Radio Shack CTR-80A User manual

CCTR-80A
Computer
Cassette
Recorder
Badw/hack
TRS-80™
MICRO
COMPUTER
SYSTEM
Catalog Number 26-1206
CUSTOM MANUFACTURE FOR RAOM SHACK Jg ADIVISION Of TANDV CORPORATION

Trse CTR-SOA Is specially deigned lot stormy your TRS-60 piuyianis and
data It can also be usea asahigh-quality portable recorder.
Special features include: g*
•Simple connection to TRS-BO cassette jack (cable Supplied) ™
•Allows TRS-60 to confrql tape motion while loading or saving programs
and data.
•Fast forward and rewind functions are independent of the TRS-BO -to let
you quickly position tape to desired sections.
•LED indicator llgnts up during Input/ouipui operations (alsu) during
fast-forward and rewind.
•Adjustable playback volume to suit the input requirements o1 your TRS-80
computer.
•Built-in Automate Level Control (ALC) assures correct record level -you
den'1 nave to adjust during output to ca&seite.
Additional features you'll appreciate if you use the unit tor sound, voice
or music recordings:
•Battery operation for convenieni portable use,
•Automatic shut-off at end of tape during play or record —saves wear on
recorder, batteries, and tape.
•During battery operation. LEO indicator shows battery condition.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS

Figure I. Cassette Unit Mid Computer Cable.
|". AC Power- Conned AC cord here.
2. DC BV power. For use with auto etc. Allows connection to 6V DC power
suaply (not recommended lor computer use).
3. EARphone. Outputfrom tape to computer. Connect black mini plug {18)
on computer cable.
•4. Auxiliary input Input Irom computer to tape. Connect yiay rnlril plug
(19) on compuler cabJB.
5. REMote control and MIGrophone. Allows computer ir> enntroi tape
motion during tape input/output (record/play). Connect gray sub mini
plug (20) to REM jack. Other jack is tor non-computer use with aremote
microphone. Leave empty tor computer use.
6VOLUME. Controls level ol output from tape to computer. Use the level
recommended in your Computer Owner's Manual.
7. Cassette compartment.
8. Built-in condenser microphone. For sound/voice/music recordings,
Micropnone is disabled when trie unit is connected to the TRS-80.
9RECORD Press together with PLAY before starting to save program or
data. Tape motion will be cornputer-conirolled
to. REWIND Press down for rapid rewind (not controlled by computer).
11PLAY Press cown before starling rr> Inari program or Input data into
computer. Tape motion will be computer-controlled.
12. FAST-Forward. Press down for rapid tape advance (not controlled 0/
computer).
13. STOP. Press down after completion of tape operation.
14 EJECT. Press down to eject cassette Always press STOP first.
kt5. RECORD/BATTERY. Lights up during tape operations.
16. Tflnpc counter Helps you position tape to desired program or data lite.
Press button to reset the counter.
17. Computer cassette plug. Connect to TAPE output on computer.
18. Tape output plug. Connect lo EARjack on cassette unit,
19. Tape input p'ug. Connect to AUX jack on cassette unit.
20. Tape control plug. Connect to REM jack on cassette unit.

PREPARATION FOR
USE WITH THE TRS-80 -
Using the computer cable supplied, conned the cassette unit to your
computer's TAPE jack. The live-pin DIM plug (17) goes to the computer; the
remaining three plugs (18) {19) (20) go to the cassette unit, as explained m
Figure 1on page 3.
The unit should be STOPped —press STOP lo tie sure i; a.
Connect one end of the AC power cord to the AC IN of the recorder, plug
olher eno into aconvenient 120V outlet (22Q/240V AC 50 Hz oullet where the
sets are so marked on the bottom for European and Australian models). Con-
necting the cord to the set automatically disconnects the internal battery
nirnnil Never leave the nnrri plugged inln an AC outlet wfien it is not con-
nected to the recorder.
FOR NON-COMPUTER USE
Do not use the computer cable. For AC operation, conned the AC power
cord as descrioed previously.
USE WITH BATTERIES
(not recommended lor computer use)
INSTALLING BATTERIES: Your recorder requires four (-5) "C" size 1-1/2
volt natteries To load batteries, lurn the recorder over and open the battery
compartment cover, insert batteries as indicated wthm compatment, nen
close the cover.

