Grundig C4100 & C4800 Radio Recorder

General Information

This device is equipped with a built-in automatic switching system for recording and playback on Chromdioxid and Studio cassettes. Grundig recommends using only Grundig brand cassettes for optimal performance.

Important Note: Avoid exposing the device to temperatures above 70°C, as high temperatures, such as those experienced inside a car with direct sunlight, can damage the unit.

Power Supply

Mains Operation

The integrated power supply allows for cost-effective operation via the mains. The power cord can be found in the mains cable compartment (25). Before connecting to the mains socket, ensure the voltage selector (23) is set correctly for your local voltage. For mains operation, switch the Net-Battery switch (19) to 'Mains'.

Battery Operation

For battery operation, use only reliable 'Baby' cells (IEC R 14). Grundig recommends Pertrix 281 or Daimon 259, which offer approximately 70 hours of playback and 13 hours of tape operation. Alkaline batteries, such as Mallory MN 1400, offer approximately double the operating time.

To insert batteries, press the retaining clip on the battery compartment (26) and lift the cover. Insert batteries as shown in diagram 2 and close the cover. Set the Net-Battery switch (19) to 'Batt'. The battery indicator (14) can be checked by pressing the button; if the needle drops into the red zone, the batteries are depleted.

Remove depleted batteries promptly. If the device is not used for extended periods or will be permanently connected to the mains, it is advisable to remove the batteries.

Operating the Radio Section

Tuning

Select the desired reception band by pressing one of the band selection buttons (11). The pointer on the band scale (17) indicates the selected frequency.

• UKW/FM: Scale calibrated in MHz and UKW channels. Use your radio guide or a transmitter table to identify stations.
• LW: Scale calibrated in kHz, suitable for continental reception.
• MW: Scale calibrated in kHz, marked with major European stations.
• K/SW: Scale calibrated in MHz, for receiving European and overseas shortwave stations.

Station Selection

Tune to desired stations using the station selection knob (18). The automatic AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) ensures optimal reception for UKW.

Volume and Tone Control

Adjust the volume using the volume control (8). Fine-tune the sound by adjusting the tone control (12).

Antenna

For UKW and KW reception, fully extend and tilt the telescopic antenna (13) to the horizontal position for optimal signal. For KW reception, the telescopic antenna should be vertical. For MW and LW reception, the internal ferrite rod antenna is effective. Rotate the device to find the best reception position.

Operating the Cassette Section

Cassette Insertion

Press the cassette compartment button (15) upwards to open the compartment (16). Insert the cassette with the full spool on the right and the cassette back facing outwards. The tape allows for two tracks to be recorded side-by-side. After the first playback and turning the cassette, the same recording time is available again. Cassettes are marked with indices A and B. The side with the corresponding index facing the cassette compartment lid (16) will be recorded or played. Ensure the desired titles are facing the lid when playing music cassettes. Close the compartment lid. The arrow on the lid indicates the tape direction.

Counter

The counter (4) can be reset to (000) using the reset button. Note the counter reading at the beginning and end of recordings. For playback, reset the counter to (000) after inserting the cassette. You can then select any desired track by fast-forwarding the tape to the corresponding counter reading.

Recording

To record, press the record button (6) and hold it down while pressing the start button (1). The recording automatically adjusts to the input signal level. The device stops automatically at the end of the tape.

Avoid changing stations or bands during recording, as this can affect the automatic recording function.

If whistling occurs during MW or LW recording, use the 'Osc' switch (22) to eliminate it.

Pausing and Interrupting

To briefly interrupt recording, press and hold the pause button (2). For longer pauses, it can be locked in place by pushing and sliding it in the direction of the arrow. Recording resumes when the pause button is released or unlocked.

Stopping and Removing Cassettes

Press the stop button (5) to end recording. This will also release the record (6) and start (1) buttons. Press the cassette compartment button (15) to open the compartment (16) and remove the cassette.

Rewinding Tape

To listen to a recording, rewind the tape to the beginning. To select a specific recording or skip a section during playback, fast-forward the tape. Use the rewind/fast-forward slider (3) to move the tape. It does not lock in place.

Playback

To play a tape, press the start button (1). Playback can be done independently of radio tuning. Adjust volume and tone using the respective controls.

Recording with Built-in Microphone

Press the TA/TB button (10) to activate the built-in condenser microphone. Ensure no external devices are connected to the universal input (20). Press and hold the record button (6), then press the start button (1) to begin recording. Experiment with microphone placement for optimal sound quality based on room acoustics.

Connecting Accessories

The universal input and tape output (20) allow connection of various accessories. Connecting an accessory via this socket will deactivate the built-in microphone.

• Grundig GDM 308 Report microphone: Allows remote start/stop of recording.
• Grundig GCM 319 or GDM 314 microphones: For external microphone recording. Use wind protection (404) for outdoor recordings or close-up speech.
• Record player connection: Connect a record player with a crystal or ceramic cartridge to the universal input (20) to use the device as a phono amplifier or to record from records. Use cable 237 for integrated record players.
• Second cassette or tape recorder: Connect for copying tapes using cable 237. A special adapter (296) may be needed for some devices.
• Radio connection: Connect a radio to use it as an amplifier for cassette recordings or to record from it using cable 237.

For recording from connected accessories, press the TA/TB button (10) first, then the record button (6) and hold it while pressing the start button (1). The automatic level control ensures optimal recording quality.

For record or tape recordings, first play the loudest passage to set the automatic level control. Before starting playback or rewinding, set the tape counter to the beginning of the desired track.

Headphone Socket

Connect headphones (GDH 208) or earphones (203 b) to the headphone socket (21). An external speaker can also be connected.

Erasing and Protection

Each recording automatically erases the previous tape content. Cassettes with music programs prevent accidental erasure by locking the record button (6). To protect your own recordings, break off the small plastic tab located behind the side index A or B on the cassette. Each side can be protected individually.

To erase a protected track and record again, cover the opening with adhesive tape or clear film.

For Chromdioxid cassettes, only half of the opening should be covered. The inner half is for the Chromdioxid automatic switching system.

Cleaning the Heads

Open the cassette compartment (16) and press the start button (1). Observe the heads through the compartment window. Clean only with spirit or benzine and a linen cloth. For stubborn dirt, a wooden stick can be used carefully. Never touch the tape-facing side of the heads with a metal or hard object, as this will cause damage.

After cleaning, press the stop button (5) before inserting a cassette and closing the compartment.

The Grundig cleaning cassette (461), available from your dealer, can be used to clean both heads more easily. Simply insert the cassette and let it run in playback mode for approximately 5 minutes.

For cleaning the housing, use only a soft, dust-absorbing cloth. Harsh polishing or cleaning agents can damage the surface.

Tape Cassette Handling

Never place cassettes near heaters or other heat sources, as this can deform the tape and render it unusable. Store unused cassettes in their cases to prevent dust and tape loops. If tape loops occur, rewind the tape slightly.

Device Maintenance

The overall construction of the device ensures long-term maintenance-free operation. If any malfunctions occur, consult your dealer. Periodically, you can clean the front of the heads, the capstan, and the pinch roller if they become dirty from tape abrasion (indicated by arrows in the adjacent illustration).