Hitachi CP-88R Service Manual

The CP-88R was a stereo cassette recorder manufactured by the Hitachi Corporation (TOKAI WORKS) in 1984. The electronics consisted of 4 integrated circuits (ICs), 21 transistors, 1 FET, and 2 diodes and was powered by two AAA size dry cells. The audio power output was 140 mW per channel. In this design, the microphone module CP-RU1 is detachable, and it contains facility for connecting an external microphone socket. It is a vital part because it contains the preamplifier and recording bias circuitry. With a CP-TU1 tuner pack in the cassette compartment, this cassette recorder also becomes an AM/FM stereo radio. For FM reception, the headphone cord also behaves as the antenna, whilst a built-in ferrite coil is used for the AM reception. The cassette recorder measures only 59 mm × 94 mm × 28.5 mm, and has a mass of 205 g with batteries. In this service manual you will find useful information for repair purposes. There is a circuit diagram, parts list, mechanism assembly, and calibration information. In addition, there is also a circuit diagram for the CP-TU1 tuner pack, which could be useful for troubleshooting.

Review

These early units have complex construction designs and consequently repair including drive belt change is time consuming and expensive. It has two drive belts, and whilst the main belt that drives the flywheel is easily accessible, the secondary pulley belt is hidden under the PCB and time consuming to change. The audio IC is HA12052, which contains the preamplifier and power amplifier circuitry. The sound quality is excellent providing you use a good pair of headphones. The motor control is provided by LA5524M, which controls the DC micro-motor. The wow and flutter figure is 0.3 % (wrms).

Price/eBay

The CP-88R is a fairly rare unit, and it is even rarer to find one in mint condition. A unit in mint condition together with the packaging, headphones, tuner pack, and manual, would be worth well over one hundred pounds on a good day.

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