Radio Shack Microcassette Recorder CTR 122 User Guide

14-1129  
User’s Guide  
Handheld Cassette Recorder with Pop-Up Microphone  
Thank you for purchasing your  
Handheld Cassette Recorder from  
RadioShack. Please read this users  
guide before installing, setting up,  
and using your new Recorder.  
Check package contents  
• Handheld Cassette Recorder  
• Users Guide  
• Quick Start  
 
Erasing..............................................................................................................14  
Erasing a Recording ....................................................................................................14  
Preventing Accidental Erasure ....................................................................................14  
Playing a Cassette............................................................................................15  
Using the Counter............................................................................................16  
Care and Maintenance.....................................................................................16  
Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality ................................................................17  
Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts ..............................................................................17  
Additional Information.....................................................................................19  
Specifications...............................................................................................................19  
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................20  
Limited Warranty.........................................................................................................21  
3
 
Overview of Controls  
FAST/FWD  
REWIND ꢀ  
RECORD z  
Counter reset switch  
Reset to 000  
STOP Q  
PAUSE OFF/ ON  
Pause playback or  
recording  
PLAY e  
REC/BATT indicator  
DC 3V  
Connect  
optional  
adapter  
Cassette deck cover  
Lift to insert or  
remove a cassette  
Built-in microphone  
Handstrap  
MIC POP-UP  
Slide left to pop up  
the built-in mic  
Built-in speaker  
4
 
TAPE SPEED  
Select playback and search speed.  
VOX/TONE  
• Adjust to LOW/HIGH for bass/ treble tones.  
Turn VOX voice-activation recording ON/OFF.  
MIC SENSITIVITY  
Adjust microphone sensitivity. See page 11.  
Battery cover  
EAR 3.5mm Mono earphone jack.  
MIC 3.5mm jack for an optional external microphone  
connection. See page 13.  
REM 2.5mm jack for an optional microphone remote control  
connection. See page 13.  
VOLUME/VOX SENS  
•Adjust tape playback volume.  
•Adjust volume sensitivity for VOX recording. See page 12.  
5
 
Features  
• VOX Voice-Activation recording mode to save tape  
• Adjustable playback speed control  
• Pop-Up Microphone with adjustable VOX sensitivity  
Set up  
Remove the protective sleeve  
Before you use the recorder, open the cassette  
compartment door and remove the protective sleeve  
from the record playback head.  
Choose a power supply  
Choose from one of 3 ways to power the recorder. See “Power Options” on page 7.  
Insert a blank tape, play and record  
To learn about the VOX feature and how to make a recording, see “Recording” and  
Playing a Cassette” on pages 11-16.  
6
 
Power Options  
You can operate your recorder from any of these power sources:  
• two AA batteries (not supplied)  
• standard household AC power, using an optional AC adapter  
• a 12-volt vehicle battery, using an optional DC adapter  
YWCaution:  
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 recorders DC 3V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these  
specifications could damage the recorder or the adapter.  
Be sure you connect the adapter to the recorder before you plug it into the AC  
outlet/ cigarette-lighter socket.  
Always unplug the adapter from the power source before disconnecting it from  
the recorder.  
7
 
Installing Batteries  
You can power the recorder with two alkaline AA  
batteries.  
1. Slide off the battery cover in the direction of  
the arrow.  
2. Insert batteries into the compartment as  
indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –)  
marked inside. Replace the cover.  
X
Battery Notes  
If the REC/BATT indicator does not light, or lights dimly when you press  
e,, or , replace the batteries.  
Dispose of batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury them.  
Use only fresh batteries of the required size and type.  
Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (alkaline, or  
rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.  
If you do not plan to use the recorder for more than 2 weeks, remove the  
battery. Batteries can leak chemicals that can damage electronic parts.  
8
 
