Aquatronics MS250 AM FM Stereo Radio with Auto Stop Cassette Player Owner’s Manual

Aquatronics MS250 AM FM Stereo Radio with Auto Stop Cassette Player

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: AM/FM Stereo Radio with Auto Stop Cassette Player
• Designed for: Marine and RV Environment
• Power Source: 12V DC (+)
• Voltage Range: 10 to 16 volts DC
• Warranty: 90-day/12-month limited warranty

Faceplate Controls Diagram (Figure 1)

1. POWER BUTTON: Press it to turn the unit ON or OFF
2. EJECT BUTTON: Press this button halfway to fast-forward the tape, and fully in to eject the tape.
3. TAPE DOOR
4. TUNING KNOB: Rotate the knob to tune the desired broadcast frequency.
5. VOLUME KNOB: Rotate the knob to increase or decrease the volume level.
6. FADER KNOB: Rotate this knob to the left or right for desired sound balance from front to rear speakers.
7. DISPLAY
8. TONE BUTTON: Press this button to adjust for a high or low tone.
9. LO/DX BUTTON: Press this button to change between local (LO) and distant (DX) reception. In some cases, changing the LO/DX setting will allow clearer reception of a desired station.
10. AM/FM BUTTON: Press this button to change the AM or FM band.

Antenna – WHITE
9 PIN CONNECTORS:

• BLUE
• RED
• BLACK
• GRAY

AUT ANT

• TO 12V DC (+) POWER
• TO GROUND (CHASSIS OR 12 VDC (-))
• VIOLET W/BLACK – Front Left Speaker
• GREEN W/BLACK – Front Right Speaker
• VIOLET – Rear Left Speaker
• GREEN W/BLACK – Rear Right Speaker

Application Notes

• This note discusses DC Power sources and how they relate to 12-volt products.
• General Specifications: Our general specification for the voltage range of operation is 10 to 16 volts DC.
• Voltage: The voltage of a fully charged battery (engine not running) is approximately 12.5 VDC. Once a load (items being powered represent the load) is applied, the voltage will drop. How much the voltage is reduced will depend on the following:

Product Usage Instructions

Powering On and Off

1. To power the unit, press the POWER BUTTON.
2. To power off the unit, press the POWER BUTTON again.

Tape Playback

1. To insert a cassette tape, open the TAPE DOOR.
2. To play the tape, press the EJECT BUTTON halfway to fast-forward and fully in to start playback.
3. To stop the tape, press the EJECT BUTTON fully again.
4. To eject the tape, press the EJECT BUTTON fully once more.

Tuning and Volume

1. Rotate the TUNING KNOB to tune to the desired broadcast frequency.
2. Rotate the VOLUME KNOB to increase or decrease the volume level.

Sound Balance

• Rotate the FADER KNOB to the left or right for the desired sound balance from front to rear speakers.

Tone Adjustment

• Press the TONE BUTTON to adjust for a high or low tone.

Reception Settings

• Press the LO/DX BUTTON to change between local (LO) and distant (DX) reception. Adjusting this setting may improve the reception of desired stations.

Changing Band

• Press the AM/FM BUTTON to change between AM and FM bands.

FAQ

• Q: What is the warranty coverage for this product?
  A: The product comes with a 90-day/12-month limited warranty. To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this warranty, deliver the product with proof of warranty coverage, specification of defect(s), and transportation prepaid to an approved warranty station or the company.

• Q: Does the warranty cover damage caused by improper installation?
  A: No, the warranty does not apply to any product or part thereof that has been damaged through alteration, improper installation, mishandling, misuse, neglect, or accident.

• Q: Are there any limitations on the company’s liability under the warranty?
  A: The extent of the company’s liability under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement provided. In no event shall the company’s liability exceed the purchase price paid by the purchaser for the product.

• Q: Are there any specific legal rights associated with this warranty?
  A: Some states may have different laws regarding warranties. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

• Q: Where can I find more information about the company?
  A: You can visit the company’s website at http://www.asaelectronics.com.

