TCM4TR - Cassette tape SONY - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL TCM4TR SONY

For the customers in the U.S.A. Owner’s Record The model number is located at the bottom and the serial number is located inside the tape holder. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. TCM-4TR Serial No. INFORMATION This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: – Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. – Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. – Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.3

Welcome! Thank you for purchasing the Sony Cassette- Corder. This Cassette-Corder is a product which Sony Corporation developed specially for visually impaired people. You can play back a tape recorded on 4 tracks at 2.4 cm/s. Some features are:

• You can play back a 4-track tape as well as a normal 2-track tape.

• You can play back and record with two tape speeds (4.8cm/s and 2.4cm/s).

• DPC (Digital Pitch control) allows you to increase or decrease the speed of the playback sound (page 17). If you change the playback tape speed, the pitch will be automatically adjusted.

• The CUE MARKER function locates a specific point on a recording (page 26).

• Built-in flat microphone for clear recording of speaker’s voice.5

• When the batteries are running out of power, a beep sounds (page 9).

• The BATT/REC lamps indicate the remaining battery power in two steps. A beep sounds and the i lamp shows when to replace the batteries (page 9).

• Automatic shut-off mechanism at the end of the tape (in the recording/playback mode only).

• Stop-pause-release function —The pause switch is released automatically when the p STOP button is depressed, so that you won’t miss a recording chance (pages 15, 22). Notes

• Recording can be made with 2 speeds but only on 2 tracks. Note that 4-track recording cannot be made.

• A tape recorded in stereo cannot be played back properly.

• A tape recorded with 2.4cm/s tape speed using this unit cannot be played back on a normal tape recorder.6

z Getting Started Preparing a Power Source Choose either one of the following power sources: dry batteries (see below) or house current (see page 11). Dry Batteries Make sure that nothing is connected to the DC IN 3 V jack. 1 Open the battery compartment lid. 2 Insert two R6 (size AA) batteries (not supplied) with correct polarity and close the lid. DC IN 3V jack7

• Do not charge a dry battery.

• Do not use a new battery with an old one.

• Do not use different types of batteries.

• When you do not use the unit for a long time, remove the batteries to avoid any damage caused by battery leakage and subsequent corrosion.

• Dry batteries will not be expended when another power source is connected. To take out the batteries To attach the battery compartment lid if it is accidentally detached Attach it as illustrated. Continued8

• Measured value by the standard of EIAJ (Electronic Industries Association of Japan)(Using a Sony HF- series cassette tape) We recommend to use long-life alkaline batteries. Note The battery life may shorten depending on the operation of the unit.9

When to replace the batteries When the batteries are running out of power, a beep sounds and the BATT/REC lamps go off and the i lamp flashes. When this happens, replace the batteries with new ones. The BATT/REC lamps change as illustrated. When batteries are new When batteries become weak light flash Replace batteries light Continued (A beep sounds.)10

Preparing a Power Source (continued) Notes

• During recording, you will hear the beep through the earphone. During playback, you will hear the beep through the earphone and the speaker.

• During FF (CUE) or REW (REVIEW), the i lamp may flash with a beep. Only when the tape does not run properly, replace the batteries.

• In some cases when the unit is used with rechargeable batteries, only one BATT/REC lamp will light even though the batteries have been fully charged.

• After the batteries have been used for a while, the BATT/REC lamp(s) may flash with the playback sound when you turn up the volume; however, this does not mean that you need to replace the batteries.

• The unit will play back normally for a while even after i lamp flashes with a beep. However, replace the batteries as soon as you can. If you do not, a loud noise may be emitted by the built-in speaker or subsequent recording will not be done correctly.

• When the tape starts running or at the end of the tape the i lamp may momentarily light with a short beep. If the lamp goes off, you do not need to replace the batteries.11

House Current Connect the AC power adaptor to DC IN 3V and to the wall outlet. Use a commercially-available AC power adaptor (rated output voltage/current: 3 V DC/700 mA). Do not use any other AC power adaptor. DC IN 3V to the wall outlet Polarity of the plug Notes

• The voltage of power supply is different depending on the country. Please buy an AC power adaptor in the country where the product is to be used.

