CTR-95  (140-0727)             Hints and Tips          Faxback Doc. # 3380

Recommended Tapes

Tape quality greatly affects the quality of the recording.  We recommend
extended-range or low noise Type 1 regular length (60-minute type 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.  To erase the entire cassette tape,
set FUNCTION to TAPE/RADIO OFF, then let the tape record to the end.

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 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 the
erase-protection tab for that side, 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.

(br/all-01/10/95)