QFX RETRO-39 Shoe Box Style Cassette Recorder with USB Port

Product Overview

The QFX RETRO-39 is a shoe box style cassette recorder featuring a USB port for playing MP3 files and recording to cassette tapes. It includes a built-in microphone, speaker, and various controls for cassette operation and USB playback.

Features and Controls

The recorder has the following numbered controls and features:

• 1. DC Input Jack: For connecting external power.
• 2. Speaker: Built-in speaker for audio output.
• 3. USB Player: Allows playback of MP3 files from a USB drive.
• 4. FWD Key (for USB): Short press to skip to the next track; press and hold to scan forward.
• 5. REW Key (for USB): Short press to skip to the previous track; press and hold to scan backward.
• 6. Play/Pause Key (for USB): Controls playback and pausing of USB audio.
• 7. Cassette Deck: Compartment for inserting cassette tapes.
• 8. Record Key (for cassette tape): Initiates recording onto a cassette tape.
• 9. Play Key (for cassette tape): Plays back audio from a cassette tape.
• 10. Rewind Key (for cassette tape): Rewinds the cassette tape.
• 11. Fast-Forward Key (for cassette tape): Fast-forwards the cassette tape.
• 12. Stop/Eject Key (for cassette tape): Stops playback/recording and ejects the cassette.
• 13. Pause Key (for cassette tape): Pauses playback/recording.
• 14. Pull out Handle: A handle for portability.
• 15. Volume Control: Adjusts the audio output volume.
• 16. Line Out Jack: For connecting to external audio systems.
• 17. Line In Jack: For connecting external audio sources, such as a microphone.
• 18. USB/Line in/Tape/Off Selector Switch: Selects the input source or turns the unit off.
• 19. Battery Compartment: Holds 4 x 1.5V "C" batteries.
• 20. Built-in Microphone: For recording directly into the unit.

Operation on Batteries

The recorder operates using 4 x 1.5V "C" batteries. Manganese alkaline batteries are recommended for longer life. To insert batteries, slide off the battery compartment lid and place the batteries inside, observing the polarity markings.

Power Supply

The unit can be powered by AC adapter (Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz 0.2A, Output: 6V DC, 1.0A) or batteries.

Proper Care of Your Recorder and Cassettes

• Keep the recorder clean and dry.
• Avoid exposing the machine to damp conditions or extreme temperatures (e.g., inside a car on a sunny day).
• Keep the recorder and cassettes away from strong magnetic fields (e.g., near transformers, electric motors, TVs, loudspeakers).
• Always wind cassettes to one end after use.
• Avoid excessive use of the fast-forward and rewind keys, as this can cause tape damage ("sleeping" or ridges) leading to jamming.
• Do not touch the tape heads with metallic or sharp objects.

Loading and Removing Cassettes

To open the cassette compartment lid, press the Stop/Eject Key fully. Before inserting a cassette, ensure the tape tension is correct by using a pencil to wind any slack. Insert the cassette with the exposed tape facing the front of the machine, ensuring it is seated firmly in the guides. Close the lid. To remove a cassette, fully press the Stop/Eject Key. Ensure no function is active before removing.

Auto-Stop Function

The recorder features a mechanical auto-stop that disengages playback or recording at the end of a cassette. This function does not work in fast-forward or rewind modes. If the auto-stop triggers prematurely, it may be due to tight winding or tape ridges, which can sometimes be corrected by gently rapping the cassette face down and then winding the tape.

Fast-Forward and Rewind

The Fast-Forward and Rewind keys allow quick location of sections on the tape. The Stop key cancels these functions. Always use the Stop key to halt the tape. Attempting to switch from winding to play can damage the tape and mechanism. Do not leave the machine winding tape for extended periods, as the auto-stop may not engage, potentially damaging the mechanism.

Protecting Recordings

Recordings are normally erased when a new recording is made. To protect recordings from accidental erasure, remove the small plastic tabs located on the rear edge of the cassette. For pre-recorded cassettes, these tabs are already removed. To re-record a protected cassette, cover the tab hole with adhesive tape. A protected cassette will prevent the Record key from engaging; if this happens, do not force the mechanism. Check that a cassette is loaded and the erase-lock tab is intact.

Diagram Description: A cassette tape showing the location of the erase-lock tabs. One tab is shown removed on the left side for Side A recording protection, and another on the right for Side B.

Maintenance

No routine maintenance or lubrication is required. However, parts that contact the tape need periodic cleaning for optimal performance.

• Tape heads (erase, record/play) can be cleaned with a cotton ball moistened with isopropyl alcohol or a proprietary tape head cleaner.
• The pinch-roller and capstan shaft can be cleaned similarly.
• To access these parts, remove any cassette and lift the lid. Pressing the Play key will move the components into view. Cleaning is easier if the unit is powered on, allowing the roller and shaft to rotate.
• Using a proprietary cassette head cleaning cassette after manual cleaning is recommended to restore polish and remove surface film.

Diagram Description: A schematic of the cassette mechanism showing the Tape Heads (Erase Head, Record/Play Head), Pinch-Roller, and Capsian. A button labeled "PLAY" is also depicted.

Failure to maintain clean tape heads can result in muffled reproduction, poor recordings, and incomplete erasure. Dirty pinch-rollers and capstan shafts can cause tape tangling and spilling.

Recording Using a Line-in Jack

Connect a low-impedance microphone to the Line-in jack. For best signal-to-noise performance, position the external audio source close to the jack. Inserting a plug into the Line-in jack automatically disconnects the built-in microphone.

USB Music Player Operation

The RETRO-39 can play MP3 files from USB drives. Select the USB source using the switch on the side. Insert the USB drive into the port; playback will start with the first song. Use the REW and FWD buttons to navigate tracks or scan. USB music can also be recorded onto cassette tapes. Insert a recordable cassette, ensure the tab is intact, then press REC/PLAY. Press STOP when finished. To listen, select TAPE, rewind, press STOP, then PLAY.

Specifications

Power Supply: AC Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz 0.2A; DC Output: 6V DC, 1.0A. Operates on 4 x 1.5V "C" batteries.

Speaker: 3" 8ohm

Output: 850 mW max

Cassette Section:

• Tape: Standard Cassette Tape (C-90 or shorter)
• Tape Speed: 1-7/8 in/sec. (4.7 cm/sec)
• Frequency Response: 200-6,300 Hz
• Erasing System: DC Erase
• Recording Bias System: DC Bias

QFX reserves the right to alter specifications without notice due to continuous improvements.