Olympus VN-900/VN-1800/VN-3600 Digital Voice Recorder Instructions

Main Features

• The VN-900/1800/3600 offers three recording modes: HQ (High Quality), SP (Standard Playback), and LP (Long Playback).
• The Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) conserves memory by pausing recording during silence.
• Four folders (A, B, C, and S) are available, each capable of storing up to 100 recorded messages.
• Features a Jogdial and LCD for easy operation.

Identification of Parts

The recorder has the following parts:

• 1 Earphone jack (EAR): For connecting earphones.
• 2 Display (LCD panel): Shows information like time, date, recording status, etc.
• 3 Clip: For attaching the recorder to clothing or other surfaces.
• 4 DISPLAY button: Cycles through display information (time, remaining recording time, date).
• 5 Jogdial: Used for navigating menus and selecting files.
• 6 ERASE button: Used to delete files.
• 7 Built-in speaker: For audio playback without earphones.
• 8 Microphone: For recording audio.
• 9 Microphone jack (MIC): For connecting an external microphone.
• 0 Recording/playing lamp: Indicates recording or playback status (red for recording, green for playback on VN-1800/3600).
• ! REC (Record) button: Starts recording.
• @ MENU/FOLDER button: Accesses menus and switches between folders.
• # VOLUME control: Adjusts playback volume.
• $ Battery cover: Houses the batteries.
• % Hold switch: Locks all buttons to prevent accidental operation.
• ^ Strap holes: For attaching a strap (not included).

Replacing Batteries

When the battery indicator shows low battery [battery-low-symbol], replace the batteries. Use two AAA alkaline batteries. It is recommended to set the HOLD switch to HOLD before replacing batteries to preserve settings.

Inserting Batteries

1. Slide the battery cover open by pressing down on the arrow.
2. Insert two AAA batteries, observing correct polarity.
3. Close the battery cover securely.
4. The Time/Date screen will appear, with the hour indicator flashing, initiating the setup process.

Setting Time/Date (TIME)

Setting the time and date allows for proper file management and scheduling functions. The hour indicator flashes when batteries are first installed or replaced.

1. Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second or longer.
2. Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “TIME” flashes.
3. Press the PLAY button. The hour indicator flashes.
4. Use the 9/+ or 0/– button to set the hour, then press PLAY.
5. Repeat step 4 for minutes, year, month, and day.
6. Press the STOP button to complete the setup.

Notes:

• The time indication can be switched between 12-hour and 24-hour formats by pressing the DISPLAY button during hour/minute setting.
• The date indication order can be changed by pressing the DISPLAY button during year/month/day setting.
• Pressing the DISPLAY button while the recorder is stopped cycles through Time → Remaining recording time → Date → Time.
• If no button is pressed for 3 minutes during setup, the mode cancels. Pressing STOP during setup also cancels it.

Notes on the Folders

The recorder has four folders: A, B, C, and S.

• Folders A, B, and C: Used for general file storage. Files are stored sequentially.
• Folder S: Contains date subfolders (January 1 to December 31). Each subfolder can store up to 15 files, useful for schedule management. Up to 100 files can be stored in folder S.

To switch folders, press the MENU/FOLDER button while the recorder is stopped. The display cycles through A → B → C → S → A.

To switch between date subfolders in Folder S, select Folder S, then press the 9/+ or 0/– button while the recorder is stopped.

Recording (REC)

1. Press the MENU/FOLDER button to select the desired folder (A, B, C, or S). If Folder S is selected, choose the current date subfolder using the 9/+ or 0/– button.
2. Set the recording mode (HQ, SP, or LP).
3. Set the microphone sensitivity (LO or HI).
4. Press the REC button to start recording. The recording lamp lights up.
5. To stop recording, press the STOP button.

Notes:

• Place a soft item between the recorder and a hard surface to minimize table vibrations during recording.
• The recording lamp turns red during recording.
• Pressing the DISPLAY button during recording switches between current recording time and remaining recording time.
• When remaining recording time is 5 minutes or less, the display automatically shows remaining time.
• If “FULL” appears, the selected folder is full. Erase unnecessary files.

