owner’s manual
SCT-550
DUAL CASSETTE DUBBING DECK
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Careful attention is devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of
your cassette deck, and safety is a major factor in its design. However,
safety is also your responsibility.
Objects and Liquids — 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 or electric shock. Never spill
liquid of any kind on the product.
This section lists important information that will help you properly use
and enjoy your cassette deck. Read all the included safety and
operating instructions before using your cassette deck. Follow them
closely, and retain them for future reference.
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.
Heed Warnings — Follow all warnings on the product and in the
Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall
outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
operating instructions.
Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before
cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.
• When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
• If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product.
• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
Attachments — Do not use attachments/accessories not
recommended by the product manufacturer, as they might create a
hazard.
• If the product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the
operating instructions, as an improper adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.
Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water (for
example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a
wet basement; or near a swimming pool).
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. Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for mounting, and use a recommended mounting
accessory.
• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
• When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be
sure the service technician uses replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or having the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
Safety Check — Upon completion of service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
Carts — Move the product on a cart carefully.
Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces
may cause the product/cart to overturn.
Wall or Ceiling Mount — The product should be mounted to a
wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet provide ventilation,
ensure reliable operation, and protect from overheating. Do not block
or cover these openings, and do not place the product on a bed, sofa,
rug, or other similar surface. Do not place the product in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless it provides proper
ventilation as specified by the manufacturer.
Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
Non-use Periods — Unplug the cassette desk’s power cord when
you will not use it for extended periods.
Power Sources — Operate this product using only the power
source indicated on its marking label. If you are not sure of your home's
power type, consult your product dealer or local power company.
Polarization — This product is equipped with a polarized AC line
plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit
in the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you cannot
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug
still doesn't fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug. If you need an
extension, use a polarized cord.
Power-Cord Protection — Route power-supply cords so they are
not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
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-line surges.
Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or
integral convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.
3
CONTENTS
Preparation .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Connections .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Line Output Jacks ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Line Input Jacks ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
AC Power Cord .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Controls and Functions ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Operation ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Automatic Search Music System ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Using Continuous Play (DECK 1 to DECK 2) ........................................................................................................................ 7
Recording a Cassette Tape ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Dubbing a Cassette Tape ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Changing a Cassette Tape in DECK 1 During Dubbing ................................................................................................... 8
Auto Dubbing a Cassette Tape ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Hi-Speed Dubbing a Cassette Tape ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Care ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Tape Tips ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Tape Selection ................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality ..................................................................................................................... 9
Erasing Tapes .................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Preventing Accidental Erasure ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Environment .................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts ................................................................................................................................. 10
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Specifications .............................................................................................................................................................. 11
4
PREPARATION
Amplifier
LINE
IN
OUT
Cassette Deck
L
R
To AC Outlet
READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING
CONNECTIONS
• Choose the installation location of your cassette deck
carefully. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or close to a
source of heat. Also avoid locations subject to vibrations
and excessive dust, heat, cold or moisture.
Connect your cassette deck to your receiver or amplifier using
the supplied audio cables.
Line Output Jacks
• Do not open the cabinet as this might result in damage to
the circuitry or electrical shock. If a foreign object should
get into the set, contact your dealer.
L
Using one of the audio cables, connect the cassette deck’s
R LINE OUT
and
jacks to the receiver or amplifier’s left and
right tape input jacks.
• When removing the power plug from the wall outlet,
always pull directly on the plug, never yank the cord.
Line Input Jacks
• Do not attempt to clean the unit with chemical solvents as
this might damage the finish. Use a clean, dry cloth.
LINE
Using the other audio cable, connect the cassette deck’s
IN
jacks to the receiver or amplifier’s tape output jack.
• Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
Note: If you are not sure which receiver/amplifier jacks to use,
refer to your receiver or amplifier’s owner’s manual.
AC Power Cord
Plug the AC power cord into an AC wall socket.
5
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
5
3
9
7
11
L
-00 -10 -5
0
+3 +6
R
14
12
15
2
6
10
13
1
4
8
DOLBY NR
12.
Indicator
1. POWER
13. Operation Panel Deck 1
PITCH CONTROL
2.
3.
4.
