REVIEW

SWLing on the Road with Sonys XR-CA660X

By Ken Reitz KS4ZR

have to admit that Im a refugee from satellite radio. For years Ive had either Sirius or XM units in the car, but, as time passed and subscription fees climbed, I called it quits and sought an alternative. As a lifelong SWLer, I was disappointed in the lack of international broadcasters on either satellite service. Sure, XM carries the BBC World Service, and Sirius carries a truncated version as well as the wheel of rebroadcasts from World Radio Network. And, just recently, Sirius added CBC Radio One and CBC Premiere Plus, while XM added Canada 360 and Franc Parler. But, I was looking for more diversity, a wider range of broadcasters, some really esoteric music and an end to cables disease, constantly rising monthly rates. Thats why I turned to old fashioned shortwave radio in the car. Over the years Ive looked at mobile SWLing using portable shortwave radios, downconverters (tuning devices which convert your existing in-dash AM radio to tune the shortwave bands), even mounting my general coverage ham transceiver in the car. But, they all had drawbacks. I found that portable radios were cumbersome, not easily tuned, poor audio quality and susceptible to ignition and other electrical noise. The downconverters were easy to mount and hook up, but most were also susceptible to ignition noise and required a certain amount of mathematical gymnastics to determine the frequency. With the exception of the LFB Short Wave Converter* most were also poor performers. The ham transceiver was very sensitive but was bulky, not easily mounted (and a high risk of theft), suffered from poor audio but was less susceptible to ignition noise. The only thing left to do was to install a real in-dash AM/FM/SW radio.
ping. The Beckers price is high and SW coverage limited, so I checked out what Sony had to offer. In North America there is only one Sony dealer still selling in-dash AM/FM/SW radios: Durham Radio in Ontario, Canada. Worldwide, the only other Sony dealer selling these radios is an on-line retailer in the United Arab Emirates called Jackys. Jackys price is considerably cheaper, but the express shipping and customs duties make the final price more expensive than Durham Use small wire nuts to connect the new wiring harness to your Radio. stock speaker and power wires. Installing the radio requires Durham Radio sells their patience and a couple of hours of your weekend. (Courtesy: products at www.shortwaves- Author) tore.com. They stock two simiing the installation manual, it was time for the lar radios but with a $100 price difference. hardest part of this project: in-dash installaThe Sony XR-CA660 is identical to the Sony tion. XRF5100 except that it tunes the AM band in 9 kHz steps instead of 10 kHz steps (the XRF5100 is actually switchable between the A Wiring Nightmare I put my radio in a 1985 Toyota Celica, a two steps). It also tunes only to 1620 kHz, relic from days gone by before auto designers whereas the XRF5100 tunes to 1710 kHz. Ive done a lot of AM band DXing in made it very hard for consumers to do their my time, but not in the car. My own interests own radio installations. If you cant do the were being able to receive the FM and SW installation yourself or simply dont want to bands, so I opted to save the $100. But if you risk making a complete mess of the installafeel you need the AM capability, you should tion, take it to a local auto sound installer. Once I pulled the radio out of the center opt for XRF5100. Both radios replace previous models and are in keeping with Sonys console I found there was a rats nest of wires. policy of changing the face plates and various Before I did anything else, I tagged each of features every couple of years to update the wires and then cut them from the harness the line. Both feature built-in cassette decks plug which did not fit the input on the new which, if nothing else, may be used to play radio. To my horror, I found that none of the satellite radio, MP3 players or iPods in the wire colors on the old radio seemed to match the wire color scheme on the new radio. car. Later, I also found out that snap-on wire I ordered the XR-CA660 from TheShortwaveStrore.com and received the unit 7 days harnesses are commercially available which later. Total cost, including shipping was $204. convert the old wiring harness to adapt to the Stalking the Elusive InAfter taking the unit out of the box and perus- new wiring system. No cutting necessary! But if you find, as I did, that such Dash SW Radio a harness may not be available for You might think that finding a your car, dont panic! Go to www. shortwave radio for your car would installdr.com. Yes, the good doctor be as simple as going to your local has a wealth of car radio installation consumer electronics superstore. But, advice including a page which shows today there are only two manufacthe wire colors for virtually any car turers of in-dash shortwave radios: and the typical color equivalent for Becker and Sony. Both are hard to find. Sony XR-CA660X AM/FM/SW radio brings two bands of short- the new radio. With a printout for my Several dealers in the U.K. are wave listening and great audio at a reasonable price. Has built-in car in hand I went back to the project selling the Becker Mexico Pro line. cassette deck and detachable front panel. (Courtesy: Durham with renewed confidence. The first thing you have to do is Cost is around $450 (U.S.) plus ship- Radio) 68

