CQRG131U - Car stereo PANASONIC - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL CQRG131U PANASONIC

Please read these instructions carefully before using this product and save this manual for future use.

Safety Information Radio Frequency Interference Statement (Part 15 of the FCC-Rules): Applies only in U.S.A. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in an automobile installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by tuning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to consult the dealer or an experience radio technician for help. FCC Warning: Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the user's authority to operate this device. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions. (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. For Canada: This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR

INCLUDED COMPONENTS. Identification Label Find the model number and serial number on either the back or bottom of the unit. Please record them in the space below and retain this booklet as a permanent record of your purchase to help with identificaton in case of theft. MODEL NUMBER SERIAL NUMBER DATE PURCHASED FROM

EXPONGA ESTE PRODUCTO A LA

Use This Product Safely When Driving Keep the volume level low enough product to be aware of road and traffic conditions. When Car Washing Do not expose the product, including the speakers and tapes, to water or excessive moisture. This could cause electrical shorts, fire, or other damage. When Parked Parking in direct sunlight can produce very high temperatures inside your car. Give the interior a chance to cool down before switching the unit on. Use the Proper Power Supply This product is designed to operate of a 12 volt, negative ground battery system (the normal system in a North American car.) Protect the Tape Mechanism Keep magnets, screwdrivers, or other metallic objects away from the tape mechanism and tape head to prevent poor performance or malfunctions. Use Authorized Servicenters Do not attempt to disassemble or adjust this precision product. Please refer to the Servicenter list included with this product for service assistance. Panasonic welcomes you to our ever growing family of electronic product owners. We know that this product will bring you many hours of enjoyment. Our reputation is built on precise electronic and mechanical engineering, manufactured with carefully selected components and assembled by people who take pride in their work. Once you discover the quality, reliability, and value we have built into this product, you too will be proud to be a member of our family.

Power and Sound Controls ..............................................................10 How to adjust the volume, mute, balance, and tone for best listening

Cassette Tape Player Basics............................................................14 How to load, wind, play, and eject a cassette tape

Power and Sound Controls LOUD LOUD Power Turn the key in the ignition until the accessory indicator lights. Press [PWR] to switch on the power.

] to increase or decrease volume. 0 to 39 Volume Level

] for more than 0.5 second to change numeric levels on the display rapidly. LOUD

Press [MUTE] to decrease volume level.

“MUTE” blinks while this operation.

Press and hold [MUTE] (LOUD) for more than 2 seconds to enhance bass and treble tones when listening at low or medium volume.

Press and hold [MUTE] (LOUD) for more than 2 seconds again to deactivate when listening at higher volumes. Note: This unit is equipped with an anti-volume-blast circuit which serves as an automatic volume level adjuster so that you will not be deafened with sudden loud volume. This system operates as follows. When [PWR] is switched on, the volume level is low. After that, the volume level gradually returns to the level as the same as the one before turning off. Anti-volume-blast circuit is not effective when volume level is lower than position 20 at the display. Press and holdCQ-RG131U

Changing Audio Modes Press [SEL] to switch the audio modes as follows. VOL

BAL (Fader) (Balance)

Bass and Treble Press [SEL] to select the BASS (TREBLE) mode. Press [VOL

] to increase or decrease the bass/treble response. –12 to 12 –12 to 12 Balance Press [SEL] to select the BALANCE mode. Press [VOL

] to shift the sound volume to the right or left speakers. 1 to 15R or L Balance Center Fader Press [SEL] to select the FADER mode. Press [VOL

] to shift the sound volume to the front or rear speakers. 1 to 15F or R Fader Center

Note: When a control mode (BAS/TRE/BAL/FAd) is selected but no operation is made within 5 seconds (2 seconds at volume mode), the display will return to the normal operation (Radio, Cassette, etc.) mode. In such a case, press [SEL] again to select the next control mode.

(R: Right, L: Left) (F: Front, R: Rear)CQ-RG131U

Selecting a Band Press [BAND] to select the band as follows. FM1

"ST" indicator lights if the station is broadcasting in stereo.

