Radio Shack 14-1184 Owner's Manual

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Voice Activated

Microcassette Recorder

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ˆ

Contents

Features ....................................................... 3

Preparation .................................................. 5

Connecting Power .................................... 5

Using Batteries .................................... 5

Using AC or DC Power ........................ 6

Connecting an Earphone ......................... 7

Listening Safely ........................................ 8

Traffic Safety ............................................ 9

Connecting an External Microphone ........ 9

Operation ................................................... 10

A Quick Look at the Recorder’s

Controls .................................................. 10

Loading a Microcassette Tape ............... 10

Recording ............................................... 11

Using Quick Record ........................... 15

Playing a Tape ........................................ 15

Rewinding/Fast-Forwarding ............... 16

Quick Review ......................................... 16

Using the Tape Counter ......................... 16

Tape Tips .................................................... 17

Storing Cassette Tapes .......................... 17

Restoring Tape Tension and Sound

Quality .................................................... 17

Erasing Tapes ........................................ 18

Preventing Accidental Erasure .......... 18

Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts ......... 19

Care ............................................................ 21

Specifications ............................................ 22

2

©

2000 RadioShack Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

RadioShack, RadioShack.com, and Adaptaplug are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.

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Features

Your RadioShack Voice Activated Microcassette Recorder is ideal for quick notetaking. Its ultra-small size makes it easy to slip into a pocket, briefcase, or purse. You can use it at school, at business conferences, for dictation in the office, or anywhere on the go! You can record manually or set the recorder so sound activates recording.

Your recorder includes these features:

Voice-Activated Recording (VOX) — lets you set the recorder so it records when it picks up sound and stops a few seconds after the sound stops.

Tape Counter with Reset Button — lets you note the locations of certain sections of tape so you can easily return to them.

Quick Review — lets you stop recording to review a portion of recorded tape without first stopping.

Quick Record — lets you instantly stop playback and begin recording.

3 Features

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Tape Speed Switch — lets you record and play back a tape at a slower speed

(which provides twice the recording/playback time) or at normal speed (for better sound quality.

Fast Play — lets you play a tape back at about 25% faster than normal speed, to save time when listening to a tape.

Built-In Microphone and Speaker — lets you record and play back notes anywhere.

External Microphone Jack — lets you use an external, wide-range microphone.

Auto Stop — stops the recorder automatically when a tape reaches its end during recording or playback.

Earphone Jack — lets you use an optional earphone for private listening.

Automatic Level Control (ALC) Circuit

— automatically sets the recording level.

Three Power Options — you can power the recorder from standard AC power using an optional AC adapter, two AA batteries (not supplied), or a vehicle’s battery using an optional DC adapter.

4

Features

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Preparation

CONNECTING POWER

Using Batteries

You can power your recorder from two AA batteries (not supplied). For the best performance and longest life, we recommend

RadioShack alkaline batteries.

Cautions:

• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.

• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.

1. Slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of the arrow, then lift off the cover.

2. Place the batteries in the compartment as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked inside.

3. Replace the cover.

5 Preparation

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6

When the RECORD/BATTERY indicator lights dimly or not at all or the recorder stops operating properly, replace the batteries.

Warning: Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury them.

Caution: If you do not plan to use the recorder with batteries for several days, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.

Using AC or DC Power

You can power the recorder using a 3V, regulated 300 mA AC or DC adapter and a size H Adaptaplug™ connector (neither supplied). Both are available at your local

RadioShack store.

Cautions:

!

You must use a (Class 2) power source that supplies

3V DC and delivers at least

300 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the recorder’s DC 3V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these

Preparation

14-1184.fm Page 7 Wednesday, June 28, 2000 8:53 AM specifications could damage the recorder or the adapter.

• Always connect the adapter to the recorder before you connect it to a power source. When you finish, disconnect the adapter from the power source before you disconnect it from the recorder.

1. Set the AC or DC adapter’s voltage switch to 3V, if necessary.

2. Connect the Adaptaplug to the AC or

DC adapter’s cord so the tip reads

TIP+.

3. Insert the barrel plug into the

DC 3V jack. This disconnects internal batteries.

4. Depending on the type of adapter you are using, plug the other end of the adapter into a standard AC outlet or a

12V power source.

CONNECTING AN

EARPHONE

You can use an optional mono earphone with a 1 /

8

-inch (3.5-mm) plug to listen to a tape privately.

Preparation 7

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Note: You can also use an earphone to monitor what the recorder picks up through the internal (or external) microphone when recording. Your local RadioShack store carries a wide selection of earphones.

Insert the earphone’s plug into the recorder’s EAR jack. The internal speaker automatically disconnects.

LISTENING SAFELY

To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone.

• Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.

• Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.

8

Preparation

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TRAFFIC SAFETY

Do not wear an earphone while operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle. This can create a traffic hazard and could be illegal in some areas.

Even though some earphones let you hear some outside sounds when listening at normal volume levels, they still can present a traffic hazard.