MONITORING TIMES June 2006
six pre-sets) and two bands of shortwave, each with six pre-sets. There are a few other controls for use with optional out-board amps and CD changers (though they will only be compatible with Sony products) as well as advanced features for the cassette deck, if you actually have cassettes. I found reception on the FM band equal or better than any other in-dash receiver Ive used. The audio was excellent, the equalization scheme easy to Sony XR-CA660X installed in-dash and tuned to BBC World adjust and made some difference Service to Africa on 15.400 MHz. Clean lines, easy operating in listening pleasure. The cassette and excellent sound quality are Sony hallmarks. (Courtesy: player is great. It has a snappy Author) drive motor which can zip you to determine which wire carries the main 12 the end of a tape in a hurry. The volts D.C. to power the radio. There will also amp in this unit is capable of delivering excelbe a 12 volt line to the ACC position on the lent audio. The limits will be in your speaker ignition which allows you to have the radio system: the better the speakers the better the on without turning on the engine. Use a volt sound. meter to find these wires. Before you connect You might be skeptical of a shortwave raany wires, make sure the black ground wire is dio using only a 29-inch whip, but since this is attached first to a metal component connected essentially what most portables use you wont to the chassis. This may prevent accidental be surprised to learn that it does very well shorts while youre sorting out the wires. picking up the traditional international powNext, bundle wires you know you wont erhouses. This radio has two bands which be using, such as amp and CD changer con- are SW1 (2.940-7.735 MHz) and SW2 (9.500trols, etc. to get them out of the way. When you 18.135 MHz with a gap between 10.140 and find the correct matching wires, strip about 11.575 MHz). You can think of these bands a quarter inch insulation from the ends and as day and night bands, with the higher twist the two together. I used small wire nuts frequency band most active in daytime and the to secure the connection, though you can use lower frequency band more active at night. electrical tape instead. Tug on the wire nut to Now, Sony doesnt want you to be tuning make sure its secure. When youre hooking the radio hunting DX when youre supposed up the wires make sure the key is out of the to be driving, so tuning is done via the seek ignition. button. Pressing the mode button a few Once you have all the wires connected times eventually brings the radio to the SW1. (dont forget to attach the antenna!), slip the Press either the seek + or seek - buttons plug into the back of the radio and get ready and the unit tunes up or down the band. Press for the smoke test. Turn the key to ACC and the mode button once more and youre on the unit should come to life. When I did SW2. Again the seek + or seek - does the there was sound coming from one of the four tuning. Save any station received by pressing speakers and the display on the radio read and holding one of the six preset buttons. FAILURE. Not a good sign. Sony set the receive sensitivity at just the A quick check with the owners manual right level. It will pick up fairly weak stations (which is in English and Arabic) showed that but wont stop at every spike of atmospheric the display meant that the speakers were not noise. When it lands on a station, the exact hooked up properly. I believe this stemmed frequency is indicated on the front display. from a difference of opinion between in- It was afternoon by the time I finished the stalldr.com and me as to which colors were installation. SW1 was fairly dead, but the first pink, purple and green. After some trial and pass through SW2 netted Radio Netherlands error among the 12 remaining wire options, I at 17.735, VOAs Africa service at 15.580 hit pay dirt and all four speakers were work- and 15.240, WWV at 15.000, BBCs Africa ing. service at 12.095 and 15.400. In the morning Radio Canada Internationals service to North America on 9515 comes The XR-CA660 in Action Like most car audio products today, in with the power of a local station. All your this radio comes with a credit card sized IR stateside favorites such as WWCR, WWRB remote control, though all the functions are and WYFR are easily heard. Devotees of the easily done via the radios detachable front late Dr. Scott can catch his recorded teachpanel. In fact, the controls for this radio are ings 24/7 from the car. Spanish speakers will nearly identical to other Sony radio products. enjoy tuning into live World Cup action this Among the amenities of this particular radio summer as many stations will be carrying the are a three-band equalizer (fancy bass/treble play-by-play. Its one thing to sit in your driveway tuncontrols); three FM band selections with six ing the bands with the engine off and another pre-sets each (considerably more than most will need); the aforementioned MW band (also to be out on the highway where your ears

