SCP-47  (140-1087)          Hints and Tips             Faxback Doc. # 9692

CORRECTING TAPE TENSION

If you repeatedly play a cassette tape, the tape can become tightly
wound.  This can cause high-pitched squeaks during play or it can stretch
the tape.

To loosen tightly wound tape, fast-forward the entire tape, and then turn
the tape over and fast-forward the other side.  If problems persist,
repeat this procedure.

CLEANING THE TAPE-HANDLING PARTS

Dirt, dust, or particles of the tape's coating can accumulate on the tape
heads and other parts that the tape touches.  This can greatly reduce the
performance of the SCP-47.  Use the following cleaning procedure after
every 20 hours of SCP-47 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 play head, pinch roller, and capstan.

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

Your local Radio Shack store has a full line of cleaning supplies.

DEMAGNETIZING

The play head in a cassette player reads the magnetized metallic
particles on the tape's coating to play the sound.  Eventually, the head
and other metal parts the tape touches become slightly magnetized.  This
reduces the quality of the sound.  To remove this magnetism, use one of
Radio Shack's demagnetizers.  Follow the demagnetizer's instructions.
Demagnetize the play head after every 20 hours of use.

(br/all-02/23/95)