Volume
PLAY
DECK 1
Cassette Lid and Holder
STOP
DUBBING
with Indicator
— ASMS —
HI-SPEED DUBBING
with Indicator
REC LEVEL
14.
Control Volume
AUTO DUB
with Indicator
15. Operation Panel Deck 2
DECK 2
5.
6.
Cassette Lid and Holder
PLAY
STOP
REVERSE MODE
Indicator
Selector
7. LEVEL METER
REVERSE MODE
— ASMS —
8.
RECORD
REC/
9. DECK 2 COUNTER
10. DOLBY NR
PAUSE
RESET
11.
— Resets DECK 2 COUNTER
6
OPERATION
POWER
1. To turn on the cassette deck, press
.
USING CONTINUOUS PLAY (DECK 1 TO
DECK 2)
OPEN
DECK 1
or
2. Gently press
on the cassette door (
) and load the cassette tape.
DECK 2
You can set the cassette deck to play one side of the tape in
DOLBY NR
again to turn off this feature.
DOLBY
3. Press
and the indicator lights. Press
DECK 1
DECK 2
.
, then automatically play the tape in
NR
REVERSE MODE
4. Press
to select the desired reverse mode
PLAY
DECK 1
for 3
To turn on the continuous play, press
on
DECK 2
).
(Only
DECK 1
flashes.
or 4 seconds.
DECK 2
starts playing and the PLAY indicator on
The cassette deck plays or records one side of
the tape and stops.
DECK 1
When the cassette in
finishes playing, the cassette tape
The cassette deck plays or records both side of
the tape and stops.
DECK 2
in
automatically begins playback.
STOP
To cancel the continuous play, press
or any cassette
DECK 1
Note: To play or record both sides, you must press
PLAY PLAY
button of the deck which is currently playing (either
(not
).
2
or ).
The cassette deck plays endlessly.
Note: During recording, the cassette deck automatically
changes the setting and operates the same way as both-
side play.
RECORDING A CASSETTE TAPE
DECK 2
You can only record to a cassette in
.
PLAY
5. Press the
button.
Select the source to record from on your receiver amplifier
(CD, VCR, TUNER or DVD).
The indicator lights and play begins.
For forward play.
OPEN
DECK 2
and insert the tape to
1. Gently press
on
For reverse play.
be recorded into the cassette holder.
6. Adjust the tape speed by turning the pitch control.
DOLBY NR
2. Press
to use the noise-reduction system.
STOP
7. Press
to stop the tape.
3. Select the desired reverse mode.
•
•
To record on one side only.
To record on both sides.
AUTOMATIC SEARCH MUSIC SYSTEM
RECORD
PAUSE
REC/
The automatic search music system (ASMS) lets you quickly
locate a desired selection on a cassette tape. It searches for the
blank space before a selection and automatically stops just
before playback begins.
4. Press
.
The RECORD indicator lights and both the PLAY direction
indicators flash.
REC LEVEL
MIN
MAX
and to adjust the
5. Turn
between
PLAY
1. Press
2. To skip to the beginning of the current selection, press
or — whichever points in the opposite
direction of the play direction. To skip to the beginning of
the next selection, press or — whichever
to begin playing a tape.
recording level.
PLAY
6. To select the direction for recording, press either
or
.
Notes:
• If you want to record both sides of the cassette tape when
the reverse mode switch is in , be sure to press
points in the same direction as the play direction.
ASMS might not operate as expected if:
PLAY
PLAY
. Otherwise, if you press
, only side B
• The pause between selection is less than 4 seconds long.
of the cassette tape records.
• The overall recorded volume level of a selection is very
low.
DECK 2
• When both sides of the tape finish recording,
automatically stops.
• The noise level between selections is very high.
7
DUBBING A CASSETTE TAPE
HI-SPEED DUBBING A CASSETTE TAPE
DECK 1
to dub a tape on one
DECK 1
and a
1. Insert a prerecorded cassette tape into
, and a
1. Insert a prerecorded cassette tape into
DECK 2
.
DECK 2
blank tape for recording into
side.
blank tape for recording into
HI-SPEED
2. Press
3. Press
4. Press
.
.
DUBBING
2. Press
.
DUBBING
PLAY
The RECORD and DUBBING indicators light, and both
or
to select the direction of the
.
DECK 2
flash.