have to compete with local electrical and road noise. The weaker stations were less audible in the noise, but the powerful internationals came right through without a problem. Ignition noise was not apparent. There was, of course, the typical signal fading, a trademark of SWLing, and in the summer you can expect to hear a certain amount of atmospheric static, too. But, to many of us thats part of the charm of analog SWLing. If you listen to shortwave broadcasts for content, youll be really happy with either Sony product. And, if you speak French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, or Arabic, or are a student of any one of these languages, this radio is a great language skills builder. Its possible that future generations of either version will add an MP3 or iPod input on the front panel and a CD slot to replace the cassette. But, that may be years in coming.

AVAILABLE FROM:

Durham Radio Sales & Service, Inc. 10-1380 Hopkins Street Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1N 2C3 888-426-1699 www.shortwavestore.com They carry both the XRF5100 ($289) and XRCA660 ($189) plus shipping (about $15 to U.S. East Coast)

MANUFACTURERS SPECS:

Sony XRF5100 and XR-CA660X Tuning Range: AM: (XRF5100): 530-1710 kHz (9 or 10 kHz steps switchable) (XR-CA660X): 531-1602 kHz (9 kHz steps) FM: 87.5-108 MHz SW1: 2.940-7.735 MHz SW2: 9.500-18.135 MHz (except for 10.140-11.575 MHz) Size: 7-1/8 x 2 x 7 Antenna connector: Motorola Price: XRF5100: $289.00 (U.S.) plus shipping (about $15) XR-CA660X $189.00 (U.S.) plus shipping (about $15)
*LFB Short Wave Converter is made in Brazil. Cost is $140 + $15 Shipping. Contact: Luis Loeff angel@tsp.com.br Website: www. angelfire.com/ia/lfb (Review: MT Nov. 2001 page 84)

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June 2006

MONITORING TIMES

3-810-678-12 (3)

FM Cassette Car Stereo
Operating Instructions Mode demploi Bedienungsanleitung Istruzioni per luso

EN F D I

For installation and connections, see the supplied installation/connections manual. En ce qui concerne linstallation et les connexions, consulter le manuel dinstallation/connexions fourni. Zur Installation und zum Anschlu siehe die mitgelieferte Installations-/ Anschluanleitung. Per linstallazione e i collegamenti, vedere il manuale di installazione/ collegamenti in dotazione.

XR-3700RDS

1995 by Sony Corporation

Actual total number

Sony XR-3700RDS (E,F,G,I) 3-810-678-12 (3)

Features

General
Detachable-front panel enables you to take the front panel away with you when you leave your car (page 4). Caution alarm will be activated if you turn off the ignition key without removing the front panel from the unit. Built-in power amplifier (max. output: 20 W 4 ch) enables you to enjoy a 4-speaker system. Digital 24-hour clock provided (page 5). Line outputs for connecting on optional power amplifier.

Precautions

If your car is parked in direct sunlight resulting in a considerable rise in temperature inside the car, allow the unit to cool off before operating it. If no power is being supplied to the unit, check the connections first. If everything is in order, check the fuse. If no sound comes from the speakers of a 2-speaker system, set the fader control to the center position. If your car is equipped with a power antenna, note that it will be automatically extended while the unit is operating. If you have any questions or problems concerning your unit that are not covered in this manual, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Cassette player section

The auto-reverse function changes the tape direction automatically.

Tuner section EN

Up to 18 FM stations can be preset. BTM (Best Tuning Memory) function automatically searches and stores the stations with the strongest signals on the preset number buttons in order of frequency (page 7). Additional services are available, if FM RDS stations can be received (page 8). Compatible with the RDS features such as EON (Enhanced Other Networks), AF (Alternative Frequency), TA (Traffic Announcement) and CT (Clock Time) function (page 8 ,9, 10 and 11).

