Becker 1432 - User Manual

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Summary

Radio Functions

Radio Tuning Methods

Covers Wave Band, Function Control, Sensitivity, Seek, Scan, and Manual Tuning methods.

Cassette Player Functions

Cassette Operation Controls

Details controls for music search, track selection, eject, tape selection, and Dolby noise reduction.

Compact Disc Changer Functions

CD Operation Controls

Covers function control, disc selection, music search, track display, and playback time controls for the CD changer.

Radio Operation

Radio Reception and Tuning Methods

Explains reception capabilities and using Seek, Scan, and Direct Frequency tuning.

Radio Operation - Manual and Memory Tuning

Manual and Push-Button Memory Tuning

Details manual tuning and storing favorite stations in memory using recall buttons.

Cassette Operation - Playback and Settings

Cassette Insertion and Playback Features

Cassette Operation - Search and Noise Reduction

Track Selection and Dolby Noise Reduction

Explains switching tape sides and using Dolby B/C noise reduction.

Compact Disc Operation - Loading and Basic Playback

Compact Disc Operation - Track Management

CD Track Navigation and Search

Covers advancing to next/previous tracks, fast-forward/reverse within tracks.

Compact Disc Operation - Information and Maintenance

CD System Maintenance and Warnings

Antitheft System

Antitheft System Functionality

Explains the built-in system that disables the radio if disconnected from power.

Recoding and Incorrect Code Procedures

Details recoding the antitheft code and handling incorrect entries and lockouts.

Summary

Radio Functions

Radio Tuning Methods

Covers Wave Band, Function Control, Sensitivity, Seek, Scan, and Manual Tuning methods.

Cassette Player Functions

Cassette Operation Controls

Details controls for music search, track selection, eject, tape selection, and Dolby noise reduction.

Compact Disc Changer Functions

CD Operation Controls

Covers function control, disc selection, music search, track display, and playback time controls for the CD changer.

Radio Operation

Radio Reception and Tuning Methods

Explains reception capabilities and using Seek, Scan, and Direct Frequency tuning.

Radio Operation - Manual and Memory Tuning

Manual and Push-Button Memory Tuning

Details manual tuning and storing favorite stations in memory using recall buttons.

Cassette Operation - Playback and Settings

Cassette Insertion and Playback Features

Cassette Operation - Search and Noise Reduction

Track Selection and Dolby Noise Reduction

Explains switching tape sides and using Dolby B/C noise reduction.

Compact Disc Operation - Loading and Basic Playback

Compact Disc Operation - Track Management

CD Track Navigation and Search

Covers advancing to next/previous tracks, fast-forward/reverse within tracks.

Compact Disc Operation - Information and Maintenance

CD System Maintenance and Warnings

Antitheft System

Antitheft System Functionality

Explains the built-in system that disables the radio if disconnected from power.

Recoding and Incorrect Code Procedures

Details recoding the antitheft code and handling incorrect entries and lockouts.

The Becker 1432 is a Mercedes-Benz AM/FM stereo radio with a cassette player, designed to provide a superb sound system experience. It also supports an optional dealer-installed trunk-mounted compact disc changer, though this is not available in station wagon models.

Function Description:

The device integrates radio, cassette player, and an optional CD changer into a single sound system. It offers various controls for power, volume, tone (bass and treble), balance, and mode selection. The radio features AM and FM stereo reception, with a stereo indicator appearing on the display for FM stereo signals. The cassette player supports standard cassette playback and includes features like auto-reverse, music search, fast forward/rewind, and Dolby® B and C noise reduction. The optional CD changer can hold up to ten discs in a magazine and offers disc selection, track search, fast forward/rewind, and random track play.

Important Technical Specifications:

Radio: AM and FM stereo reception.
Cassette Player: Auto-reverse mechanism, Dolby® B and C noise reduction, CR tape switch for chromium dioxide (CrO2) or "metal" cassette tapes.
CD Changer (Optional): Ten-disc capacity, Class 1 laser unit.
Sound System: Standard on S-Class and SL models, as well as 300E, 300E 4MATIC™, and 300 CE*. These models feature a High Performance Sound System with separate audio power amplifiers. S-Class and 300 Class models have ten high-quality speakers (two low-frequency, two mid-frequency, four high-frequency, and two mid-high-frequency units). SL models have six speakers (two low-frequency, two mid-frequency, and two high-frequency units). Optionally available on the 300 D 2.5 Turbo and the 300 E 2.6.
Antitheft System: Four-digit code required for operation after battery disconnection or removal. Three incorrect attempts lead to a 15-minute WAIT period, and further incorrect attempts result in a 24-hour lock.