PLAY direction indicators
/
of
DECK 2
cassette tape for
PLAY
cassette tape for
3. Press
or
DECK 2
to select the direction of the
.
The indicators in the selected buttons stop blinking and
the other indicators turn off.
The indicators in the selected buttons stop blinking and
the other indicators turn off.
STOP
DECK 2
to stop dubbing.
5. Press
on
Both decks stop.
DECK 1
The indicator
of
button on
Both decks stop.
lights.
STOP
DECK 2
4. Press the
to stop dubbing.
Note: If the original tape was recorded using Dolby NR, the
copy also has Dolby NR, regardless of the position of the
DOLBY NR
switch. If the tape you copy does not have Dolby
NR, you cannot add it to the tape you record.
Changing a Cassette Tape in DECK 1 During
Dubbing
STOP
DECK 1
DECK 1
stops
If you press
on
during dubbing,
DECK 2
and
records 4 seconds of blank tape then goes into the
pause mode. During this time, you can change the cassette tape
RECORD
REC/
DECK 1
DECK 1
PLAY
button
in
of
. Press
then press the
PAUSE
to resume dubbing.
AUTO DUBBING A CASSETTE TAPE
It is convenient to use this function when dubbing an entire
cassette tape from the beginning.
DECK 1
1. Insert a prerecorded cassette tape into
DECK 2
and a
blank tape for recording into
AUTO DUB
.
2. Press
The cassette tapes of
automatically to the beginning after you press
When rewinding is complete, Auto Dubbing begins.
.
DECK 1
DECK 2
and
rewind
AUTO DUB
.
One side of a cassette tape is recorded from the beginning
to the end automatically regardless of the mode.
8
CARE
To enjoy your RCA SCT-550 Dual Cassette Dubbing Deck for a
long time:
• If the tape is wound loosely inside the cassette, use the
tape deck on fast forward or reverse to tighten the tape.
• Keep the cassette deck dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry
immediately.
• If a small portion of tape is unwound from the cassette,
tighten the tape using a pencil.
• Use and store the cassette deck only in normal
temperature environments.
Use a pencil to
take up the slack
and rotate it in the
arrow direction.
• Handle the cassette deck gently and carefully. Don’t drop
it.
• Keep the cassette deck away from dust and dirt.
• Wipe the cassette deck with a damp cloth occasionally to
keep it looking new.
Erasing Tapes
To record over a cassette tape, simply record as usual. The
cassette deck records over the previous recording.
Modifying or tampering with the cassette deck’s internal
components can cause a malfunction and invalidate its
warranty. If your cassette deck is not performing as it should,
take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.
You can quickly erase both sides of a cassette tape using a bulk
tape eraser available at your local RadioShack store.
Note: If you use metal tape, the recorded sound might not be
erased properly.
TAPE TIPS
Tape Selection
Preventing Accidental Erasure
For the automatic tape select function to work properly, metal
and chrome (cobalt) tapes must have identification holes.
Cassette tapes have two erase-protection tabs — one for each
side. When a tab is in place, you can record on that side.
To prevent accidental erasure of a tape recording, use a
screwdriver to remove one or both of the cassette tape’s erase-
protection tabs. This prevents REC from being pressed.
Normal Tapes
If you later decide to record on a tape side after you have
removed the erase-protection tab, place a piece of strong
plastic tape over that side’s erase-protection hole. Be sure you
cover only the hole originally covered by the erase-protection
tab.
Chrome (Cobalt) Tapes
Tape Position Identification Holes
Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality
Caution: Removing the erase-protection tabs does not prevent
a bulk eraser from erasing a cassette tape.
After you play a cassette tape several times, the tape might
become tightly wound on the reels. This can cause playback
sound quality to deteriorate. To restore the sound quality, fast-
forward the tape from the beginning to the end of one side,
then completely rewind it. Then loosen the tape reels by gently
tapping each side of the cassette’s outer shell on a flat surface.
Environment
Avoid using the deck in the following conditions:
• In areas with high temperatures (near a heater, exposed to
direct sunlight, for example).
Caution: Be careful not to damage the cassette when tapping
it. Do not touch the exposed tape or allow any sharp objects
near the cassette.
• In areas with extremely low temperatures.
• In areas where there is excessive humidity.
