Sony WALKMAN WM-GX680 Radio User Manual

The Sony WALKMAN WM-GX680 is a high-performance portable radio cassette player featuring AM/FM radio reception, auto-reverse cassette playback, Mega Bass sound enhancement, digital tuner with preset stations, LCD display with backlight, auto music sensor, Dolby B noise reduction, and DC input for external power. Powered by two AA batteries or optional AC adapter. 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 Cassette Tapes 8. Radio Operation 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Cassette deck with auto-reverse, AM/FM digital tuner, LCD display, Headphone jack, Line-out jack, DC input, Built-in microphone.

Feature	Description
Cassette Deck	Auto-reverse playback, Dolby B NR, auto music sensor
AM/FM Tuner	Digital tuning with 20 station presets (10 AM, 10 FM)
Mega Bass	Enhanced bass response switch
LCD Display	Shows frequency, tape direction, battery status, time
Headphone Jack	3.5mm stereo output for private listening
Line-out Jack	Fixed audio output for external amplification
DC Input	For optional AC adapter (DC 3V)
Built-in Mic	For voice recording
TAPE/RADIO Switch	Selects between tape and radio modes
POWER/HOLD Switch	Turns unit on/off and locks controls

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all accessories are present.

Insert batteries: Open battery compartment, insert two AA batteries observing polarity.
Connect headphones: Plug 3.5mm stereo headphones into headphone jack.
For external power: Connect optional AC adapter to DC input jack.
Extend antenna: Fully extend telescopic antenna for FM reception.

WARNING! Do not mix old and new batteries. Remove batteries if not used for extended periods.

First-Time Setup

Slide POWER/HOLD switch to POWER position.

Set time: Press CLOCK button, use TUNING +/- to set time, press CLOCK again.
Preset radio stations: Tune to desired station, press MEMORY then PRESET number.
Adjust volume: Use VOLUME dial while playing tape or radio.
Enable Mega Bass: Slide BASS switch to ON for enhanced low frequencies.

CAUTION! Keep away from strong magnetic fields which may affect tape playback.

Specifications

Power Supply: 2 x AA batteries (DC 3V) or AC adapter (DC 3V 500mA).
Frequency Range: FM 87.5-108 MHz, AM 530-1710 kHz.
Cassette System: 4-track 2-channel stereo.
Wow & Flutter: 0.15% (WRMS).
Frequency Response: 40-12,000 Hz (with Dolby NR).
Output: Headphone 20mW + 20mW (32 ohms).
Dimensions: 112 x 79 x 29 mm.
Weight: 210g (without batteries).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/HOLD switch, TAPE/RADIO selector, VOLUME dial, PLAY/STOP, FF/REW, Dolby NR, BASS switch.

Side Controls: TUNING +/-, MEMORY, PRESET buttons, CLOCK, REC (with play).

Tape Controls: PLAY, STOP, FF (fast forward), REW (rewind), auto-reverse. Radio Controls: TUNING +/- for manual tuning, PRESET 1-10 for stored stations, BAND for AM/FM selection. Audio: VOLUME dial, BASS switch (ON/OFF), Dolby NR (ON/OFF). Display: Shows time, frequency, tape direction, battery indicator.

Connecting Devices

Headphones: 3.5mm stereo jack. External amplifier: Line-out jack. Recording: Connect to audio source via line-out.

Turn unit off before connecting devices.
For recording: Connect source to line-in (if available) or use microphone.
Select appropriate mode (TAPE for playback/recording, RADIO for radio).

Tip: Use fresh alkaline batteries for best performance.

Playing Cassette Tapes

Supports standard Type I normal bias tapes.

Insert tape: Open cassette door, insert tape with exposed tape facing outward.
Play: Press PLAY; auto-reverse will change direction at tape end.
Stop: Press STOP; tape movement halts.
Fast forward/rewind: Press FF or REW during stop or play.
Auto music sensor: Press AMS to skip to next song during playback.
Dolby NR: Switch ON to reduce tape hiss (only for Dolby encoded tapes).
Recording: Press REC + PLAY simultaneously (requires recordable tape).

WARNING! Do not expose tapes to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Radio Operation

Digital tuning with preset memory.

Select band: Press BAND to toggle between AM and FM.
Tune manually: Use TUNING +/- buttons.
Store presets: Tune to station, press MEMORY, then press PRESET number (1-10).
Recall presets: Press desired PRESET number.
FM stereo: Mono/stereo automatically switches based on signal strength.
Fine tuning: Hold TUNING button for precise adjustment.

Note: Extend antenna fully for best FM reception. Rotate unit for optimal AM reception.

Care & Cleaning

Remove batteries before cleaning. Use soft dry cloth; avoid solvents.

Cassette heads: Use cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol to clean periodically.

CAUTION! Never use abrasive cleaners. Keep away from water and humidity.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Copyright © Sony Corporation. Sony and WALKMAN are trademarks of Sony Corporation. For support, visit www.sony.com/electronics/support or contact Sony Customer Service at 1-800-222-7669.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Batteries/HOLD switch	Replace batteries; ensure HOLD switch is not engaged.
Poor radio reception	Antenna/location	Extend antenna fully; move to different location.
Tape doesn't play	Tape damaged/wrong side	Try different tape; ensure tape is inserted correctly.
Distorted sound	Volume too high/tape head dirty	Reduce volume; clean tape heads.
Cannot record	Tab missing/wrong tape	Use recordable tape; ensure record tab is intact.
Fast battery drain	Old batteries/leakage	Use fresh alkaline batteries; check for corrosion.

Reset: Remove batteries for 30 seconds to reset microcomputer.

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