Pioneer CT-F615 User manual

STEREO CASSETTE TAPE DECK ()rqoNEER'
GT-FEil5 KU
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
S P EC IFICATIONS
Systems Compact cassette, 2.channel stereo
Motor . . . . . Dcservomotorx 1
Heads "Sendust" recording/playback head x 1
Erasing head x 1
Fast Winding Time Approximately 100 seconds
{C-60 tape}
Wow and Flutter . No more than 0.06% (WRMS)
Frequency Response
Standard,LHtapes .....29to15,00OH2
(25 to 14,000H2 t 3dB)
Ferrichrometape. ....2lto17,O00H2
(25 to 16,000H2 t 3dB)
Chromium dioxide tape . . 20 to 17,000H2
(25 to 16,000H2 t 3dB)
Metal tape ....2Oto18,000H2
(25 to 17,000H2 t 3dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Dolby NR OFF; More than 58dB
Dolby NR ON; More than 68dB
(over 5kHz)
Harmonic Distortion No more than 1.3% (OdB)
lnput (Sensitivity/Maximum allowable input/lmpedance)
MIC (L, R);0.3mV/100mV/10 kilohms,6mm diam, jack
(Reference MIC impedance;250 ohms to 10 kilohms)
LINE x 2;50mV/25Vl75 kilohms Pin jack
Output (Reference level/Load impedance)
LINE x 2;450mVl5O kilohms Pin jack
HEADPHONES x 1;73mV/8 ohms,6mm diam. .jack
Sem iconductors
Amplifier Section Transistor x 55
Diodes x 45 (Zener x 3, LED x 3), lCs x 5
Motor control Section . Transistor x 2. Diode x 1
Subfunctions
r Air damp eject function
o Fluorescent display level meter (-20 to +8dB)
. 4 position tape selector (STD/Fe-Cr/CrO2lMETALI
r lC logic control
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The serial number for this equipment is located on the
opposite panel on the controls.
Please write this serial number on your enclosed war-
ranty card and keep in a secure area. This is for your
secu ri ty .
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOIS-
TURE.
o Dolby NR system (ON/OFF)
. Standby mechanism with unattended recording
o REC muting function
r Full automatic stop mechanism
PowerRequirements. ..... AC120V,60Hz
Power Consumption 31 watts
Dimensions 420(W) x 98(H) x 328(D)mm Max.
1 6-9/16 x 3-718 x 12-15116in.
Weight . 6kS (13 tb 4oz)
Furnished Parts . Stereo connecting cords with pin plugs x 2
Operating instructions x 1
Note:
Specifications and the design subject to possible modification
without notice due to improuements.
NOTES:
1. Reference Recording Level: Meter OdB indicating level (160
nwb/m magnetic level = Philips cassette reference level)
2. Reference Signal: 333H2
3. Wow & Flutter: r JIS [3kHz, with acoustic compensation
(weighted), rms valuel
4. Frequency Response: o Measured at -2OdB level, DOLBY NR
OFF, level deviation is t6dB without indication.
5. Signal to Noise Ratio: r Measured at the third harmonic dis-
tortion 3% level, weighted.
6. Sensitivity: lnput level (mV) required for reference recording
level with input (REC) controls set to maximum.
7. Maximum Allowable lnput: While decreasing settings of input
(REC) level controls and increasing level at input jacks, this is
the maximum input level (mV) at the point where recording
amplif ier output waveform becomes clipped.
8. Reference Output Level: Playback output level when meter
indicates 0dB.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ INSTRUCTIONS - All the operating in-
structions should be read before the appliance is
operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS - The operating in-
structions should be retained for future reference.
HEED WARNING - All warnings on the appliance
and in the operating instructions should be adher-
ed to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS - All operating and
use instructions should be followed.
WATER AND MOISTURE - The appliance should
not be used near water - for example, near a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in
a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
LOCATION - The appliance should be installed in
a stable location.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING - The appliance
should not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.