] to move to a higher or lower frequency. Seek Tuning Press and hold [TUNE

] for more than 0.5 second, then release. The radio automatically stops on the next station. To reduce interference during FM broadcasts (MONO) Press [MONO] for monaural reception in case a lot of interference is present in an FM stereo signal or to improve the listening quality of weak FM broadcasts. To turn it off, press [MONO] again. Hold and releaseCQ-RG131U

Press [BAND] to select a desired band.

Use manual or seek tuning to find a station that you want to program into memory.

Press and hold one of the station selector buttons 1 through 6 until the display blinks. The memory is now set for that button on the band you have selected. Repeat the process to set other stations for the FM1 to AM bands. Auto Preset Memory Select a band, and press and hold [BAND] (APM) for more than 2 seconds.

The 6 strongest available stations will be automatically set in memory on preset buttons [1] through [6].

Once set, the preset stations are sequentially scanned for 5 seconds.

Press the appropriate preset button for the station you want to hear. Note: The stations manually preset on the selected band will be deleted. Note: You can change the memory setting by repeating the above procedure. Preset Station Setting Up to 24 stations can be preset in the station memory as follows; FM1 FM2 FM3 AM 6 stations 6 stations 6 stations 6 stations LOU

Caution: For safety reasons, do not attempt to program while driving. Tuning in a Preset Station Press any of the buttons [1] through [6] to tune in the station preset by the above steps

Press and holdCQ-RG131U

Loading a Cassette Gently insert a cassette with the exposed tape side facing to the right until the mechanism captures it, and playback starts. Program Indicator (This indication “ ” rotates.) Rewind and Fast Forward When the program indicator

] to rewind or press [

] to fast forward the tape. When the program indicator

] to fast forward or press [

] to rewind the tape. To stop rewind or fast forward, gently press the button that is not in use. The tape will resume playing from that position. Changing Sides Press [

] at the same time to switch to the program on the other side of the tape. The display changes to indicate which program is playing. Top Side Playing Bottom Side Playing Press Both

Stopping and Ejecting the Tape Once inserted into the unit, your tape will play continuously until you eject it. If you press [

] (EJECT), the unit ejects the tape and returns to radio operation. When you stop the car engine, the tape will stop but not be ejected. Notes:

You can not change to CD Changer mode or Radio mode while tape playing. If you want to change to CD Changer mode or Radio mode, eject the tape.

Always remove the cassette when you stop using the cassette player. This will prolong the life of your tape. Notes on Cassette Tapes Pencil Do not touch or pull out the tape. Tape Slack: Use a pencil or similar object to take up the slack as shown. If a loose tape is used, this may result in the tape becoming tangled in the rotating parts of the unit. Notes:

To maintain your cassette player in top condition, avoid using tapes that are longer than 90 minutes (C-90).

If you insert into the unit a cassette with a loose tape caused by forcing it into cassette with a finger or the like, the cassette may not be properly reproduced. In such a case, eject the cassette, make the tape tigt, then insert it back into the deck.CQ-RG131U

CD Changer Basics Note: CD changer functions are applicable to units with optional CD changer unit. (sold separately) LOUD LOUD To Changer mode While a disc magazine inserted in the CD changer, press [CD·C]. Play starts from the first track. LOUD

Selecting a Disc Press [DISC

DISC] to select discs in ascending or descending order. Selecting a Track Press [TRACK

] once to go to the next track. Press repeatedly to step forward through all the tracks. Press [TRACK

] once to play from the beginning of the current track. Press twice to play the previous track. Press repeatedly to step backward through all the tracks. Note: The cassette, if loaded, should be removed. Otherwise, the CD play will not start.

] for more than 0.5 second to activate fast forward or reverse through a track. Release [TRACK

] to resume the normal CD play from that position.

Press [4] (REPEAT) to repeat the current selection. “REPEAT” indicator lights.

The current selection continues to repeat until you press [4] (REPEAT) again. Hold and release LOUD Random Selection

Press [5] (RANDOM) to random selection of music is played from all available CDs. “RANDOM” indicator lights.

