Tape Guide (Q and A) (Jun. 1973)

by Herman Burstein

Recording With a Timer

Q. Within the past week a new use for a tape recorder has occurred to me, namely unattended recording of certain radio programs which are broadcast while I am at work and are missed for that reason. In connection with this, I have a question: Should I be concerned that the "Play" button on most cassette recorders needs to be pressed ahead of the time the recording is made, so that the timer will need only to operate a switch to start and stop the recorder? I believe that the "Record" button merely operates a switch, but that the "Play" button presses the capstan against a rubber roller. In this case a flat spot would develop on the rubber tire. I have not bought a cassette machine yet, partially because of this question. Do you know of a way in which this possible source of trouble can be avoided, maybe by choosing a certain machine, or otherwise?

-Richard T. Kroll, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

A. You are correct that you may run into the problem of "flatting" the pressure roller in case you preset a tape machine for operation by a timer. I really don't know of a general solution for this problem, and can only say that it depends upon the machine you use.

Some tape machines intended for remote control may avert this problem; that is, the pressure roller may not press against the capstan until operation starts. Inquire of the audio store (s) where you plan to purchase a machine as to which ones are suited for operation by a timing device.

Takeup Reel Squeak

Q. I own a Sony tape deck TC 255.

I use it in the vertical position and sometimes the takeup reel has a nasty squeak. It is quite loud and annoying.

I've taken the unit apart and oiled according to the manufacturer's instructions. The squeak persists. How can I get rid of it?

-David Tishler, Lawton, Oklahoma.

A. I have no answer inasmuch as the problem is a peculiarity of one particular brand and model of tape machine, rather than a general problem.

I suggest you query Sony.

Footage Counter Use

Q. A problem with my tape deck is that the counter registering footage is way out of line with the actual amount of tape used. How may I correct this problem?

-David Tishler, Lawton, Oklahoma.

A. The so-called footage counter does not count feet. It only counts numbers (of turns of the takeup reel), which are indexes to the various portions of a reel. The counter enables one to locate (approximately) any desired part of the reel, provided one has previously noted the corresponding number.

Noise Suppression for 78's

Q. I have quite a large collection of 78 rpm records dating back to 1910. I am attempting to capture them on tape.

The results, of course, are scratchy and full of surface noise. Can you point me in the direction of how to do the best that an amateur can, including how to clean the records in the first place?

-Robert Dyer, Ridgewood, New Jersey.

A. My preference for cleaning records is simply soap and water. Others have more sophisticated ideas, and you might consult your local record shop in the matter. However, washing will not affect noise, at least not appreciably.

Some fairly good noise suppressors were marketed in the past for amateurs, with prices they could generally afford.

You might inquire of your audio dealer whether he knows of any still around.

Such devices are available at the professional level, but are quite costly.

The following expedients may help you to reduce noise in copying 78 rpm records onto tape. Record at 3 3/4 ips, rather than 7 1/2 ips, because treble response, and therefore noise, tends to be less at the reduced tape speed. For further reduction of treble response, increase the bias in your tape machine; of course, if you increase bias enough, you can record at 7 1/2 ips. On the other hand, don't tamper with bias unless you have the facilities for restoring it to the correct level. You may find that you get better results using an elliptical stylus, such as that used for LP's, instead of a 3-mil spherical stylus ordinarily recommended for 78 rpm records.

(Audio magazine, Jun. 1973; Herman Burstein)

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