CONNECTING AN

EXTERNAL MICROPHONE

You can use an optional microphone with a 1 /

8

-inch (3.5-mm) plug to extend the recording range. Your local RadioShack store carries a wide selection of microphones.

Insert the microphone’s plug into the recorder’s MIC jack. The built-in microphone automatically disconnects.

Preparation 9

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Operation

A QUICK LOOK AT THE

RECORDER’S CONTROLS

MIC Jack

EAR Jack VOL/MIC SENS

VOX

Microphone

PAUSE

RECORD

REW/REVIEW

FAST F/CUE

PLAY

STOP/EJECT

TAPE SPEED

RECORD/BATTERY

Indicator

TAPE COUNTER

LOADING A

MICROCASSETTE TAPE

Note: We recommend normal bias MC-60 microcassette tapes for up to 2 hours of

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Operation

14-1184.fm Page 11 Wednesday, June 28, 2000 8:53 AM recording/playback time, or MC-90 microcassette tapes for up to 3 hours of recording/playback time. We do not recommend long-playing microcassette tapes such as

MC-120s, because they are extremely thin and can easily tangle in the playback mechanism.

Follow these steps to load a microcassette tape.

1. Use a pencil to turn the cassette’s hub and remove any tape slack.

Avoid touching the tape.

2. Press STOP/EJECT . The cassette compartment door opens.

3. Insert the microcassette into the door’s guides with the tape’s open edge facing out and the full reel positioned toward the top of the recorder.

4. Close the door.

RECORDING

Cautions:

• Do not change the tape speed while recording.

Operation 11

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• Do not force down RECORD when a cassette erase-protection tab is not in place. (See “Preventing Accidental

Erasure” on Page 18.)

You can record manually or use VOX

(voice-activated) recording. When you use

VOX, recording begins when the recorder picks up sound and stops a few seconds after the sound stops.

1. Load a tape.

2. Set TAPE SPEED as follows:

• To double the tape’s recording/ playback time, set TAPE SPEED to

1.2

. This setting allows 120 minutes of total recording/playback time on an MC-60 tape, or 180 minutes on an MC-90 tape.

• For better sound quality, set TAPE

SPEED to 2.4

( NORMAL or FAST

PLAY ). This setting allows 60 minutes of total recording/playback time on an MC-60 tape, or 90 minutes on an MC-90 tape.

3.

To manually start and stop recording, set VOX to OFF .

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Operation

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To use voice-activated recording, set

VOX to ON . To adjust MIC sensitivity, adjust VOL/MIC SENS as desired.

Set TAPE SPEED according to the following chart for the desired results:

Set Playback

To

1.2

2.4 NORMAL

2.4 Fast Play

Tape Plays

Recording At 1.2 cm/s

1.2

2.4 NORMAL same speed twice as fast

2.4 Fast Play two and one half times as fast

Recording At 2.4 cm/s

1.2

2.4 NORMAL

2.4 Fast Play half as fast same speed one fourth as fast

Recording At Fast Play half as fast same speed one fourth as fast

Operation 13

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4. Press RECORD to begin recording.

Both RECORD and PLAY lock down, and the RECORD/BATTERY indicator lights.

Notes:

• The VOL/MIC SENS setting determines the sound level that activates the VOX circuit and starts recording. At higher settings, a softer sound starts VOX recording.

At lower settings, a louder sound starts VOX recording.

• The built-in automatic level control

(ALC) automatically sets the recording level once recording starts.

• When you use the VOX feature, recording begins when the recorder picks up sound and stops a few seconds after the sound stops.

• For maximum clarity, place the recorder as close to the sound source as possible, with nothing between the source and the recorder that might block the sound.

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Operation

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5. To temporarily stop recording, slide

PAUSE away from OFF . To resume recording, slide PAUSE to OFF .

6. Recording stops when the tape reaches its end. To stop it sooner, press STOP/EJECT .

Using Quick Record

During playback, you can press RECORD to immediately start recording without

STOP/EJECT first.

PLAYING A TAPE

1. Load a microcassette tape.

2. Set TAPE SPEED to the speed used when the tape was recorded.

To listen to the tape at about 25% faster than normal speed, slide TAPE

SPEED to 2.4 FAST PLAY .

3. Press PLAY to begin play.

4. Adjust VOL/MIC SENS to the desired listening level.

5. The tape automatically stops when it reaches its end. Press STOP/EJECT to stop playback sooner.

Operation 15

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Rewinding/Fast-Forwarding

Slide REW/REVIEW FAST-F/CUE to REW/

REVIEW to rewind a tape, or to FAST-F/

CUE to fast-forward a tape.

Caution: To protect the tape-handling parts, press STOP/EJECT or slide REW/RE-

VIEW FAST-F/CUE to the center when the tape reaches its end.

To hear the tape play at a faster speed, slide REW/REVIEW FAST-F/CUE to REW/

REVIEW or FAST-F/CUE during playback.

Set the switch back to the center to resume normal playback.

