Sony Walkman WM-GX688 Radio User Manual

The Sony Walkman WM-GX688 is a portable AM/FM stereo cassette player with digital tuner, auto-reverse playback, Mega Bass sound system, auto tape selector, Dolby B noise reduction, and LCD display with backlight. 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 stereo tuner, LCD display, Headphone jack, Line-out jack, DC input.

Feature	Description
Cassette deck	Auto-reverse playback/recording with Dolby B NR
AM/FM stereo tuner	Digital tuning with 20 station presets (10 FM, 10 AM)
Mega Bass system	Enhanced low-frequency sound
Auto Tape Selector	Automatically detects tape type (Normal/CrO2/Metal)
LCD display	Shows time, station frequency, tape direction, battery status
Headphone jack	3.5mm stereo output
Line-out jack	Fixed audio output for external amplification
DC input	For optional AC adapter (DC 3V)
Battery compartment	Holds two AA batteries
Volume control	Slider-type volume adjustment

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.
Connect AC adapter (optional): Plug DC output into DC input jack.
Load cassette: Press EJECT to open cassette compartment, insert tape label side out.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on device; follow initial setup procedures.

Set time: Hold CLOCK button, use TUNING +/- to set time, press CLOCK again.
Program radio stations: Tune to desired station, hold MEMORY, press preset number (1-10).
Adjust sound: Use VOLUME control and BASS switch for desired audio level.
Select tape type: Auto Tape Selector detects automatically; manual override via TAPE SELECT.

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

Specifications

Power Requirements: 3V DC (two AA batteries) or AC adapter.
Battery Life: Approx. 20 hours playback (with Dolby NR off).
Frequency Range: FM 87.5-108 MHz, AM 530-1710 kHz.
Output: Headphone 3.5mm jack (24mW per channel at 32Ω).
Wow & Flutter: 0.15% WRMS.
Frequency Response: 40-15,000 Hz (Metal tape).
Dimensions: 114 x 79 x 29 mm.
Weight: 210g (without batteries).

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: PLAY, STOP/EJECT, FF, REW, PAUSE, VOLUME, BASS switch. Side Panel: TUNING +/- , BAND (FM/AM), MEMORY, CLOCK, DOLBY NR, TAPE SELECT.

Display Indicators: Tape direction arrows, battery low, Dolby NR, stereo, clock.

Radio: Manual tuning with TUNING +/-; auto scan with held TUNING; memory presets. Tape: Auto-reverse, manual side selection with DIRECTION button. Sound: BASS switch (On/Off), Dolby NR (On/Off). Clock: 12/24 hour format selectable.

Connecting Devices

Headphones: Standard 3.5mm stereo plug. External audio: Line-out to amplifier. AC adapter: Optional DC 3V adapter.

Ensure device is powered off before connecting.
Match connector types (3.5mm to 3.5mm for audio).
Use Sony recommended AC adapter only.

Tip: For best sound quality, use headphones with impedance between 16-32 ohms.

Playing Cassette Tapes

Supports Type I (Normal), Type II (CrO2), Type IV (Metal) tapes.

Insert tape: Press STOP/EJECT to open door, insert tape fully.
Play: Press PLAY; auto-reverse engages at tape end.
Pause: Press PAUSE during playback; press again to resume.
Fast forward/rewind: Press FF or REW; press STOP to cancel.
Change direction: Press DIRECTION during stop or play.
Dolby NR: Press DOLBY to reduce tape hiss (encoded tapes only).
Bass boost: Slide BASS switch to ON for enhanced low frequencies.
Auto stop: Automatically stops at tape end.

WARNING! Do not force cassette door. Keep tapes away from heat and dust.

Radio Operation

Digital tuner with manual/auto scanning.

Select band: Press BAND to toggle FM/AM.
Tune manually: Press TUNING +/- to change frequency.
Auto scan: Hold TUNING +/- to scan for next strong station.
Store presets: Tune to station, hold MEMORY, press preset number (1-10).
Recall preset: Press and hold preset number.
Stereo/Mono: FM stereo automatically switches to mono in weak signal areas.

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

Care & Cleaning

Remove batteries before cleaning. Use soft dry cloth for exterior.

Head cleaning: Use commercial head cleaning cassette every 50 hours of use.

CAUTION! Never use solvents or abrasives. Do not expose to direct sunlight or moisture.

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. 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/connections	Replace batteries; check polarity; ensure compartment closed.
No sound from headphones	Volume/connections	Check volume level; ensure headphones fully plugged in.
Tape doesn't play	Tape/Dolby	Ensure tape inserted properly; try different tape; check Dolby setting.
Poor radio reception	Antenna/location	Extend antenna fully; move to different location; adjust orientation.
Distorted sound	Bass/tape type	Turn off BASS boost; ensure correct tape type selected.
Fast battery drain	Battery quality	Use fresh alkaline batteries; remove when not in use.

Reset: Remove batteries for 30 seconds to reset microcomputer.

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