VENTILATION - The appliance should be situat-
ed so that its location or position does not inter-
fere with its proper ventilation. For example, the
appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa,
rug, or similar surface that may block the ventila-
tion openings; or, placed in a built-in installation,
such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede
the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
HEAT - The appliance should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other appliances (including amplif iers)
that produce heat.
POWER SOURCES - The appliance should be
connected to a power supply only of the type de-
scribed in the operating instructions or as marked
on the appliance.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION Power-supply
cords should be routed to 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 appliance.
CLEANING - The appliance should be cleaned
only with a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth.
Never clean with furniture wax, benzine, insectici-
des or other volatile liquids since they may cor-
rode the cabinet.
NONUSE PERIODS - The power cord of the ap-
pliance should be unplugged from the outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
OBJECT AND LIOUID ENTRY - Care should be
taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are
not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
DAMAGE REOUIRING SERVICE - The appli-
ance should be serviced by Pioneer authorized
service center or qualified service personnel
when:
o The power-supply cord or the plug has been
damaged; or
o Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled
into the appliance; or
r The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
r The appliance does not appear to operate nor-
mally or exhibits a marked change in perform-
ance; or
r The appliance has been dropped, or the en-
closure damaged.
SERVICING - The user should not attempt to
service the appliance beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should
be contact nearest Pioneer authorized service
center.

PIONEER
OPERATING THE CT-F61 5
When hooked up to your stereo components
(amplifier, tuner, turntable, etc.), you can re-
cord and play back FM or AM broadcasts, re-
cords and other program sources in stereo on
this deck. In addition, you can make your own
stereo recordings using an electret or dynamic
microphone.
The deck is provided with a headphones
(PHONES) jack, and this allows you to monitor
the recording or tape play with stereo head-
phones.
The tape selector buttons permit full justice to
be given to the characteristics of metal tapes,
chrome tapes, ferrichrome tapes and standard
tapes. They can also be used for recording and
playback with the bare minimum of distortion.
The Dolbyx noise reduction system serves to cut
out a great deal of that irritating tape hiss in the
high-frequency range without sacrificing the
sound qualit5r of the program source (it yields a
10dB improvement in the high frequency sound
range). This system expands the dynamic range
and makes it possible to record and play back
sources with a high signal-to-noise ratio.
The deck comes with an unattended recording
function which can be used along with the timer
for unattended recording and wake-up to the
sound of a tape being played back instead of the
usual alarm clock-
CONNECTIONS
Connect the tape deck's terminals (OUTPUT-
INPUT) to the tape terminals on the stereo ampli-
fier (or receiver) with the accessory cords. The top
terminal is for the left channel and the bottom for
the right channel.
Connections for playback: connect the TAPE
PLAY input terminals on the stereo amplifier to
the tape deck's OUTPUT (PLAY) terminals.
Connections for recording: connect the stereo
amplifier's TAPE REC output terminals to the
tape deck's INPUT (REC) terminals.
AC120V 60Hz AC outlet
Serial
number
plate
INSTALLATION P RECAUTIONS
To ensure the best sound quality and trouble-free operation, avoid setting up the tape deck in any of the
locations described below.
Stereo amplifier
(or receiver)
-TAP€_
I *.- oo, ]
hq@J
tr@@s
_LINE ..-...-
r ,-*,- .,,,",,-)
| "=' r"' I
I z'a\ z-a\ -
)ie)ltgE
Wdt@+
2.
Location liable to downgrade performance
and result in breakdowns
Locations exposed to direct sunlight, or near heaters or dther
heat sources.
Locations with poo:" ventilation, with high humidity or mois-
ture contents, or dusty locations.
Locations susceptible to vibration.
Locations where there are thinners, benzine and other types
of volatile liquids, insect sprays or any kind of inf lammable
objects at hand.
Resulting trouble
1. External heat causes the performance of the circuit parts to
deteriorate, and operation becomes unstable.
2. Cause of faulty contact in input/output terminals, and rust.
High humidity and a high moisture content cause deterioration
in insulation. There is also the danger of current leakage and
heat generation in the circuit parts. Dust or grease in the rotat-
ing parts causes the parts to deteriorate.
