Curtis RCD858 - Manual (Page 15)

CASSETTE CARE
Two common causes of trouble experienced when using cassettes are:—
(a) Tape jamming - Leading to uneven speed in playback, and
(b) Tape tangling - Where the tape wraps itself around vital parts of the mechanism.
To reduce the likelihood of these problems occurring, the following
precautions should be observed.
Check that there are no loose layers of tape visible through the
cassette center window (see Fig. 1). Take up any loose layers,
using a pencil or hexagonal barrelled ballpoint pen, before inserting
the cassette into the machine (see Fig. 2).
If the cassette feels "tight" while performing operation shown in Fig.
2, the tape may be jamming due to "ridges" formed in the winding of
the tape (visible through the center window). These may be removed,
in most cases, by fast winding of the cassette from one end to the
other and back again.
Use only well-known brands of tape.
Avoid use of C-120 cassettes.
Furthermore, do not expose cassettes to direct sunlight, dust or oil, and do not touch the
tape surfaces.
HEAD CLEANING
The ta[e heads, pinch roller and capstan require periodic cleaning. This removes particles
of the metal oxide coating that wear off the tape and accumulate on these parts and impair
performance. Switch off the power, press the STOP/EJECT Button to open the cassette
door, and press the PLAY Button. Clean the tape heads, pinch roller and capstan with a
soft cloth or cotton bud dampened in isopropylalcohol or special tape head cleaner.
Erase head Record/ Capstan
Play Head Pinch ller
PREVENTION AGAINST ACCIDENTAL ERASURE
To prevent a recording on a cassette tape being erased
accidentally, break off the tab on the rear of the tape, as in the
diagram. Now recording on this side is no longer possible. You
can render this protection ineffective by covering the hole with
a piece of adhesive tape.
Pinch
Roller
TAB FOR SIDE A
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