Emerson EPB-3003

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Emerson Portable CD Player Boombox with Cassette Player Combo, Tape Recorder, AM/FM Radio, AUX, Headphone Jack, Dual Speakers - Model EPB-3003 User Manual

Your guide to setup, operation, and maintenance.

1. Important Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety instructions before using this product. Keep this manual for future reference.

2. Product Overview

The Emerson EPB-3003 is a versatile portable audio system designed for various listening experiences. It features a top-loading CD player, a cassette player/recorder, and an AM/FM radio. The unit can be powered by AC or batteries, offering flexibility for both indoor and outdoor use.

Front view of the Emerson EPB-3003 Boombox

Figure 2.1: Front view of the Emerson EPB-3003 Portable CD Player Boombox, showing the dual speakers, control panel, and carrying handle.

Key Features:

Controls and Components:

Refer to the diagram below for an overview of the unit's controls and components.

Emerson Boombox with labels for controls

Figure 2.2: Diagram illustrating the main controls and components of the boombox, including the display, function buttons, volume, and tuning controls.

  1. FUNCTION Button: Selects between CD, Radio, Tape, and AUX modes.
  2. SCAN/PLAY/PAUSE Button: Initiates scan in radio mode, plays/pauses CD or cassette.
  3. STOP Button: Stops playback.
  4. SKIP/SEARCH Buttons (◀◀ / ▶▶): Skips tracks on CD, searches on cassette, tunes radio stations.
  5. MEM.- / MEM.+ Buttons: Stores and recalls radio presets.
  6. TUN. (Tune) Buttons (+/-): Fine-tunes radio frequency.
  7. VOL. (Volume) Buttons (+/-): Adjusts audio volume.
  8. PROG./P-MODE Button: Programs CD tracks, selects playback mode.
  9. Display: Shows current mode, track number, frequency, etc.
  10. CD Compartment: For loading compact discs.
  11. Cassette Compartment: For loading audio cassettes.
  12. Telescopic Antenna: For FM radio reception.
  13. AUX Input Jack: Connects external audio devices.
  14. Headphone Jack: For private listening.
  15. AC Power Input: Connects to the AC power adapter.
  16. Battery Compartment: For DC power using batteries.

3. Setup

3.1 Powering the Unit

The boombox can be powered by either AC power or batteries.

AC Power Operation:

  1. Ensure the unit is turned off.
  2. Connect the supplied AC power adapter cord to the AC power input jack on the back of the unit.
  3. Plug the other end of the AC power adapter into a standard wall outlet (120V AC, 60Hz).

Battery Operation:

For portable use, the unit requires 6 x 'C' size batteries (not included).

  1. Ensure the unit is turned off and disconnected from AC power.
  2. Open the battery compartment cover located on the bottom of the unit.
  3. Insert 6 'C' size batteries, observing the correct polarity (+ and -) as indicated inside the compartment.
  4. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

Note: Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage and damage.

3.2 Antenna Setup

For optimal FM radio reception, fully extend the telescopic antenna. For AM reception, the unit has a built-in antenna, so no adjustment is typically needed. If AM reception is poor, try repositioning the unit.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 General Operation

  1. Press the POWER button to turn the unit on.
  2. Press the FUNCTION button repeatedly to select the desired mode: CD, RADIO, TAPE, or AUX.
  3. Adjust the volume using the VOL. +/- buttons.
  4. Press the POWER button again to turn the unit off.

4.2 CD Player Operation

Hand placing a CD into the boombox's CD compartment

Figure 4.1: Loading a compact disc into the top-loading CD compartment.

  1. Press the FUNCTION button to select CD mode. The display will show "CD" or "OP" (Open).
  2. Open the CD compartment cover.
  3. Place a CD with the label side facing up onto the center spindle.
  4. Close the CD compartment cover. The unit will read the disc, and the total number of tracks will appear on the display.
  5. Press the PLAY/PAUSE button (▶/██) to start playback. The current track number will be displayed.
  6. To pause playback, press the PLAY/PAUSE button (▶/██). Press again to resume.
  7. To stop playback, press the STOP button (■).
  8. To skip to the next track, press the SKIP/SEARCH button (▶▶).
  9. To go back to the beginning of the current track or previous tracks, press the SKIP/SEARCH button (◀◀).
  10. To fast forward or rewind within a track, press and hold the SKIP/SEARCH buttons (▶▶ or ◀◀).

