ASA Electronics Troubleshooting, VR185 Ignition and Interference Noise, Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Corrective Action
No power.	Vehicle ignition switch is not on.	If the power supply is connected to the
		vehicle accessory circuits but the
		engine is not moving, switch the
		ignition key to “ACC”.
	The fuse is blown.	Replace the fuse.
Disc cannot be	There is a disc already inside	Remove the current disc and insert the
loaded or ejected.	the unit.	new one.
	Inserting disc in wrong direction.	Insert disc with label facing up.
	Disc is defective or dirty.	Clean disc or try playing another one.
	Excessive temperature in	Cool vehicle to a normal temperature.
	vehicle.
	Condensation has collected.	Turn player off for an hour, then try
		again.
Cassette cannot be	There is a cassette already	Remove the current casette and insert
loaded or ejected.	inside the unit.	the new one.
	Excessive temperature in	Cool vehicle to a normal temperature.
	vehicle.
	Condensation has collected.	Turn player off for an hour, then try
		again.
No sound.	Volume turned down too low.	Adjust volume until sound is heard.
	Wiring not connected properly.	Check wiring connections.
Sound skips or	Installation angle exceeds 30	Adjust the installation angle to less
sound quality is	degrees.	than 30 degrees.
poor.
	Disc is defective or dirty.	Clean disc or try playing another one.
	Cassette is defective.	Try playing another cassette.
Operation keys do	Microcomputer is not operating	Press RESET.
not work.	properly due to noise.
Radio does not	Antenna cable not connected.	Insert antenna cable firmly.
work
Automatic station	Radio signals are too weak.	Select a station manually.
selection does not
work.

VR185

Ignition and Interference Noise

Ignition Noise

The most common source of noise in reception is the ignition system, due to the fact that the radio is placed relatively close to the ignition system (engine). This type of noise can be easily detected because it will vary in intensity of pitch with the speed of the engine.Generally, the ignition noise can be suppressed considerably by using a radio suppression high-voltage ignition wire and suppressor resistor in the ignition system. Additional noise suppressors may also be used and can be obtained from most CB/amateur radio or electronic supply stores.

Interference Noise

Radio reception in a moving environment is very different from stationary reception. For example, AM reception will deteriorate when passing through a tunnel or under high-voltage lines. Also, noise can be picked up from passing vehicles. Although AM is subject to interference, it has the ability to be received at great distances because the broadcasting signals follow the curvature of the earth and are reflected back by the upper atmosphere.

Maintenance

System Maintenance

The following maintenance tips will extend the life and optimize the performance of the unit.

•Keep the unit dry. If it is exposed to moisture, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids may contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.

•Keep the unit away from dust and dirt, which can cause premature wear of parts.

•Handle the unit carefully; dropping it can damage circuit boards and cases, causing the product to malfunction.

•Clean the unit occasionally by wiping it with a damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents or strong detergents to clean the product.

•Use and store the unit only in mild temperature environments. High temperatures can shorten the life of electronic products, damage batteries and distort/melt plastic parts.

System Maintenance

Periodic cleaning of the tape head and capstan shaft will ensure good reproduction of music and trouble-free operation. Clean the head tape every 20-30 hours of operation or when the high tones have become less clear.

•Use a cassette-cleaning cartridge if available or use a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.

•While holding the tape door open, locate the tape head to the right of the opening and in the center of the unit.

•Clean the tape head with the cotton swab.

•Clean the capstans and the pinch rollers with the cotton swab.

•Allow the tape head, capstans and pinch rollers to dry before operating.

•Do not touch the tape with your fingers. If it becomes loose, wind it back by twisting a pen- cil in the cassette reel.

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