The Clarion CRX97R/CRX87R is a sophisticated car audio system combining an RDS-EON FM/MW/LW radio cassette with CD changer control. This owner's guide provides comprehensive instructions for its operation, maintenance, and features.
Function Description:
The device serves as a central audio unit for vehicles, offering radio reception, cassette playback, and control over an external CD changer. It incorporates advanced radio data system (RDS) functionalities, including Programme Identification (PI), Alternative Frequency (AF), Traffic Programme Identification (TP), Programme Type (PTY), Traffic Announcement (TA), Programme Service Name (PS), Regional Selection (REG), Enhanced Other Networks Information (EON), Clock Time and Date Signal (CT), and Music/Speech Function (MS).
For cassette playback, it features auto-reverse with a dual azimuth adjustment mechanism, electronic servo motor, and a hard permalloy dual-gutter head. The CRX97R model specifically includes a key-off pinch roller release, Dolby® B Noise Reduction, Automatic Programme Control (APC), and Metal (70 µs) tape equalization.
The audio section provides muting, loudness, fader, bass/treble controls, and gold-plated RCA line level outputs. The CRX87R model offers 2-channel outputs, while the CRX97R provides 3-channel outputs. The maximum power output for both models is 4x30 W.
General features include CD changer control, night illumination with a dual-color selector (amber/green), triggered phone mute, power antenna activator, multi-mode LCD display, and selectors for radio, tape, and CD changer modes. It is designed with a fully detachable control panel and a DIN chassis, incorporating a blinking theft-prevention indicator for security.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Tuner Section:
- Tuning System: PLL synthesizer tuner
- Receiving Frequencies:
- FM: 87.5 to 108 MHz (0.05 MHz steps)
- MW: 531 to 1,602 kHz (9 kHz steps)
- LW: 153 to 279 kHz (1 kHz steps)
- Tape Deck Section:
- Playback System: Auto Reversing, 4-track, 2-channel stereo cassette tape playback. Monaural playback is also possible.
- General:
- Power Supply Voltage: DC 14 V (10.8 to 15.6 V allowable), negative ground
- Power Consumption: Less than 10 A
- Speaker Impedance: 4Ω (4 to 8Ω allowable)
- Auto Antenna Rated Current: 0.5 A or less
- Weight: 1.3 kg
- Dimensions: 178 mm (width) x 50 mm (height) x 188 mm (depth)
Usage Features:
- Detachable Control Panel (DCP): The control panel can be removed to prevent theft. To remove, turn the power OFF, press button A on the top right corner, and then pull the panel. To reattach, insert the catch on the left into the panel and push it firmly until it locks.
- Anti-Theft Indicator: A blinking indicator light serves as a visual deterrent against theft.
- Audio Control: Adjustments for volume, bass, treble, balance, and fader are available via the Audio Mode button (A-M) and Up/Down buttons. Loudness can be toggled ON/OFF by holding the A-M button for more than 2 seconds.
- Illumination Colour: The display illumination color can be switched between amber and green by holding down button 24 and pressing button 19.
- DSP/Equalizer Mode: If connected to a Digital Sound Processor or Equalizer, specific settings can be made by holding button 24 and pressing button 20 (for DSP volume/tone) or button 21 (for equalizer bass/treble).
- Triggered Audio Mute for Cellular Telephones: When a phone call is received, "TEL" appears on the display, and audio is muted.
- Tuner Mode Selection: Select tuner modes (FM, MW, LW) and bands (FM1, FM2, FM3) using the Tuner Mode/Band Selector button.
- Tuning Modes: Manual tuning and station seek are available. Preset Scan (PS) and Auto Store (AS) functions allow for easy station management.
- RDS Functions:
- RDS Mode: Activate by pressing the RDS button. Displays programme name (PS), "ALARM" for emergency broadcasts, and blinks "RDS" if reception is poor.
- Same-Programme Search (PI): Allows searching for alternative frequencies broadcasting the same program if the current station signal is lost.
- Regional Programme Function (REG): Toggles between seeking only local/regional broadcasts or allowing reception from other areas.
- RDS EON: Provides enhanced other networks information, allowing the unit to switch to a different station for traffic information or other broadcasts.
- Music/Speech Function (MS): Automatically adjusts loudness for optimal listening of speech broadcasts.
- PTY (Programme Type): Enables selection of desired programme types (e.g., News, Sport, Pop Music) and gives priority to broadcasts of that type.
- TA (Traffic Announcement): Prioritizes traffic information broadcasts. The unit will seek a traffic information station, display "TRA INFO," and automatically adjust volume.
- Time Display (CT): Displays clock time and date when CT data is broadcast.
- Cassette Playback: Auto-reverse playback, fast forward/rewind, and programme button (PROG) for changing tape direction. APC (Automatic Programme Control) and Repeat Play (RPT) functions are available on CRX97R.
- CD Changer Control: Connects to an external CD changer. Features include disc repeat, scan, track scan, disc scan, random play, and search control. Displays indicate connection status, magazine presence, and disc presence.
Maintenance Features:
- Cassette Care: Regularly clean the head periodically with a good commercial head cleaner. Avoid touching the head with magnetic or hard objects. Do not oil the cassette mechanism. Always remove the cassette from the mechanism when not in use. Avoid exposing cassettes to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or high humidity.
- Troubleshooting: The manual includes a detailed troubleshooting guide for common issues, including power problems, sound quality issues, and display error messages (e.g., "ERROR 1" for CD changer connection issues, "ERROR 2" for magazine not set, "ERROR 3" for no CD, "ERROR 6" for disc inserted upside-down).
- General Precautions: Short-circuiting the power antenna terminal or using an antenna with current exceeding the rated current can damage internal circuits. Always use with the rated current. Specifications and design are subject to change without notice for further improvement.
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