The Philips DC 396 / 22 DC 396175, also known as the Opel Radio CAR 400, is a car radio and cassette player designed for integration into Opel vehicles. It features a range of functions for audio playback, radio tuning, and theft protection, with some controls also accessible via a steering wheel remote.
Function Description
The CAR 400 offers both radio and cassette playback capabilities. For radio, it supports FM (U), MW (M), and LW (L) wavebands. It incorporates the Radio Data System (RDS), which provides station names instead of frequencies, and automatically switches to the strongest receivable frequency for a chosen station. RDS-EON (Enhanced Other Networks) allows for reception of Traffic Announcements (TA) even when listening to non-TP (Traffic Programme) stations. The Traffic Programme (TP) function enables the user to receive only traffic announcements, with the radio automatically tuning to TP stations.
Cassette playback includes features like Dolby B Noise Reduction for improved audio quality, Cassette Programme Search (CPS) to quickly find tracks, and automatic tape detection for Metal/Chrome cassettes. The device also offers basic cassette controls such as fast forward, rewind, and reversing the cassette side.
Important Technical Specifications
While specific technical specifications like power output or frequency ranges are not detailed in the provided pages, the manual highlights key functional aspects:
- Wavebands: FM (U), MW (M), LW (L).
- Display: The unit utilizes the car's display unit, which can be an 8-digit or 10-digit display, to show radio information, station names, frequencies, and operational status.
- Theft Protection: A passive security system requiring a CODE number for operation after power disconnection. It also features a removable front panel for additional security.
- Automatic Features: Automatic switch-on/off with ignition, automatic switch-off after one hour if left on, and automatic volume control (in some car versions) that adjusts volume based on car speed.
- Dolby B Noise Reduction: For cassette playback.
Usage Features
The CAR 400 is designed for user-friendly operation with a combination of buttons, rotary controls, and, in some versions, steering wheel remote controls.
Controls:
- ΟΙ (1): Switches the set on/off.
- Volume (1): Rotary control for volume adjustment.
- Balance (1): Pull and turn for left-right balance.
- Fader (2): Push to release and turn for front-rear speaker balance.
- Bass (3): Push to release and turn for bass adjustment.
- Treble (4): Push to release and turn for treble adjustment.
- DO (5): Activates/deactivates Dolby B Noise Reduction for cassettes.
- CPS (6): Activates Cassette Programme Search.
- Cassette Opening (7): For inserting cassettes.
- Radio <-> Cassette Switch (8): Briefly press to switch between radio and cassette.
- Fast Rewind (9) / Fast Forward (10): For cassette control. Press half-way for side change, fully for fast wind.
- Unlocking Key (11): For removing the front panel.
- Theft Protection LED (12): Flashes when the set and ignition are off.
- RDS (13): Activates/deactivates RDS function.
- TP (14): Activates/deactivates Traffic Programme.
- Search Keys (15, 17): For tuning up/down radio frequencies or searching.
- Removable Panel (16): The front panel can be removed for security.
- AS (18): Automatic Storing of radio stations.
- Preset Keys (19, 1-6): For storing and recalling radio stations.
- UML (20): Selects waveband (FM, MW, LW).
Radio Tuning:
- Selecting Waveband: Press UML (20) repeatedly.
- Search Tuning: Briefly press tuning keys (15 or 17).
- Manual Tuning: Hold tuning keys (15 or 17) for coarse tuning, tap for fine tuning.
- Automatic Storing (AS): Press AS key (18) to automatically store the six strongest stations.
- Storing Stations: Tune to a station, then press and hold a preset key (19).
- Recalling Stations: Select waveband, then press the desired preset key.
RDS and TP Features:
- Switching on/off RDS: Press RDS key (13).
- RDS Programme Search: Press tuning keys (15 or 17).
- Switching on/off TP: Press TP key (14).
- RDS-EON: Automatically receives Traffic Announcements from EON-linked stations.
- Regional Programmes: Allows tuning to alternative frequencies with the desired regional programme by pressing and holding a preset key for 5 seconds.
Cassette Operation:
- Playback: Insert cassette into opening (7).
- Reverse: Press keys (9) and (10) half-way simultaneously.
- CPS: Press CPS key (6), then fully press (9) or (10) to find next/repeat track.
- Fast Forward/Rewind: Fully press (9) or (10).
- Interrupting Playback (Pause): Briefly press stand-by key (8).
- Eject: Fully press (9) and (10) simultaneously.
Security CODE:
- Decoding: To deactivate theft protection, switch on ignition, switch off the set, press and hold AS key (18) while switching on the set, then enter the CODE using preset keys (1-4) and confirm with AS key (18).
- Getting Set Back into Operation: After power supply interruption, switch on ignition, press control (1), then follow the decoding procedure.
Extended Functions:
- Automatic Switch-on: Can be disabled/enabled by switching on ignition, switching off radio, pressing and holding preset keys (1 and 3) while switching on the radio.
- Automatic Volume Control (SD-VOL): Adjusts volume based on car speed. Set by pressing UML (20) for 3 seconds, then using tuning keys (15 or 17) to select level (0-5), and confirming with UML (20).
- Car Telephone: The radio can be connected to a car telephone, muting audio during calls and reproducing telephone signals through loudspeakers for hands-free operation.
- Adjusting Telephone Level (PH-VOL): Switch off radio, press and hold TP key (14), switch on radio, then use tuning keys to adjust level (-3 to +3), and confirm with TP key (14).
- TA Volume Level (TP-VOL): Adjusts the volume of Traffic Announcements independently. Set by pressing and holding TP key (14), then using tuning keys (15 or 17) to select level (-3 to +3), and confirming with TP key (14).
Remote Control (Steering Wheel):
For certain car versions, the steering wheel remote control offers:
- Increase Preset Number (1): Selects next preset.
- Search Key Downwards (2) / Upwards (3): Functions like tuning keys.
- Increase Volume (4) / Decrease Volume (5): Adjusts volume.
- Radio <-> Cassette Switch (6): Switches between radio and cassette.
Maintenance Features
- Cassette Care: Avoid extreme heat or direct sunlight. Use C-60 or C-90 good quality cassettes. Keep cassettes in their cases.
- Cassette Player Cleaning: Clean the cassette player with a cleaning cassette (catalogue no. 17 82 504) if playback quality deteriorates.
- General Faults: In case of faulty operation, consult an authorized Opel dealer.
- Power Supply Interruption: The set is electronically locked after power disconnection and requires the CODE number to resume operation. If the CODE is lost, an authorized Opel dealer can assist upon payment and proof of ownership.
- Manual Printing: The manual is printed on chlorine-free bleached paper, indicating an environmentally conscious approach to documentation.
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