3. These locations affect the precision parts adversely.
4. These help to corrode the front panel. ln particular,the heads
are precision-f inished to micron dimensions. Chemicals may
reduce their performance, so exercise all due care.
2
4.
*Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
x Dolby and D0 are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

FRONT PANEL FACILITIES
e powrn swtrcH
Power is supplied to the deck when this switch is set to ON, and
the level meter lights up.
To turn OFF the power, set it to bottom position.
@ rlmEn srART swlTCH
This is used when the timer is employed along with the deck for
unattended recording and wake up playback.
REC: Set to this position to set the deck automatically to the
recording mode at the time preset on the timer and
to start the recording of programs unattended, for in-
stance.
OFF: Set to this position for normal tape playback and record-
ing.
PLAY: Set to this position to set the deck automatically to the
playback mode at the time preset on the timer and to
start the playback. The tape playback function can be
used to wake up in the morning instead of an alarm
clock.
@ CASSETTE HoLDER/EJEcT BUTTON
The cassette tapes are loaded into this holder. lt jumps out when
the E.IECT button is depressed. To close the holder, push the top
back until it locks.
@ REMAINTNG TAPE MARKER
lf this marker is visible, it means that there is enough tape remain-
ing for several minutes of recording or playback.
@ couNrER RESET BUTToN/TAPE
COUNTER
Depress this button to reset the tape counter display to "000."
Tape counter indicates the position of the tape run.
@ LEVEL METERS
These indicate the input level during recording and the output
level during playback.
@ rrupur (REcoRDTNG LEVEL) coNTRoLS
Use these to adjust the level of the input signals from the MIC
jacks or rear panel LINE-lNPUT.
Turning these controls to the right increases the |evel, For further
derails, refer to "SETTING THE RECORDING LEVEL" on page
9. The controls are coupled to the left and right channels, but you
can also use them to adjust the right channel (back) and the left
channel (front) independently.
@ HeRopHoNE JAcK
This is the output jack for stereo headphones. Plug your head-
phones into this jack when you want to monitor the quality of a
recording or when you want to listen to a tape privately.
NO?ES:
. Use lou-impedance head.phones. If you use a high-impedance
model, you will not be able to obtain sufficient uolume.
. You uill damage the microphone if you plug it into this jach
by mistake.
@ rvrc IAcKS
These are the input jacks for microphone recording. Plug the left
channel microphone into !he L jack and the right channel micro-
phone into the R iack.
@ REC MUTE SWTTCH
While this switch is depressed (ON ) during recording (switch is
kept depressed), blanks can be recorded on the tape since the in-
put signals are not recorded. For details, refer to "USlNG THE
REC MUTE SWITCH" on page 9.
4

TJIONEER
O DoLBY NR swtrcH
Set this switch to ON for recording with the built-in Dolby noise
reduction system and for the playback of tapes which have been
recorded using the Dolby NR system. For further details on the
Dolby NR system, refer to the leaflet inserted into the operating
i nstru cti o ns.
@ UPE SELECTOR
This selector allows the bias and equalizer characteristics to be
selected during recording and the equalizer characteristics during
playback in line with the type of tape you are using. For details,
refer ro "LISTING OF TAPES" on page 7.
STD position: For using standard or LH tapes
Fe-Cr position: For using ferrichrome tapes
HIGH position: Set to this position when using chrome or metal
I
I tapes and then set the right-hand switch to CrO2
I or METAL.
f cror; For using chrome tapes
L rvtetnt; For using metal tapes
@ oPeRITING SWITcHES
<< (REWI : Depress this switch to rewind the tape at high
speed. (The tape will travel from right to left.)
>> (FF): Depress this switch to send the tape forward at
high speed. (The tape will travel from Ieft to right.)
I (Stop): Depress this switch to stop the tape run and to
release the operating switches.
REC: tape will travel flom left to right.)
Depress this switch together with the > (Play)
switch for recording.
This switch will not work when a cassette is not
loaded or when the erasure prevention tabs of a
loaded cassette have been broken off-
Depress this switch to stop the tape temporarily
during recording or playback. Depress > (Play)
switch to allow the tape to continue to travel.
