MICRO-26  (140-1043)     Tape Tips and Techniques      Faxback Doc. # 7736

BEFORE LOADING A MICROCASSETTE

Excessive tape slack can cause malfunctions.  Insert a six-sided pencil in
the core of the reel, hold it at an angle, and turn it gently to tighten
the tape.

Cleaning the Tape Head

Keep the record/play head clean at all times.  Remove the microcassette
and press [PLAY] while the cassette compartment is open.  The head and
pinch roller are pushed forward.  Clean them with a cotton swab.  If
necessary, apply rubbing alcohol or a head cleaning solvent to the swab.

Or, you can use our microcassette head cleaner, such as Radio Shack's 
Cat. No. 44-1166.  Periodically, demagnetize the record/play head.  A tape
head demagnetizer is available at your local Radio Shack store.

CAUTION:  To avoid damage to your recorder, be sure to press [STOP/EJECT]
          before attempting to re-insert the cassette.

ERASING TAPES

When you make a recording on a tape, any previously recorded material is
automatically erased.

To erase an entire cassette without making a new recording, use a bulk
tape eraser (available at your local Radio Shack store).  If you want to
erase a part of a recording without making a new recording, connect a
subminiplug to the MIC jack.  Then, with the multi-function switch set to
NORM, press [RECORD].

You can use a plug adapter to erase a tape.  Be sure a microphone is not
connected when you erase a tape.

ERASE PROTECTION TABS

Microcassettes have a built-in device to automatically prevent accidental
tape erasure when recording.  This protection device, however, does not
prevent erasure when using a bulk tape eraser.

A microcassette has a small plastic tab on each side.  Normally the
microcassette has a triangular arrow mark on upper right of the label. 
This arrow points to the erase protection tab.  If you break off the side
A tab, you cannot record on side A.  There is a separate tab on the other
side for side B.

If, however, you want to record on a side after you have removed the erase
protection tab, cover the tab with a piece of plastic adhesive tape.

CAUTION:  Forcing down [RECORD] after you have removed the erase
          protection tab can damage the tape recorder mechanism.

(ALL-9/27/94)