VSC-2002  (140-1158)            Hints and Tips         Faxback Doc. # 9776

ERASE-PROTECTION TABS

Cassette tapes have a built-in erase-protection feature.  Each cassette
has a pair of removeable plastic tabs on its back edge.  These tabs tell
the recorder that it is all right to record on the tape.

To prevent accidental erasure of a tape you want to save, carefully break
off the appropriate tab.

If you later want to record on the cassette, place a piece of strong
plastic tape over the tab opening.

Caution:  Never try to force down RECORD if you have removed the erase-
          protection tabs.  You can damage the mechanism.

For the quickest and most thorough tape erasure, use a Radio Shack bulk
tape eraser.

Note:  Removing the cassette's erase-protection tabs does not prevent the
       tape from being erased with a bulk tape eraser.

CLEANING THE TAPE-HANDLING PARTS

Dirt, dust or particles of the tape's coating can accumulate on the tape
heads and the other parts that the tape touches.  This material can
greatly reduce the performance of the cassette recorder.  Use the
following cleaning procedure after every 20 hours of operation.

1.  Remove the batteries and disconnect any other power source from
    the recorder.

2.  Pull open the cassette compartment door.

3.  Press PLAY to expose the tape-handling parts.

4.  Use a cotton swab dipped in denatured alcohol or tape head cleaning
    solution to clean the play/record head, pinch roller, capstan, and
    erase head.

5.  When you finish cleaning, press STOP and close the cassette
    compartment door.

Your local Radio Shack store carries a complete line of tape cleaning
supplies.

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.

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

(LB/all-02/22/95)