Programmed Playback:

  1. In STOP mode, press the PROG./P-MODE button. The display will show "P01".
  2. Use the SKIP/SEARCH buttons (◀◀ / ▶▶) to select the desired track.
  3. Press PROG./P-MODE again to confirm the track. Repeat for up to 20 tracks.
  4. Press PLAY/PAUSE to start programmed playback.

4.3 Cassette Player/Recorder Operation

Hand inserting a cassette tape into the boombox

Figure 4.2: Inserting a cassette tape into the front-loading compartment.

  1. Press the FUNCTION button to select TAPE mode.
  2. Open the cassette compartment door.
  3. Insert a cassette tape with the open edge facing upwards.
  4. Close the cassette compartment door.
  5. Press the PLAY button (▶) on the cassette control panel to start playback.
  6. To stop playback, press the STOP/EJECT button (■).
  7. To fast forward, press the FAST FORWARD button (▶▶).
  8. To rewind, press the REWIND button (◀◀).
  9. To pause playback, press the PAUSE button (██). Press again to resume.

Recording to Cassette:

Hand holding a cassette tape labeled '80's Mix' near the boombox's cassette compartment

Figure 4.3: Preparing to record to a cassette tape.

You can record from the radio or the AUX input.

  1. Insert a blank cassette tape into the cassette compartment.
  2. Select the desired source (RADIO or AUX) using the FUNCTION button.
  3. Start playing the audio you wish to record (tune to a radio station or start playback from the AUX device).
  4. Press the RECORD button (●) on the cassette control panel. The PLAY button (▶) will also engage. Recording will begin.
  5. To stop recording, press the STOP/EJECT button (■).

4.4 AM/FM Radio Operation

Emerson Boombox with antenna extended, showing radio frequency on display

Figure 4.4: The boombox tuned to an AM/FM radio station.

  1. Press the FUNCTION button to select RADIO mode.
  2. Extend the telescopic antenna for FM reception.
  3. Press the SCAN button to automatically scan and store available stations.
  4. Alternatively, use the TUN. +/- buttons to manually tune to a desired frequency.
  5. To recall stored stations, use the MEM.- / MEM.+ buttons.

4.5 AUX Input

The AUX input allows you to connect external audio devices (e.g., smartphones, MP3 players) to play through the boombox speakers.

  1. Press the FUNCTION button to select AUX mode.
  2. Connect one end of a 3.5mm audio cable (not included) to the AUX input jack on the boombox.
  3. Connect the other end of the audio cable to the headphone jack or audio output of your external device.
  4. Start playback on your external device.
  5. Adjust the volume on both the boombox and your external device for optimal sound.

4.6 Headphone Jack

For private listening, plug standard 3.5mm headphones (not included) into the headphone jack. The speakers will automatically mute.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning the Unit

5.2 CD Player Care

5.3 Cassette Player Care

6. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your boombox, refer to the following table for common problems and solutions.

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
No powerAC adapter not connected; Batteries depleted or incorrectly inserted.Check AC connection; Replace batteries or ensure correct polarity.
No soundVolume too low; Headphones connected; Incorrect function mode.Increase volume; Disconnect headphones; Select correct mode (CD, Radio, Tape, AUX).
CD not playingCD inserted incorrectly; CD dirty or scratched; Disc not compatible.Insert CD label-side up; Clean or replace CD; Ensure CD-R/RW compatibility.
Cassette not playing/recordingCassette inserted incorrectly; Tape heads dirty; Tape damaged.Insert cassette correctly; Clean tape heads; Try a different tape.
Poor radio receptionAntenna not extended; Unit location.Fully extend FM antenna; Reposition the unit for better AM reception.
AUX input not workingCable not connected; Incorrect function mode; External device volume low.Check 3.5mm cable connection; Select AUX mode; Increase volume on external device.

7. Specifications

Diagram showing the dimensions of the Emerson EPB-3003 Boombox

Figure 7.1: Product dimensions of the Emerson EPB-3003.

8. Warranty and Support

This product is covered by a limited manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty details, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or contact Emerson customer support.

Customer Support:

For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please contact Emerson customer support through their official website or the contact information provided in your product packaging.

Please have your model number (EPB-3003) and purchase date available when contacting support.

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