Usage Features:

Power: The system operates with the car's ignition switch in either the PWR on or off position. The radio/CD changer is turned on/off by pushing the power button. A cassette can be played by simply inserting it into the port, even without pushing the power button.
Volume: Adjusted via the volume bar (up for increase, down for decrease).
Speed-Dependent Volume Adjustment: Automatically adjusts volume based on vehicle speed to compensate for wind and road noise.
Tone Control: Bass and treble are adjusted using two musical note buttons. A bar graph on the display indicates settings. Pressing both buttons simultaneously resets to midrange. Pressing and holding a button sets to maximum level. Tone levels are stored separately for AM, FM, cassette, and CD modes.
Balance: Adjusted using the bass and treble control buttons after pressing the function control button (marked with a star "*"). A visual indicator appears on the display.
Fader: A thumbwheel control (on models with front and rear speakers) adjusts sound output between front and rear speakers.
Antenna: Extends automatically when the radio is on and retracts when the radio or ignition is off.
Power-Off Delay: The system continues playing for three seconds after the ignition key is turned off, allowing time to switch to accessory position.
Battery Conservation: The radio can operate for up to an hour with the ignition off before automatically shutting down. Pressing the power button again resumes operation.
Radio Tuning:
- Mode Selection: Repeatedly pressing the mode button cycles through tuner, cassette player, and CD player modes.
- Wave Band Selection: Numbered station recall buttons (1-6 for FM, 7-0 for AM) select the wave band.
- Seek Tuning: The seek bar (right side of faceplate) tracks stations in ascending (up) or descending (down) frequencies.
- Scan Tuning: The scan bar (right of seek bar) samples stations for five seconds each. Pressing it again locks onto the sampled station.
- Sensitivity Control: The sensitivity control button (far right of faceplate) toggles between "L" (local, strongest signals) and "D" (distant, less powerful signals). Sensitivity automatically increases if no station is found across the entire wave band.
- Direct Frequency Tuning: Press the function control button (star "*") to clear the display, then enter the desired frequency using the numbered buttons.
- Manual Tuning: Left and right manual tuning buttons cycle through frequencies in ascending or descending order.
- Push-Button Memory Tuning: Store favorite stations by tuning to the desired station, then pushing and holding a numbered station recall button until the new frequency appears on the display.
Cassette Player Operation:
- Loading: Insert cassette with side one or A up and exposed tape side facing the port. The cassette is drawn in automatically.
- Mode Selection: If another mode is active, press the mode button until cassette play resumes.
- CR Tape Switch: Selects proper equalization for CrO2 or "metal" tapes. "CR" appears on the display.
- Eject: Push and hold the track selection/eject button. Ejecting a cassette switches to radio operation.
- Forward Music Search/Fast Forward: Press once for next selection (MSF appears). Press twice for fast-forward to end of side (FF appears).
- Reverse Music Search/Rewind: Press once for previous selection (MSR appears). Press twice to completely rewind (REW appears).
- Track Selection: Switches to the tape's other side without removing the cassette.
- Dolby® B and C Noise Reduction: Activated by pressing the "B> <C" button to reduce background hiss. The display indicates the selected noise reduction system.
Compact Disc Changer Operation (Optional):
- Loading Magazine: Insert discs label-side up into the ten compartments of the magazine. Insert the magazine into the changer port in the trunk, arrow first, until it locks. Close the port door. "LOAD M" appears on the display.
- Ejecting Magazine: Press the CD port door lock, then the magazine eject button inside the door.
- Playing CDs: Turn on the radio, then press the mode button until "CD" appears. If the magazine is empty, "CD-M-E" (CD Magazine Empty) appears.
- Disc Selection: Use the radio's numbered station recall buttons (1FM-0AM) to select discs (e.g., 4FM for the fourth compartment).
- Forward Music Search/Fast Forward: Press the forward music search button once for the next track, or multiple times for multiple tracks. Press and hold to advance through several tracks. Press the function control button "*" then the forward music search button for fast-forward within a track. Elapsed playing time is displayed.
- Reverse Music Search/Fast Reverse: Press the reverse music search button once for the beginning of the current track, twice for the previous track. Press and hold to move through several tracks. Press the function control button "*" then the reverse music search button for fast-reverse within a track. Elapsed playing time is displayed.
- Random Track Play: Press the Dolby® B/C button once. "R" appears on the display. Press again to return to sequential play.
- Display of Tracks and Playing Time: Press the function control button "" then the tape selection button CR to see the total number of tracks. Press the function control button "" then the mode button to see elapsed playing time (minutes and seconds).

Maintenance Features:

CD System Temperature: Optimal performance between 32 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
CD Dampness: Can affect performance; usually self-corrects within one to two hours as humidity decreases.
CD Handling: Handle discs by edges, avoid fingerprints, dust, scratches, and dampness. Do not label discs or affix tape. Store discs in original cases.
CD Cleaning: Clean with a CD cleaning cloth, wiping radially from the center to the edge. Do not use solvents.
CD Mistracking: Unavoidable due to road shock but does not damage the unit or discs.
CD Player Safety: Contains a Class 1 laser unit. Do not remove the cover. No user-serviceable parts. Only qualified service technicians should perform internal maintenance or repairs.
Antitheft System: Code cards should not be stored in the glove compartment. Leave one card with a service advisor during vehicle service to allow recoding if the battery is disconnected. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for reprogramming issues.