To Pause Recording

Press the REC button during recording. “PAUSE” appears, and the recording lamp flashes. Press REC again to resume.

Note: The recorder enters Stop mode if left paused for 10 minutes.

To check the remaining recording time

Press the DISPLAY button while the recorder is stopped.

To check the total number of files recorded in the folder

Press and hold the STOP button while the recorder is stopped.

Playing Back (PLAY)

1. Press the MENU/FOLDER button to select the desired folder (A, B, C, or S). If Folder S is selected, choose the desired date subfolder.
2. Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select the file to play back.
3. Press the PLAY button to start playback. The playing time appears.
4. Use the VOLUME control to adjust the volume. The playback lamp turns green (VN-1800/3600 only).

Notes:

• Pressing the DISPLAY button during playback cycles through Playing time → Remaining playing time → Recording date → Recording time.
• When playing back from Folder S without selecting a specific file, all files in the date subfolder play sequentially.

Canceling Playback

Press the STOP button to stop playback. Press the PLAY button again to resume from the point of interruption.

Locating the beginning of the file

In Stop, playback, or fast playback mode, press the 9/+ or 0/– button to locate the beginning of the next or previous file. When Folder S is selected, this is not possible in Stop mode.

Notes:

• Pressing and holding the 9/+ or 0/– button in Stop mode (for Folders A, B, C) continuously skips to the beginning of files. “SKIP” flashes on the display.

Erasing Files

Erasing One File at a Time (Folders A, B, C)

1. Select the folder (A, B, or C).
2. Select the file to be erased.
3. Press the ERASE button. “ERASE” and “YES” appear alternately.
4. Press the ERASE button again to confirm. The file is erased.

Note: Erase mode cancels if no button is pressed for 8 seconds.

Erase All Files from a Folder (A, B, C)

1. Select the folder.
2. Press and hold the ERASE button for 2 seconds. “ALL” flashes, then “ERASE” and “YES” appear alternately.
3. Press the ERASE button again to confirm. All files in the folder are erased.

Note: Erase mode cancels if no button is pressed for 8 seconds.

Erasing One File at a Time (Folder S)

1. Select Folder S.
2. Select the date subfolder.
3. Press the PLAY button to start playback of all files in the subfolder.
4. During playback, select the file to be erased using the 9/+ or 0/– button.
5. Press the STOP button.
6. Press the ERASE button. “ERASE” and “YES” appear alternately.
7. Press the ERASE button again to confirm. The file is erased.

Note: Erase mode cancels if no button is pressed for 8 seconds.

Erase All Files in a Date Subfolder (Folder S)

1. Select Folder S.
2. Select the date subfolder to be erased.
3. Press and hold the ERASE button for 2 seconds. The date and “YES” appear alternately.
4. Press the ERASE button again to confirm. All files in the subfolder are erased.

Note: Erase mode cancels if no button is pressed for 8 seconds.

Erase All Files in the S Folder

1. Select Folder S.
2. Press and hold the ERASE button for 4 seconds. “S” and “ALL” flash, then “ERASE” and “YES” appear alternately.
3. Press the ERASE button again to confirm. All files in Folder S are erased.

Note: Erase mode cancels if no button is pressed for 8 seconds.

Moving Files Between Folders (MOVE)

Files from folders A, B, and C can be moved to other folders. The moved file is added to the end of the destination folder.

1. Select the file to transfer and press PLAY.
2. While the file is playing, press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second. “MOVE” flashes.
3. Use the 9/+ or 0/– button to choose a destination folder.
4. Press the PLAY button. The destination folder and new file number appear.

Notes:

• Files cannot be moved between Folder S and other folders.
• If the destination folder is full (100 files), “FULL” appears, and the move fails.

Microphone Sensitivity (MIC)

Adjust microphone sensitivity for optimal recording.

1. Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second.
2. Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “MIC” flashes.
3. Press the PLAY button.
4. Select “LO” (low-sensitivity, for dictation) or “HI” (high-sensitivity, records in all directions) using the 9/+ or 0/– button.
5. Press the STOP button to close the menu.

