Sony Sony Digital Audio Tape Deck Car Stereo Manual

The Sony Digital Audio Tape Deck Car Stereo is an in-vehicle audio system featuring a DAT (Digital Audio Tape) player, AM/FM tuner, Dolby noise reduction, auto-reverse playback, electronic tuning, preset stations, clock/timer functions, fader/balance controls, and anti-theft security features. Designed for 12V DC vehicle power systems. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing DAT Media 8. Security Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: DAT Deck Mechanism, AM/FM Tuner, Front Panel Controls, Remote Control (optional), Power/Speaker Terminals, Antenna Input, Auxiliary Input.

Feature	Description
DAT Playback	Digital Audio Tape playback with auto-reverse
AM/FM Tuner	Electronic tuning with 12 FM/6 AM presets
Dolby B/C NR	Noise reduction for improved sound quality
Auto-Reverse	Automatic tape side reversal
Clock/Timer	Digital clock with sleep/wake timer
Fader/Balance	Front/Rear and Left/Right audio adjustment
Loudness	Bass boost at low volume
Anti-Theft	Detachable faceplate or security code
Aux Input	3.5mm jack for external audio sources
Power Output	4 x 20W max power

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle battery is disconnected before installation.

Remove existing stereo: Use DIN removal tools to extract old unit.
Connect wiring harness: Match color-coded wires (red=ignition, yellow=battery, black=ground).
Connect speakers: Attach speaker wires to corresponding terminals.
Connect antenna: Plug vehicle antenna cable into rear input.
Secure unit: Slide into DIN slot until it clicks; attach mounting sleeve.
Reconnect battery and test.

WARNING! Ensure proper fuse rating. Incorrect wiring may cause damage or fire.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedure.

Set security code: Enter 4-digit code when prompted (default 0000).
Tune stations: Press BAND to select AM/FM; use SEEK or manual tuning.
Save presets: Tune to station, hold preset button for 2 seconds.
Set clock: Press CLOCK, use HOUR/MIN buttons.
Adjust audio: Set fader/balance, loudness, and tone controls.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle for setup.

Specifications

Audio Format: Digital Audio Tape (DAT).
Tuner: AM/FM stereo with seek/scan.
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (DAT).
Signal-to-Noise: >90dB with Dolby C.
Output Power: 20W x 4 max (4Ω).
Power Supply: 12V DC, negative ground.
Dimensions: DIN size (178mm x 50mm).
Operating Temp: -20°C to +60°C.
Supported Media: DAT tapes (120min max).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE (DAT/TUNER/AUX), EJECT, TAPE DIR (→/←), BAND, SEEK, PRESET 1-6, MENU/SET.

Remote (optional): POWER, TRANSPORT controls, NUMERIC, PRESET, MENU.

Tuner: Manual/auto tuning, preset memory. DAT: Play, pause, stop, FF/REW, skip, repeat, Dolby B/C. Audio: Bass/Treble (±10), fader/balance, loudness. Clock/Timer: Sleep (15-90min), wake to radio. Security: Code entry, faceplate removal.

Connecting Devices

Antenna: Standard motorized or fixed antenna. Aux: 3.5mm to RCA cable for portable players. Speakers: 4-8Ω impedance recommended.

Turn off vehicle ignition before connections.
Use shielded cables for aux input to reduce noise.
Ensure speaker polarity is correct (+/-).
Select source via SOURCE button (DAT/TUNER/AUX).

Tip: Route cables away from power wires to prevent interference.

Playing DAT Media

Supports standard DAT cassettes (R-DAT).

Insert tape: Press EJECT, insert with window facing out.
Play: Press PLAY; auto-reverse engages at tape end.
Skip tracks: Use >>| or |<< for next/previous.
Search: Hold FF/REW for high-speed cueing.
Repeat: Press REPEAT for continuous play.
Dolby NR: Select B or C from menu for noise reduction.
Eject: Press EJECT; remove tape after full stop.

WARNING! Do not expose tapes to heat or magnets. Keep DAT mechanism clean.

Security Features

Detachable Faceplate: Remove when parked to deter theft. Security Code: Enter 4-digit code if power disconnected (default 0000).

Care & Cleaning

Use DAT head cleaner every 50 hours of use. Clean faceplate with dry microfiber cloth.

CAUTION! Never use solvents on tape path. Avoid touching DAT heads.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. This device complies with part 15 of FCC Rules. Copyright © Sony Corporation. All trademarks belong to Sony. For support, visit www.sony.com/audio or contact 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Blown fuse/wiring	Check vehicle fuse (10A); verify wiring connections.
DAT not playing	Dirty heads/tape	Clean heads with DAT cleaner; try known-good tape.
Poor FM reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna plugged in fully; check for damage.
Security lock	Power interruption	Enter 4-digit security code (default 0000).
Distorted sound	Speaker impedance	Verify speakers are 4-8Ω; check wiring polarity.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 5 minutes to clear memory.

Service: 1-800-222-7669; www.sony.com/audio