Hifi €NGIN€ For mare Hi-Fi manuals and set-up information please visit wu. hifien gine. comCASSETTE TAPE DECK T=Fl250 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 4 | Before operating your CT-F1250 CASSETTE TAPE DECK, please read these Operating Instructions through and then you will know how to connect the tape deck properly and operate the tape deck cor- rectly. This will ensure that you enjoy the stereo performance to the full After reading these instructions, keep them in a safe place together with the warranty card. Then you will know exactly where it is in case you wish to refer to it CONTENTS Features ...... oo Precautions . Front Panel Facilities Connections Basic Operations . . Cassette Tapes... How to use the Tape Calibration . Playback... Bon Repeat Playback Funetion .... Recording ..... : Microphone Recording . Maintenance . .... Operations with the Timer ..... ‘The Dolby NR System . Specifications . emrser ‘Troubleshooting Schematie Diagram . . s+++ Insertion Leading Brands of Tapes ......... Insertion IMPORTANT NOTICE ‘The serial number for this equipment is located on the rear panel, Please write this serial number on your enclosed warranty card and keep in a secure area, This is for your security WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. QPIONEER’ TFEATURES Tape calibration system Even if you are using the same type of tape, the charac- teristics vary slightly from tape to tape. With Pioneer’s pre- vious tape decks, the reference bias and equalizer values have been fixed by a uniform standard tape, and it has not been possible to cope with slight differences even by chang: ing the position of the tape selector. This deck, however, adopts the tape calibration system which detects the opti- mum bias, equalizer and recording/playback level (sensi- tivity) and which adjusts the recording cireuit so as to obtain a flat frequency response up to the highest fre- quency range limit with the minimum of distortion for each and every tape. Dual capstan system with direct drive using a quartz PLL brushless DC servomotor ‘The quartz PLL (phase-locked loop) system serves to com- pare the output waveforms of the frequency generator, which is incorporated into the capstan motor rotor, with the waveforms from the high-precision reference oscillator h uses @ quartz crystal, and thereby controls the rota- tional speed of the motor. This system features superior time, and temperature drift and load resistance character- istics and it always ensures @ constant rotational speed. This feature goes hand in hand with the closed-loop dual capstan system, whereby a capstan is placed on both sides of the heads, to eliminate level fluctuations and sound variations caused by irregularities in the cassette tape and also to provide stable tape travel. Three-head system with Uni-crystal combination head In order to do full justice not only to metal tapes but also to chrome and ferrichrome tapes, a un-crystl recording/ playback combination head is employed. In addition, the erase head features superior temperature characteristics in order that the most is made of the metal tape's properties This combination improves the input/output character istics, the distortion and the frequency response and also provides a superlative signal-to-noise ratio, The recording and playback heads are amalgamated into a single packaged Combination head so that the quality of a recording can be checked at the flip ofa switch Feather-touch tape function buttons using LSI logic control circuitry The adoption of single-packaged IC logic control circuitry makes it possible to select the tape travel in a smooth feather-touch operation. Even when switching from the fast forward or rewind mode to the playback mode, the tape is not damaged in any way and the switchover is both direct and speedy. Another big feature is the LSI-stored program ‘which deals with faulty operation and duplicated depressing of the function buttons and which puts the tape automat cally through the stop mode when necessary during switch- Digital bar-graph fluorescent display meter The level meter features allelectronic digital contro! and bar-graph fluorescent display tubes. The length of the bars are made to correspond to the strength of the signals sup- plied both for the left and right channels in parallel. This ‘makes it easy to set the recording level accurately. 