BIGBEN EPOK REWIND+ BTTAPEBL Bluetooth Cassette Player and Recorder User Manual

Introduction

The BIGBEN EPOK REWIND+ BTTAPEBL is a portable cassette player and recorder designed to combine the classic audio experience of cassette tapes with modern Bluetooth 5.4 wireless technology. This device allows for both playback and recording of audio cassettes, offering versatile connectivity options including an integrated speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack, and bidirectional Bluetooth functionality. It features an auto-reverse mechanism for uninterrupted listening and is powered by a rechargeable USB-C battery.

Package Contents

Before use, please ensure all items are present in the package:

• BIGBEN EPOK REWIND+ Cassette Player
• Vintage-style Wired Headphones (3.5mm jack)
• Blank Audio Cassette
• USB-C Charging Cable
• Wooden Pencil (for manual tape winding)

The product packaging clearly displays the cassette player and its included accessories: headphones, a blank cassette, and a USB-C cable.

An overview of the BIGBEN EPOK REWIND+ components: the blue cassette player, orange-padded wired headphones, a blank audio cassette, and a wooden pencil.

Setup

1. Charging the Device

The EPOK REWIND+ features a built-in 1200mAh rechargeable battery. Before first use, fully charge the device.

1. Connect the supplied USB-C charging cable to the USB-C port on the side of the player.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to a standard USB power adapter (not included) or a computer's USB port.
3. The charging indicator light will illuminate. Once fully charged, the light may change color or turn off, depending on the model.

2. Inserting a Cassette

1. Locate the 'OPEN' switch or button on the player and slide/press it to open the cassette compartment door.
2. Insert an audio cassette with the exposed tape facing towards the player's head mechanism. Ensure the cassette fits securely.
3. Close the cassette compartment door firmly until it clicks into place.

3. Connecting Headphones (Optional)

For private listening, connect the included 3.5mm wired headphones or any compatible headphones to the 3.5mm headphone jack on the side of the player.

A user holding the EPOK REWIND+ cassette player while listening through wired headphones, demonstrating portable use.

Operating Instructions

Basic Cassette Playback

1. Insert a cassette as described in the Setup section.
2. Press the PLAY button to begin playback.
3. Adjust the volume using the rotary volume knob.
4. To stop playback, press the STOP button.
5. To fast forward, press the FF button. Press STOP to cease fast forwarding.
6. To rewind, press the REW button. Press STOP to cease rewinding.

Auto-Reverse Function

The EPOK REWIND+ features an auto-reverse function, allowing continuous playback of both sides of a cassette without manual flipping.

• During playback, the player will automatically switch to the other side of the cassette once the current side ends.
• To manually reverse the tape direction, press the DIR (Direction) button.

Bluetooth Connectivity (5.4)

The device supports bidirectional Bluetooth 5.4, functioning as both a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX).

Transmitter Mode (TX): Streaming Cassette Audio to Bluetooth Headphones/Speakers

1. Slide the Bluetooth mode selector switch to the TX position.
2. Ensure your Bluetooth headphones or speaker are in pairing mode.
3. The EPOK REWIND+ will automatically search for and connect to nearby Bluetooth audio devices. A successful connection will be indicated by a specific LED light pattern or audio cue.
4. Begin cassette playback. The audio will now stream wirelessly to your connected Bluetooth device.

Receiver Mode (RX): Playing Smartphone Audio through the Player's Speaker/Headphones

1. Slide the Bluetooth mode selector switch to the RX position.
2. On your smartphone or other audio source, search for Bluetooth devices and select "EPOK REWIND+" to pair.
3. Once connected, audio from your smartphone will play through the EPOK REWIND+'s integrated speaker or connected wired headphones.

Recording to Cassette

The EPOK REWIND+ allows recording from two sources: an integrated microphone or a Bluetooth audio source (in RX mode).

Recording from Integrated Microphone

1. Insert a blank or recordable cassette.
2. Press the REC (Record) button. The PLAY button will also engage simultaneously.
3. Speak into the integrated microphone or place the player near the sound source you wish to record.
4. To stop recording, press the STOP button.

Recording from Bluetooth Source (Mixtape Creation)

1. Insert a blank or recordable cassette.
2. Set the Bluetooth mode selector switch to RX and pair your smartphone or audio source as described above.
3. Start playing audio on your smartphone.
4. Press the REC button on the EPOK REWIND+. The PLAY button will also engage.
5. The audio from your smartphone will now be recorded onto the cassette.
6. To stop recording, press the STOP button.

A detailed view of the EPOK REWIND+ cassette player, highlighting the cassette window and control buttons for playback and recording.

Maintenance

Cleaning the Device

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior of the player.
• For the tape head and pinch rollers, use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Gently clean these components to ensure optimal sound quality and prevent tape damage. Perform this cleaning periodically, especially after extended use.
• Ensure the device is powered off and disconnected from any power source before cleaning.

Cassette Care

• Store cassettes in their cases to protect them from dust and physical damage.
• Avoid exposing cassettes to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
• If a tape becomes loose, use the included wooden pencil to manually wind the tape taut before inserting it into the player. Insert the pencil into one of the cassette's spools and rotate it gently.

A hand demonstrates the traditional method of using a pencil to manually wind a cassette tape, a useful technique for tape maintenance.

Battery Care

• To prolong battery life, avoid fully discharging the battery frequently.
• If storing the device for an extended period, charge it to approximately 50% capacity.

Troubleshooting

• No Power: Ensure the device is charged. Connect the USB-C cable and check the charging indicator.
• No Sound from Cassette:
  • Check if headphones are properly plugged in or if Bluetooth is connected (in TX mode).
  • Ensure the volume knob is turned up.
  • Verify the cassette is inserted correctly and the tape is not tangled or damaged.
  • Clean the tape head and pinch rollers.
• Bluetooth Not Connecting (TX Mode):
  • Ensure the Bluetooth mode selector is in the TX position.
  • Put your receiving Bluetooth device (headphones/speaker) into pairing mode.
  • Move the devices closer to each other.
  • Turn off and on both devices to reset Bluetooth.
• Bluetooth Not Connecting (RX Mode):
  • Ensure the Bluetooth mode selector is in the RX position.
  • On your smartphone, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and search for "EPOK REWIND+".
  • Forget the device on your smartphone and re-pair if issues persist.
• Recording Issues:
  • Ensure a recordable cassette is inserted and the record protection tabs are intact.
  • Verify the audio source (microphone or Bluetooth in RX mode) is active and providing sound.
  • Check microphone placement for clear voice recording.

Specifications

The EPOK REWIND+ cassette player shown with its approximate dimensions: 11 cm in length, 7.7 cm in height, and 2.4 cm in width.