Harman Kardon DC5300 - Maintenance and Tape Care; Tape Head Cleaning and Demagnetization; Cassette Tape Storage and Protection

Cleaning the Tape Heads
Tape heads must be cleaned periodically to
remove tape particles which gradually build
up on the heads, impairing sound quality
and increasing wear on tapes. Heads may
be cleaned in either of two ways:
1. Slightly dampen a cotton swab in
isopropyl alcohol and genily rub the
surfaces of each tape head. Use a
second dampened swab to clean other
surfaces coated with tape material.
Repeat this cleaning every 30 tapes.
2. Use a tape head cleaning kit that
comes in the form of a tape cassette
and is simply inserted into the deck.
Follow the instructions included with
the kit.
MAINTENANCE
Demagnetization
Tape heads and other internal parts
gradually pick up magnetic fields that can
add noise to your tape and even partially
erase them. To prevent this problem, tape
heads should be periodically
demagnetized, using either of two devices:
ae
A battery-powered demagnetizer is
easiest to use. It comes in the form of
a tape cassette and is simply inserted
into the deck. Be certain to use this
demagnetizer as frequently as its
instructions recommend.
A hand-held demagnetizer that plugs
into a wall socket is much more
effective since it generates a stronger
demagnetization field. For the same
reason, it must be used very carefully
or it may do more harm than good.
Before buying or using one, consult
your Harman Kardon dealer. Also,
read and follow carefully the
instructions included with the
demagnetizer unit, and be sure no
recorded tapes are near the it when
the demagnetizer is turned on.
Care of Tapes
1.
Store cassettes in their cases ina
location away from direct sunlight,
excessive heat, and high humidity.
Avoid placing a tape near a television
set or loudspeaker; their magnetic
fields can partial erase the tape.
To prevent accidental erasure of a
tape, use a small screwdriver to
remove the two square tabs located on
the side of the cassette opposite the
exposed tape. With these tabs
removed, the tape cannot be re-
recorded by mistake. If you later wish
to record on a tape that has been
erasure-protected in this way, simply
cover the small holes with adhesive
tape.
Do not use old cassettes whose tape
no longer moves smoothly from reel to
reel. They may jam and damage your
deck.
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