Sony Cassette-Corder TCM-200DV/150 Operating Instructions

About this manual

The instructions in this manual are for 2 models: the TCM-200DV and the TCM-150. The TCM-200DV is used for illustration purposes.

Key features and their availability:

• VOR: (provided)
• REC TIME / PLAY MODE: (provided)
• SPEED CONTROL: (provided)
• MIC jack: (provided)

Note (TCM-200DV only): Tapes recorded with the REC TIME/PLAY MODE switch in the DOUBLE position cannot be played properly on a tape recorder without this function.

Getting Started

Preparing a Power Source

Choose one of the following power sources:

Dry Batteries

Figure A-A: Insert two R6 (size AA) batteries into the battery compartment with correct polarity and close the lid. Ensure nothing is connected to the [DC IN 3V] jack (this does not apply to TCM-150 for USA/Canada/Europe).

Notes on Batteries:

• Do not charge a dry battery.
• Do not use a new battery with an old one.
• Do not use different types of batteries.
• When not using the unit for a long time, remove batteries to prevent damage from leakage and corrosion.
• Dry batteries will not drain when another power source is connected.

To take out batteries: (See Figure A-B)

To attach the battery compartment lid if detached: (See Figure A-C)

When to replace batteries: (See Figure A-D) Replace batteries when the [BATT indicator] dims. Note that the [BATT indicator] may flicker with playback sound at high volume after some use, but this does not necessarily mean batteries need replacement. The unit will play normally for a while even after the [BATT indicator] dims, but replace batteries soon to ensure correct recording.

Battery life (approx. hours)

*Measured value by JEITA standards (using a Sony HF series cassette tape).
**When using Sony LR6 (SG) “STAMINA” alkaline dry batteries (produced in Japan).

Note: Battery life may shorten depending on unit operation. Alkaline batteries are recommended for maximum performance.

House Current

(Except TCM-150 for USA/Canada/Europe)

Figure A-E: Connect an AC power adaptor (AC-E30HG, not supplied) to the [DC IN 3V] jack and a wall outlet. Do not use any other AC power adaptor.

Notes: Check local voltage and plug shape before purchasing the AC-E30HG adaptor. Do not touch the adaptor with wet hands. Connect to an accessible outlet and disconnect immediately if any abnormality occurs.

Operating the Unit

Recording

Figure B-A, B: You can record using the built-in microphone. Ensure nothing is connected to the [MIC] jack (TCM-200DV only).

1. Insert a normal (TYPE I) tape with the side to be recorded facing the cassette holder.
2. For TCM-200DV only: Set [REC TIME/PLAY MODE] to the desired mode: NORMAL (4.8cm/s) for optimum sound and normal recordings, or DOUBLE (2.4cm/s) for double recording time (e.g., 120 minutes on a 60-minute cassette), suitable for conferences/dictations but not recommended for music.
3. For TCM-200DV only: Set [VOR] to H (high sensitivity, for meetings or quiet places) or L (low sensitivity, for dictation or noisy places) to start and pause recording automatically. Set [VOR] to OFF to start and stop recording manually. Note: If the sound is too soft, the unit may not start recording; set [VOR] to OFF.
4. Press the [REC] button. The [PLAY] button is pressed simultaneously, and recording starts. Recording stops automatically at the end of the tape.

Controls during Recording:

• Stop recording: Press [STOP].
• Pause recording: Press [PAUSE]. To release pause, release [PAUSE]. (The [PAUSE] function is also automatically released when [STOP] is pressed.)
• Review recorded portion: Press and hold [REW/REVIEW] during recording and release at the desired start point.
• Eject cassette: Press [STOP] and open the cassette compartment lid.

To monitor the sound: Connect earphones (not supplied) firmly to the [EAR] jack. Monitoring volume cannot be adjusted.

Notes:

• Do not use High-position (TYPE II) or metal (TYPE IV) tapes, as sound may be distorted or previous recordings may not be erased completely.
• The [SPEED CONTROL] switch (see reverse side) works only in Playback mode. Recording speed is independent of this control (TCM-200DV only).

Notes on VOR (Voice Operated Recording) (TCM-200DV only)

The VOR system is affected by recording conditions. In noisy places, the unit may stay in Recording mode. If sound is too soft, it may not start recording. Set [VOR] to H or L to pick up necessary sound only. If results are unsatisfactory, set to OFF. The VOR system may miss the beginning of sound as it starts recording only after detecting sound. For important recordings, set [VOR] to OFF.

To prevent a tape from being accidentally recorded over:

Break off and remove the cassette tabs. To reuse the tape for recording, cover the tab hole with adhesive tape.

Recording from Various Sound Sources (TCM-200DV only)

Recording with an External Microphone

Connect a microphone to the [MIC] jack (a tactile dot is beside the jack). Use a low impedance microphone (less than 3 kΩ), such as the ECM-115 (not supplied). The unit supplies power to plug-in-power microphones.

Note: VOR may not work properly with external microphones due to sensitivity differences.

Recording from Another Equipment

Connect other equipment to the [MIC] jack using the RK-G64HG connecting cord (not supplied).