FACEPLATE CONTROLS DIAGRAM

1. 1 POWER BUTTON
   Press it to turn the unit ON or OFF

2. EJECT BUTTON
   Press this button in halfway to fast-forward the tape, and fully in to eject the tape.

3. TAPE DOOR

4. TUNING KNOB
   Rotate the knob to tune the desired broadcast frequency.

5. VOLUME KNOB
   Rotate the knob to increase or decrease the volume level.

6. FADER KNOB
   Rotate this knob to the left or right for desired sound balance from front to rear speakers.

7. DISPLAY

8. TONE BUTTON
   Press this button to adjust for a high or low tone.

9. LO/DX BUTTON
   Press this button to change between local(LO)and distant(DX)reception.in some cases, changing the LO/DX setting will allow clearer reception of a desired station.

10. AM/FM BUTTON
    Press this button to change the AM or FM band.

WIRING DIAGRAM

90 DAY/12 MONTH LIMITED WARRANTY

AUDIOVOX SPECIALIZED APPLICATIONS, L.L.C.
AUDIOVOX SPECIALIZED APPLICATION, LLC ( the company) warrants to the original retail purchaser of this product that should this product or any part thereof, under normal use and conditions, be proven defective in material or workmanship within 90 days from the date of original purchase, such defect(s) will be repaired or replaced ( at the company’s option) without charge for parts and repair labor. After the initial 90-day period and for 12 months from the date of original purchase, the Company will supply at no charge a replacement for any defective part(s), but will charge for the labor to repair the product. To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this warranty, the product is to be delivered with proof of warranty coverage (e.g.:dated bill of sale), specification of defect(s), transportation prepaid, to an approved warranty station, or the Company at the address shown below. This warranty does not extend to the elimination of externally generated static or noise, to the correction of antenna problems, to costs incurred for removal or reinstallation of the product, or to damage to any tapes, speakers, or accessories, This warranty does not apply to any product or part thereof which, in the opinion of the company, has been damaged through alteration, improper installation, mishandling, misuse, neglect, or accident, THE EXTENT OF THE COMPANY’S LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT PROVIDED ABOVE, AND, IN NO EVENT, SHALL THE COMPANY’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY THE PURCHASER FOR THE PRODUCT. This warranty is instead of all other express warranties or liabilities. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. ANY ACTION FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY HEREUNDER INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY MUST BE BROUGHT WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO CASE SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHATSOEVER. No person or representative is authorized to assume for the company any liability other that expressed herein in connection with the sale of this product. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
AUDIOVOX SPECIALIZED APPLICATIONS, LLC 23319 COOPER DR. ELKHART, IN 46514
Visit us at http://www.asaelectronics.com

APPLICATION NOTES

This note will discuss DC Power sources and how they relate to 12-volt products.

General Specifications
Our general specification for the voltage range of operation is 10 to 16 volts DC.

Voltage
The voltage of a fully charged battery ( engine not running ) is approximately 12.5 VDC. Once a load (items being powered represent the “load” ) is applied, the voltage will drop. How much the voltage is reduced will depend on the following:

1. Current draw (amount of amperage) The higher the draw the greater the voltage will drop.
2. The size and length of the conductor (wire) supplying power.

Converters

• Many boats incorporate convertors as a source for 12VDC when connected to shore power (110-120 VAC). Some converters put out a very clean DC supply whereas others may have a considerable amount of AC ripple noise under maximum load.
• This AC ripple noise is filtered by the boat battery when connected to the circuit, but when the battery is disconnected the amount of AC ripple noise can create major problems for audio products. Noise may result and the line fuse may fail

Ignition systems

• Unwanted noise generated from ignition systems used to be a big problem. However, with more sophisticated filtering circuits designed into audio/video products, these problems are not as widespread
• Changes in wire harnessing also have contributed to the decline of application problems. Use the same ground point for all related products. This will greatly reduce the potential for unwanted noise.

“We have a complete line of audio and video products specifically designed for the Marine and RV market. Please contact ASA at www.asaelectronics.com for a view of our online catalog.”

