Micro-17  (140-1178)           Hints and Tips          Faxback Doc. # 9843

RECOMMENDED TAPES

We recommend MC-60 (Cat. No. 44-640, 60-minute) or MC-90 (Cat. No. 44-644,
90-minute) microcassette tapes.

ERASING A MICROCASSETTE TAPE

If you no longer want a recording, you can record over it, or erase it
using the supplied erasing plug or a bulk tape eraser.

Recording Over a Microcassette Tape

To record over a microcassette tape, simply record as usual.  The micro-17
records over the previous recording.  To erase the entire tape, let the
tape record to the end.

Using the Erasing Plug

To erase a microcassette tape without recording over it, insert the
erasing plug into the MIC jack, set VOX to OUT, then press RECORD.

When the tape reaches the end of the tape portion you want to erase, press
STOP/EJECT.  To erase the entire tape, let the tape record to the end.

Using a Bulk Tape Eraser

You can quickly erase both sides of a microcassette tape using a bulk tape
eraser such as Cat. No. 44-232, available at your local Radio Shack store.

PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL ERASURE

Microcassette 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 screw-
driver to remove one or both of the microcassette 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, 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 microcassette tape.

RESTORING TAPE TENSION AND SOUND QUALITY

After you play a microcassette 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 microcassette's outer shell on a
flat surface.

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

(br/all-02/28/95)