To turn it off, press [5] (RANDOM) again. Scanning Tracks

Press [3] (SCAN). The track number blinks and the first 10 seconds of each track on the discs play in sequence.

To stop scanning and continue with the current track, press [3] (SCAN) again. LOUD Scanning Discs Press and hold [3] (SCAN) for more than 2 seconds. The 1st track of all the discs in the magazine is played for 10 seconds each. Also, Disc Number blinks at the same time. To stop the current play of the disc scanning, press and hold [3] (SCAN) for more than 2 seconds again. LOUD Displays when the compact disc is dirty or upside down. Selects the next available compact disc. Displays when compact disc is scratched. Selects next available compact disc. Displays when the compact disc stops operating for some reason. Please contact your nearest autorized panasonic Serviceter. Displays when there is no disc in the magazine.CQ-RG131U

Press [DISP]. “AdJ” is displayed.

Press and hold [DISP] again for more than 2 seconds. “12” blinks indicating the time setting mode is activated.

To set hours, press [

Press [DISP] again for minute setting.

]to change numbers rapidly.

When you have set the time, press [DISP].

Resetting the Time When you want to reset the time, press and hold [DISP] for more than 2 seconds to activate the time setting mode. Then, repeat step

above. Selecting the Clock Display Press [DISP] for clock display. Press [DISP] once again, the current audio display mode resumes.

Press and hold Press and holdCQ-RG131U

Installation Hardware . . . . . . .Needed for in-dash installation Installation Guide This installation information is designed for experienced installers and is not intended for non-technical individuals. It does not contain warnings or cautions of potential dangers in attempting to install this product. Any attempt to install this product in a motor car by anyone other than qualified installer could cause damage to the electrical system and could result in serious personal injury or death. WARNING

Overview This product should be installed by aprofessional. However, if you plan to install thisunit yourself, your first step is to decide whereto install it. The instructions in these pages willguide you through the remaining steps: (Please refer to “WARNING” statement above).

Identify and label the vehicle wires. Connect the vehicle wires to the wires of thepower connector. Install the unit in the dash. Check the operation of the unit.If you do encounter problems, please consultyour nearest professional installer.Caution: This unit will operate with a 12 voltDC negative ground auto battery system only.Do not attempt to use it in any other systems.Doing so could cause serious damage.Before you begin installation, look for thefollowing items included in the packing withyour unit.

Installation Hardware No.

Item Mounting CollarHex. Nut (5 mm

Rear Support StrapTapping Screw(5 mm x 16 mm)Mounting Bolt (5 mm

Required Tools You'll need a screwdriver, a 1.5 volt AA battery, and the following:

Dashboard Specifications Power Lead If your car has a radio or is pre-wired for one: Cut the connector wires one at a time from the plug (leaving the leads as long as possible) so that you can work with individual leads. Turn the ignition on to the accessory position, and ground one lead of the test bulb to the chassis. Touch the other lead of the test bulb to each of the exposed wires from the cut radio connector plug. Touch one wire at a time until you find the outlet that causes the test bulb to light. Now turn the ignition off and then on. If the bulb also turns off and on, that outlet is the car power lead. If your car is not wired for an audio unit : Go to the fuse block and find the fuse port for radio (RADIO), accessory (ACC), or ignition (IGN). Battery Lead If your stereo unit has a yellow lead, you will need to locate the car’s battery lead. Otherwise you may ignore this procedure. (The yellow battery lead provides continuous power to maintain a clock, memory storage, or other function.) If your car has a radio or is pre-wired for one: With the ignition and headlights off, identify the car battery lead by grounding one lead of the test bulb to the chassis and checking the remaining exposed wires from the cut radio connector plug. If your car is not wired for an audio unit : Go to the fuse block and find the fuse port for the battery, usually marked BAT. THICKNESSMIN. 3/16" (4.75 mm)MAX. 7/32" (5.56 mm)7-5/32" (182mm)2-3/32" (53 mm)

