SCP-59  (140-1099)            Hints and Tips           Faxback Doc. # 9802

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 greatly reduce the
performance of the radio/cassette player.  Use the following cleaning
procedure after every 20 hours of tape play.

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

1.  Remove the batteries and disconnect any other power source from the
    radio/cassette player.

2.  Open the cassette compartment cover and door.

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

4.  Clean the playback head, pinch roller, and capstan.

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

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 turn the tape over and fast-forward to the end
again.  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.

(br/all-02/27/95)