SCP-73 Stereo Cassette Player
(140-1215)                 Hints and Tips             Faxback Doc. # 18209

The following tips can help you get the best performance and the longest 
life from your SCP-73.

Note:  For the best performance, use only regular length (60- or 90-minute)
cassette tapes.  Long-playing cassette tapes such as C-120s are not
recommended because they are extremely thin and easily tangle.

RESTORING TAPE TENSION AND 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.

CAUTION:  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, and particles of the tape's coating can accumulate on the tape
heads and other parts the tape touches.  This can greatly reduce the
performance of the SCP-73.  You should clean the parts shown below after
about every 20 hours of tape player operation.  Your local Radio Shack
store sells a complete line of cassette cleaning supplies.

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

2.  Open the cassette compartment cover.

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 roller, and capstan.

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


(PH 11/9/95)