Identify All Leads The first step in installation is to identify all the car wires you’ll use when hooking up your sound system. As you identify each wire, we suggest that you label it using masking tape and a permanent marker. This will help avoid confusion when making connections later. Note: Do not connect the power connector to the stereo unit until you have made all connections. If there are no plastic caps on the stereo hooking wires, insulate all exposed leads with electrical tape until you are ready to use them. Identify the leads as follows. 12 V DC TEST BULB ELECTRICAL TAPE SIDE-CUT PLIERS Installation Guide continuedCQ-RG131U

Speakers Identify the car speaker leads. There will be two leads for each speaker, usually color coded. A handy way to identify the speaker leads and the speaker they connect with is to test the leads using a 1.5 volt AA battery as follows. Hold one lead against one pole of the battery and stroke the other lead across the other pole. You will hear a scraping sound in a speaker if you are holding a speaker lead. If not, keep testing different lead combinations until you have located all the speaker leads. When you label them, include the speaker location for each. Antenna Motor If your car is equipped with an automatic power antenna, identify the car motor antenna lead by connecting one bulb tester lead to the car battery lead and touching the remaining exposed wires from the cut radio connector plug one at a time. You will hear the antenna motor activate when you touch the correct wire. Antenna The antenna lead is a thick, black wire with a metal plug at the end.

Connect All Leads Now that you have identified all the wires in the car, you’re ready to begin connecting them to the stereo unit wires. The connection diagram on Page 27 show the proper connections and color coding of the leads. We strongly recommend that you test the unit before making a final installation. You can set the unit on the floor and make temporary connections to test the unit. Use electrical tape to cover all exposed wires. IMPORTANT: Connect the red power lead last, after you have made and insulated all other connections. Ground Connect the black ground lead of the power connector to the metal car chassis. Speakers Connect the speaker wires. See the wiring diagram below for the proper hookups. Follow the diagram carefully to avoid damaging the speakers and the stereo unit. The speaker used must be able to handle more than 40 watts of audio power. If using an optional audio power, the speakers should be able to handle the maximum amplifier output power. Speakers with low input ratings can be damaged. Speaker impedance should measure 4 - 8 Ω, which is typically marked on most speakers. Lower or higher impedance speakers will affect output and can cause both speaker and stereo unit damage. Caution: Never ground the speaker cords. For example, do not use a chassis ground system or a three-wire speaker common system. Each speaker must be connected separately using parallel insulated wires. If in doubt about how your car's speakers are wired, please consult with your nearest professional installer. CORRECT No Common Ground INCORRECT Common Chassis Ground INCORRECT Speaker Common (common earth lead)

Motor Antenna Connect the car motor antenna lead to the blue motor antenna relay control lead. Battery Connect the yellow battery lead to the correct radio wire or to the battery fuse port on the fuse block. Antenna Connect the antenna by plugging the antenna lead into the antenna receptacle. Product Connect any optional product such as amplifier, according to the instructions furnished with the product. Keep about 12 inches (30 cm) of distance between the speaker cords/amplifier unit and the antenna/antenna extension cord. Read the operating and installation instructions for any product you will connect to this unit. Power Connect the red power lead to the correct car radio wire or to the appropriate fuse port on the fuse block. If the stereo unit functions properly with all these connections made, disconnect the wires and proceed to the final installation.

Final Installation Lead Connections Connect all wires, making sure that each connection is insulated and secure. Bundle all loose wires and fasten them with tape so they won't fall down later. Now insert the stereo unit into the mounting collar. Congratulations! After making a few final checks, you’re ready to enjoy your new auto stereo system.

1. Make sure that all wires are properly

connected and insulated.

2. Make sure that the stereo unit is securely

held in the mounting collar.

3. Turn on the ignition to check the unit for

proper operation. If you have difficulties, consult your nearest authorized professional installer for assistance. Installation Guide continued

Installation Procedures

1. Secure the Mounting Collar

into the car’s dashboard, and bend mounting tabs out with a screwdriver. Dashboard

Mounting Collar Mounting Tab Screwdriver

When bending the mounting tab of the mounting collar with a screwdriver, be careful not to injure your hands and fingers.