Notes on Cassettes

Cassette care
Do not touch the tape surface of a cassette, as any dirt or dust will contaminate the heads. Keep cassettes away from equipment with built-in magnets such as speakers and amplifiers, as erasure or distortion of the recorded tape could occur. Do not expose cassettes to direct sunlight, extremely cold temperatures, or moisture. When the tape is played back for a long period, the cassette shell may become warm because of the built-in power amplifier. This is not a sign of a malfunction.

Table of Contents

Resetting the unit... 4 Detaching and Attaching the Front Panel. 4 Setting the Clock.. 5
Cassette Player Operation
Listening to Tape Playback. 5 Ejecting the Cassette.. 5 Fast-winding the Tape.. 6

Radio Reception

Searching for Stations Automatically Automatic Tuning... Tuning in by Adjusting the Frequency Manual Tuning.. Memorizing Stations Automatically BTM (Best Tuning Memory) Function. Memorizing Only the Desired Stations. Receiving the Memorized Stations.. 7
Notes on Cassette Deck Tape Heads
Long use of cassette tapes contaminates the tape head causing poor sound quality or complete sound dropout. Therefore, we recommend cleaning the tape head once a month or so with the separately available Sony Cassette Cleaning Set. If the sound does not improve after using a cleaning cassette, please consult your nearest Sony dealer. In case of old or inferior cassette tapes, the tape head gets contaminated much more quickly. Depending on the tape, one or two playbacks may cause poor sound.

RDS Functions

Overview of the RDS Function.. 8 Displaying the Station Name.. 8 Re-tuning the Same Programme Automatically Alternative Frequencies (AF).. 8 Listening to Traffic Announcements.. 9 Presetting the RDS Stations with the AF and TA Data.. 10 Locating a station by Programme Type. 10 Using RDS Data for Setting the Clock Automatically.. 11
Cassettes longer than 90 minutes
The use of cassettes longer than 90 minutes is not recommended except for long continuous play. The tapes used for these cassettes are very thin and tend to be stretched easily. Frequent playing and stopping of these tapes may cause them to be pulled into the cassette deck mechanism.

Other Functions

Adjusting the Sound Characteristics. 11 Enjoying Bass and Treble at Low Volume Loudness Function.. 11 Muting the Beep Tone.. 11
Maintenance... Dismounting the Unit.. Button Locations.. Specifications... Troubleshooting Guide...

Resetting the unit

Before operating the unit for the first time or after replacing the car battery, you must reset the unit. Press the reset button with a pointed object, such as a ballpoint pen.
Attaching the Front Panel
Apply the right side of the front panel to the unit by attaching part A of the front panel to part B of the unit as illustrated, then swing the left side into the unit until it clicks.
Reset button Note Pressing the reset button will erase all the memory functions except for the preset stations.
Detaching and Attaching the Front Panel
The front panel of this unit can be detached in order to prevent the unit from being stolen.
Detaching the Front Panel
Before detaching the front panel, be sure to press the OFF button first. Then press the RELEASE button to open up the front panel and detach the panel by pulling it towards you as illustrated.

RELEASE button

Notes Make sure that the front panel is the right way up when attaching it to the unit as it cannot be attached upside down. Do not press the front panel hard against the unit when attaching it to the unit. It can easily be attached by pressing it lightly against the unit. When you carry the front panel with you, put it in the supplied front panel case. Do not press hard or give excessive pressure to the display windows of the front panel. Before removing the front panel, be sure to turn the power off. However, if you press the RELEASE button to detach the panel while the unit is still turned on, the power will be automatically turned off in order to protect the speakers from being damaged. Do not expose the front panel to direct sunlight, heat sources such as hot air ducts or leave it in a humid place. Never leave it on the dashboard etc. of a car parked in direct sunlight where there may be a considerable rise in temperature inside the car.

Caution alarm

If you turn the ignition key to the OFF position without removing the front panel, the caution alarm will be activated and a beep tone will be heard for a few seconds (only when the POWER SELECT switch is set to the A position).
Be sure not to drop the panel after detaching it from the unit.

Setting the Clock

The clock has a 24-hour digital indication. For example, setting it to 10:08
Listening to Tape Playback
After inserting the cassette, playback will start automatically.
Display the time. DSPL (Press the button during unit operation.) Press the seconds.

button for more than two

The hour digit(s) blinks.

