder picks up sound and stops record-
ing within 5 seconds after the sound falls below a set
level.
Built-In Condenser Microphone — helps provide quali-
ty recordings.
Di
g
ital Tape Counter — helps you quickly return to a
specific section on the tape.
©1997 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Optimus and RadioShack are registered trademarks
used by Tandy Corporation.
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Automatic Level Control (ALC) Circuit — automatically
adjusts to the proper recording level.
Auto Stop — during playback and recording, stops the
recorder and releases the tape mechanism when the
tape reaches the end, to save battery power and protect
your cassette tape.
Three-Way Power — lets you operate your cassette re-
corder using internal batteries, an AC outlet (using an op-
tional adapter), or your vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket
(using an optional adapter).
Earphone — lets you listen without disturbing others.
You can also use the earphone to monitor a recording
and check the microphone’s sensitivity.
Built-In Speaker — lets you listen to your recorder with-
out an earphone.
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CONTENTS
Preparation .................................................................. 5
Powering the Recorder ........................................... 5
Using Internal Battery Power ........................... 5
Using AC Power ............................................... 7
Using DC Power .............................................. 9
Using the Earphone .............................................. 11
Listening Safely .............................................. 12
Traffic Safety .................................................. 12
Operation ................................................................... 13
Loading a Cassette Tape ...................................... 13
Playing a Tape ...................................................... 14
Using Fast-F and Rewind ..................................... 15
Using the Tape Counter ........................................ 15
Recording ............................................................. 16
Using Voice Activation (VOX) ........................ 16
Manual Recording .......................................... 17
Tape Tips .............................................................. 18
Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality ... 18
Preventing Accidental Erasure ....................... 18
Erasing a Cassette Tape ................................ 19
Maintenance .............................................................. 20
Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts ........................ 21
Specifications ............................................................ 23
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PREPARATION
POWERING THE RECORDER
For portable use, you can power the recorder from inter-
nal batteries. You can also power it from a standard AC
outlet or your vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket.
Using Internal Battery Power
The recorder uses two AA batteries. For the best results,
we recommend alkaline batteries, such as RadioShack
Cat. No. 23-552. Or, you can use rechargeable nickel-
cadmium batteries, such as Cat. No. 23-125, with a bat-
tery charger (Cat. No. 23-133).
Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the recommended size
and type.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of
batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or
rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
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Follow these steps to install batteries.
1. Slide the battery compartment cover in the direction
shown by the arrow on the cover.
2. Install two AA batteries as indicated by the polarity
symbols (+ and –) marked on the back of the
recorder.
3. Replace the cover.
Cautions:
• If you do not plan to use the recorder for a week or
more, or you plan to use only another power source,
remove the batteries.
• Always dispose of old batteries promptly and prop-
erly.
Illust.
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Important: Your recorder is capable of using recharge-
able nickel-cadmium batteries. At the end of the batteries’
useful life, they must be recycled or disposed of properly.
Contact your local, county, or state hazardous waste
management authorities for information on recycling or
disposal programs in your area. Some options that might
be available are: municipal curbside collection, drop-off
boxes at retailers, recycling collection centers, and mail-
back programs.
Using AC Power
To power the recorder from an AC outlet, you need an
AC adapter (not supplied), such as Cat. No. 273-1654.
Cautions:
• You must use an adapter that supplies 3 volts and
delivers at least 300 milliamps. Its center tip must be
set to negative, and it must have a plug that properly
fits the CTR-106’s DC 3V jack. The recommended
adapter meets these specifications. Using an adapter
that does not meet these specifications could dam-
age the CTR-106 or the adapter.
• Connecting an AC adapter automatically disconnects
internal batteries.
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• Always plug the adapter into the recorder before you
plug it into the AC outlet. Always unplug the adapter
from the AC outlet before you unplug it from the
recorder.
1. Set the adapter’s voltage switch to 3V.
2. Attach the 3.4 mm outer diameter/1.3 mm inner
diameter barrel plug to the AC adapter’s cord with the
tip set to negative (–).
3. Insert the plug into the recorder’s DC 3V jack.
4. Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.
Illust.
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Using DC Power
To power the recorder from your vehicle’s cigarette-lighter
socket, you need a DC adapter (not supplied), such as
Cat. No. 270-1560.
Cautions:
• You must use an adapter that supplies 3 volts and
delivers at least 300 milliamps. Its center tip must be
set to negative, and it must have a plug that properly
fits the CTR-106’s DC 3V jack. The recommended
adapter meets these specifications. Using an adapter
that does not meet these specifications could dam-
age the CTR-106 or the adapter.
• Connecting a DC adapter automatically disconnects
internal batteries.
• Always plug the adapter into the recorder before you
plug it into the cigarette-lighter socket. Always unplug
the adapter from the cigarette-lighter socket before
you unplug it from the recorder.
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Follow these steps to power the recorder from your vehi-
cle’s cigarette-lighter socket.
1. Set the adapter’s voltage switch to 3V.
2. Attach the 3.4 mm outer diameter/1.3 mm inner
diameter barrel plug to the DC adapter’s cord with
the tip set to negative (–).
3. Insert the plug into the recorder’s DC 3V jack.
4. Plug the adapter into the vehicle’s cigarette-lighter
socket.
Note: If the recorder does not operate properly when
powered from your vehicle’s battery, unplug the adapter
from the cigarette-lighter socket and clean the socket to
remove any ashes or other debris.
Illust.
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