Yamaha K-540 Owner's manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Instructions...............
Caution.......ooooeecviiiiininn
Front Panel Parts and Function
Connections.......................
Cassette Tapes ...................
CH ю =
Recording and Playback
Maintenance ..............
Specifications.............
Troubleshooting..........
* + =
oO CO © ©
© Serial №:
The serial number is located on the rear of the unit.
Retain this Owner's Manual in a safe place for future reference.
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK) NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE, REFER SERVICING
. TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
e Explanation of Graphical Symbols
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert you to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert you to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1 Read Instructions — All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the appliance is
operated.
= Retain Instructions — The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3 Heed Warnings — All warnings on the appliance and
in the operating instructions should be adhered 10.
Z Follow Instructions — All operating and other
instructions should be followed.
= Water and Moisture — The appliance should not be
used near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near
swimming pool, etc.
G Carts and Stands — The appliance should be used
only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the
manufacturer.
7 Wall or Ceiling Mounting — The appliance should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
E Ventilation — The appliance should be situated so
that its location or position does not interfere with its
proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not
be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may
block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in
installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may
impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
9 Heat — The appliance should be situated away from
heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other appliances
that produce heat.
1 O) Power Sources — The appliance should be
connected to a power supply only of the type described in
the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
1 1 Power-Cord Protection — Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked
- on or pinched by items placed upon or against them,
paying receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
appliance.
1 - Cleaning — The appliance should be cleaned only
as recommended by the manufacturer.
1 3 Nonuse Periods — The power cord of the appliance
should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for
a long period of time.
1 Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so
that objects do not fall into and liquids not spilled into the
inside of the appliance.
15 Damage Requiring Service — The appliance should
be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged;
or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
appliance; or `
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; ог
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the cabinet
damaged.
1 = Servicing — The user should not attempt to service
the appliance beyond those means described in the
operating instructions. AI! other servicing should be
referred to qualified service personnel.
“1 This unit is a sophisticated stereo cassette deck. To
ensure proper operation for the best possible performance,
please read this manual carefully.
> Choose the installation of your unit carefully. Avoid
placing it in direct sunlight or close to source of heat. Also
avoid locations subject to vibration and excessive dust,
heat, cold or moisture. Keep it away from such sources of
hum as transformers or motors.
3 Do not open the cabinet as this may result in damage
to the deck or electrical shock. If a foreign object should
get into the deck, contact your local dealer.
1 When removing the power plug from the wall outlet,
always pull directly on the plug; never pull the cord itself.
Hs, Do not use force when operating switches and knobs.
G When moving the deck, be sure to first pull out the
power plug and remove all cords connecting the deck to
other equipment.
7 Do not attempt to clean this unit with chemical
solvents as this may damage the finish. Use a clean, dry
cloth.
83 Never allow metallic items (e.g. screwdrivers, tools,
etc.) to come near the record/playback head assembly.
Doing so may not only scratch or damage the head's
mirror-smooth finish, it may change the magnetic
characteristics of the heads, causing a deterioration in
reproduction performance quality.
©] Although the record/playback head used in this unit is
a high quality Sendust head with outstanding reproduction
characteristics, it can become dirty through the use of old
tapes of from dust accumulation over time.
This can have a serious effect on reproduction quality.
Clean the heads regularly with one of the commonly
available head cleaners or with cleaning solutions as
explained later in this manual.
1 œ Be sure to read the ‘’Troubleshooting’’ section of -
this manual for advice on common operating errors before
concluding that your unit is faulty.
1 1 Keep this manual in a safe place for future
reference. |
NATURAL SOUND STEREO DECK K-590
© — ©
Sendust Head
=
Computer Controlled Mechanism
@ EJECT button
To load a cassette tape, press the EJECT button and the
cassette compartment will open. Depress the cassette
compartment to close it.
O POWER switch
Press this switch to turn the power on. Press again to turn
the power off.
O Cassette compartment
€) MASTER FADER control
Used to adjust the range of the recording level set by the
REC LEVEL controls. With this control, you can fade out
the recording sound. Normally, set this control to “0”
position.
* The MASTER FADER control will function only during
recording.
© LINEAR COUNTER
Displays the tape running time and recording remaining
time in minutes and seconds.
4 COUNTER RESET/MEMORY buttons
RESET: Press this button to zero the LINEAR COUNTER.
MEMORY: Press this button while the LINEAR COUNTER
displays the desired reading. Press the button again to
release the memory function.
When the memory position is set, the tape automatically
stops during fast forward or rewind mode.