Set the hour digits.

To change the tape direction, press both the 0 and the ) buttons at the same time.
(to go back) (to go forward) Indication of Tape Transport Direction

Press the

button momentarily.
The side facing up is being played.
The minute digits blink. The side facing down is being played.

Set the minute digits.

Tape playback automatically changes direction at the end of the tape.
Note Before turning off the unit, eject the tape to avoid tape damage.
(to go back) (to go forward)

Ejecting the Cassette

Press the button to stop playback and eject the cassette.
The clock activates. Note If the POWER SELECT switch on the bottom of the unit is set to the B position, the clock cannot be set unless the power is turned on. Set the clock after you have turned on the radio, or started cassette playback.

Fast-winding the Tape

Direction indicator* ( To advance To rewind
Searching for Stations Automatically

Automatic Tuning

To resume playback, press the other fastwinding button partially until the locked button is released.
* The 9 or ( indicator will flash while fast-winding the tape.

Select the desired band.

FM1 n FM2 n FM3 n FM1
Press either side of the SEEK/MANU button momentarily to search for the next station (automatic tuning).

SEEK/MANU

For lower frequencies

For higher frequencies

The scanning stops when a station is received. Press either side of the button repeatedly until the desired station is received.
When an FM stereo program with a sufficient signal strength is tuned in,
the ST indication will appear.
Tuning in by Adjusting the Frequency Manual Tuning

FM1 n FM2n FM3 n FM1

Press and hold either side of the SEEK/ MANU button. Release the button when the desired station is received.
Memorizing Only the Desired Stations
PREVENT ACCIDENTS! When tuning in during driving, use the automatic tuning and the memory preset tuning instead of the manual tuning.
Tune in the station which you wish to store on the preset number button. Press and hold the desired preset number button ( 1 to 6 ) for about two seconds until you hear a beep tone.

Memorizing Stations Automatically
BTM (Best Tuning Memory) Function
This function selects from the currently received band the stations with the strongest signals and memorizes them in order of their frequency.
The number of the pressed preset number button appears in the display window.

1 10430

Up to 6 stations on each band (FM1, FM2 and FM3) can be stored on the preset number buttons in the order of your choice. Therefore, 18 stations can be memorized on FM. If you try to store another station on the same preset number button, the previously stored station will be erased.
Cassette Player Operation/Radio Reception
Press the button for more than two seconds. When there is no preset number indicated on the display window, stations will be stored on all preset number buttons on the currently selected band. When there is a preset number indicated on the display window, the unit will store stations on all preset number buttons from the one currently displayed.

PTY/BTM

Receiving the Memorized Stations
For example, when you select FM2 and preset number 3 is displayed, the operation will start from preset number 3 on FM2, and will stop at preset number 6 on FM3.
Press momentarily the preset number button ( 1 to 6 ) on which the desired station is stored.
Note If you press the preset number button for more than two seconds, the currently received station will be memorized. To receive the previously memorized station, make sure that the preset number button is pressed only momentarily.
Overview of the RDS Function
Radio Data System (RDS) is a broadcasting service that allows FM stations to send additional digital information along with the regular radio programme signal. Your car stereo offers you a variety of services. Here are just a few: Re-tuning the same programme automatically, Listening to traffic announcements and Locating a station by programme type.
Notes Depending on the country or region, not all of the RDS functions are available. RDS may not work properly if the signal strength is weak or if the station you are tuned in is not transmitting RDS data.
Re-tuning the Same Programme Automatically
Alternative Frequencies (AF)
The Alternative Frequencies (AF) function automatically selects and re-tunes the station with the strongest signal in a network. By using this function, you can continuously listen to the same programme during a longdistance drive without having to re-tune the station manually.