Notes:

• Make a test recording to select the appropriate sensitivity.
• Using “HI” sensitivity is recommended with HQ or SP recording modes. High sensitivity may pick up more background noise.

Recording Modes (MODE)

Choose from HQ (High Quality), SP (Standard Playback), and LP (Long Playback) modes.

1. Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second.
2. Press the PLAY button.
3. Select the desired recording mode using the 9/+ or 0/– button.
4. Press the STOP button to close the menu.

Note: HQ or SP modes are recommended for difficult acoustic conditions or quiet voices. An external microphone can also improve recording quality.

Using the Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA)

The VCVA automatically starts recording when sound reaches a preset volume and pauses during silence, conserving memory and making playback efficient.

1. Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second.
2. Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “VCVA” flashes.
3. Press the PLAY button.
4. Select “On” or “OFF” using the 9/+ or 0/– button.
5. Press the STOP button to close the menu.
6. Press the REC button to start recording.

Notes:

• When VCVA is on, recording starts automatically when sound is detected and pauses after 1 second of silence, entering Standby mode. The recording lamp flashes and “VCVA” flashes on the display.

Alarm Playback Function (ALARM)

Set a specific file to play at a preset time. Up to 20 alarms can be set.

1. Choose the file to be played by the alarm.
2. Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second.
3. Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “ALARM” flashes.
4. Press the PLAY button. The month indicator flashes.
5. Set the month, date, hour, and minute using the 9/+ or 0/– and PLAY buttons.
6. Press the STOP button to set the alarm.

An alarm will sound at the scheduled time. Press any button (except DISPLAY) to play the associated file. Press STOP to end playback.

Notes:

• The alarm tone stops after 5 minutes if no button is pressed, and the file will not play.
• Alarm playback cancels automatically after completion.
• An alarm cannot be set if no files are recorded in the selected folder.

To cancel an alarm playback

1. Repeat steps 1-4 above.
2. Select the month of the alarm to cancel.
3. Set the date, hour, and minute of the alarm to cancel. “On” flashes.
4. Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select “OFF.”
5. Press the STOP button to close the menu.

Schedule Alarm Playback Function (SALARM)

This function is useful for daily appointments and reminders.

1. Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second.
2. Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “S” and “ALARM” flash.
3. Press the PLAY button.
4. Select “On” using the 9/+ or 0/– button.
5. Press the PLAY button. The hour indicator flashes.
6. Set the hour, then press PLAY. Set the minute and press STOP.

An alarm will sound at the scheduled time. Press any button (except DISPLAY) to play all files recorded on that day. Press STOP to end playback.

Notes:

• The alarm tone stops after 5 minutes if no button is pressed, and files will not play.
• Schedule alarm playback occurs daily unless set to OFF.
• Beeps will sound even if no files are recorded for the day.

To cancel schedule alarm playback

1. Repeat steps 1-3 above. “On” flashes.
2. Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select “OFF.”
3. Press the STOP button to close the menu.

Settings

Access settings by pressing and holding the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second while the recorder is stopped.

Use the 9/+ or 0/– button to select settings:

• Recording mode (HQ, SP, LP)
• Microphone mode (HI, LO)
• VCVA (On/OFF)
• Alarm playback (On/OFF)
• Scheduled Alarm (On/OFF)
• System sounds (On/OFF)
• Time/Date (hour, minute, year, month, day)

Press the STOP button to close the menu.

System Sounds (BEEP)

Disable system beeps as follows:

1. Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second.
2. Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “BEEP” flashes.
3. Press the PLAY button.
4. Select “On” or “OFF” using the 9/+ or 0/– button.
5. Press the STOP button to close the menu.

Note: Alarm functions will still sound even if system sounds are disabled.

Hold

Set the HOLD switch to the HOLD position to disable all buttons. This prevents accidental operation. Remember to reset the switch before use.

Notes:

• Alarms will sound and playback will begin after pressing any button, even when HOLD is active.
• When HOLD is active, the display darkens during recording or after file playback. Volume can still be adjusted.

Clip

The clip can be used to attach the recorder. Do not force the clip wider than its intended range.