PAUSE:
NOTE:
. The operating switches will not return to their original posi
tions even when the pouer is suitched OFF.
CHECK CASSETTE BEFORE USE
Slack or protruding tapes
If the tape prptrudes from the cassette as shown in
Fig. A or is slack, the tape may run without
passing through between the capstan and the pinch
roller and so may be damaged. Take up the slack
by inserting a pencil through the reel hub and
tuming it as indicated in the figure.
Some tapes provide a tape stopper to prevent tape
slack. Make sure that you remove the tape stopper
before inserting the tape into the deck.
Turn pencil to
remove tape slack.
Fig. A
Erasure prevention tabs
Cassette tapes are provided with erasure prevention
tabs, as shown in Fig. B, which act as a protection
device to prevent the accidental erasure of a
recording which you want to keep. If you remove
the tabs, as shown in Fig. B, with a screwdriver
you will be able to prevent erasure if you acciden-
tally set the tape deck to the recording mode by
depressing the REC switch.
To re-record, cover the tab opening with a double
layer of adhesive tape (Fig. C).
NOTE:
Cassette tape are prouided with two tabs (A or I and B or
2) so you can protect the recordings on both sides.
-Side B erasure
/ prevention tab
Fig. BFig. C
Side A erasure
prevention tab
5

BASIC OPERATION
LOADING AND UNLOADING THE TAPE
Tape loading
1. Depress the EJECT button until the cassete holder
springs forward.
Cassete holder
2. Load the cassette with the exposed end of the tape
at the bottom. The side (A or B) which is to be re-
corded or played back faces you.
NOTE:
The cassette tape can not be loaded when it is in-
serted aduersely. Do not insert the tape forcibly
since it causes the breakdowns.
3. Push the cassette holder back into position until
you hear a click that denotes the holder is locked.
Unloading the tape
As for loading the tape, depress the EJECT button
and this will open the cassette holder. Now take the
tape out. Do not depress the EJECT button while
the tape is still traveling.
Play and record
1. Check that the tape is on the left
reel.
2. The tape runs from left to right
when the > (PlaY) switch is de-
pressed. lf the REC switch is also
depressed together with the
> (Play) switch, the deck will be
set to the recording mode.
Fast forward
1. Check that the tape is on the left
reel .
2. The tape runs from left to right
at high speed when the )>FF
switch is depressed for a fast
forward operation.
Rewind
1. Check that the tape is on the right
reel.
2. The tape runs from right to left
at high speed when the << REW
switch is depressed, and the tape
is rewound.
J "!. ""s==
flrow
Play PAUSE
."m.fl fl
Fast forward
Irr+
Play, Record,
Fast foward
STOP OPERATION
Stopping the tape
Depress the r (Stop) switch to stop the tape travel.
Using the Pause Switch
1. The tape will stop when the PAUSE switch is depressed while
the tape is traveling (recording or playback).
2. When the > (Play) switch is depressed, the tape willstart travel-
ing again (recording or playback).
NO?ES:
1. When stopping the tape for a prolonged period of time, use the
I (StoP) switch.
2. When using a pre-recorded tape to re-record a program, bear in
mind that the pre-recorded sound will sometimes not be erased
at the place on the tape where you set the dech to the PAUSE
mod,e.
The PAUSE switch comes in handy in the f ollowing instances:
o When the recording level is set.
r When you want to edit out some portions of a program during
recording and then continue recording.
AUTO.STOP MECHANISM
When the tape is fully rewound onto one of the
reels during recording, playback, fast forward or
rewind, the auto-stop mechanism is activated
without the r (Stop) switch having to be depressed,
and the tape will automatically come'to a halt
several seconds later.
The power does not go off when the auto-stop
mechanism is activated.
6

PIONEER
CASSETTE TAPES
Cassette tapes are manufactured according to inter-
national standards governing their construction,
and they are generally classified according to their
tape performance and recording time.
Performance classif ications
Recording time classifications
Cassette tape
designati o n
Recording time (minutes)
One side Both sides
c-30
c-46
c-60
c-90
c-120
15
aa
30
45
60
30
46
60
90
120
The size of the cassette tapes is the same but their
playing (and recording) times differ according to
the tape thickness (length).
