Aiwa CA-DW539 - User Manual

This document outlines the operating instructions, usage features, and maintenance guidelines for the AIWA CA-DW539 CD Carry Component System. It is a portable minichain with a CD player, tuner, and dual cassette deck, designed for audio playback and recording.

Function Description

The AIWA CA-DW539 is a versatile audio system that combines several functions:

CD Player: It can play compact discs, supporting direct play, track selection, and programmed playback of up to 30 tracks. The system also features repeat functions for single tracks or all tracks.
Tuner: The unit includes an AM/FM tuner, allowing users to listen to radio broadcasts. It supports both manual and auto search tuning, as well as presetting up to 15 stations in each band for quick access. The AM tuning interval can be adjusted between 10 kHz/step and 9 kHz/step, depending on the region's frequency allocation system.
Cassette Deck: Equipped with a dual cassette deck, the system supports both playback and recording. It can record from a CD, radio, or external microphone. The dubbing feature allows for tape-to-tape recording at either normal or high speed.
Microphone Mixing: A microphone input allows users to mix microphone sound with other audio sources, such as CD or radio playback, and record the mixed audio onto a cassette.
Sound Adjustment: The system offers volume control and a 3-mode equalizer (ROCK, POP, JAZZ) to customize the sound output. It also includes a T-BASS system for enhanced low-frequency sound.
Sleep Timer: A built-in sleep timer allows the unit to be automatically turned off after a specified period, ranging from 10 to 90 minutes in 10-minute steps.

Usage Features

The CA-DW539 is designed for user-friendly operation with several convenient features:

Power Supply: The unit can be powered either by AC house current (120 V, 60 Hz) using the supplied AC cord or by eight R20 (size D) batteries for portable use. An OPE/BATT indicator lights up when the power is on, and dims when batteries need replacement.
Speaker Connection: The system includes detachable speakers that slide into guide brackets on the center unit. They can be easily separated by pressing a release knob. Speaker cords are color-coded for correct connection to the R (right) and L (left) terminals.
Remote Control: A remote control unit is provided for convenient operation from a distance. It replicates most of the main unit's buttons, including power, function selection, tuning, volume, and CD track selection. The remote requires two R6 (size AA) batteries.
Tuner Operation:
- Band Selection: Users can switch between FM and AM bands by pressing the RADIO/BAND button.
- Tuning: Stations can be tuned manually using the TUNING DOWN/UP buttons or automatically via the Auto Search function by pressing and holding the tuning buttons.
- FM Stereo/Mono: For noisy FM stereo broadcasts, the FM MODE/OSC button can be used to switch to monaural reception, reducing noise.
- AM Noise Reduction: A high-pitched sound during AM recording can be reduced by repeatedly pressing the FM MODE/OSC button.
- Antenna: The rod antenna should be extended and oriented for optimal FM reception, while the unit itself should be positioned for best AM reception as its antenna is internal.
Presetting Stations: Up to 15 stations can be stored as presets in each band. This involves tuning to a station, pressing the MEMORY button, and repeating the process. Presets can be recalled sequentially or directly using the remote control's numbered buttons.
CD Operation:
- Disc Loading: The CD compartment opens by pressing CD OPEN. Discs should be placed with the printed side up.
- Playback: Playback starts by pressing the PRESET (PLAY) button. Direct play is also available when the unit is off.
- Navigation: Users can skip tracks, search for specific points within a track, and repeat tracks or the entire disc.
- CD-R/RW Compatibility: The unit may not play all CD-R/RW discs, especially those recorded on personal computers, due to differences in recording platforms. It is advised not to use irregular shaped CDs or attach labels to discs.
Tape Operation:
- Inserting Tapes: Cassettes are inserted into the deck with the exposed side down and the side to be played facing out.
- Playback: Playback starts by pressing the PLAY button. The unit supports continuous play between deck 2 and deck 1.
- Recording: Recording from CD or radio involves inserting a blank tape into deck 1, selecting the source, and pressing the RECORD button. For recording selected CD tracks, programmed play must be set up first.
- Dubbing: Tape-to-tape dubbing can be performed at normal or high speed.
- Accidental Erasure Prevention: Plastic tabs on cassette tapes can be broken off to prevent accidental erasure. To record again, these openings can be covered with adhesive tape.
Headphone Listening: Headphones with a stereo mini plug can be connected to the PHONES jack for private listening.
Troubleshooting: In case of erroneous display or malfunction, users are advised to ensure no deck operation buttons are pressed, then try resetting the unit by pressing the STANDBY button while holding TAPE/POWER/6STANDBY. If this doesn't work, disconnecting the AC cord and removing batteries to turn off the display, then waiting a while before powering back on, is recommended.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of the CA-DW539:

Cabinet Cleaning: The cabinet should be cleaned with a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Strong solvents like alcohol, benzine, or thinner should be avoided.
Head Cleaning: Tape heads can accumulate dirt, leading to issues like poor high-frequency sound, off-balance audio, or recording/erasure problems. It is recommended to clean the tape heads with a head cleaning cassette after every 10 hours of use.
Lens Cleaning: The CD pickup lens should be cleaned gently with a cotton swab slightly moistened with cleaning fluid, wiping from the center to the edge.
Battery Care: To prevent damage from leakage or explosion, batteries should be inserted with correct polarity, different types of batteries or old and new batteries should not be mixed, and batteries should be removed if the unit is not used for a long period. Recharging, heating, or disassembling batteries is prohibited. Dead batteries should be removed promptly.
Condensation: Moisture may form on the CD pickup lens if the unit is moved from a cold to a warm environment, if the heating system is on, or in a humid room. If condensation occurs, the unit may not function normally and should be left for a few hours to dry before attempting operation.
General Safety: The manual emphasizes important safety precautions, including avoiding exposure to rain or moisture, not opening the unit's cover, and referring servicing to qualified personnel. It also advises against using the unit near water or heat sources, and ensuring proper ventilation. The unit should be placed on a flat, even surface and moved with care if on a cart.
Power Cord Protection: Power-supply cords should be routed to prevent them from being walked on or pinched. Overloading wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles should be avoided.
Lightning Protection: For added protection during lightning storms or extended periods of disuse, the unit should be unplugged from the wall outlet to prevent damage from lightning and powerline surges.
Damage Requiring Service: Users are instructed to unplug the unit and refer servicing to qualified personnel under specific conditions, such as a damaged power cord, liquid spills, exposure to rain, abnormal operation, physical damage, or a distinct change in performance. Unauthorized substitutions of replacement parts should be avoided.
Copyright: Users are reminded to check copyright laws regarding recordings from disc, radio, or external tape in their respective countries.