QUICK REVIEW

During recording, slide REW/REVIEW

FAST-F/CUE to REW/REVIEW to hear a portion of what you have just recorded (without first pressing STOP/EJECT then PLAY ).

Press RECORD to resume recording.

USING THE TAPE COUNTER

You can use the tape counter to note different locations on your tape during recording or playback.

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Operation

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Before playing or recording a tape, rewind the tape completely and press the counter reset button to set the counter to 000 . As the tape moves, the counter advances.

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Tape Tips

STORING CASSETTE TAPES

Do not expose microcassette tapes to high temperatures, high humidity, dust or dirt, or motors, transformers, or other sources of strong magnetic fields.

RESTORING TAPE TENSION

AND SOUND QUALITY

After you play a microcassette tape several times, the tape might become tightly wound on the reels. This can cause playback sound quality to deteriorate.

To restore the sound quality, fast-forward the tape from the beginning to the end of one side, then completely rewind it. Then loosen the tape reels by gently tapping each side of the cassette’s outer shell on a flat surface.

17 Tape Tips

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Caution: Be careful not to damage the microcassette when tapping it. Do not touch the exposed tape or allow any sharp objects near the cassette.

ERASING TAPES

To record over a microcassette tape, simply record as usual. The tape recorder records over the previous recording.

You can quickly erase both sides of a cassette tape using a bulk tape eraser.

Preventing Accidental Erasure

Microcassette tapes have two eraseprotection tabs — one for each side.

When a tab is in place, you can record on that side.

To prevent accidental erasure of a tape recording, use a screwdriver to remove one or both of the cassette tape’s erase protection tabs. This prevents RECORD from being pressed.

If you later decide to record on a tape side after you have removed the eraseprotection tab, place a piece of strong plastic tape over that side's eraseprotection hole. Be sure you cover only

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Tape Tips

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Caution: Removing the erase-protection tabs does not prevent a bulk eraser from erasing a microcassette tape.

CLEANING THE TAPE-

HANDLING PARTS

Dirt, dust or particles of the tape’s coating can accumulate on the tape heads and other parts that the tape touches. This can greatly reduce the performance of the recorder. After every 20 hours of tape player operation, follow these steps to clean the tape-handling parts.

1. Remove the batteries and disconnect any other power source.

2. Open the cassette compartment door and press PLAY to expose the tapehandling parts.

3. Use a cotton swab dipped in tape head cleaning solution or denatured alcohol to gently clean the record/

Tape Tips 19

14-1184.fm Page 20 Wednesday, June 28, 2000 8:53 AM playback head, pinch roller, capstan and tape guides.

Tape

Guides

Pinch Roller Capstan

Record/Playback

Head

4. Press STOP/EJECT to release the tape-handling parts. Then close the cassette compartment cover and reconnect power.

Note: For easier cleaning, you can use a microcassette cleaner kit, which includes a special cleaning cassette. Your local

RadioShack store carries a full line of cassette recorder cleaning supplies.

20

Tape Tips

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Care

To enjoy your RadioShack Voice Activated Microcassette Recorder for a long time:

• Keep the recorder dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately.

• Use and store the recorder only in normal temperature environments.

• Handle the recorder gently and carefully. Do not drop it.

• Keep the recorder away from dust and dirt.

• Wipe the recorder with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.

Modifying or tampering with the recorder’s internal components can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty.

If your recorder is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.

Care 21

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Specifications

Tape Type .................................. Microcassette

Tracks ............... 2 tracks, 1 Channel Monaural

Drive System ............................ Capstan Drive

Tape Speed .................... 2.4 cm/sec (

15

/

16

ips) and 1.2 cm/sec (

15

/

32

ips)

Recording Time (with MC-60 Microcassette):

2.4 cm/sec ......................... 30 min per side

1.2 cm/sec ......................... 60 min per side

Power Output ..................................... 180 mW

Frequency Response ............... 400–4,000 Hz at 2.4 cm/sec

Power Sources:

Internal batteries ....... 3V DC 2 AA batteries

AC Power ........................................... 120V with optional regulated AC Adapter

DC Power ...................................... 12V DC with optional DC Adapter

Dimensions (HWD) ............ 4

15

/

16

×

2

7

/

16

×

1 in

(126

×

62

×

26 mm)

Typical Cassette Recording Time

(with alkaline batteries) ...................... 18 hours

Weight (without batteries) .................... 4.55 oz

(129g)

22

Specifications

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Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice.

Specifications 23

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Limited Ninety-Day Warranty

This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use for ninety

(90) days from the date of purchase from RadioShack companyowned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EX-

PRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, IN-

CLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A

PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE

DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CON-

TAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack

SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUS-

TOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT

TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR

INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT

OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, IN-

CLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING

FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY,

REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDEN-

TAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack

HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAM-

AGES.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase price.

All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the property of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the warranty period.

This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse, accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs other than those provided by a

RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort

Worth, TX 76102

We Service What We Sell

12/99

06A00

14-1184 Printed in China