BATTERY CONDITION: The BATTERY.RECORD LED indicates the
condition of the batteries. Wnen you press the PLAY button, if the LED lights
rightly, the batteries arc OK; if it docs -10I light (or lights on ydimly), it ia time
*or new batteries. We recommend Radio Shack Catalog Number 23-561 or
23-551.
DC 6V JACK: you can conserve battery power by using an external source
o< 6volte DC connected to this jack.
OPERATION WITH THE TRS-80
For saving your own programs and data, we recommend you use Radio
Shack C20 Certified Caeeettoc {2S-3Q1 }. These oacsertec ore fesdorieco (tho
entire tape can store information) and individually Jested for reliability.
For recording your own programs and data, it's important to start with ablank
tape. Unless the tape is new. you should erase the tape before saving new
information on it. Radio Shack sells abulk eraser (Catalog Number 44-210)
that doee the job quickly and effectively.
INSERTING THE CASSETTE
Press Hit STOP k«y. ciien pitisi EJECT lo open ilw casseiie cumpadnieiil.
Mold the cassette with tne side to be played or recorded up and the open tape
side toward you. Close the lid. Press REWIND and let the cassette rewind all
the way to the beginning. When the tape has slopped, press STOP again to
turn off the drive moior.
To iHiiK-ivw Hit! CassbBlle, prtfes STOP, IIibi'i EJECT To play ui recurcl on Ihe
other side, turn the cassette over so the other label side is up and the tape
opening is still toward you. Re-insert the cassette amd close the lid.
J.OADING APROGRAM OR DATA FILE FROM TAPE
Pi. Set the volume lo the correct level for your computer <see the computer
owner's manual for details). If you have trouble loading programs or
inputting data, try adjusting the volume.
2. De sure 1he tape is positioned to just before the start of the recorded
program or data. Usually, this means the tape should be rewound all the
way (or positioned using the counter, as explained in the Note later on),
3. Betore the computer is ready to load the program or input the data, press
PLAY on the recorder. The computer will control the tape motion. While
the computer is actually receiving data from the recorder, ihe LED will de
lit.
4. When the computer has completed the tape operation, press STOP.
SAVING APROGRAM OR DATA FILE ON TAPE
l. Insert ablank (new or bulk-erased) taps, and rewind it to the beginning of
the tape (if using lape with aleader, be sure to advance fi past the leader to
trie beginning of the recording lape).

?-. Before Ihe computer is ready to save the program of data, press
RECORD and PLAY togetner. Both keys should remain "down".
You do not need to adjust the volume sctling-.thc cassette unit does VA
automatically during record operations. ™
3You can now save the program or data in tape. The computer will turn the
tape on and oil as necessary to complete the operation.
4. When the operation is complete, press STOP on the recorder.
Note; It is possible to record two or more programs or data files on one side
of aJape. However, thus takes aiittle extra care and attention on your part.
First rewind the tape and reset the tape counter. Then keep awritten account
of the counter reading where each program or data file starts.
When you are ready to load in aparticular program or data file, rewind trie
tape, reset the counter, then use fast-forward or rewind to position tho tape to
just ahead (one digit] of the desired tape section.
OTHER USES FOR THE RECORDER
Tne CTR-SOA will also serve as an excellent general-purpose recorder.
Operation is quite simiaar to thai descrioed above, on)y the unit i& not Con-
nected to the TRS-SO, and ia totally under manual control.
TO PLAYBACK
1. Rewind the tape by pressing the REWIND Key.
2Press the STOP key when you reach that section of the tape you wIst to
play.
3. Press the PLAY key and adiust the VOLUME control for the desired
sound level train the speaker
4To stop playback, press the STOP key. If you want, let the lape play to
the end and the unit will automatically shut oft the power,
5. When playing back arecorded tape, make sure the RECORD key is rrjMk
pitjssec!. ulheiwrsB tho rewjtdeO tape will be eiased. ™
6. For private listening, connect the earphone to the EARphone jack on ihe
side ot the recorder.
TO RECORD
RECORDING; WITH BUILT-IN CONDENSER MICROPHONE:
1, Press the RECORD and PLAY keys simultaneously and recording will
start.
2During recording, aburlT-in Automatic Level control (ALC) circuit
automatically sets the proper recording level.
3. The built-in condenser microphone is highly sensitive and will pick up
sound Iruin piacltcally any distance in anormal sire room.
4. At the campietion of the recording press ihe STOP key. If the end ol ihe
tape is reached whi!a recording, the unit will shut off autometical'y.
5As you record, the BATTERY/RECORD LED will Hash with peaks of
sound. This will remind you that you are recording.
B

RECORDIHG WITH EXTERNAL MICROPHONE:
Connect an optional microphone to the HEMote/MICrophone Jacks, this
fcjtomotioal ydiM>or\nocte tho built-in microphone. Recording procedures
*re the same as (or recording with the built-in microphone. Use the remote
switch on the microphone to temporarily slop recording.
RECORDING FROM RADIO OR PHONOGRAPH:
IConnect signal trom the external source into the AUX jack (use asuitable
patch cord with proper plug)
2, Set the Volume control of the external sound source :o anormal listening
lewl
3. Follow the instructions noted above.
NOTE: When both MIC and AUX jacks are connected, only MIC jack is
functional.
REWIND AND FAST-FORWARD KEYS
1. To rewind tape, press the REWIND key.
2. To move tape rapidly in aforward direction, press the FAST-Forward key
0- IN either case, to stop tape travel, proaD tho STOP koy.
TO ERASE TAPE
lo cnange -ecordings, merely record over ihe old recording. The old
recording wiJI automatically be erased and me new one put on the tape. If you
do want to erase acassette, or just aportion of arecording, insert the special
Dummy Plug (provideG) mlo the MIC jack, Then, operate the CTR 60A just as
though you were recording. As the tape moves, it will be erased clean (no
sound pick up trom Mic when using ihio Dummy Plug).
OT_
Uummy ''lug