4-digit tape counter ‘The tape counter is all-electronic thanks to a builtin IC which detects the rotation of the reel base in pulses and displays them on the 4-digit fluorescent display tube. 3-stage meter selector switch The meter selector switch performs 2 triple function It can be used to display the average signal strength of a program source on the florescan meter, the peak level for approxi: mately two seconds or the peak hold value (by holding the maximum value on the display). This handy mechanism allows the recording level to be set easly in accordance with the content of the program source which is to be re- corded. Repeat playback, memory stop, memory play functions {A total of six programs ae stored in the LSI logic circuitry. Memory stop involves bringing the tape back automatically to the position where the tape counter was set to "0000", memory play entails the automatic playback of the tape from the top position, and repeat playback involves repeat- ing play from the start of the tape automatically or from the place on the tape where the counter was set to "0000" during playback after rewinding to that postion. All these programs ate stored in the LSI.Pitch control knob This allows the deck’s tape to travel up to 6% faster or slower than the rated speed (4.8 cm/sec.) during playback. Since it is possible to raise or lower the musical steps up to a semitone, you can adjust the musical steps of a program you are playing back to harmonize with those accompany- ing a musical instrument you are playing. This function is also effective when using the tape deck for accompaniment. to songs. The quartz locked system is employed when the pitch control knob is set to its center clickstop position. *Dolby noise reduction system ‘The Dolby noise reduction system serves to cut down an noying tape hiss by about 10dB without compromising the frequency response. It serves to expand the dynamic range and enable recording with a good signal-to-noise ratio. Since this deck incorporates a 3-head system, the effectiveness of the Dolby system can be monitored during the actual re cording, Multiplex filter switch ‘Some FM tunets are affected by the leakage of the stereo pilot signal (19kHz) into the output. If this switch is set to ON while recording an FM stereo program with the Dolby NR system, the pilot signal is suppressed and the re- cording with the Dolby NR system is more effective. Rec mute switch When this button is depressed during recording, the tape continues to run but the recording signals are cut out. This function is useful for creating unrecorded blanks between programs and also cutting out commercials and other un- wanted parts of a program being recorded. Unattended program recording and wake-up playback If you use the deck with an optional timer, you can record programs off your tuner unattended and wake up to music from the deck instead of being woken up by an alarm lock. MIC/LINE mixing recording You can mix the sound of a microphone with the sound of 4 program source such as a record or an FM program, and record the mixed sound. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories *Dolby and OD are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories a (1) 12 PRECAUTIONS HANDLING THE POWER CORD © Always take hold of the plug to unplug it from the power outlet; do not unplug it by pulling on the cord. The cord may be damaged if you keep pulling on it. * Do not handle the power cord with wet hands. This is extremely dangerous because you may get an electric shock. PRECAUTIONS FOR USE © Under no circumstances should the bonnet be removed, and the internal parts touched or modified in any way. Pioneer will not be held responsible in the event of a deterioration in performance or a breakdown if the cassette deck is modified in any way. © Do not bring screwdrivers and other metal objects or magnets near the heads since you may damage and magnetize them. KEEP THE HEAD SECTION CLEAN ‘The heads, capstan and pinch roller get dirty very easily since they come in contact with the tape. For further details on cleaning the head section, refer to page 16 and the section on “MAINTE. NANCE.” Moisture forms in tho operating ssetions of this mode! and the model's performance will be Impaied if the model is brought from cool surroundings into a warm room or ifthe temperature ofthe room ries suddenly. ‘To prevent impairing performance, lot the model stan init ‘pew surroundings for about an hour before switching it on, lor ensure thatthe room temperature rises gradually. 16-120 tapes con not be used with CT-FIZ50, since it may affect CT-F1250 adversay,FRONT PANEL FACILITIES o— — ® — @ POWER SWITCH ‘The power comes on when the POWER switch is depressed. The level meter and tape counter, andthe remaining tape marker will then come on. @® DUST COVER ‘When you are not using the tape deck, always keep this cover in place to prevent dust and dirt from adhering to the head section and rotating pats @ PITCH CONTROL KNOB YYou can use this knob to make the tape travel 2685 faster or slower than the rated tape speed during playback, When the krob Is set to the central position (aickstop), the quartz PLL circuit activated, the QUARTZ LOCKED indicator comes on, and the {ape speed is quartz-ocked to the rating (48 emsec). When the knob is rotated counterclockwise, the speed drops and the musical steps are lowered. Conversely, when it i rotated clockwise, the speed increases and the musieal steps are raised, The tape speed doesnot change during a recording. @ QUARTZ LOCKED INDICATOR When the PITCH CONTROL knob ise tits center position, the