This document describes the Panasonic RQ-A200 Stereo Radio Cassette Recorder, a portable audio device designed for recording and playback of cassette tapes, as well as FM/AM radio reception. The device is available in a silver finish for Europe (EG) and F.R. Germany/Italy (EJ) regions.
Function Description:
The RQ-A200 serves as a compact and versatile audio recorder and player. It features a stereo radio tuner for FM and AM bands, allowing users to listen to broadcast radio. The integrated cassette deck supports stereo recording and playback, making it suitable for capturing audio from the built-in microphone, an external stereo microphone, or radio broadcasts. The device includes a headphone jack for private listening and a built-in speaker for shared audio. Key controls include a volume knob, a band/function selector switch (Radio AM/FM or Tape), and a mode/beat proof switch (ST/I). For cassette operations, there are dedicated buttons for Play, Record, Stop, Pause, Fast Forward, and Rewind. A battery level indicator provides visual feedback on power status.
Important Technical Specifications:
General:
- Power Requirement: DC 3V (using two R6/LR6, AA, UM-3 batteries) or AC via an optional Panasonic AC adaptor RP-AC31 (not available in all countries).
- Power Output:
- Headphones: 3mW x 2 (RMS...max)
- Speaker: 420mW x 2 (RMS...max)
- Input:
- DC IN: 3V
- ST MIC: 0.6mV (200~600Ω)
- Output:
- Speaker: Ø36 x 2, 3.6cm, 6Ω
- Dimensions: 113.0 (W) x 86.6 (H) x 38.0mm
- Weight: 194g (approximate)
Radio Section:
- Radio Frequency Range:
- FM: 87.5 ~ 108.0MHz
- AM: 520 ~ 1610kHz
- Intermediate Frequency:
- Sensitivity:
- FM: 14dB µV/0.1mW output (-3dB Limit, Sens)
- AM: 55dB/m/0.1mW output
Tape Deck Section:
- Frequency Response:
- Playback: 40~16,000Hz (-6dB) (Normal tape)
- Recording: 70~8000Hz
- Recording System: AC Bias, Magnet erase
- Tape Speed: 4.8cm/s
- Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
- Wow & Flutter: 0.12% (WRMS)
- Pressure Roller Pressure: 160gr
- Playback Torque: 23~43 gr-cm
- FF Torque: 60~160 gr-cm
- REW Torque: 60~160 gr-cm
Usage Features:
The RQ-A200 is designed for ease of use with clearly labeled controls. The top panel houses the cassette deck controls (REC, STOP, PLAY, PAUSE, FF/CUE, REW/REV), along with the FM Mode/Beat Proof switch and the BATT LEVEL indicator. The front panel features the built-in microphone, tuning dial, stereo microphone input (plug-in power), volume control, and headphone jack. The XBS (Extra Bass System) and speaker/headphone selector switch are also accessible. The device includes a hand strap link for portability and a cassette cover for tape protection. The DC IN 3V jack allows for external power.
Maintenance Features:
The manual provides detailed instructions for disassembly and adjustment, intended for experienced repair technicians.
- Disassembly: Step-by-step guides are provided for removing the battery cover, rear cabinet, cassette lid, tuner knob, dial pointer, circuit board, ANT chassis, dial chassis, middle cabinet, mechanism, MIC ornament, and REC safety lever. These instructions emphasize careful handling to avoid damage to components like cassette feet and flexible PCBs.
- Adjustments:
- General Adjustment Instructions: Before any adjustments, the volume control should be set to maximum, the band/function selector to Radio (AM/FM) or Tape, the FM mode/Beat Proof switch to ST/I, and the power source voltage to DC 3V. Signal generator output should be set to no high for Radio (AM/FM) or Tape.
- Radio Section AM Adjustment: Involves adjusting L4 (AM IFT) for maximum output using a signal generator at 459kHz (30% Mod. at 400Hz) and monitoring with an electronic voltmeter or scope. Further adjustments include L6 (AM OSC Coil), CT4 (AM OSC Trimmer), L1 (AM ANT Coil), and CT1 (AM ANT Trimmer) at specified frequencies (511kHz, 1650kHz, 550kHz, 1500kHz). Antenna coil with wax should be fixed after alignment.
- Radio Section FM Adjustment: Involves connecting to test point "TP1" through a FM dummy antenna (negative side to "TP2"). Adjustments include L5 (FM OSC Coil) at 86.2MHz/87.415MHz, CT3 (FM OSC Trimmer) at 109.3MHz/108.35MHz, L3 (FM ANT Coil) at 90MHz, and CT2 (FM ANT Trimmer) at 106MHz. Three output responses are expected, with proper tuning being the center frequency.
- Tape Deck Section Adjustments:
- Azimuth: Adjust the azimuth adjustment screw (refer to Fig.2) during repeated forward and reverse playback to obtain maximum head azimuth alignment with both channels equal. The screw-lock should be applied after adjustment.
- Tape Speed: Playback a central part of a tape and adjust VR2 (refer to Fig.1) to achieve a tape speed of 3kHz/60Hz (forward & reverse).
- Parts List: Comprehensive lists are provided for mechanism parts, cabinet parts, accessories, packing materials, integrated circuits, transistors, diodes, coils, transformers, variable capacitors, trimmer capacitors, variable resistors, ceramic filters, and crystals. Parts supplied by TAMACO are indicated with (T), and those by MESA with (M).
- Schematic Diagrams: Detailed schematic diagrams (Diagram-1 and Diagram-2) illustrate the circuit board connections and component layout, including test points for troubleshooting. Type illustrations of ICs, transistors, and diodes are also provided.
- Wiring Connection Diagram: Shows the layout of the main PCB (Side:A and Side:B) with component locations and wiring connections.
The manual notes that weights and dimensions are approximate, and design and specifications are subject to change without notice. It also includes a warning that service information is for experienced repair technicians only, and unauthorized servicing can lead to serious injury or death.
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