We strongly recommend you to wear gloves for installation work to protect yourself from injuries.CQ-RG131U

2. Secure the rear of the unit.

a) Check the electrical connection by referring to this operating instructions. b) Connect the Mounting Bolt

using a suitable wrench. c) I nsert the Power Connector

to the unit. d) Insert the unit into Mounting Collar

and push it in until “click” is heard. e) Secure the rear of the unit to the car by either of the two recommended methods as follows.

Using the Rear Support Strap

Affix one end of the Rear Support Strap

to the rear of the unit, and the other end to the Fire Wall of Car, or some other metallic area.

Using the Rubber Cushion (Option) (If there is an existing Rear Support Bracket on the Fire Wall of Car.) Cover Mounting Bolt on the rear of the unit with Rubber Cushion (Option), and mount it into the existing Rear Support Bracket.

3. After installation, reconnect the negative (–) battery terminal.

Power Connector Unit

Mounting Bolt Fire Wall of Car 3 mm

Tapping Screw Rear Support Bracket (existing on the car) Rubber Cushion (Option)

Mounting CollarCQ-RG131U

ScrewdriverTrim Plate To Remove the Unit a) Remove the trim plate with a screwdriver as shown in the figure (Fig. 1).b) Pull out the unit while pushing the two lock levers using Dismounting Plate as follows.(Fig 2, 3)c) Remove the unit pulling with both hands. (Fig 4). Note: Do not lose the Dismounting Plate. It will be needed to remove the unit from the car’s dashboard. Installation Guide continued

Anti-Theft System This unit is equipped with a removable face plate. By removing this face plate, the radio becomes totally inoperable. The security indicator will blink. To Remove the Removable Face Plate

Switch off the power.

Press the release button ( ) (Fig. 5). The removable face plate will be released.

Remove the removable face plate by pulling on the right side of the unit. Place the removable face plate in a supplied case.

As shown in Fig. 7, insert the removable face plate with the arrow pointing toward the removable face plate case until you hear a “click”. Keep the removable face plate in the case. Then, you can bring the plate safely. PRG

Removable Face Plate Case Set two arrows together. Fig. 7 PressCQ-RG131U

Slide the left side of the removable face plate in place.

Press the right end of removable face plate until “click” is heard. Installation Guide continued

1. Before removing the removable face plate, make sure the power is off.

2. This removable face plate is not water-proof. Do not expose it to water or excessive moisture.

3. Do not remove the removable face plate while driving your car.

4. Do not place the removable face plate on the dashboard or nearby areas where the

temperature rises to high levels.

5. Do not touch the contacts on the removable face plate or on the main unit, since this may

result in poor electrical contacts.

6. If dirt or other foreign substances get on the contacts, wipe them with a clean, dry cloth.

Electrical Connection

This unit can be connected to an optional CD changer (CX-DP88U). For details consult your nearest Panasonic Servicenter.

For connection to a CD changer, refer to the operating instructions of the CD Changer (CX-DP88U). Cautions:

To prevent damage to the unit, be sure to follow the connection diagram below.

Remove the covering of the leads about 5 mm long from their end before connecting.

Do not insert the power connector into the unit until the wiring is completed.

Be sure to insulate any exposed wires from a possible short-circuit from the car chassis. Bundle all cables and keep cable terminals free from touching any metal parts. CQ-RG131U LEFT SPEAKER(FRONT )RIGHT SPEAKER(FRONT )LEFT SPEAKER(REAR )RIGHT SPEAKER(REAR ) (+)(–)(+)(–) (+)(–)(+)(–)AntennaPREAMP OUT CONNECTORCD ChangerControl ConnectorDIN Extension Cord Power Connector(Red)(Yellow)(Black)(Violet w/Black Stripe)(Blue)Resistor(1kΩ)(Gray w/Black Stripe)SPEAKER LEAD(White w/BlackStripe)(White)(Gray)(Green w/BlackStripe)(Green)(Violet)Battery LeadTo the car battery, continuous+12V DCACC Power Leadto ACC power, +12V DCGround Leadto a clean, bare metallic part ofthe car chassisFuse(12A)Antenna Control Cordto the auto antenna control powercord of the carExternal AmplifierControl Power LeadTo an external amplifierL(White)R(Red)CD-CH IN(Rear)Fuse(3A)Extension Corel(DIN/BATT/RCA/GND)Ground Lead(To a clean, bare metallic part of your car)Battery LeadRCA CordDIN Cord(White)(Red) (R) (L) CD ChangerCX-DP88UBATTERYPROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE PROBABLE SOLUTION CQ-RG131U

Maintenance Your product is designed and manufactured to ensure a minimum of maintenance. Use a soft cloth for routine exterior cleaning. Never use benzine, thinner, or other solvents.