quarts PLL clruit s activated and this indicator comes on, 1 goes Off, however, when the knob i rotated ether clockwise or counterclockwise. During a recording, this indicator wil remain on even ifthe PITCH CONTROL. knob is rotated, and the quartz PLL ‘kuttwl be ativated @® REMAINING TAPE MARKER If this marker is visible, it means that there is enough tape remaining for several minutes of recording or playback, © CASSETTE TAPE GUIDE @ MONITOR SWITCH ‘This switch is used to select the output signal which Is made available at the output jacks and headphones. Since the indication of the level meter can be switched over at the same time, always make Ita rule to depress this switch when adjusting the recording level (set to SOURCE position). For playback: Set the switch to the coleased (TAPE) position, If itis set to the depresed position, you will not be able to hear the playback sound. For recording: Set the switch to the released (TAPE) position ‘and you will then be able to hear the signals (playback sound) immediately after you have Feeorded the sound source, If the switch is vet to the depressed (SOURCE) position, you will be able to hear the signals (recording input) immediatly before you record he sound source. @® MIC RECORDING LEVEL CONTROLS. Use these controls to adjust the recording level when you are recording. with 2 microphone (or microphones). Use the front control for the left channel and the back control for the right channel, @ LINE RECORDING LEVEL CONTROLS These adjust the recording input level rom the LINE INPUT terminals on the rear panel, The level increases a the controls are turned to the right. The front control Is forthe left channel and the back control for the right channel, @ OUTPUT (PLAYBACK LEVEL) CONTROLS ‘Use these to adjust the output signal level during playback. Turing the controls to the right increases the level, The controls are coupled when turned but it also posible to adjust the right ‘channel (back) and the left channel (front) independently. When playing back a reference tape (160 nwb/m), a reference playback level (048) is obtained with these controls st to the "6" lick stop postion.@ MIC JACKS “These are the input Jacks for mlerophone recording. Plug the left channel microphone into the L jack and the ght channel Imierophone int the R jack @ HEADPHONE JACK “This is the output Jack for your stereo headphones, You will be able to hear the sound from signals selected by the MONITOR switch. Use this jack when you want to monitor the quality of a recording or when you want to listen to 2 tape privately on the CT-F1250, Adjust the output level with the OUTPUT controls ores Use ow-Impedence headphones, If you use a high-impedance model, you will not be eble to obtain sufficient volume. ¢ You wilt damege the microphone if you plug ft into the HEADPHONE jack by mistake @ DOLBY NR/MULTIPLEX FILTER SWITCH Set this switch to DOLBY NR ON when recording with the Dolby NR system or when playing back a tape which has been recorded with the Dolby NR system, Set this switch t0 the ON (fier ON) position when recording Without the FM stereo broadeas plot signal (19k. ON sevssnsnsneWhen playback in Dolby NR of when recordin an FM stereo brozdcast in Dolby NR using an FM tuner with MPX pilot signal leakage. OFF. When not recording or playback in Dolby NR ON When playback in Dolby NR or when recording 2 FILTER OFF program source in Dolby NR other than an FM stereo broadcast, or when using an FM tuner with no MPX pilot signal leakage Refer to “Dolby NR system” on page 18 for details on Dolby, and to “Using the Dolby NR/Muitipiex filter switch” on page 15 for details on how to use this swite, ® TAPE CALIBRATION BIAS, LEVEL, EQ KNOBS When adjusting the tape calibration, set the MODE selector to the BIAS, LEVEL and EQ postions in sequence, and a each position, adjust the tape ealbration knobs (BIAS, LEVEL and EQ) 0 that both parts ofthe inicators (> and | light up a the same time ina well-balanced fashion or flicker For details, refer to "HOW TO USE THE TAPE CALIBRATION fon page 10. ® TAPE CALIBRATION MODE SELECTOR When adjusting the tape calibration, set ths selector to the BIAS, LEVEL and EQ positions in sequence. When you are not using tape callbration be sure to set the MODE selector to the OFF position. For details, refer to “HOW TO USE THE TAPE CALIBRATION” on pate 10, @ TAPE SELECTOR This selector allows the bias and equalizer characteristics to be selected during recording and the equalizer characteristics duting playback in line with the type of tape you are using. For details, refer to “HOW TO USE THE TAPE CALIBRATION” on pate 10. METAL: For using metal rapes STD: For using standard or LH tapes For using chrome tapes For using fervichrome tapes @ REC MUTE BUTTON/INDICATOR You can create unrecorded sound gaps, or blanks, while you are recording. by depressing this button. When this button Is de pressed, the Indicator winks at intervals of about one second, For detals, refer to “Using the REC MUTE button” on