Using an Optional Adapter  
You can power the recorder using an AC adapter or your vehicles 12V cigarette-  
lighter socket using a DC adapter (neither included). The adapter you choose  
should supply 3V, deliver at least 300 mA, and have a positive center tip. These are  
available at your local RadioShack store.  
ZWNote: Using an adapter automatically disconnects installed batteries.  
Using an AC adapter  
1. Insert the barrel plug into the recorders DC 3V jack.  
2. Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.  
Using a DC adapter with a vehicle battery  
1. Set the adapters voltage switch to 3 volts.  
2. Insert the plug into the recorders DC 3V jack.  
3 Plug the other end of the adapter into the vehicles cigarette lighter socket.  
9
 
ZWNote: If the recorder does not operate properly when connected to a  
cigarette-lighter socket, unplug the adapter and clean any ashes or dirt from the  
socket.  
Connecting Earphones  
Insert 1/8-in (3.5mm) earphones (not supplied) into the EAR jack to listen privately or  
to monitor your recording. You can also connect an external speaker (not supplied)  
to this jack.  
Listening Safely  
Do not wear headphones, earphones, or earbuds while operating a motor vehicle  
or riding a bicycle. This can create a traffic hazard and could be illegal in some  
areas. To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines:  
• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high volume listening  
can lead to permanent hearing loss.  
• Set the volume to its lowest level, then turn on your audio device and adjust the  
volume to a comfortable listening level.  
• Avoid increasing the volume. Your ears will adapt to the volume level, so a level  
that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.  
10  
 
Recording  
Using the Pop-Up Microphone  
Pop up the built-in microphone to direct it to the sound source, or you can connect  
an external microphone (see “Using an External Microphone” on page 13).  
1. Slide MIC POP-UP in the direction of the arrow.  
2. Slide MIC SENSITIVITY to one of 3 settings:  
• Set to MEDIUM under normal recording conditions.  
• Slide to HIGH if you are recording a quiet talker or  
another weak sound source.  
• Slide to LOW for a strong sound source.  
3. To return the microphone to its original position, gently  
press it down.  
VOX Recording  
VOX (voice activation) helps save tape and playback time. When you select VOX  
recording, the recorder automatically begins recording when it receives a sound  
signal from a voice or other sound, and automatically stops when the sound stops.  
11  
 
For best recording quality, place the recorder about 1 foot from the sound source.  
The microphone is sensitive enough to pick up sound several feet away.  
1. Load a tape into the recorder, as described in “Playing a Cassette“ on page 15.  
2. Set VOX/TONE to ON.  
3. Set VOLUME/VOX SENS to the desired setting (0-10) to control how loud  
a sound is required to activate recording. At 10, a soft sound turns on the  
recorder. At settings closer to 0, it takes a louder sound to start recording.  
Experiment to find the best setting for your recording environment.  
4. Press RECORD. RECORD and e lock down. Recording starts when the  
microphone detects a sound, and stops whenever the sound signal ceases. The  
REC/BATT indicator flashes to show that recording is in progress. If the audio  
input is too strong, the indicator lights steadily.  
5. To pause or stop recording, see “Manual Recording“on page 13.  
YWCaution: Never try to force down RECORD if you have removed the erase  
protection tab (see “Preventing Accidental Erasure” on page 14) as it can damage the  
record/play mechanism.  
12  
 
Manual Recording  
To control when recording begins and ends, manually, set VOX/ TONE to OFF,  
then press RECORD to begin recording. Use and the pause control to stop and  
pause your recording.  
Using an External Microphone  
1. Connect an external microphone (not supplied) with a 1/8- inch (3.5mm) plug to  
the recorders MIC jack as an alternative to using the built-in microphone. This  
automatically overrides the built-in microphone.  
2. Set VOX/TONE to ON for VOX recording, or to OFF for manual recording.  
3. If the microphone has an ON/OFF remote control switch, connect the  
microphone to the REM and MIC jacks. Then you can start and stop recording  
with the switch on the microphone.  
Recording from External Sources  
You can record directly from a tuner, radio, or a TV that has a 1/8-inch (3.5mm) jack.  
1. Use a dubbing patch cord (not supplied) to connect the recorders MIC jack to  
the headphone output jack of an external component.  
2. Set VOX/TONE to OFF, then proceed with manual recording.  
13  
 