Frequencies change automatically. 96.0MHz

98.5MHz

Station

102.5MHz

Displaying the Station Name
The name of the station currently received lights up in the display. Select an FM station. When you tune in an FM station that transmits RDS data, the station name lights up in the display.
Select an FM station. Press the AF/TA button until AF ON lights up in the display. The unit starts searching for an alternative station with a stronger signal in the same network.
Note When there is no alternative station in the area and you dont need to search for an alternative station, turn the AF function off by pressing the AF/TA button until AF/TA OFF lights up.
Changing the displayed items
Each time you press the AF/TA button, the displayed items change as follows:
z AF ON z TA ON z AF/TA ON* AF/TA OFF Z * Select this to turn on both AF and TA functions. Notes NO AF and the station name flashes alternately, if the unit cannot find an alternative station in the network. If the station service name starts flashing after you've made the preset selection, it means that no alternative frequency is available and the unit cannot receive the PI (Programme Identification) data of the memorized station. Press the SEEK/MANU button while the station service name is flashing (for about eight seconds) so the unit starts searching for a station with the same PI data, but with another frequency (PI SEEK lights up and no sound is heard). If the unit still cannot find an alternative station, NO PI lights up and the unit goes back to the original preset station.

BBC1 FM

Note The * indication means that an RDS station is being received.
Each time you press the button, the displayed items change as follows:
z Frequency z Time z StationName
Note NO Name lights up if the station received does not transmit RDS data.
Listening to a regional programme
The REG ON (regional on) function of this unit lets you stay tuned to a regional programme without being switched to another regional station. (Note that you must turn the AF function on.) The unit is factory preset to REG ON, but if you want to turn off the function, do the following. Press the button for more than two seconds until REG OFF lights up in the display. Note that selecting REG OFF might cause the unit to switch to another regional station within the same network.
Note This function does not work in the United Kingdom and in some other areas.
Tip When the traffic announcement starts while you are listening to another programme source, the unit automatically switches to the announcement and goes back to the original source when the announcement is over. Notes NO TP flashes for five seconds if the received station doesnt broadcast traffic announcements. Then, the unit starts searching for a station that does broadcast traffic announcements. When the EON indication appears with TP in the display window, the current station makes use of broadcast traffic announcements of other stations in the same network.

To cancel the current traffic announcement
Press the AF/TA button momentarily. To cancel all traffic announcements, turn off the function by pressing the AF/TA button until AF/TA OFF lights up.
Local Link function (United Kingdom only)
The Local Link function lets you select other local stations in the area, even though they are not stored in your presets.
Presetting the volume of traffic announcements
You can preset the volume level of the traffic announcements beforehand so you wouldn't miss the announcement. When a traffic announcement starts, the volume will be automatically adjusted to the preset level.
Press a preset number button that has stored a local station. Within five seconds, press again the preset number button of the local station. Repeat this procedure until the desired local station is received.
Select the desired volume level. Press the 3 button while pressing the SEL button. A beep sounds and the setting is stored.
Receiving emergency announcements
Listening to Traffic Announcements
The Traffic Announcement (TA) and Traffic Programme (TP) data let you automatically tune in an FM station that is broadcasting traffic announcements even though you are listening to other sources. Press the button until TA ON or AF/ TA ON lights up in the display. The unit starts searching for traffic information stations. TP lights up in the display when the unit finds a station broadcasting traffic announcements. When the traffic announcement starts, TA flashes, then flashing stops when the traffic announcement is over.
If an emergency announcement comes in while you are listening to the radio, the programme will be automatically switched to the announcement. If you are listening to a source other than the radio, the emergency announcements will be heard if you set AF or TA to on. The unit will then automatically switch to these announcements no matter what you are listening to at the time.
Presetting the RDS Stations with the AF and TA Data
When you preset the RDS stations, the unit stores each stations data as well as its frequency, so you dont have to turn on the AF or TA function every time you tune in the preset station. You can select different setting (AF, TA, or both) for individual preset station or the same setting for all preset stations.
Locating a Station by Programme Type
You can locate the station you want by selecting one of the programme types shown below.
Note In the countries or regions where EON data is not transmitted, you can use this function only for the stations you have tuned in once.

Presetting the same setting for all preset stations
Select an FM band. Press the AF/TA button repeatedly and select either AF ON, TA ON, or AF/ TA ON (for both AF and TA functions). Note that selecting AF/TA OFF stores not only RDS stations, but also non-RDS FM stations. Press the

button for two seconds.