@ REMAIN TIME button
Press this button to display the recording time remaining in
the cassette. |
When the MEMORY button is pressed, pressing this
button displays the recording time remaining after the
point at which the MEMORY button is pressed.
() REC indicator
When the REC/PAUSE button is pressed, the Rec Standby
mode will be engaged, and this indicator will light. It will
flicker during the Auto Rec Mute mode.
© DOLBY NR indicators
The corresponding DOLBY NR indicator will light up when
the DOLBY NR selector is turned on.
@ PEAK level meters
Indicate the peak of the signal level during recording and
playback over a range from —20 dB to +8 dB.
O TAPE type indicators
When a tape is loaded, the deck's circuitry will automati-
cally adjust for proper bias level, and equalization for that
type of tape, and the type of tape will be indicated.
e Automatic tape selection does not function for the old
type metal tapes which do not have a detection hole -
on the cassette shell.
* This deck is not suited for use with Ferrichrome (FeCr)
tapes.
@ OUTPUT LEVEL contro!
Used to adjust the output level at the PHONES jack and
LINE OUT/PLAY jacks on the rear.
Normally, set this control to “10”.
® PHONES jack
Connect a set of headphones to this jack for monitoring
recording or playback.
O Operation buttons
INTRO SCAN: Press one of these buttons to play back
the beginning of the selection for about 15 seconds in the
selected direction.
<< / <ка: Press this button to rapidly rewind the tape. To
release the rewind mode, press the STOP button. When
the button is kept pressed, the tape is rewound at a high
speed.
PLAY: Press for playback. It is also necessary to use this
button to engage the Record mode.
D> /Db>: Press this button to rapidly advance the tape.
To release the fast forward mode, press the STOP button.
When the button is kept pressed, the tape is advanced at
a high speed.
REC/PAUSE: Pressing this button engages the Rec
Standby mode, and REC indicator will light. While in this
mode, the PEAK level meters will function, allowing you to
monitor the recording signal level of your program source.
(Refer to the “SETTING RECORDING LEVEL"" section of
this manual.) To initiate recording from the Rec Standby
mode, press the PLAY button. Pressing the REC/PAUSE
button during actual recording engages the Rec Pause
mode. To resume recording, press the PLAY button.
STOP: Press this button to stop the tape while in any
mode.
MUTE/SEARCH: |
During Recording: When the MUTE/SEARCH button is
pressed at any time during recording, a 4-second blank
interval is automatically recorded on the tape (Auto Rec
Mute mode). Then, the Rec Pause mode is engaged
automatically.
In order to record a blank interval longer than 4 seconds,
press the MUTE/SEARCH button and hold it in for the
desired length of time. After the button is released, the
4-second blank interval will also be recorded
automatically, then the Rec Pause mode is engaged
automatically.
To resume recording, press the PLAY button.
During Playback: By pushing either the bb / >>> or
<14/<14 button simultaneously with this button, the tape
will be advanced to the beginning of the selection either
before or after the one being listened to, from which point
play will be resumed.
@ AUTO MODE selector
FULL REPEAT: One side of the cassette is repeatedly
played back 8 times from beginning to end.
0-M REPEAT: Desired section can repeatedly be played
back 8 times between ‘’D.00‘’ on the LINEAR COUNTER
reading and the counter number memorized with the
COUNTER MEMORY button.
TIMER PLAY: By using a commerciaily abailable audio
timer, this function permits timer activated playback, so
you can wake-up to your favorite music, etc.
TIMER REC: By using a commercially available audio
timer, this function allows you to carry out unattended
recording.
* Be sure to set this selector to OFF when not using the
repeat playback feature or the timer feature. If power is
turned on with a cassette loaded in the deck and the
selector in the TIMER REC position, the record mode
will be engaged and the prerecorded contents of the
tape will be erased.
@ DOLBY NR selector
Dolby notse reduction is an extremely effective method of
reducing background hiss on tapes. The K-540
incorporates both DOLBY B and C NR system.
Tapes recorded with DOLBY B NR should be played back
with DOLBY NR selector set to B TYPE, and tapes
recorded with DOLBY C NR should be played back with
DOLBY NR selector set to C TYPE. Tapes not DOLBY NR
encorded should be played back with DOLBY NR off.
When the selector is set to MPX ON position, the built-in
MPX fiiter functions in combination with each DOLBY NR
system,
e DOLBY and the double D mark are trademarks о?