• Depending on the AC power adaptor, noise may be heard while using the unit. Refer to the operating instructions of the AC power adaptor. AC power adaptor (not supplied)12

z Operating the Unit Playing a Tape Playing a 4-track Tape 1 Open the cassette compartment lid. 2 Insert a cassette with the side to start playing facing the lid. 3 Close the cassette compartment lid. 4 Set TAPE SPEED to 2.4 (cm/s) . ;;;;;;;;yyyyyyyy ( PLAY TAPE TRACK TAPE SPEED13

5 Set TAPE TRACK to 1-2 or 3-4 and start playback. To play the tape from the beginning, follow the procedure below. Make sure that side A is facing the lid. 1 Set TAPE TRACK to 1-2 and press ( PLAY. Track 1 will be played. At the end of the tape, playback stops automatically. 2 Take out the cassette and reinsert the cassette with side B facing the lid. 3 Leaving TAPE TRACK at 1-2, press ( PLAY. Track 2 will be played. 4 Take out the cassette and reinsert the cassette with side A facing the lid. 5 Set TAPE TRACK to 3-4 and press ( PLAY. Track 3 will be played. 6 Take out the cassette and reinsert the cassette with side B facing the lid. 7 Leaving TAPE TRACK at 3-4, press ( PLAY. Track 4 will be played. When the tape comes to an end Playback stops and the unit turns off automatically (Automatic shut-off mechanism). After fast forward or rewind, press p STOP, as the unit does not automatically enter the stop mode at the end of the tape. Continued14

Adjust the volume Stop playback/stop fast forward or rewind Pause playback Fast forward** Rewind** Do this Turn VOL. Press p STOP. Slide PAUSE c. To release pause playback, release PAUSE c*. Press ) FF/CUE during stop. Press 0 REW/REVIEW during stop.15

Do this Press and hold ) FF/CUE and release it at the point you want. Press and hold 0 REW/REVIEW and release it at the point you want. Press p STOP and open the cassette compartment lid by hand.

• PAUSE c will be also automatically released when p STOP is pressed (stop-pause-release function). **If you leave the unit after the tape has been wound or rewound, noise will be heard. Be sure to depress p STOP. Otherwise, the batteries will be consumed rapidly.

Search forward during playback (CUE) Search backward during playback (REVIEW) Take out a cassette To listen through the earphones Connect the supplied earphones to the EAR jack. Continued16

Playing a Tape (continued) Playing a 2-track Tape 1 Proceed with steps 1 to 3 on page 12. 2 Set TAPE SPEED to 2.4 (cm/s) or 4.8 (cm/s) to match the tape speed used for recording. 3 Set TAPE TRACK to 1-2. 4 Press ( PLAY. Other operations are the same as those of playing a 4-track tape described on pages 14 and 15. Note If the recording is made in stereo, only the L channel is heard.17

Adjusting the Playback Speed (DPC Function) The DPC (Digital Pitch Control) function allows you to increase or decrease the playback speed. When playing back a tape with 2.4cm/s tape speed such as a 4-track tape, the playback speed will be adjusted from approximately +100% to 0%. When playing back a tape with 4.8cm/s tape speed, the playback speed will be adjusted from approximately +100% to –50%. If you change the playback tape speed, the pitch will be automatically adjusted. Continued18

• When playing back a tape with 2.4cm/s tape speed, the playback speed will be normal even if you set DPC to SLOW.

• Even though you use DPC, you cannot acquire the same pitch as the original. The tone will be somewhat different from the original.

• When the power of the batteries is weak, the DPC may make noise if you turn it fast. In that case turn it slowly or change the batteries.

• When DPC is turned or the volume is adjusted during playback, BATT/REC lamps may flicker.20

Recording You can record the sound easily with the built-in microphone. Use a normal (TYPE I) tape. Make sure that nothing is connected to the MIC jack. 1 Open the cassette compartment lid. 2 Take out any slack in the tape and insert the cassette with the side to start recording facing the lid. 3 Close the cassette compartment lid.21

4.8 (cm/s) for optimum sound (recommended

for normal use): A 60-minute recording can be made using both sides of a C-60 cassette.