Erasing  
Erasing a Recording  
To record over a cassette tape, you can either:  
• Record as usual. The cassette deck records over the previous recording.  
• Quickly erase both sides of a cassette tape using a bulk tape eraser, available at  
your local RadioShack store.  
Preventing Accidental Erasure  
To prevent accidental erasure of a tape recording, use a screwdriver to remove one  
or both of the cassette tapes 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 erase-protection hole.  
Be sure you cover only the hole originally covered by the erase-protection tab.  
YWCaution: Removing the erase-protection tabs does not prevent a bulk tape  
eraser from erasing a cassette tape.  
14  
 
Playing a Cassette  
For best performance, use only regular length (60 or 90 minute) cassette tapes. We  
do not recommend metal tapes or long-playing cassette tapes, such as C-120s,  
because they are extremely thin and can tangle easily.  
1. Open the cassette deck cover.  
2. Use a pencil to turn the cassettes hub and take up any slack in the tape before  
loading.  
3. Load the cassette with the side you want to play facing the compartments  
window, then close the door.  
4. Set TAPE SPEED to SLOW, NORMAL, or FAST. Use the tape speed which best  
suits you to find a passage or make a transcription.  
5. Turn VOLUME/VOX SENS counter-clockwise to its lowest setting.  
6. Press e to start tape playback.  
7. Adjust VOLUME/VOX SENS to a comfortable listening level.  
8. Set VOX/TONE to HIGH to emphasize treble sounds, or to LOW to reduce them.  
9. To pause playback, slide PAUSE to ON. Slide PAUSE to OFF to resume playing.  
10. To fast forward or rewind the tape, press /. The button locks down and the  
tape continues moving until you press Q. Make sure you press Q to release/ꢀ  
and stop the tape. This prevents damage to the tape after it has fully wound.  
15  
 
11.The recorder automatically stops at the end of the tape during playback or  
recording. Or, press Q to stop the tape instantly.  
ZWNote: The TAPE SPEED setting also affects the fast forward/ rewind speed,  
but will not affect recording.  
Using the Counter  
You can use the tape counter to indicate the tapes position. Before playing a tape,  
press the tape counter reset button to set the counter to 000.  
When the recorder plays, the numbers advance to show the amount of tape that  
has moved past the tape heads since the tape began moving. When the tape  
rewinds, the numbers decrease.  
Care and Maintenance  
Modifying or tampering with the recorders internal components can cause a  
malfunction and invalidate its warranty. If your recorder is not performing as it  
should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.  
• 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. Don’t drop it.  
• Keep the recorder away from dust and dirt. Wipe the recorder with a damp  
cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.  
16  
 
Restoring Tape Tension and Sound Quality  
After you play a cassette tape several times, the tape might become tightly wound  
on the reels causing sound quality to deteriorate. To restore sound quality:  
1. Fast-forward the tape from the beginning to the end of one side, then  
completely rewind it.  
2. Loosen the tape reels by gently tapping each side of the cassette on a flat  
surface.  
YWCaution: Be careful not to damage the cassette when tapping it. Do not touch  
the exposed tape or allow any sharp objects near the cassette.  
Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts  
Dirt, dust, or particles of the tapes coating can accumulate on the tape heads and  
other parts. This can greatly reduce the performance of the cassette recorder. After  
every 20 hours of tape recorder operation, use a cassette deck cleaning kit (not  
supplied) or follow these steps to clean the tape-handling parts.  
1. Remove the batteries and disconnect any other power source.  
2. Open the cassette deck cover.  
17  
 