Presetting different settings for each preset station
Programme types News Current Affairs Information Sports Education Drama Culture Science Varied Popular Music Rock Music Middle of the Road Music Light Classical Classical Other Music Type Not specified
Display NEWS AFFAIRS INFO SPORT EDUCATE DRAMA CULTURE SCIENCE VARIED POP M ROCK M M.O.R. M LIGHT M CLASSICS OTHER M NONE
Select an FM band and tune in the desired station. Press the AF/TA button repeatedly and select either AF ON, TA ON, or AF/ TA ON (for both AF and TA functions). Press the desired preset number button for two seconds until a beep sounds. Repeat from step 1 for presetting other stations.
Note You cannot use this function in some countries where no PTY (Programme Type selection) data is available.
Press the button during FM reception until PTY lights up in the display.
The current programme type name appears if the station is transmitting the PTY data. - - - - - appears if the received station is not an RDS station or if the RDS data has not been received.
Tip If you want to change the preset AF and/or TA setting after you tuned in the preset station, you can do so by turning on/off the AF or TA function.
Press the button repeatedly until the desired programme type appears. The programme types appear in the order as shown in the above table. Note that you cannot select NONE (Not specified) for searching.
3 Press either side of the SEEK/MANU
button. The unit starts searching for a station broadcasting the selected programme type. When the unit finds the programme, the programme type appears again for five seconds. NO and the programme type appear alternately for five seconds if the unit cannot find the programme type and it returns to the previous station.
Adjusting the Sound Characteristics
Select the item you want to adjust by pressing the SEL button repeatedly. VOL (volume) n BAS (bass) n TRE (treble) n BAL (balance) n FAD (fader) nVOL (volume)
Using RDS Data for Setting the Clock Automatically

By receiving CT (Clock Time) data, the clock of this unit can be set automatically. During FM reception, press the 2 button while pressing the SEL button. n CT will be displayed, and the clock will be set.
Adjust the selected item by pressing either the or + button.
Adjust within three seconds after selecting. (After three seconds the button will again serve as volume control button.)
RDS Functions/Other Functions
To cancel the CT function, press these buttons again.
Notes The CT function may not work even though an RDS station is being received. The time set by the CT function may not be exact.
Enjoying Bass and Treble at Low Volume

Loudness Function

Press the 4 button while pressing SEL the button. n LOUD will appear on the display. Bass and treble will be boosted. To cancel, press again.

Muting the Beep Tone

Press the 6 button while pressing the SEL button. To reactivate the beep tone, press these buttons once more.

Maintenance

Fuse Replacement
When replacing the fuse, be sure to use one matching the amperage rating stated on the fuse. If the fuse blows, check the power connection and replace the fuse. If the fuse blows again after replacement, there may be an internal malfunction. In such a case , consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Dismounting the Unit

Release key (supplied)

Fuse (15 A)

Warning Never use a fuse with an amperage rating exceeding the one supplied with the unit as this could damage the unit.

Cleaning the Connectors

The unit may not function properly if the connectors between the unit and the front panel are not clean. In order to prevent this, open the front panel by pressing the RELEASE button, then detach it and clean with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not apply too much force. Otherwise, the connector may get damaged.

Main unit

Back of the front panel

Button Locations

RELEASE
Refer to the pages in r for details. 1 Display window 2 SEL (control mode select) button 5! 3 DSPL (display mode change/time set) button 6 (eject) button Preset number buttons 0/) (fast winding)/DIR (tape transport direction change) buttons PTY/BTM (Programme type/Best Tuning Memory Function) button RELEASE (front panel release) button 4! 9 (volume/bass/treble/ balance/fader control) buttons 5!
0 SEEK/MANU button 67 ! FM (radio on band select) button 67 ! AF/TA (alternative frequency/traffic announcement) button 89 ! POWER SELECT switch (located on the bottom of the unit) See POWER SELECT Switch in the installation/connections manual. ! OFF button 4

Specifications

Tape track Wow and flutter Frequency response Signal-to- noise ratio 4-track 2-channel stereo 0.13 % (WRMS) 30 16,000 Hz 55 dB
Outputs Tone controls Power requirements Dimensions Rear line out (1) Power amplifier control lead Bass 8 dB at 100 Hz Treble 8 dB at 10 kHz 12 V DC car battery (negative ground) Approx. 170 mm (w/h/d) not incl. projecting parts and controls Approx. 154 mm (w/h/d) not incl. projecting parts and controls Approx. 1.3 kg Parts for installation and connections (1 set) Front panel case (1)