ACCIDENTAL ERASURE PREVENTION
Cassettes have abuilt-in device to automatically prevent erasure of aprevious
recording. It io asmall placlic lab Ql Iho book of tha Garootto, To activate frS*
erase-proiecl feature, break off the plashe tab with ascrewdriver.
There is atab lot each side; be sure you break oil the correct tab II you Oo
want to record again on that cassette, pu apiece ottape over trie note wrier©
you broke off the tab.
CAUTION: II you havo acaccotto with the tabs broken oft don't try Io lofco
the RECORD key down. You can damage apart of the mechanisn.
/-* SIDE 1
Fl>. SLDC 1
Plastic Tab
MAINTENANCE
To keep your recorder pertommg up to its capabilities as adala storage
device, it is very important thai you clean Ihe head and capstan regularly. The
actual time interval between maintenance depends on how much yuu us« llw?
unit. It you begin having trouble loading data or programs, it's procably tim|»
to give the unit athorough cleaning as ageneral rule, clean the unit every IoW
20 hours ol operation.
I

9
CLEANING PROCEDURE
With batteries and cassette removed, and with cassette lid up, press down the
LAY kev, exposinq the erase and record heads and ihe rubber drive wheel,
;iean these points, using acotton swab moistened with denatured alcohol
(not njboirvg alcohol) or with aspecial head cleaning fluid- Your Radio Siaek
store hac those items. After cleaning, bo sure to preee tho STOP koy, so that
these parts may return to their normal operating position tor cassette loading.
For easy cleaning, we recommend our Cassette Head Cleaning Cartridge,
Catalog Number <4-ti60.
¥
Demagnetizing the Heads
You should also demagnetize the heads periodically, Again, how often
depends on how much you use the unit. We sugaest that you demagnetize
tne head alter every 10-20 hours of operalion.
For this operation, you'll neeo the Ftadio Shack Tape Head Demagnetizer.
Catalog Number 44-21 1.

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irf&S| wiyi'ff arTis,
LIMITED WARRANTY
L*
V
Frjr aperiod ol 90 days liom the diw of delivery, Radio Shack war-
rams 10 the original purchaser thai the compute' hardware described
herein shall be tie* Irrxn detects in material and wurknanship under
normal use and service This warranty is only applicable to purchases
lr«n Radio Shack compar>v owned retail outlets artd through duly
authorized t>anehi«« ana deaierj, The warranty stall be VOW it Wis
unit's case or cabinet is opened or it rne unit is altered or modilied.
During this period, l> adefect should occur, the product must be re
turned to a Kadra Shack store or dealer tor repair, and proot ot pur
chase must be presiMSd. PurehJMf's »le artfl exclusive remedy in the
event ol detect is expressly UrnltBd to the correction of ihe defect oy
adjustment, repair or replacement at Kadio Shack's election ai- sole
expense; except thete shall be no obligation la replace or repair items
which by their nature are expendable. Mo representation or other affir
nation ot tact, including, but not limited to, statements regarding
Capacity, Suitability 'or use, or performance of the Shipment, shall
be or be deemed to be awarranty or representation by Radio ShacK.
lor any purpose, nor give rise to any liability or Obligation of Radio
Shack whatsoever.
fc*.tttT AS SPtCIFlCALLY PROVIDED IN THI5 AGREEMENT.
THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO. ANY IMPLIED WARRAN-
llfcSUE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ft PARTICULAR
PURPOSE AND IN NO EVENT 5HALL RADIO SHACK BE LIABLE
FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OR BENEFITS. INDtRECT. SPECIAL,
LONStQUENTIAL OR OTHER SIMILAR DAMAGES ARISING OUT
OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE.
n
RADIO SHACK sADIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION
U.S.A.: FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102
CANADA: BARRIE. ONTARIO L4M 4W5
TANDY CORPORATION
HI; I-A. I
A
BELGIUM
7&0.TI6 VICTORIA. R01D
flfWlMEflf NSW ?ne
PARC INDUSTRIE IOE NAMNNE
5140 NANINNC
UK
BJISTON B04D WEONTSPUR't
WEST MIDLANDS WSIO JJN
3A1 PRINTED IN HONG KONG 606-1*20-0-09