Playing a Tape

Figure D:

1. Insert a cassette with the side to be played facing the cassette holder.
2. For TCM-200DV only: Set [REC TIME/PLAY MODE] to the same position used for recording. For commercially available music tapes, select NORMAL.
3. Press the [PLAY] button and adjust the volume. The [PLAY] button and the [VOL] control have tactile dots for orientation.
4. For TCM-200DV only: Adjust tape playback speed using the [SPEED CONTROL] switch: SLOW (slower speed), Center (normal speed), or FAST (faster speed).

Playback stops automatically at the end of the tape. Connecting headphones to the [EAR] jack provides monaural output from both channels.

Controls during Playback:

• Stop playback/stop fast forward or rewind: Press [STOP].
• Pause playback: Press [PAUSE]. To release pause, release [PAUSE]. (The [PAUSE] function is also automatically released when [STOP] is pressed.)
• Search forward (CUE): Press and hold [FF/CUE] and release at the desired point.
• Search backward (REVIEW): Press and hold [REW/REVIEW] and release at the desired point.
• Fast forward: Use [FF/CUE] during stop.
• Rewind: Use [REW/REVIEW] during stop.
• Start recording during playback: Press [REC].
• Eject cassette: Press [STOP] and open the cassette compartment lid.

Note on REVIEW: Playback may not start automatically after releasing [REW/REVIEW] at the tape end. Press [STOP], then [PLAY] to resume.

Caution: If the unit is left after fast winding or rewinding, batteries will drain rapidly. Always press [STOP].

Additional Information

Precautions

On power:

• Operate only on 3V DC. Use the recommended AC power adaptor for AC operation or two R6 (size AA) batteries for battery operation.

On the unit:

• Do not place near heat sources, direct sunlight, excessive dust, or subject to mechanical shock.
• If liquid or solid objects enter the unit, remove power sources and have it checked by qualified personnel before further operation.
• Keep credit cards (magnetic coding) and watches away from the speaker magnet to prevent damage.
• If the unit has been unused for a long time, play it for a few minutes before inserting a tape.

On tapes longer than 90 minutes:

Tapes longer than 90 minutes are thin and prone to stretching, which can cause unit malfunction or sound deterioration. Their use is not recommended except for long continuous recordings or playback.

For questions or problems, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Maintenance

Figure E:

To clean the tape heads and path:

Press [REC] while pushing the lever in the tape compartment. Wipe the heads, pinch roller, and capstan with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol after every 10 hours of use.

To clean the exterior:

Use a soft cloth slightly moistened in water. Do not use alcohol, benzine, or thinner.

Troubleshooting

If problems persist after checks, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

• Unit does not operate: Batteries inserted incorrectly, batteries weak, [PAUSE] engaged, AC adaptor not firmly connected, or AC adaptor plugged in (preventing battery use, except for specific models/regions).
• Cannot press [REC]: Tape tab removed.
• Recording cannot be made: Incorrect connection, or [VOR] set improperly (TCM-200DV only).
• Recording is interrupted: [VOR] set to H or L. Set to OFF if not using VOR (TCM-200DV only).
• Recording cannot be erased completely: Erase head contaminated, or using High-position (TYPE II) or metal (TYPE IV) tape.
• Cannot play tape: Tape reached end; rewind the tape.
• No sound from speaker: Earphone plugged in, or volume turned down completely.
• Sound drops out or has excessive noise: Volume turned down, batteries weak, unit too close to radiowave-emitting devices (e.g., cellular phones), heads need cleaning, or tape magnetized by speaker. Using High-position (TYPE II) or metal (TYPE IV) tape can also cause issues.
• Tape speed too fast or too slow in Playback: Improper [REC TIME/PLAY MODE] setting (TCM-200DV only), [SPEED CONTROL] not centered (TCM-200DV only), or batteries are weak.

Specifications

• Recording system: 2-track 1 channel monaural
• Tape speed: 4.8 cm/s or 2.4 cm/s
• Frequency range: 250 - 6,300 Hz using normal (TYPE I) cassette (with [REC TIME/PLAY MODE] switch at "NORMAL") (TCM-200DV only)
• Speaker: Approx. 5.0 cm (2 in.) dia.
• Power output: TCM-200DV: 350 mW (at 10% harmonic distortion); TCM-150: 250 mW (at 10% harmonic distortion)
• Input (TCM-200DV only): Microphone input jack (minijack), sensitivity 0.2 mV for 3 kΩ or lower impedance microphone
• Output: Earphone jack (minijack) for 8 - 300 Ω earphone
• Variable range of tape speed: Approx. +30% to –15% (with [REC TIME/PLAY MODE] switch at "NORMAL") (TCM-200DV only)
• Power requirements: 3 V DC batteries R6 (AA) x 2; External DC 3 V power sources (except TCM-150 for USA/Canada/Europe)
• Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 86.9 × 116.3 × 36.5 mm (3 1/2 × 4 5/8 × 1 7/16 in.)
• Mass (main unit only): TCM-200DV: Approx. 171 g (6.1 oz.); TCM-150: Approx. 169 g (6.0 oz.)
• Supplied accessories: Cassette tape C-90 (1) (TCM-150 for Canada only); Sony alkaline battery (2) (TCM-150 for Canada only)

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Compliance Information

This device is a home appliance (Class B) and is intended for use primarily in the home. It can be used in all regions.