DOLBY Laboratories Licensing Corp. DOLBY noise
reduction system manufactured under license from
DOLBY Laboratories Licensing Corp.
@ REC LEVEL controls
Used to adjust the input level of the signal coming from
the rear panel LINE IN/REC jacks for recording, and the
adjustable signal level is displayed on the PEAK level
meters.
K-540
IE
RISA BF ELECFRIL SBECK
DO MOT PEN
The White plug on the paired connecting cables
corresponds to the Left channel and the Red plug
corresponds to the Right channel. The LINE OUT/PLAY
jacks on the K-540 should be connected to the Tape PB
(Playback/Input) jacks on your amplifier, and the LINE
IN/REC jacks on the K-540 should be connected to the
Rec Qut (Rec/Output) jacks on your amplifier. Make sure
that the left and right channel connections are properly
made, and that the plugs are inserted firmly,
7 Amplifier or receiver
REMOTE CONTROL terminal
Connect the power cord to an AC outlet or to the AC
outlet provided on the rear panel of your receiver,
integrated amplifier, or control amplifier, etc. Make sure
that power to both the K-540 and your amplifier {receiver,
etc.) are turned off before making connections. With the
REMOTE CONTROL terminal on the rear of the K-540,
system remote control through the amplifier is possible.
Connect the terminal to the amplifier with the flat cable
supplied to the amplifier. For details of operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual of the amplifier.
i CASSETTE TAPES
There are many different types of cassette tapes available,
however, they all conform to standard specifications so
any brand may be used with the K-540.
e (Classification of Cassettes Tapes by Formulation
Cassette tapes are available in four basic types
depending on their formuiation, or type of magnetic
material and manufacturing process. These four types
are commonly known as Normal (I{NORM), Chrome
(I1/CrO2), Ferrichrome (FeCr), and Metal (1V/Metal), and
they each require specific bias, level, and equalization
settings for optimum performance. |
The K-540 has an Auto Tape Selector which
automatically adjusts for the proper bias, level and
equalization according to the tape formulation - all you
have to do is load a cassette and the Auto Tape
Selector does the rest.
e Old-type Metal tape cassette shells do not have the
necessary hole for Auto Tape Selector operation. It is
‘recommended that you do not record with this kind of
Metal cassette. However, Metal tape cassettes
recorded on another deck may be played back with the
K-540 at the Chrome (l{/CrQ,} settings. All current
cassette tapes will have this small opening in the
cassette shell, so be sure you use suitable cassettes
with the K-540.
* The K-540 does not have the required setting for
Ferrichrome (FeCr) tape, since this tape formulation is
not widely used. Should you use a Ferrichrome tape, it
will be recorded and played back at the Normal
(I/NORM) settings. And this will result in an unnatural
high frequency emphasis. This effect may be
compensated for somewhat by adjusting the tone
controls of your amplifier. _
e YAMAHA does not recommend the use of C-120
cassettes since the
extreme thinness of the tape makes them susceptible
to mechanical and electrical problems.
BE PROTECTING YOUR RECORDINGS
All cassette tapes are provided with erasure protection
holes to prevent recorded tapes from being accidentally
erased. There is a small tab covering the hole on each
cassette, and it should be broken off with the screwdriver
after recording a tape. Without this tab covering the hole,
it is impossible to record on that tape again; thus, you can
keep any recorded tape for as long as you wish without
fear of accidental erasure. Should you wish to use a
cassette tape protected in this way for later recording,
simply covering the hole with adhesive tape will permit
erasure and re-recording.
When using Chrome (ll/CrQ,), or Metal tape, make
sure you do not cover the hole intended for the tape
formulation check.
B TAKING UP SLACK IN THE TAPE
Slack in the tape inside of the cassette shell can be
corrected by simply inserting a pencil into one of the
spools and winding it until all the slack is taken up.
M STORAGE OF YOUR CASSETTE
After putting a cassette tape back into its case, store in a
location away from exposure to direct sunlight, humidity,
high temperatures, and magnetic fields (away from
television sets, speakers, etc.). High temperatures and
humidity will damage the tape itself, while exposure to
magnetic fields may cause a loss of recorded material.
E SETTING RECORDING LEVEL
In order to make recordings with the best possible signal-
to-noise ratio, it is important to set the recording level at
the highest leve! possible without introducting distortion.
Push the REC/PAUSE button to engage the Rec Standby
mode, and play a section of the program to be recorded.
Watch the PEAK level meters and adjust the REC LEVEL
controls so that the average meter reading is between
—5 dB and + 3 dB, with occasional peaks no higher than
+5 dB.