LISTING OF' TAPES
The C-60 and C-90 tapes are most commonly used.
The C-120 tapes are not recommended because
their mechanical and electrical specifications vary.
HINTS ON HANDLING CASSETTE TAPES
o Check the tape before recording
Before starting to use the tape for recording,
load the tape and set the tape deck to fast
forward and rewind. This will safeguard the deck
from damage caused by irregularities in the tape
winding.
o Take care with the leader tape
A leader tape is attached to the beginning of the
cassette tape (you cannot record on it). It takes
about 5 'seconds for it to pass through, so bear
this point in mind when recording.
o Do not load a cassette immediately after clean-
ing the heads
Do not load a cassette immediately after you
have cleaned the heads until the head surfaces
are completely dry (this takes 2-3 minutes).
Standard type Low-noise type H igh-performance type
o Standard tape
. Dynamic tape . Low-noise tape
r Low-noise, high-
output tape
. Chrome tape
. Ferrichrome tape
. Metal tape
This table shows the proper settings of the tape selector for all leading brands of tapes.
STD position for standard tape CrO2 position f or chrome tape Fe-Cr position for ferrichrome tape
BASF
LH C-60
LH C-90
LN C-60
LN C-gO
LH SUPER C-60. C-90
sLH-r c-50
sLH-r c-90
MAXELL
LN C-60
LN C-90
uD c-60. c-90
uL c-60
uL c-90
UD XLI C-6O
xL I C-60
xL I C-90
FUJI FC
FC
FX.I]
c-60
c-90
c-50 SONY DUAD C-60, C-90
New DUAD C-6O, C-gO
BASF
FERROCHROM C.60
FERROCHROM C.90
FCR C-60
FCR C-90
SONY CR
CR
JHF
c-60
c-90
c-60, c-90
PHILIPS cRo 2
cRo 2c-60 c-90 scorcH CLASSTC C-60
cLASStC C-90
AGFA
LH C-60
LH C-90
SUPER HIGH DYNAMIC
c-60 +6
SUPER HIGH DYNAMIC
c-90 +6
FUJI
FM C-60
FM C-90
FL C-60
FL C-90
FX C-60
FX C-90
FX Jr C-6O
FX Jr C-gO
FX DUO C-5O
FX DUO C-90
FX-r C-50
FX-r C-90
BASF CHROMDIOXID C-60 CHROMDIOXID C.90
scR c-60, c-90
DENON DX-s C-60. C-90
scoTcH M-7 C-60. C-90
TDK
KR C-60. C-90
sA c-60
sA c-90
New SA C'6O
New SA C-gO
scoTcH
LH C-60
LH c-90
CRYSTAL C-6O
CRYSTAL C.90
M- t2 c-60
M- t2 c-90
D C-60, C-90
sD c-50
sD c-90
ED C-60
ED C-90
AD C-60
AD C-90
METAL position for metal lape
SCOTCH METAFINE
c-46
lcR
UDXL II
MAXELL UDXL II
XL II
I xr- rr
c-60. c-90
c-60
c-90
c-60
c-90
TDK
SONY METALIC
c-46
TDK MA C-46. C-50
SONY
LN C-60
LN C-90
HF C-60, C-90
AHF C-6O
AHF C.gO
BHF C-60. C-90
FUJI SUPER RANGE
c-46
AMPEX STUDIO OUALITY C-5C
PLUS SERIES C.6C
PLUS SERIES C.9C) DENON DX-3 C-60
DX-3 C-90

PLAYBACK
Set the switches and controls as follows before you switch the power on.
o Set the TIMER START switch to OFF.
o Depress the COUNTER RESET button and the counter
will be reset to "000".
o Check that the head section is not dirty. If dirty, clean it
(Refer to page 11).
o Switch the amplifier on to enable tape playback.
(Ex. When using amplifier 5.4'-610 or SA'710 as a
component part, set function switch to "TAPE" posi-
tion and TAPE-2 switch to "OFF".)