2.4 (cm/s) for longer recording time: A 120-

minute recording can be made using both sides of a C-60 cassette. 5 Press r REC. Recording starts. Place the unit on a hard surface such as a desk with the cassette holder side up so that the flat microphone can record effectively. While the tape runs, the REC lamp lights and flashes depending on the strength of the sound. Recording level is fixed. Flat mic p STOP REC lamp r REC MIC jack PAUSE c Continued TAPE SPEED22

Recording (continued) When the tape comes to an end Recording stops and the unit turns off automatically (Automatic shut-off mechanism). Note 2-track recording only is possible. Setting of the TAPE TRACK selector does not affect the recording. You cannot record on 4 tracks. To Press or slide Stop recording p STOP Pause recording PAUSE c To release pause recording, release PAUSE c*. Take out a cassette Press p STOP and open the cassette compartment lid by hand.

• PAUSE c will be also automatically released when p STOP is pressed (stop-pause-release function) Note Do not use a CrO

(TYPE II) or metal (TYPE IV) tape, otherwise the sound may be distorted when you play back the tape, or the previous recording may not be erased completely.23

To prevent a tape from being accidentally recorded over Break out and remove the cassette tabs. To reuse the tape for recording, cover the tab hole with adhesive tape. Side A Tab for side A Continued24

To use tape counter Before recording, press the counter reset button to set the TAPE COUNTER to 000. It is useful to search the beginning of the recording. To monitor the sound while recording Connect the supplied earphone firmly to the EAR jack. The sound of monitoring can be adjusted by VOL but the recording level is fixed. r REC 0 REW/ REVIEW EAR jack TAPE COUNTER Recording (continued) ;;;;;;yyyyyy25

To start recording during playback Press r REC during playback, recording starts immediately. It is useful when you want to re- record the portion which was just recorded. To review the portion just recorded Press 0 REW/REVIEW during recording. Release the button at the point to start playback.26

Recording Cue Marks While recording, you can record a special signal on the tape to mark a specific position. At the desired position, press CUE MARKER to record a signal. The REC lamp goes off and a signal will be recorded on the tape. If you want to record a signal longer than that, press CUE MARKER as long as you want. During cue and review, you will hear the beep sound at the marked position. During playback, you will not always hear the beep sound at the marked position, and even if you hear it, the sound will be very soft. ;;;;;;yyyyyy CUE MARKER27

• We recommend recording cue marks when there is a break in the sound.

• During cue and review, the beep sounds differently.

• The beep may sound differently depending on the marked position on the tape because the winding speed varies from the beginning to the end of the tape.

• When you press CUE MARKER to record a signal, the REC lamp goes off for about 8 seconds, however, the recording continues.28

Recording from Various Sound Sources Notes (Before recording)

• Be sure you connect plugs firmly.

• Make a trial recording to make sure that you made connections correctly and adjusted the volume properly.

• The following examples use Sony products. If you have any problem when using other products, read the instruction manual of those products. Recording with an External Microphone Connect a microphone to the MIC jack. The built- in microphone will be disconnected and the sound through the external microphone will be recorded. When using a plug-in-power system microphone, the power to the microphone is supplied from this unit. To start recording, insert a cassette and press r REC. Microphone of low impedance (less than 3 kilohms) such as ECM-T115 (not supplied) MIC TCM-4TR29

Recording from Another Equipment Connect another equipment to the MIC jack using the RK-G64HG connecting cord (not supplied). 1 Insert a cassette. 2 Adjust the sound of the connected equipment. 3 Press r REC. MIC TCM-4TR RK-G64HG connecting cord (not supplied) EAR, EARPHONE, @, or REC OUT,† Audio equipment30

z Additional Information Precautions On power Operate the unit only on 3V DC. For AC operation, use the AC power adaptor recommended for the unit. Do not use any other type. For battery operation, use two R6 (size AA) batteries. On the unit

• Do not leave the unit in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical shock.

• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the unit, remove the batteries or disconnect the AC power adaptor, and have the unit checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.