When Something Doesn’t Work Check the charts below for possible causes and solutions to any problem you might be experiencing. Some simple checks or minor adjustments may eliminate the problem.

Product Servicing If the suggestions in the charts don’t solve the problem, we recommend that you take it to your nearest authorized Panasonic Servicenter. The unit should be serviced only by a qualified technician.

Replacing the Fuse Use fuses of the same specified rating (12 amps). Using different substitutes or fuses with higher ratings, or connecting the unit directly without a fuse, could cause fire or damage to the stereo unit. If the replacement fuse fails, contact your nearest authorized Panasonic Servicenter for service.

Troubleshooting Tips Troubleshooting Unit will not turn on. Dead car battery. Ignition not on. Bad power line connection. Fuse burned out. Charge car battery. Turn ignition to On or Accessory. Check connections. Replace fuse. Radio has static. Antenna not hooked up. Close to high power lines. Hook up antenna. Move away from high power lines. Radio memory buttons do not work. Not holding buttons down long enough. Press and hold buttons for more than 2 seconds. Tape sound quality is poor. Heads are dirty. Poor quality tape. Clean heads. (Ask a service representative for advice.) Use better quality tape. Tape will not change programs. Not pressing [

buttons at the same time. Press [

] buttons at the same time. CD Changer will not operate. Unit not properly connected. Unit not switched into CD Change mode. No CDs in the magazine. Check connections. Press CD

C button. Check disc magazine. CD Changer will not play a specific disc. Disc loaded upside down. Disc damaged. Disc not loaded in magazine. Reload disc properly. Check disc for scratches, chips. Check disc magazine.CQ-RG131U

Specifications GENERAL Power Supply : 12 V DC (11 V - 16 V) Test Voltage 14.4 V, Negative ground Maximum Power Output : 40 W x 4 channels at 400 Hz, Volume Control maximum Power Output : 20 W per channel into 4 Ω, 40 to 30,000 Hz at 3 % THD. Tone Action : Bass ; ± 12 dB at 100 Hz Treble; ± 12 dB at 10 kHz Current Consumption : Less than 2.5 A (tape mode, 0.5 W 4-speaker) Pre-Amp Output Voltage : 2.0 V (CD Play mode; 1 kHz 0 dB) Speaker Impedance : 4 Ω (4 - 8 Ω acceptable) Dimensions (W x H x D) : 7" x 1-15/16" x 5-7/8" (178 x 50 x 150 mm) Weight : 3 lbs. 8 oz. (1.6 k

Frequency Range : 87.9 - 107.9 MHz Useable Sensitivity : 12 dBf. (1.1 µV/ 75 Ω, S/N 30 dB) 50 dB Quieting Sensitivity : 17 dBf. (1.8 µV/ 75 Ω) Frequency Response : 30 - 15,000 Hz ±3 dB Alternate Channel Selectivity : 75 dB Stereo Separation : 35 dB at 1,000 Hz Signal/Noise Ratio : 70 dB (Mono) TAPE PLAYER Reproduction System : 4-track, 2-program stereo Tape Speed : 1-7/8"/sec (4.76 cm/sec) FF/REW Time : Less than 200 sec (C-60) Frequency Response : 35 - 14,000 Hz ±3 dB Wow and Flutter : 0.12 % (WRMS) Signal/Noise Ratio : 52 dB *Above specifications comply with EIA standards. Note: Specifications and design are subject to modification without notice due to improvements in technology.CQ-RG131U

“MUTE” blinks while this operation.