OPERATING PROCEDURE
Set the POWER switch to ON
Load the cassette tape
Check the side of the tape which is to be played back (A or B)
and check that the tape is wound on the left-hand reel. Now
load the lape (refer to page 6).
Set the TAPE SELECTORS
Set the selector to the position corresponding to the type of
tape to be used. For derails, refer to "LlsTlNG oF TAPES"
on page 7.
Set the DOLBY NR switch
Set this switch to ON when playing back a tape, which was re-
corded by the Dolby NR system.
Follow the playback and recording procedure below in numerical order. The step numbers
are illustrated in the figure.
Start playback
Depress tfre > (Playl swiich and the tape will start to run.
Adjust the volume to the preferred level by rotating the
volume control on the stereo amplifier.
Complete playback
When the tape is fully wound onto the right reel during play-
back, the > (Play) switch will be released automatically. De-
press the r (Stop) switch if you want to stop the tape run
during playback. Depress the PAUSE switch for a temporary
stop.
o
CD
c
@
@
@
lPlayback )
I=
-r-IJII
a

o
o
RECORDING
Set the switches and controls as follows before you switch the power on.
o Set the TIMER START switch to OFF.
o Set the INPUT controls to the leftmost position (0).
o Inspect the head section for dirt. If dirty, clean it (Refer
to page 11).
. Set up the program source (records, FM broadcast,
microphone performance, etc.) which you intend to
record-
OPERATING PROCEDURE
O Set the POWER switch to ON
O Load the cassette tape
Check that the tape is wound onto the left reel, and load
securely. Also check that the erasure prevention tabs on the
cassette tape have not been broken off (see page 5).
@ Set the TAPE SELECTORS
Set the selector to the position corresponding to the type oi
tape to be used. For details, refer to "LlsTlNG oF TApEs,,
on page 7.
Set the DOLBY NR switch
Set this switch to ON for recording using the Dolby NR sys-
tem-
Recording standby
Depress the PAUSE and REC switches together. The REC and
PAUSE indicators both light. When a leader tape is attached
to the actual cassette tape, depress the > (Play) switch for
about 10 seconds to allow it to clear the heads before depress-
ing the PAUSE and REC swirches.
Depress the counter reset button and reset to "000".
"Leader tape": This is a section of the tape at the
beginning and end of the tape which
cannot be recorded.
Set the recording level INPUT controls
Refer to following the section on "SETTING THE RECORD-
ING LEVEL", and then adjust the INPUT controls.
Starting the recording
Depress the > (Play) switch. The tape now starts to run and
the recording begins. Observe the level meter occasionally
during recording to check the recording level and check the a-
mount of tape left.
Complete recording
When you have finished recording, depress the r (Stop) switch
and stop the tape. Depress the PAUSE switch for a temporary
stop. When the tape is fully wound onto the right reel during
recording, the recording mode will be automatically released.
TJIONEER
SETTING THE RECORDING LEVEL
Setting the recording level incorrectly and then
recording a program source can lead to a deteriora-
tion in the signal-to-noise ratio and to distortion. If
you are recording a program source with relatively
high signal levels, adjust the recording level con-
trols so that the meter display flashes across a
-sdB to OdB range.
o If you record sound where the meter display
registers a maximum input level of over +8dB,
the playback sound will be distorted, and con-
versely, if the level is too low (-20dB to
-10dB), the signal-to-noise ratio will be im-
paired and there will be a high noise level in the
playback sound.
o Depending on the program source, the signal
level undergoes wide-ranging fluctuations, and so
it is a good idea to keep an eye on the meter
indication while you are recording.
r- llll
dB -eo
R llll
lrl
USING THE REC MUTE SWITCH
Use this switch to cut out commercials during
FM broadcast recording, to create unrecorded
blanks between programs on the tape, to record
music from disks and to cancel out the noise
generated when the stylus descends onto the
disk.
1. Once one program has finished, depress the
PAUSE switch with the REC MUTE switch
held in the depressed position for about b
seconds. Once the tape has stopped traveling,
release the REC MUTE switch. The sound of
the program source can still be heard through
the speakers but it is not recorded on the
tape.
