Product Overview
The GPX BCA209BU is a versatile portable boombox designed for listening to AM/FM radio, CDs, and cassette tapes. It features built-in stereo speakers, a top-load CD player, and a cassette player with recording capabilities. Its compact design and dual power options (AC or battery) make it suitable for both home and on-the-go use.
Figure 1: Front view of the GPX BCA209BU Portable Boombox, showcasing the CD compartment, cassette player, and control buttons.
- Portable Boombox with AM/FM radio, CD, and cassette player.
- Top-load disc player for easy CD access.
- Auto-stop feature at tape end for cassette playback.
- LCD display with white backlight for clear information.
- Ability to record from Radio and CD to cassette.
- Powerful built-in stereo speakers with metal speaker grills.
- Includes AC power cable for home use.
- DC battery power option for portability (requires 6 C batteries, not included).
- Convenient carry handle for easy transport.
Setup
Powering the Boombox
The GPX BCA209BU can be powered in two ways:
- AC Power: Connect the included AC power cable to the AC IN jack located on the back of the unit and then plug it into a standard wall outlet.
- Battery Power: For portable use, open the battery compartment on the bottom of the unit. Insert 6 'C' size batteries (not included), ensuring correct polarity (+/-). Close the battery compartment securely.
Antenna Setup
For optimal AM/FM radio reception, extend the telescopic antenna fully. For AM reception, you may need to rotate the unit for the best signal.
Operating Instructions
Figure 2: Top-down view of the boombox, highlighting the CD player lid and various control buttons for different functions.
General Controls
- Power/Function Selector: Use this switch to turn the unit ON/OFF and select between CD, AM, FM, or TAPE/AUX functions.
- Volume Control: Rotate the knob to adjust the sound level.
CD Playback
- Set the Power/Function Selector to 'CD'.
- Open the CD compartment lid by gently lifting it.
- Place a CD onto the center spindle with the label side facing up.
- Close the CD compartment lid securely.
- The CD will begin playing automatically. If not, press the PLAY/PAUSE button.
- Use the SKIP/SEARCH buttons to navigate between tracks. Press once to skip, press and hold to search.
- Press the STOP button to stop playback.
- Program Play: While in STOP mode, press the PROGRAM button to select and program tracks in a desired order.
- Repeat Play: Press the REPEAT button during playback to repeat the current track (REPEAT ONE) or all tracks on the CD (REPEAT ALL).
Cassette Playback and Recording
- Set the Power/Function Selector to 'TAPE/AUX'.
- Press the STOP/EJECT button to open the cassette door.
- Insert a cassette tape into the compartment.
- Close the cassette door.
- Playback: Press the PLAY button to start playback.
- Fast Forward/Rewind: Use the F.FWD and REW buttons to quickly advance or rewind the tape.
- Recording:
- To record from Radio: Select AM or FM function, tune to desired station, then press the RECORD button on the cassette player.
- To record from CD: Set function to CD, start CD playback, then press the RECORD button on the cassette player.
- The unit features auto-stop at the end of the tape.
AM/FM Radio Operation
- Set the Power/Function Selector to 'AM' or 'FM'.
- Extend the telescopic antenna for FM reception. For AM, adjust the unit's position.
- Rotate the TUNING knob to select your desired radio station.
Auxiliary Input
- Set the Power/Function Selector to 'TAPE/AUX'.
- Connect an external audio device (e.g., MP3 player, smartphone) to the AUX IN jack using a 3.5mm audio cable (not included).
- Audio from the connected device will play through the boombox speakers. Control playback from your external device.
Maintenance
Figure 3: Side view of the boombox, illustrating its portability with the integrated carry handle.
- Cleaning: Wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- CD Player Care: Handle CDs by their edges. Keep the CD compartment clean and free of dust.
- Cassette Player Care: Periodically clean the tape heads and pinch rollers with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
- Battery Replacement: Replace all batteries at the same time. Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries. Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period.
- Storage: Store the unit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | AC cable not connected; Batteries depleted or incorrectly inserted. | Ensure AC cable is securely plugged in. Replace batteries with new ones, checking polarity. |
| No sound | Volume too low; Incorrect function selected; External device not playing (for AUX). | Increase volume. Select the correct function (CD, AM, FM, TAPE/AUX). Ensure external device is playing and its volume is up. |
| CD not playing / skipping | CD dirty or scratched; CD inserted incorrectly; CD compartment not closed. | Clean CD with a soft cloth. Reinsert CD with label side up. Ensure CD lid is fully closed. |
| Cassette not playing / distorted sound | Tape worn or damaged; Tape heads dirty; Cassette door not closed. | Try a different tape. Clean tape heads and pinch rollers. Ensure cassette door is fully closed. |
| Poor radio reception | Antenna not extended; Unit position. | Fully extend the telescopic antenna. Rotate the unit for better AM reception. |
Specifications
- Model Number: BCA209BU
- Brand: GPX
- Manufacturer: DPI
- Color: Blue
- Connectivity Technology: Auxiliary
- Speaker Type: Stereo
- Power Source: AC Power Cable (included), DC Battery Power (6 'C' batteries, not included)
- Item Weight: 3.94 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 11.14 x 10.35 x 6.06 inches
Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information and further support, please refer to the official User Manual PDF available online. A digital copy of the manual can be found at: GPX BCA209BU User Manual (PDF).