AM ANTENNA TRIMMER ADJUSTMENT
The antenna trimmer can be accessed through the small hole behind the cassette door (see diagram below). Tune the radio to a weak station between 1200 and 1400 KHz AM ( If you cannot find a weak station in this range, tune to any other strong station, and adjust the tuning slightly off the station). Adjust the trimmer for maximum volume.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Size: 7”(W) x 2”(H) x 6-5/8”(D) 178mm x 50mm x 150mm
• Operating Voltage: 12VDC,Negative Ground
• Output Power: 50Watts Max.Stereo Power
• Output Wiring: Floating Ground type designed for 4 speakers use.May also be used with 2 speakers.
• Output Impedance: Compatible with 4 or 8 ohm speakers.
• Tuning Range: (AM)530-1710KHz (FM)88-108MHz
• Sensitivity: (AM) less than 25uV (FM) less than 5uV
• FM Stereo Separation: More than 23 dB
• Frequency Response: 50-10000Hz
• Wow & Flutter: Less than 0.3%

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Cassette
Always check that the tape is tightly wound inside the take-up spool on the cassette. If the tape is loose, wind it with a six-sided pencil. Never use C-120 (120-minute) cassettes in this player. Never use a cassette player when the vehicle temperature is near or below freezing.

Cleaning of Tape Head & Capstan
Since tapes contain oxides, you will find a black residue built up on the tape head and drive capstan ( inside the cassette door ). These residues should be cleaned after 50-100 hours of accumulated tape operation. You can use a cassette cleaning cartridge available wherever stereos are sold.

De-Magnetizing
The movement of the magnetic tape head and metal parts causes a magnetic field to develop. We recommend you have the tape player demagnetized at least twice annually. You can purchase an inexpensive tape head demagnetizing tool to do this yourself.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART AM/FM RADIOS

lead

Power lead disconnected Ground connection disconnected

Power indicated; no audio output or very distorted sound| No 12VDC to memory lead(electronically tuned units only)| Circuit fuse at source

In-line memory lead fuse

Speaker Output shorted| Check continuity of speaker leads to ground
Speaker out cross-channeled| Check for proper speaker wiring Note: Radios have a sticker on them explaining the wiring color code.
Only one channel (right or left side)| Radio Balance| Check radio function
Speaker Disconnected| Check speaker connection at radio and/or speaker
Speaker lead shorted or grounded| Check speaker wiring continuity to ground w/tester or meter
Popping in one or both channels| Speaker wiring shorted or positive lead grounded

Speaker terminals grounded or shorted

| Leads from speaker cone to terminal touching metal basket or speaker
No AM Reception| Antenna disconnected| Connect Antenna
Antenna mast grounded or shorted| Check the antenna or substitute with an antenna known to be good
The antenna center lead broker| Check the antenna or substitute with an antenna known to be good
NOTE: Antenna leads can be tested with continuity or multi-tester. Some may have electronic components (capacitors) built in which do not allow it to be tested.

APPLICATION NOTES

AM/FM RECEPTION

• Some boats have more than one AM/FM radio. The best way to ensure good reception is to supply a separate antenna for each radio. Other options available to supply adequate AM/FM reception to these radios are listed below, along with general information on radio reception.

“Y” ADAPTORS

• The “Y” adaptors used to connect one antenna to two radios will compromise both AM and FM reception

AMPLIFIED AM/FM ANTENNA

• A popular second antenna that can be used is our AB-100 amplified AM/FM antenna. It is small and has a retractable mast that can be mounted vertically or horizontally. This antenna provides reception , but the AM reception will be compromised to some degree because of the length

MAST LENGTH

• AM/FM antennas compromise AM reception by design. The optimum mast length for FM is approximately 30 inches which is the standard for most automotive antennas. The optimum mast length for AM reception is over 100 inches which is not practical for mobile applications.
• Special circuitry in electronic tuned radios or AM trimmers in mechanically tuned radios, make up for some of this difference in optimum mast length for AM reception.

ANTENNA CABLE

• Increasing the antenna lead cable ( adding extensions ) will reduce the sensitivity of AM with electronically tuned radios.

GROUND PLANES

• Ground planes are also important when considering antenna performance. Most automotive antennas are designed to be mounted on the metal body of the vehicle.
• The metal body reflects the signal interference generated by the vehicle’s electrical system while it also provides the ground for the antenna lead shield. All this is necessary to maintain a good signal, especially AM.

FM RECEPTION

• FM reception can be received with a very limited antenna and strong local FM stations can be received without an antenna, depending on the circumstances.

CONCLUSION:

• AM/FM reception is subject to the choice of an antenna and it’s application. There can also be a variety of methods used to supply signal to both primary and secondary radios, but AM performance is the ultimate “test”

References

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