2. Depress the > (Play) switch when the program
source to be recorded is about to start. Now you
can record the program source again.
When recording music from a disk and the stylus
is about to descend onto the disk, depress the
REC MUTE switch and then release it just before
the music starts.
ERASING THE TAPE
r Recording onto previously recorded tape auto-
matically erases the earlier sound and replaces it
with the new program source.
o To completely erase a program, turn the INPUT
controls fully counter-clockwise and run the
tape in recording mode.
@
o
o
-eo -10 -7 -5 -3 0 +3 +5 +A
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M ICROPHONE RECORDING
As shown in figure blow, use a stereo microphone
or two identical microphones, and connect the one
for the left channel to the L MIC jack and the one
for the right channel to the R MIC jack. For the
actual recording, refer to "RECORDING" on page
9. ffi
t channel
Right channel
Microphones
ate microphones
speakers when in use.
Points to bear in mind
o Use dynamic or electret microphones.
o Monitoring the recording with the speakers very
often gives rise to howl so use the microphones
as far away from the speakers as possible.
o Do not connect a microphone to the PHONES
jack, as the microphone may be damaged.
RECORDING AND PLAYBACK
USING THE TIMER
UNATTENDED RECORDING
You can record FM broadcasts, for instance, auto-
matically at the appointed time if you employ an
optional timer (such as the Pioneer Digital Timer
DT-400). This is a very convenient function for
recording programs while you are not at home or
while you are asleep.
l.Connect the power cord of the unit to the
timer as shown in the following figure. In the
same w&y, connect the power cords of the
other stereo components (tuner, amplifier,
etc.) so that the power will be switched on
and off by the timer.
2. Set the power switches on the CT-F615 and
stereo system to ON, and then tune in the
broadcasting station whose program you want to
record.
3. Follow the "RECORDING" steps Q through
@ on page 9 and set the recording level.
4. Set the timer so that the power is switched on at
the appointed time. The power to all the com-
ponents except the timer is now OFF.
5. Set the TIMER START switch to REC.
6. At the prescribed time the power will auto-
matically go on, and the REC and > (Play)switch
indicators will light up about three seconds later.
Recording will then commence. When the tape is
completely wound onto the reel, the auto-stop
mechanism is actuated and the tape is stopped.
Next, the timer operates and switches the power
to the CT-F615 and the stereo component off.
Tuner
vI
/."',r.\
€ry
Stereo
amplif ier
H
t_
CT-F61 5
NO?ES:
o Turn the amplifier's uolume control left down so that
the sound is not heard through the speahers while you
are out-
o For more details on the connections, refer to the
tim er's instruc tion b ookle t.
o Set the time on the timer so that the power to the
CT-F615 and stereo components is switched off after
the tape is fully wound onto the right reel.
WAKE.UP PLAYBACK
You can have the CT-F615 play back a prerecord-
ed tape automatically at a desired time. You can
set the timer so that the tape's music wakes you up
instead of an alarm clock.
1. As shown in the above figure, connect the CT-
F615.
2. Follow steps O to @ in "PLAYBACK" on
page 8, and set up the CT-F615. Rewind the
tape back to the point at which you want to
start playback.
3. Set the timer so that the power is switched on at
the desired time.
4. Set the TIMER START switch to PLAY.
5. At the prescribed time the power will come on,
the > (Play) switch indicator will light up about
3 seconds later, and the tape will start to play
back.
10

TJT()NEER
MAINTENANCE
Follovv the maintenance instructions below to keep
your tape deck working in tip-top condition.
CLEANING THE HEAD SECTION
The heads, capstan and pinch roller are liable to get
dirty quite easily. In particular, if the heads are
dirty, the high-frequency components are not
reproduced and the stereo balance will be impaired
resulting in a deterioration in the playback sound.
Get into the habit of regularly cleaning the head
section by using the cleaning swabs and cleaning
liquid or absolute alcohol, sold separately.
Head cleaning steps
1. Loosen the two mounting screws attached to
the cassette holder, as shown in the figure,
and remove the window.