The peak value over the O dB is held for a while.
E RECORDING
1. Make sure that the AUTO MODE selector is set to the
OFF position, then turn on the POWER switch.
2. Open the cassette compartment by pressing the EJECT
button and load a cassette tape with the exposed tape
face down.
3. Select DOLBY B or C NR with DOLBY NR selector.
To record FM broadcast, set the DOLBY NR selector to
either MPX ON position.
4. Press the REC/PAUSE button to engage the Rec
. Standby mode.
b. Play the program source to be recorded, and adjust the
recording level using the REC LEVEL controls.
6. Press the PLAY button to start recording.
7. To temporalily stop the recording, press the
REC/PAUSE button. To resume recording, press the
PLAY button again.
8. To stop recording, press the STOP button.
9. When MUTE/SEARCH button is pressed during
recording, a 4-second blank interval is automatically
recorded on the tape, then the Rec Pause mode is
engaged.
* When the <<d<d/ << button is pressed during recording,
the tape is automatically rewound to the point at which
the recording has been started.
When the tape counter is reset to “0.00 during
recording, pressing the <</ << button during
recording stops the tape at the counter reading of
“0.00”.
E PLAYBACK
Make sure that the AUTO MODE selector is set to the
OFF position, then turn on the POWER switch.
2. Open the cassette compartment by pressing the EJECT
button and load a recorded cassette tape.
3. For tapes recorded with DOLBY NR system, set the
DOLBY NR selector.
4. Press the PLAY button to start playback.
5. To stop playback, press the STOP button.
—
E INTRO SCAN
During playback, press either of the INTRO SCAN buttons.
The beginning of each selection is played back for about
15 seconds in the selected direction. Press the PLAY
button while the beginning of the desired selection is being
played back to set the unit to normal play mode.
During intro scan operation, the LINEAR COUNTER shows
the number of the selection. In the reverse intro scan
mode, '—” sign is displayed.
EB FULL REPEAT PLAYBACK
Set the AUTO MODE selector to FULL REPEAT and start
playback. The one side of the cassette is repeatedly played
back 8 times.
During full repeat playback, the LINEAR COUNTER shows
В”.
EE C-M REPEAT PLAYBACK
With this function, the desired section can be played back
repeatedly 8 times. |
1. Set the AUTO MODE selector to O-M REPEAT.
2. Select the beginning of the desired section to be
repeated and press the COUNTER RESET button.
3. Select the end of the desired section to be repeated
and press the COUNTER MEMORY button.
4. Press the <<4/ <a button.
The cassette is rewound to the point at which the
COUNTER RESET button is pressed, then played back
repeatedly. | |
® The length of the start and end points of the 0-M
repeat section should be more than 5 seconds.
e The 0-M repeate can be carried out between minus
counter reading to 0.00.
* Auto Source Change
When the tape reaches its end during playback and the
auto stop feature functions, the signal applied to the LINE
IN/REC jacks can be heard continuously. When your
amplifier or receiver is equipped with a REC OUT selector,
use it to select the signal to be applied to the LINE IN/REC
jacks. The level of the signal can be adjusted with the REC
LEVEL controls of this unit.
E TIMER RECORDING/PLAYBACK
YAMAHA PATA SO nD BTERED CASGETTE DECK S40
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Amplifier
When using the AUTO MODE selector in combination with
a commercially available audio timer, it is possible to make
recordings and initiate playback at any time automatically
by presetting the deck in advance.
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Audio timer
* Timer Recording
1. Make sure that all power cord connections between
the timer and amplifier are properly made. No change
in any of the other connections between deck and
amplifier, etc., is necessary.
2. After turning on the power to each component, select
the station on your tuner which you want to record and
turn down the volume on your amplifier. This will have
no effect on the recording signal level. Remember to
set the proper recording level.
3. Set the timer to the desired times. It is advisable to set
the timer to begin recording slightly before the actual
recording time, and end slightly after the actual
recording time, so that you leave some room for later
editing. |
4. Set the AUTO MODE selector to the TIMER REC
position.
5. The timer will send power to the amplifier, tuner and
deck at the preset time, turning all the components on
and initiating the recording mode.
CAUTION:
if the tape cannot be ejected after timer recording, turn
the AUTO MODE selector OFF and the K-540's POWER
switch ON; the tape can then be ejected.
ea Timer Playback
1. All connections are the same as for timer recording.
2. Turn on the amplifier and adjust the Volume and Tone
controls. |
3. Set the input mode selector of your amplifier to the
Tape mode.