• In a dusty atmosphere.
To prevent the tape from being twisted:
• In areas where power line voltage fluctuations are severe
(in which case the use of a voltage regulator may be
advisable).
• Don’t pull the tape out of the upper opening of the cassette
tape.
9
Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts
TROUBLESHOOTING
Dirt, dust or particles of the tape's coating can accumulate on
the tape heads and other parts that the tape touches. This can
greatly reduce the performance of the cassette player. After
every 20 hours of tape player operation, follow these steps to
clean the tape-handling parts or use a cassette deck cleaning kit
(available at your local RadioShack store).
This product has been manufactured to the specifications of
RadioShack and is covered by a limited warranty from
RadioShack. If your cassette deck is not operating as it should,
take it to your local RadioShack store or call 1-800-THE-
SHACK for assistance.
1. Remove the batteries and disconnect any other power
source.
Problem
Probable Cause
Suggestion
No sound while Volume of stereo
the tape is
operating.
Adjust the volume.
PLAY
2. Open the cassette compartment door and press
expose the tape-handling parts.
to
receiver/amplifier is
set to “0.”
3. Use a cotton swab dipped in denatured alcohol or tape
head cleaning solution to clean the tape guides, record/
play head, erase head, pinch roller, and capstan.
Input function
Set the input
switch of amplifier function switch to
TAPE TAPE
is not set to
Noise reduction
switch is not in the reduction switch to
.
.
Strange tone
quality
or
Set the noise
STOP/EJECT
4. When you finish cleaning, press
and close
the cassette compartment door. Then reconnect power.
correct position.
match the
ragged sound.
appropriate kind of
recorded tape you
are using.
REC
operated.
cannot be
Erase-protection
tabs are removed.
Cover the erase-
protection tab slots
with adhesive tape.
Low volume or
weak sound with dirty.
mute intervals.
Tape heads are
Clean the tape
heads.
Poor operation
Mute recorded
Increase the mute
of skip function. length between two length so that it is
successive music
selections is not
longer than 4
seconds.
longer than 4
seconds or use a
tape that has a mute
length which is
longer than 4
seconds.
10
SPECIFICATIONS
DECK 1 (only for playing)
Track system ............................................................................................................................................ 2 Track, 2-channel Stereo
Tape Speed .............................................................................................................................................................. 4.8 cm/second
Motor ............................................................................................................................................................................. DC Motor
Frequency Response:
Normal Tape .........................................................................................................................................................40–12.5 kHz
CrO2 Tape ............................................................................................................................................................40–12.5 kHz
Fast Forward and Rewind Time ................................................................................................................ 130 seconds (C-60 tape)
DECK 2 (for recording/playing)
Track System ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Track, 2-channel Stereo
Recording System ............................................................................................................................................................... AC Bias
Erasing System .............................................................................................................................................................. AC Erasing
Tape Speed .............................................................................................................................................................. 4.8 cm/second
Motor ............................................................................................................................................................................. DC Motor
Frequency Response:
Normal Tape ............................................................................................................................................................40–14 kHz
CrO2 Tape ...............................................................................................................................................................40–15 kHz
Fast-Forward and Rewind Time ................................................................................................................ 130 seconds (C-60 tape)
Wow and Flutter ................................................................................................................................................ 0.2% (JIS, WRMS)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Dolby B NR Off) ............................................................................................................. 55 dB (CCIRARM)
Noise Reduction Effect (Dolby B NR On) ........................................................................................................... 65 dB (CCIRARM)
General
Power Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 120 V AC, 60 Hz
Power Consumption .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 W
Dimensions (W × H × D) ............................................................................................................................ 16.5 × 5.7 × 13 Inches
(420 × 146 × 330 mm)
Weight (net) ................................................................................................................................................................... 10 lb. 1 oz
4.6 kg
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice.
11
Limited One-Year Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workman-
ship under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-owned
stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, Ra-
dioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED
IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED
HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RE-
SPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY
LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFOR-
MANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUD-
ING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF
TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSI-
BILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of in-
cidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack
sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, un-
less otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and
labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase
price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the prop-
erty of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of
warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the
expiration of the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse,
accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or
maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs
other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as
fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs
of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
04/99
RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
14-1402
08A99
Printed in China
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