CTR-94  (140-0726)             Hints and Tips          Faxback Doc. # 9930

Erasing a Cassette Tape

To record over a cassette tape, simply record as usual.  The cassette deck
records over the previous recording.  To record over the entire cassette
tape, 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. 44-233, 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 cannot 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, 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.

Warning:  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.

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.

USING HEADPHONES

For private listening, you can use a pair of monaural headphones
(not supplied) with a 1/8-inch plug.  Your local Radio Shack store carries
a wide selection of monaural headphones.

To connect the headphones, insert the headphones' 1/8-inch plug into the
PHONES jack on the front panel.  Then put on the headphones and adjust
VOLUME to a comfortable listening level.

Note:  Connecting the headphones automatically disconnects the built-in
       speaker.

LISTENING SAFELY

Do not listen at extremely high volume levels.  Extended, high-volume
listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.  Follow these guidelines to
protect your hearing, especially when you use headphones.

    Always start by setting the volume to the lowest level possible
    before you begin listening.

    Put the headphones on, then gradually increase the volume as
    necessary.

    Once you set the volume, do not increase it.  Over a period of time,
    your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not
    cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

Do not wear headphones while operating a motor vehicle or riding a
bicycle.  This can create a traffic hazard and is illegal in some areas.

Even though some headphones are designed to let you hear some outside
sounds when listening at normal volume levels, they still present a
traffic hazard.

(br/all-03/01/95)