4. Set the timer to the time you wish to start and stop
playback.
5. Set the AUTO MODE selector to the TIMER PLAY
position. | |
6. Atthe preset time, the timer will turn power on to the
amplifier and tape deck and begin playback. It will shut
power OFF, at the preset time as well ending playback.
After using your K-540 for a certain length of time, itis
possible that the sound of your tapes may deteriorate with
"fading, vibration, or noise as a noticeable result. This is
caused by an accumulation of dirt or dust on the heads,
capstans, or pinch rollers, and magnetization of the heads.
It is advisable to clean the capstan and pinch roller. Use a
commonly available cotton swab and head cleaning
solution to do this, or use a special head cleaning tape.
Head demagnetizers are also commonly available.
e When cleaning the heads, be careful not to apply
unnecessary pressure.
e When demagnetizing the heads, be sure to follow the
instructions of the head demagnetizer carefully.
e For better access to the head assembly, the cassette
compartment cover is detachable by pulling upward.
To reattach it, reverse the same procedure.
Track Configuration... seen 4 track,
2 channel recording and
playback stereo cassette tape deck
Motor e... rei DC servo motor (capstan),
Flat torque DC motor (Reel)
DC motor (Mechanism drive)
Heads
Rec/play head ............... ee ee Sendust
Erase head .......................2..2.0 0... Double gap ferrite
Wow and Flutter
W.RMS EEE No more than 0.05%
W.Peak................... deass-sseeees No more than + 0.08%
Fast Winding time (C-60) .................... About 70 seconds,
| About 45 seconds (High speed!
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
(Dolby off) ................. STRUT more than 59 dB
(Dolby Bon) ......................2..... more than 66 dB
(Dolby C on} 00e Lane more than 74 dB
Frequency Response (— 20 dB)
Normal Tape... 25 - 17,000 Hz, +3 dB
CrO, Tape ee 25 - 19,000 Hz, + 3 dB
Metal Tape... 25 - 20,000 Hz, +3 d8
Harmonic Distortion ...................... ....No more than 1.0%
Inputs Sensitivity/Impendance
Line...) ee FE 60 mV/40 k-ohms
Outputs
Reference level/Load impedance
Line... 360 mV/1.5 k-ohms
Phones... Leur 0 1.2 MW/8 ohms
Power Requirements............................. AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power Consumption .............. Naiara nr carece rea Ds 18W
Dimensions (WxHxD) ................... 435 x 112 x 273 mm
(17-1/8” x 4-3/8"x 10-3/4")
Weight... e. 4.4 kg (9 1bs. 11 oz.)
Specifications subject to change without notice.
When your cassette deck fails to function properly, before assuming it is faulty, check it according to the following troubleshooting list. It details the
corrective action you can take yourself without having to call a service engineer. If you have any doubts or questions, get in touch with your nearest
Yamaha dealer.
~~ Symptom
Tape doesn't move in recording or
playback.
Reinsert plug properly.
REC/PAUSE button fails to function.
No cassette tape loaded.
Protective tab broken off.
Load a cassette tape.
Change to different tape, or cover the hole remaining after
removal of tab with adhesive tape.
Sounds become faint and sometimes
inaudible.
Heads are dirly.
Heads are magnetized.
Worn out or poor quality tape.
Clean head using cleaning tape.
Demagnetize head using head damagetizer.
Change to different tape.
Playback sounds are poorly balance.
DOLBY NR selector not properly set.
Playback in the position in which was recorded.
Recorded sounds are distorted.
Recording level is too high.
Check input ievel with meter and use lower recording level when
recording.
Excessive noise.
Heads are dirty. —
Heads are magnetized.
Worn out or poor quality tape.
Connection{s) improperly made.
Affected by external electrical noise.
Clean head.
Demagnetize head with head demagnetizer.
Change to better tape.
Check input and output connections and reinsert properly.
Move away from electrical appliances (TV, fluorescent light,
electric blanket, etc.)
Excessive wow {wavering of the
sound).
Dirty capstan, pinch roller, etc. or poor tape.
Tape is unevenly wound.
Clean capstan, pinch roller, or change to better tape.
Rewind tape.
Fails to record.
REC LEVEL controls too low.
Protective tabs broken off.
MASTER FADER contro! too low.
Adjust REC LEVEL controls.
Change tape or cover protective hole with adhesive tape.
Adjust MASTER FADER control.
Repeat does not operate.
Repeat mode is not set.
Check setting of AUTO MODE selector.
10
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