For some people, portable music devices--radio, cassette player, CD player, MP3 player--are the greatest invention since string cheese. "Gotta have my tunes!" But, like most everything else, they break and need fixing. Here's how to fix portable music devices without missing a beat.

How Does It Work?

A portable stereo radio with bad reception may only need a new antenna--or the antenna tightened.

A portable stereo is a compact version of its full-size counterpart: an amplifier, cassette deck , and/or CD player . (The exception is the MP3 player that typically comes in only a portable version.) What makes portable units different from the bigger versions is portability--they are smaller and are powered by batteries rather than through electrical cords. Some deliver sound to headphones while others use small built-in speakers.

What Can Go Wrong?

A portable stereo is vulnerable to mechanical problems caused by dirt and moisture, so a system that is kept clean and dry will have far fewer problems. If the stereo uses rechargeable batteries, the problem might be in the charging system, especially plugs, contacts, and jacks.

The most common problem with portable stereos is low-power or dead batteries. When any problem occurs with a portable music device, first test the batteries and clean the contacts. Then examine the headphones for breaks in the cord and loose connections that can interfere with the sound quality. While some headphones can be repaired, most are so small and inexpensive that replacement may be more practical.

Fix-It Tip

Like their full-size counterpart, portable cassette players need their heads cleaned once in awhile. The head is the surface that reads (hears) or writes (records) music signals off the tape. Use a cassette tape cleaner kit as recommended by the manufacturer.