CTR-98 Portable Radio Cassette Recorder (140-0728) Hints and Tips Faxback Doc. # 16969 Recommended Tapes Tape quality greatly affects the quality of the recording. We recommend extended-range or low noise type 1 regular length (60- or 90-minute) normal-bias cassette tapes. We do not recommend long-play cassette tapes such as C-120s because they are thin and easily tangle. Erasing a Cassette Tape To record over a cassette tape, simply record as usual. The cassette deck records over the previous recording. NOTES: You must set FUNCTION to RADIO OFF/TAPE and the unit must be placed in a very quiet room. You can quickly erase both sides of a cassette tape using a bulk tape eraser such as Cat. No. 44-232, available at your local Radio Shack store. Preventing Accidental Erasure Cassette tapes have two erase-protection tabs - one for each side. When a tab is in place, you can record on that side. To prevent RECORD from being pressed and protect a recording from being accidentally recorded over or erased, remove one or both of the cassette tape's erase-protection tabs. If you later decide to record on a tape side after you have removed the erase-protection tab, place a piece of strong plastic tape over that 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 eraser from erasing a cassette tape. 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. Cleaning the Tape-Handling Parts Dirt, dust, or particles of the tapes coating can accumulate on the tape heads and other parts that the tape touches. This can greatly reduce the cassette player's performance. To prevent noise and poor high-frequency response, follow these steps to clean the cassette player's tape handling parts after 20 hours of use. 1. Set FUNCTION to RADIO OFF/TAPE. 2. Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC power cord. 3. Open the cassette compartment cover. 4. Press and hold down the erase-protection tab sensor, then press RECORD to expose the record/playback and erase heads. 5. Use a cotton swab dipped in tape head cleaning solution or denatured alcohol to gently clean the capstan pinch roller and tape head. NOTE: Your local Radio Shack store sells a complete line of cassette cleaning kits.