SCP-68  (140-1210)           Hints and Tips            Faxback Doc. # 15070

Tape Quality

For the best performance, use only regular length (60- or 90-minute)
cassette tapes.  We do not recommend long playing cassette tapes, such as
C-120s, because they are extremely thin and can easily tangle in the
playback mechanism.

Restoring Tape and Tension Sound Quality

After you play a cassette tape several times, the tape might become tightly
wound on the reels.  This can cause playback sound quality to deteriorate.

To restore the sound quality, fast-forward the tape from the beginning to
the end of one side, then completely rewind it.  Then loosen the tape reels
by gently tapping each side of the cassette's outer shell on a flat
surface.

NOTE:  Be careful not to damage the cassette when tapping it.  Do not touch
       the exposed tape or allow any sharp objects near the cassette.

Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts

Dirt, dust, or particles of the tape's coating can accumulate on the tape
head and other parts that the tape touches.  This can reduce the SCP-68's
performance.

Follow these steps to clean the tape playback head after about every 20
hours of tape player operation.

1.  Remove the batteries and disconnect any other power source.

2.  Open the cassette compartment door.

3.  Press PLAY to expose the tape-handling parts.

4.  Use a cotton swab dipped in denatured alcohol or tape head cleaning
    solution to clean the playback head, pinch rollers, and capstans.

5.  When you finish cleaning, and press STOP and close the compartment.

NOTE:  You local Radio Shack store has a complete line of cassette cleaning
       accessories.


(LB/all-04/28/95)