3. Press the protection tab sensor, inside on the bottom  
left-hand corner, then press RECORD. The tape head  
assembly comes out.  
Press tab  
sensor  
4. Use a cotton swab dipped in tape head  
cleaner or denatured alcohol to clean the  
record/playback head, pinch roller, tape  
guides, and capstans.  
5. Press Q to move the tape head  
assembly back, then close the  
door.  
YWCaution:  
Capstan  
Never touch the surface of the  
record/playback head with  
metallic objects.  
Record/  
playback  
head  
Do not use a tape  
demagnetizer. Doing so can  
impair operation.  
Erase  
head  
Pinch  
roller  
Tape  
guides  
18  
 
Additional Information  
Specifications  
Tape System............................................................................... 2-track, Monophonic  
Tape Speed ...............................................................................1 ~ ips. (4.75 cm/sec.)  
Wow and Flutter .......................0.20% (Nominal), 0.35 % (Limit), at JIS WTD mode  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Rec/Play)......................................................................... 38dB  
Erase System.....................................................................................................Magnet  
Record System ..................................................................................................AC Bias  
Power Requirement:  
Batteries......................................................................................................2 × AA  
Adapter................................3V DC vehicle adapter, or 3V, 300mA AC adapter  
Dimensions (HWD) ........................ 4.8 × 3.37 × 1.59 inches (122 × 85.5 × 40.5mm)  
Weight (without batteries) ......................................................................6.9 oz (197g)  
Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice. Actual  
product may vary from the images found herein.  
19  
 
Troubleshooting  
Poor sound quality/recorder does not work properly  
• Incompatible metal type tape used. Use only normal type tapes.  
Tape speed setting on SLOW/FAST. Adjust to NORMAL.  
• Check sound settings. Adjust VOLUME/VOX SENS and VOX/TONE.  
• Recorder set on pause mode. Slide PAUSE to OFF to resume playing.  
• Battery power low. Replace with fresh batteries.  
Tape head and parts maybe dirty. See “Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts“ on page  
17-18 to clean.  
• Car adapter plug dirty. Unplug to clean the ignition socket and adapter plug.  
Recording keeps stopping/does not work  
• Check VOX/TONE setting. Adjust to OFF for a normal recording as it happens.  
• Recorder set on pause mode. Slide PAUSE to OFF to resume recording.  
• Check the erase protection recording tabs on your tape. If broken, use scotch  
tape to cover over the tabs.  
20  
 
Limited Warranty  
RadioShack warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use by the  
original purchaser for ninety (90) days after the date of purchase from a RadioShack-owned store or an  
authorized RadioShack franchisee or dealer. RADIOSHACK MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES.  
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to abuse, misuse, failure to  
follow instructions, improper installation or maintenance, alteration, accident, Acts of God (such as floods  
or lightning), or excess voltage or current; (b) improper or incorrectly performed repairs by persons who  
are not a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d) ordinary  
wear and tear or cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; (f) costs of product  
removal, installation, set-up service, adjustment or reinstallation; and (g) claims by persons other than the  
original purchaser.  
Should a problem occur that is covered by this warranty, take the product and the RadioShack sales  
receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store in the U.S. RadioShack will, at its option,  
unless otherwise provided by law: (a) repair the product without charge for parts and labor; (b) replace  
the product with the same or a comparable product; 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.  
RADIOSHACK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS NOT STATED IN THIS  
LIMITED WARRANTY. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW, INCLUDING  
THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND, IF APPLICABLE, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY  
OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL EXPIRE ON THE EXPIRATION OF THE STATED  
WARRANTY PERIOD. EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, RADIOSHACK SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY  
21  
 
OR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PURCHASER OF THE PRODUCT 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,  
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE AND ANY  
LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT AND ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,  
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RADIOSHACK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY  
OF SUCH DAMAGES.  
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. This  
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State.  
You may contact RadioShack at:  
RadioShack Customer Relations  
300 RadioShack Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76102  
04/08  
22  
 
Protect the environment by recycling used electronics. Go to  
E-CyclingCentral.com to find an electronic recycling center near you.  
23  
 
©2009. RadioShack Corporation.  
All rights reserved. RadioShack and RadioShack.com  
are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.  
02A09  
Printed in China  
2144-920-0-02  
14-1129[A]  
 

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