Introduction
The Basic Fun Fisher-Price Play Tape Recorder, Model 02178, is a musical toy designed for a new generation, offering interactive play with built-in songs and a voice recording feature. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Play Tape Recorder to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What's in the Box
- 1 x Fisher-Price Play Tape Recorder unit
- 1 x Pretend Cassette Tape

Image: The Fisher-Price Play Tape Recorder, featuring a white and red unit with colorful buttons, an attached microphone, and a separate white pretend cassette tape.
Setup
Battery Installation
The Fisher-Price Play Tape Recorder requires 2 AA batteries (not included) for operation. Follow these steps to install the batteries:
- Locate the battery compartment on the back of the unit.
- Using a Phillips head screwdriver, loosen the screw on the battery compartment cover.
- Remove the battery compartment cover.
- Insert 2 new AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Replace the battery compartment cover and tighten the screw securely.
Important: Always use fresh batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries. Remove batteries if the toy will not be used for an extended period.
Operating Instructions
Playing Built-in Songs
The Play Tape Recorder comes with a pretend cassette tape that plays clips of six classic nursery songs. Please note that this toy does NOT play real cassette tapes.
- Insert the included pretend cassette tape into the cassette slot on the front of the unit.
- Press the green 'PLAY' button to start playing the songs.
- Use the yellow 'REWIND' and 'FORWARD' buttons to navigate between song clips.
- Press the red 'PAUSE' button to temporarily stop playback.

Image: Close-up of the cassette tape slot, clearly indicating that the toy does not play real cassettes.
Recording Your Voice
The attached microphone allows you to amplify and record your voice.
- Hold the microphone close to your mouth.
- Press the green 'RECORD' button to begin recording your voice.
- Speak or sing into the microphone.
- Press the red 'PAUSE' button to stop recording.
- To listen to your recording, press the green 'PLAY' button.

Image: A child using the microphone to sing with the Play Tape Recorder.
Product Features
- Voice Amplification & Recording: Use the attached microphone to amplify your voice and record short audio clips.
- Pretend Cassette Tape: Includes a non-functional cassette tape designed to teach preschoolers about retro musical formats and develop fine motor skills through interaction (opening/closing the door, inserting/removing the tape, pressing buttons).
- Six Classic Nursery Songs: Enjoy pre-loaded clips of popular nursery rhymes, including Humpty Dumpty, London Bridge, The Farmer in the Dell, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, Hickory Dickory Dock, and Jack and Jill.
- Durable Design: A timeless musical toy built for lasting play.
- Battery Operated: Requires 2 AA batteries (not included).
Care and Maintenance
- Wipe the toy with a damp cloth to clean. Do not immerse in water.
- Avoid exposing the toy to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
- Store the toy in a dry place when not in use.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Toy does not turn on or function. | Check battery installation. Ensure batteries are new and inserted with correct polarity. Replace batteries if necessary. |
| Sound is distorted or too low. | Replace batteries. Ensure the microphone is held correctly when recording or speaking. |
| Recording function not working. | Ensure the 'RECORD' button is pressed firmly. Check battery levels. |
Specifications
- Brand: Basic Fun
- Model Number: 02178
- Product Dimensions: 80 x 3 x 8.5 inches
- Item Weight: 1.19 pounds
- Manufacturer Recommended Age: 36 months - 15 years
- Batteries: 2 AA batteries required (not included)
- Manufacturer: The Bridge Direct
- Release Date: May 1, 2018
Safety Information
- This toy is intended for children aged 36 months to 15 years.
- Adult supervision is recommended during play.
- Keep batteries out of reach of small children. If swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.
- Dispose of batteries properly according to local regulations.
- Do not attempt to modify or disassemble the toy.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information or product support, please contact the manufacturer, The Bridge Direct, directly. Refer to the product packaging for specific contact details or visit their official website.





