Stereo Tape Recorder
(140-1239)                 Hints and Tips             Faxback Doc. # 44893

Tape Tips

Preventing Accidental Erasure

Cassettes have two erase-protection tabs - one for each side.  When a tab
is in place, you can record on that side.

To protect a recording from being accidentally recorded over or erased,
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 its
erase-protection tab, place a piece of strong plastic tape over the side's
erase-protection hole.  Be sure you cover only the hole originally covered
by the erase-protection tab.

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

Erasing Tapes

If you record on a previously recorded tape, you replace the old recording
with the new.  You can also erase part or all of tape without recording
new material by following these steps:

   1.  Load a cassette and disconnect the microphone, if it is connected.

   2.  Set TAPE/RADIO to TAPE.

   3.  Press RECORD and PLAY.  As the tape moves, it is erased.

   4.  Press STOP to stop erasing.

If you want to quickly erase a cassette, you can use a bulk eraser (Cat.
No. 44-232).

Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality

After you play a cassette 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.

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


(br/SM 10/27/97)

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