page 15. @® OPERATING BUTTONS = a Sa = #4 (REW)...... Depress this button to rewind the tape. (The tape will travel at high peed from right to teft.) Depress this button to send the tape forward at top speod. (The tape will travel from left to right] be (FFI m (STOP)... Depress this button to stop the tape run and to release the operating buttons > (PLAY)... Depress this button when play back a tape, and depress this button together with the REC button for recording, (The tape will travel from left to right) REC .. Depress this button together with the PLAY button for recording. This button will not work when a cassette isnot loaded of when the erasure prevention tabs of a loaded cassette have been broken off, PAUSE nr Depress this button to stop the tape temporaily during recording or playback. Depress it again to allow the tape to continue to wavel as befor. Nores: ‘* When any of the operating buttons are depressed, the core: ‘sponding indicator (except STOP mode) til come on senify. In thatthe deck tot to that respective made, (©All the operating buttons are released (OFF) to stop mode ‘hen the POWER soiteh te turned OFF.oo) 8 “esr eer 8 as @ @ @ @ COUNTER RESET BUTTON Depress this bution to reset the tape counter display to “0000.” @ TAPE COUNTER “This indicates the position of the tape run. The counter reverts 19 "9000" when the power is switched on. @ DOLBY NR INDICATOR “This lights up when the DOLBY NR switch i set £0 ON, @ MEMORY/REPEAT INDICATOR This Indicator comes on when the MEMORY/REPEAT switches are depressed, signifying that the deck is st to the respective mode @ LEVEL METER This Indicates the input levet during recording and the output tevel during playback. By operating the LEVEL METER switches, it can be made to function asa peak meter, a peak hold mete of as level meter. The input signal level is indicated. When the MONITOR switch is set 10 SOURCE, they indicate the input signal evel, and when is set to TAPE, thy indicate the playback output I ® TAPE INDICATORS (METAL, Cr0,, Fe-Cr) “The indicator corresponding to the postion of the TAPE selector lights up to indicate what type of tape is being used. There is no Indlator fr standard tapes. @® TAPE CALIBRATION INDICATORS ‘The indicator coresponding to the type of tape calibration adjustment comes on. The bias, level and equalizer characteristics are optimum for the type of tape being used if both parts (m and “4 )of the indicators light up at the same time in a well-balanced fashion, or flicker, when the MODE selector is set to the BIAS, LEVEL and EQ postions In sequence. For tals, refer to “HOW TO USE THE TAPE CALIBRATION” on page 10, @ LEVEL METER/COUNTER BRIGHTNESS SELECTORS Use this swite to select the meter/eounter brghines DIM: Depress this switch at night or in dark locations when the existing meterlcounter brightness is too high RIGHT: Depress this switen when using the deck in daylight for other bright locations @ MEMORY/REPEAT SWITCHES MEMORY STOP: Depress this switch and the tape will be rewound to that spot at which the tape counter was preset to “0000” during rec/play, when the REW button is depressed at any position you like PLAY: Depress this switch and the tape will be rewound 10 that spot at Which the tape counter was preset 10 "0000" during rec/play, and playback will tart from that spot, when the REW button is depressed at any positon you like, REPEAT COUNTER: Depress this switch when you want to play back a tape during playback or recording from the point at which the tape counter wae set to "0000" up to the end of the tape END: Depress this switch when you want to play back 2 tape from the beginning tothe end ofthat tape. OFF: Depress this switch during normal tape playback or recording to release the MEMORY and REPEAT switches, For further details, refer to “REPEAT PLAYBACK FUNCTION.” @ LEVEL METER SWITCHES PEAK. When this switch Is depressed, the meter functions as a peak meter, and the peak level of the signals is indicated for about 2 seconds. “The meter functions as 2 peak level meter and the highest level of the signals is Indicated when this switch is depreseed. ‘The meter functions as level meter when this switch Is depressed For further deta, refer to “SETTING THE RECORDING LEVEL" on page 15, @ TIMER START SWITCHES Depress these switches when you are playing back or recording a tape withthe use ofa timer. PLAY: When this switch is depressed, the deck will automata: ly be set to the playback mode at the preset timer time, and playback will beain, Use this switch for wakeup playback instead of an alarm clock, REC: When this switch is depressed, the deck will automatleal ly be set tothe recording mode at the preset timer time, and recording will begin, Use this sviteh for recording FM programs when you are out of the house ot otherwise orcupled. OFF: Always depress this switch when you do not intend to record or play back a tapo using the timer (This will felease the REC and PLAY switches of TIMER START). PEAK HOLD .. AVERAGE .., 6