Alpine 7294R - User Manual

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Alpine 7294R and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
FM Tuner
MW Tuner
LW Tuner
Tape Section
General
Chassis Size
Nosepiece Size
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Alpine 7294R is a digital FM/MW/LW/RDS cassette auto-reverse player with CD shuttle control capabilities. It is designed to be a comprehensive car audio system, offering various playback options and advanced radio features.

Function Description:

The 7294R serves as a central control unit for car audio, integrating a radio tuner, a cassette player, and a CD shuttle controller. Its primary functions include:

Radio Reception: Digital FM, MW (Medium Wave), and LW (Long Wave) tuning with RDS (Radio Data System) functionality.
Cassette Playback: Auto-reverse cassette deck with Dolby B/C Noise Reduction.
CD Control: Capable of controlling an external Alpine 5952 or 5952S CD Shuttle for CD playback.
Audio Processing: Includes features like loudness control, fader control (selectable for preamp or power amp), and source tone memory (STM) for individual bass and treble settings per source.
Traffic Information: Automatic reception of traffic announcements via RDS TP and TA signals or ARI SK and DK signals.
Program Identification: Auto Program Identification (A.P.I.) in FM mode to automatically tune to the best receptive RDS station with the same program.
Theft Prevention: Quick Release Bracket (Q.R.B.) for easy removal and a Q.R.B. Minder to remind the user to remove the unit.

Important Technical Specifications:

FM Tuner:

Tuning Range: 87.5 – 108.0 MHz
Sensitivity: 1.5 µV
Alternate Channel Selectivity: 80 dB
S/N (signal-to-noise) Ratio: 60 dB
Stereo Separation: 35 dB
Capture Ratio: 2.0 dB

MW Tuner:

Tuning Range: 531 – 1,602 kHz
Sensitivity: 10 µV

LW Tuner:

Tuning Range: 153 – 281 kHz
Sensitivity: 20 µV

Tape Section:

Tape Speed: 1-7/8 ips (4.8 cm/sec) ±0.7%
Wow and Flutter: 0.08% WRMS
Stereo Separation: 40 dB
S/N (signal-to-noise) Ratio:
- With Dolby B-Type NR: 64 dB
- With Dolby C-Type NR: 72 dB
- Without Dolby NR: 55 dB
Frequency Response (with Alpine test tape): 30 – 22,000 Hz

General:

Power Requirement: 14.4V DC (11 – 16V allowable)
Max. Power Output: 25W + 25W
Output Voltage: 500 mV/10k ohms
Bass Control: ±15 dB at 30 Hz
Treble Control: ±12 dB at 10 kHz
Loudness Contour (at 100 Hz): +10 dB
Speaker Impedance: 4 ohms
Weight: 2.1 kg (4 lbs. 10 oz)

Chassis Size:

Width: 178mm (7")
Height: 50mm (2")
Depth: 153mm (6")

Nosepiece Size:

Width: 171mm (6-3/4")
Height: 48mm (1-7/8")
Depth: 21mm (13/16")

Usage Features:

Initial System Start: After installation or battery disconnection, the unit requires a reset by pressing the Reset switch with a pointed object.
Volume and Tone Adjustment: Volume, treble, bass, and balance can be adjusted via the Audio MODE Select switch. Settings are memorized per source (STM).
Loudness Function: Activates or deactivates a loudness enhancement with a long press of the LOUD button.
Mode Switching: Dedicated buttons for Radio (TUNER), Cassette (TAPE), and CD (DISC) modes.
FM Volume Switching: Allows setting FM volume to "Hi" or "Lo" to balance volume differences when switching between tape and FM radio.
Tuning Band Selection: Cycles through FM1, FM2, MW, and LW bands using the BAND button.
Local/Distance (DX) Seek Sensitivity: Adjusts tuner sensitivity for strong (Local) or strong and weak (DX) stations.
FM Stereo/Monaural Switching: Selects between automatic stereo/monaural switching or monaural-only reception for weaker signals.
Manual and Auto SEEK Tuning: Allows precise manual tuning or automatic scanning for the next higher/lower frequency.
Preset Memory Programming: Stores up to six stations per band (FM1, FM2, MW, LW) and for D.A.P. (Direct Access Preset).
Auto MEMOry Preset: Automatically stores the six strongest stations in each band.
D.A.P. (Direct Access Preset): Stores FM, MW, and LW presets on the same band, eliminating the need to switch bands.
RDS (Radio Data System): Displays station names (PS data), performs automatic tracing to stations with the best reception (PI and AF data), and receives traffic information (TP and TA data).
A.P.I. (Auto Program Identification): Automatically switches to the best receptive RDS station with the same program content in FM mode.
Traffic Information Function: Automatically receives traffic announcements, pausing other audio sources. Allows setting four preset volume levels for traffic information.
Cassette Loading and Playback: Insert a cassette with the open side facing right. Playback starts automatically or by pressing the TAPE button.
Cassette Eject: Ejects the cassette using the Eject button.
Cassette Pause: Temporarily stops playback with the TAPE button.
Fast Forward and Rewind: Quickly advances or rewinds the tape using the FF/REW switches.
Music Sensor (Cassette): Skips to the beginning of the next or current musical track by detecting blank sections.
Auto Reverse (Cassette): Automatically reverses tape direction at the end of a side.
Manual Reverse (Cassette): Changes playback direction with the PROG button.
Repeat (Cassette): Continuously repeats a selection.
Scan (Cassette): Plays the first 10 seconds of each selection.
Blank Skip (Cassette): Skips over blank sections of tape lasting 15 seconds or more.
Return Eject (Cassette): Automatically ejects the tape after both sides have been played or after one side in fast forward mode.
CD Playback: Controls an external CD shuttle. Displays disc and track number or elapsed time.
CD Pause: Temporarily stops CD playback.
Music Sensor (CD Skip): Advances to the next track or replays the current track.
Direct Disc Access (CD): Selects specific discs (1-6) from the CD shuttle.
Fast Forward/Fast Reverse (CD): Rapidly moves the CD pickup forward or backward.
Repeat (CD): Continuously repeats a single track or an entire disc.
Disc Scan (CD): Plays the first 10 seconds of each track in succession.
M.I.X. (Random Play - CD only): Plays music selections on the disc in a random sequence.
Q.R.B. Minder: An audible reminder to remove the head unit when leaving the vehicle. Can be switched on/off.

Maintenance Features:

Fuse Replacement: If fuses blow, replace them with the same amperage. If they blow repeatedly, check electrical connections and the vehicle's voltage regulator. Do not attempt self-repair; consult an Alpine dealer.
Temperature Precautions: Ensure the vehicle's temperature is between 14°F (-10°C) and 140°F (60°C) for proper operation. Good air circulation is essential to prevent heat build-up.
Cassette Care: Avoid C-120 tapes. Prevent foreign objects from entering the cassette opening. Store tapes in a cool, dust-free place away from magnetic sources. Take up any slack in the tape before insertion to prevent damage.
Head Cleaning (Cassette): If sound quality deteriorates, use a special head cleaning cassette for approximately 1 minute to remove foreign matter. Some cleaning cassettes also clean capstans and pinch rollers.
Q.R.B. Bracket Removal: Exercise caution when removing the unit from the Q.R. Bracket as the heat sink on the rear can become hot after operation.
Error Indication for 5952/5952S: The manual provides a table of error codes (e.g., ERROR-01 to ERROR-07, ERROR-30, EEEE, NO MAGZN) with their causes and recommended solutions, which often involve checking the CD magazine, pressing the eject button, or consulting an Alpine dealer.