Troubleshooting

• Q1: Nothing happens when a button is pressed.
  A1: Check if the HOLD switch is set to HOLD. Ensure batteries are correctly inserted and charged.
• Q2: No sound or quiet sound from speaker.
  A2: Check if earphones are plugged in. Ensure the volume is not set to minimum.
• Q3: Recording is not possible.
  A3: Check remaining recording time. Ensure the folder is not full (100 files). For Folder S, ensure the date subfolder does not exceed 15 files.
• Q4: Playback speed is too fast.
  A4: The recorder may be set to Fast Playback.
• Q5: Remaining recording time seems too short.
  A5: Files may be stored in Folder S. Check total recordings in Folder S by holding the STOP button.
• Q6: Cannot move files.
  A6: The destination folder may be full (100 files). Ensure you are not trying to move files to or from Folder S.

Specifications

• Recording medium: Built-in flash memory
• Recording time: Varies by model (VN-900: 8MB, VN-1800: 16MB, VN-3600: 32MB) and mode (HQ, SP, LP).
• Speaker: Built-in ø 28 mm dynamic speaker, 120 mW maximum power.
• Earphone jack: ø 3.5 mm, 8 Ω impedance.
• Microphone jack: ø 3.5 mm, 2 kΩ impedance.
• Power supply: Two AAA batteries or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.
• Continuous battery use time: Approx. 33 hours (alkaline batteries, continuous recording).
• Dimensions: 96 (L) × 39 (W) × 21.5 (T) mm
• Weight: 60 g (including batteries)

Notes: Battery life may vary. Recorded content is for personal use only. Copyright laws apply. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Accessories (Optional)

• Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery Charger: BU-400
• Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery: BR401
• Connecting cord (Earphone jack ↔ Microphone jack): KA232*
• Connecting cord (Mini miniplug → Miniplug): PA3
• Noise-Cancellation microphone: ME12
• Electret condenser microphone: ME10
• Headset: E99
• Telephone pickup: TP6

*Accessories marked with * require the PA3 plug adapter.

For Safe And Correct Usage

Read this manual carefully for safe and correct operation. Keep it for future reference. Warning symbols indicate important safety information. Heed all warnings and information to prevent injury or property damage.

General Precautions

• Avoid hot, humid, dusty, or wet locations.
• Do not use organic solvents for cleaning.
• Do not place near electrical appliances like TVs or refrigerators.
• Avoid sand, dirt, strong vibrations, or shocks.
• Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the unit yourself.
• Do not operate while driving or cycling.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Batteries Warning

• Do not expose batteries to flame, heat, short-circuit, or disassemble them.
• Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
• Do not use batteries with torn or cracked covers.
• Keep batteries out of reach of children.
• If you notice any abnormality (noise, heat, smoke, burning odor), remove batteries immediately and contact a dealer or Olympus representative.

Resetting the Recorder (CLEAR)

This function resets the time and other settings to their initial status. It can also erase all memory.

1. Hold the STOP button and the ERASE button for 2 seconds. “CLEAR” and “YES” appear alternately.
2. Press the ERASE button again to confirm. All files and settings are erased, and the recorder resets to default.

Note: Clear mode cancels if no button is pressed for 8 seconds.

Recording (REC)

To Pause Recording: Press the REC button during recording. “PAUSE” appears, and the recording lamp flashes. Press REC again to resume.

To check the remaining recording time: Press the DISPLAY button while the recorder is stopped.

To check the total number of files recorded in the folder: Press and hold the STOP button while the recorder is stopped.

Playback Functions

• Fast Playback (F-PLAY): Press and hold the PLAY button for 1 second in Stop mode or while playing. To cancel, press PLAY again to resume normal playback.
• Fast Forward (8): Press and hold the 9 button while playing. Release to resume normal playback.
• Rewind (7): Press and hold the 0 button while playing. Release to resume normal playback.

European Compliance

The “CE” mark indicates compliance with European requirements for safety, health, environment, and consumer protection.

USA RFI / Canadian RFI

This equipment complies with FCC Rules Class B digital device limits for radio frequency energy. It may cause interference if not installed correctly. For Canadian RFI, this digital apparatus does not exceed Class B limits for radio noise emissions.