2. Depress the EJECT button, open the cassette
holder and clean the heads. Now set the power
switch to ON, close the holder frame, depress
the
pinch roller to rotate and wipe away the dirt
with the cleaning swabs.
3. Follow the proceciure outiineci in step (1) above
in reverse and attach the holder frame.
NOTE:
After cleaning the head section, wait at least two to three
minutes for the cleaning ftuid to dry before loading the
Iape.
DEMAGNETIZING THE HEAD
The recording head becomes magnetized when you
use the tape deck for prolonged periods of time.
This results in noise being generated and the treble
dropping off during recording and playback. The
recording head should therefore be regularly de-
magnetized with the head eraser, which is sold se-
parately. For further details, refer to the head
eraser's instruction booklet.
NOTE:
De not hold screwdriuers, metal objects or magnets close
to the heads.
CLEANING THE FRONT PANEL SECTION
Wipe the front panel and the cassette door when
dusty or greasy with a soft cloth containing a small
amount of ordinary washing-up liquid. Then, wipe
dry with a cloth. Never use volatile spirits like
thinners, benzine or alcohol because they will dam-
age the panel's finish.
Pinch roller
Recordi ng/Playback head

rrtoNEert
TROU BLESHOOTING
Although some failures and breakdowns can be
traced to legitimate mechanical faults, some are in
fact the results of improper maintenance, tape
Moisture forms in the operating sections of this model and
the model's performance will be impalred if the model is
brought from cool surroundings into a warm room or if the
temperature of the room rises suddenly.
To prevent impairing performance, let the model stand in its
new surroundings for about an hour before switching it on,
or ensure that the room temperature rises gradually.
defects or lack of experience in operating the tape
deck. If you think that is a failure, refer first to the
following checklist.
Trouble Cause Remedy
No tape run
(model not set to playback
or recording mode)
1. AC cord is not connected.
2. Tape is not wound up.
3. PAUSE switch is depressed.
4. TIMER START switch is set to PLAY or REC.
IConnecl cord
2. Rewind tape (see page 6).
3. Depress > (Play) switch (see page 6).
4. Set switch to OFF.
No sound 1. Sound not recorded on tape.
2. lncorrect operation of amplif ier.
3. lncorrect connections with amplifier
1. Replace tape.
2. Set the amplifier on to enable tape play-
back.
3. Connect with reference to page 3.
No recording 1. Tape tabs broken out.
2. lncorrect connections with amplif ier 1. Replace tape or block up holes (see page 5)
2- Connect with reference to paqe 3.
Sound is distorted or high
no ise leve I
1. Sound is distorted and this is recorded on
ta pe.
2. -Tape is worn out.
3. Tape recorded with the Dolby NR system
is being played back with the Dolby NR
switch at OFF.
4. Heads are dirty or magnetized.
1. Take note of recording level and re-record
(see page 9).
2. Replace tape.
3, Set Dolby NR switch to ON-
4. Clean heads or demagnetize (see page 1 1 ).
No high-f requency range
sound or sound is unstable 1. Heads are dirty or magnetized.
2. Tape selectors are not set in accordance
with tape to be used.
3. Tape not recorded with the Dolby NR sys-
tem is being played back with the Dolby
NR switch at ON.
1 . Clean heads or demagnetize (see page 1 1 ).
2. Set tape selectors correctly in accordance
with tape (see page 7).
3. Set Dolby NR switch to OFF.
PIGINEEFI ELECTFIGINIC COFIPOFIATION
Lr.A. PIONEEFI ELECTFIONICS COFIPOFIATICIN A5 OxfonC
PIONEEFI ELECTFIONIG (EIJFIOPEI N.V. Luithagen-Haven
FIONEEFI ELECTFIONICEI AUGiTFIALIA FTY. LTc,. 17A-1A4
<80 t07Y0s05>
4-1, Meguno 1-Chome, Meguno-ku, Tokyo '153, Japan
Dnive, Moonachie, New Jensey O7O74, U.S.A.
9, 2O3O Antwenp, Elelgium
E}oundany Fload, Bnaeside, Victonia 3195, Austnalia
Printed in Japan <R RB-130-B >