• If the unit has not been used for a long time, set it in the playback mode and warm it up for a few minutes before inserting a tape. Keep personal credit cards using magnetic coding or spring-wound watches etc. away from the unit to prevent possible damage from the magnet used for the speaker.31

On tapes longer than 90 minutes We do not recommend the use of tapes longer than 90 minutes except for a long continuous recording or playback. They are very thin and tend to be stretched easily. If you have any questions or problems concerning your unit, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.32

Maintenance To clean the tape heads and path Depress r REC while pushing the lever. Wipe the heads, pinch roller, and the capstan with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol every 10 hours of use. To clean the exterior Use a soft cloth slightly moistened in water. Do not use alcohol, benzine or thinner. Pinch-roller Cotton swab Capstan Erase head r REC Lever Record/playback head33

Troubleshooting Should any problem persist after you have made these checks, consult your nearest sony dealer. Recording cannot be made. m No cassette is inserted. m The tab on the tape has been removed. To reuse the tape for recording, cover the tab hole with adhesive tape. m The batteries are weak. Replace both batteries with new ones. m The record/playback head is contaminated. The unit does not operate. m The batteries have been inserted with incorrect polarity. m The batteries are weak. Replace both batteries with new ones. m PAUSE c is slid in the direction of the arrow. m The AC power adaptor or car battery cord is not firmly connected. m The batteries have been inserted, but simultaneously the AC power adaptor is connected and not to be done to the wall outlet. Playback cannot be made. m The tape has reached the end. Rewind the tape. m The record/playback head is contaminated. Continued34

Troubleshooting (continued) During CUE/REVIEW the tape stops or does not run. You cannot fast-forward or rewind. m The batteries are weak. Replace both batteries with new ones. No sound comes from the speaker. m The earphone is plugged in. m The volume is turned down completely. m Set the TAPE SPEED selector firmly at the correct position. The sound drops out, sound quality becomes worse or sound has excessive noise. m The batteries are weak. Replace both batteries with new ones. m The record/playback head is contaminated. m If the cassette has been put on a speaker without its case, the sound quality may be distorted. m CrO

(TYPE II) or metal (TYPE IV) tape is used. The sound is not stable and becomes out of pitch suddenly. m DPC is set at a point other than the center. m The batteries are weak. Replace both batteries with new ones. m The capstan and pinch-rollers are contaminated. Troubleshooting (continued)35

Recording cannot be erased completely. m The erase head is contaminated. m CrO

(TYPE II) or metal (TYPE IV) tape is used. Tape speed is too fast or too slow in the playback mode. m Improper setting of the TAPE SPEED selector. Set it to the same speed as that used for recording. m DPC is set at a point other than the center. While operating, some noise is heard. m The counter reset button is pressed incorrectly. Press it correctly to set to 000. When the tape has reached the end after fast forward or rewind, noise is heard. m The unit is not in stop mode. Press p STOP. The sound is not normal when playing back a tape other than a 4-track tape. m Set TAPE TRACK to 1-2. m You cannot play back a stereo-recorded tape with this cassette-corder (see page 16).36

Specifications Recording system 2-track 1 channel monaural Playback system 4-track 1 channel monaural Frequency range 250 Hz - 6,300 Hz Speaker Approx. 3.6 cm (1

/16 in.) dia. Power output 270 mW (at 10% harmonic distortion) Input Microphone input jack (minijack) sensitivity 0.21 mV for 3 kilohms or lower impedance microphone Output Earphone jack (minijack) for 8 ohms - 300 ohms impedance earphone Variable range of the tape speed from +100% to –50% (at 4.8cm/s tape speed) from +100% to 0% (at 2.4cm/s tape speed) Power requirements 3V DC Two R6 (size AA) batteries Dimensions (w/h/d) (incl. projecting parts and controls) Approx. 90.9 × 113.0 × 39.5 mm

Mass Approx. 200 g (7.1 oz.) not incl. batteries Supplied accessories Earphone (1) Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.38

Location of parts and controls

Automatic shut-off mechanism ............... 13, 22

This warranty is valid only in the United States.2