Karaoke Cassette  (320-1156)     Hints and Tips        Faxback Doc. # 15530
Recorder System

Erasing a Cassette Tape

To erase a previously recorded section of a tape, simply record over it.
To erase the entire cassette tape, let the tape record silence to the end
with all controls set to their minimum settings and the microphone(s)
turned off.

You can quickly erase both sides of a cassette tape using a bulk tape
eraser (Cat. No. 44-232), available at the local Radio Shack store.

Preventing Accidental Erasure

Cassette tapes have two erase-protection tabs - one for each 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.

If you want 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.

NOTE:  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 tape's coating can accumulate on the tape
heads and other parts that the tape touches.  This can greatly reduce the
performance of the cassette player.  Use the following cleaning procedure
after every 20 hours of tape player operation.

1.  Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC or DC power cord.

2.  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 record/play head, pinch roller, capstan, and
    erase head.

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

The local Radio Shack store sells a complete line of cassette cleaning
supplies.


(LB/all-06/06/95)