SONY TCM-929 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL

Owner's Record

The model number is located at the bottom and the serial number is located inside the battery compartment. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. TCM-929 Serial No.

⚠️ WARNING: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

Welcome!

Thank you for purchasing the Sony TCM-929 Cassette-Corder. Some features are:

• Portable cassette-corder with retractable handle. [Image: Diagram showing the retractable handle of the cassette-corder.]
• Full auto shut-off mechanism releases all the locked buttons automatically at the end of the tape.
• Three-digit tape counter for indexing the tape contents.

Getting Started

Preparing a Power Source

Choose either of the following power sources.

House Current

[Image: Diagram illustrating the connection of the AC power adaptor to the DC IN 6V jack and a wall outlet.] Connect the AC power adaptor to DC IN 6V and to the wall outlet. Use only the supplied AC power adaptor. Do not use any other AC power adaptor.

Polarity of the plug

[Image: Diagram showing the polarity of the DC power plug: center positive (+).]

Note: Unplug the AC power adaptor from the wall outlet when it is not going to be used for an extended period of time. To disconnect the AC power adaptor, pull it out by grasping the AC power adaptor itself. Never pull it by the cord.

Dry Batteries

Make sure that nothing is connected to the DC IN 6V jack.

[Image: Diagram of the battery compartment with four AA battery slots, indicating correct polarity (+ and -).]

1. Open the battery compartment lid.
2. Insert four size AA (R6) batteries (not supplied) with correct polarity and close the lid.

To take out the batteries

[Image: Diagram of the battery compartment with four AA battery slots, indicating correct polarity (+ and -).]

Battery life (Approximate hours)

Notes:

• Do not charge a dry battery.
• Do not use a new battery with an old one.
• Do not use different types of batteries.
• When you do not use the unit for a long time, remove the batteries to avoid any damage caused by battery leakage and subsequent corrosion.
• Dry batteries will not be expended when another power source is connected.

Operating the Unit

Recording

You can record right away with the built-in microphone. Make sure that nothing is connected to the MIC jack.

[Image of the cassette-corder's control panel, highlighting the REC button, TAPE COUNTER and counter reset button, STOP/EJECT button, and PAUSE button.]

1. Press the counter reset button to reset the TAPE COUNTER.
2. Press STOP/EJECT to open the cassette holder.
3. Insert a TYPE I (normal) tape with the side to start recording facing upward, and close the cassette holder.
4. Press REC. PLAY is depressed automatically.

At the end of the tape, recording stops and the unit turns off automatically.

Press the button again to resume recording.

Notes:

• You cannot monitor the recording sound.
• For recording, we recommend the use of TYPE I (normal) tapes only. Do not use TYPE II (CrO2) and TYPE IV (metal) tapes.

Preventing accidental recording over

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

[Image: Diagram illustrating how to break out the cassette tape's protective tab to enable recording, and how to cover the hole with adhesive tape to prevent accidental erasure. Shows Side A and Tab for side A.]

Recording with an External Microphone

MIC (PLUG IN POWER)

[Image: Diagram showing the MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack on the cassette-corder for connecting an external microphone.] Connect a microphone of low impedance (not supplied) to the MIC jack. The built-in microphone is automatically disconnected. When using a plug-in-power system microphone, the power to the microphone is supplied from this unit.

Playing a Tape

[Image of the cassette-corder's control panel, highlighting the FF/CUE, REW/REVIEW, PLAY, STOP/EJECT, PAUSE buttons, and the EAR jack for earphones, with a volume control.]

1. Press STOP/EJECT to open the cassette holder.
2. Insert a TYPE I (normal) tape with the side to start play facing upward, and close the cassette holder.
3. Press PLAY then adjust the volume.

At the end of the tape, playback stops and the unit turns off automatically.

At the end of the tape: All the locked buttons will be automatically released (Full auto shut-off mechanism).

To listen with an earphone

Connect an earphone (not supplied) to the EAR jack of the unit. The built-in speaker will be automatically disconnected.

Troubleshooting

Should any problem persist after you have made these checks, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

You cannot insert a cassette.

• The cassette is inserted incorrectly.
• PLAY is pressed.

You cannot press REC.

• No cassette in the cassette holder.
• The tab on the tape has been removed.

You cannot press PLAY.

• The tape has reached the end. Rewind the tape.

The unit does not operate.

• No batteries in the battery compartment.
• The batteries have been inserted with incorrect polarity.
• The batteries are weak.
• The AC power adaptor is not firmly connected.
• The batteries have been inserted, but simultaneously the AC power adaptor is connected and not to be done to the wall outlet.
• PAUSE is pressed.

No sound comes from the speaker.

• The earphone is plugged in.
• The volume is turned down completely.

The sound drops out or comes with excessive noise.

• The batteries are weak.
• The heads are contaminated. See "Maintenance."

Recording cannot be made.

• Connection is made incorrectly.
• The batteries are weak.
• The record/playback head is contaminated.

Recording cannot be erased completely.

• The erase head is contaminated.
• TYPE II (CrO2) or TYPE IV (metal) tape is used.

Additional Information

Precautions

On power

• Operate the unit only on 6V DC.
• For AC operation, use the AC power adaptor recommended for the unit. Do not use any other type. For battery operation, use four size AA (R6) batteries.
• The nameplate indicating operating voltage, etc., is located on the bottom of the unit.

On the unit

• Do not leave the unit in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical shock.
• Should any solid object or liquid fall into the unit, remove the batteries or disconnect the AC power adaptor, and have the unit checked by qualified personnel before operating it any further.
• Keep personal credit cards using magnetic coding or spring-wound watches etc. away from the unit to prevent possible damage from the magnet used for the speaker.
• If the unit has not been used for a long time, set it in the playback mode and warm it up for a few minutes before inserting a tape.

On tapes longer than 90 minutes

We do not recommend the use of tapes longer than 90 minutes except for a long continuous recording or playback. They are very thin and tend to be stretched easily.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your unit, please consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Maintenance

To clean the tape heads and path

[Image: Diagram showing points to clean on the tape path: Record/playback head, erase head, pinch rollers, and capstans.] Wipe the heads, pinch rollers, and the capstans with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol every 10 hours of use. Before cleaning, press REC while pushing the lever as shown in the illustration. After cleaning, press STOP/EJECT.

To clean the exterior

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

Specifications

Recording system
2-track 1 channel monaural

Frequency range
150–8,000 Hz

Speaker
Approx. 6.6 cm (2⅝ in.) dia.

Power output
400 mW (at 10% harmonic distortion),

Input
Microphone input jack (minijack) sensitivity (0.775 mV for low impedance microphone

Output
Earphone jack (minijack) for 8 – 300 ohms earphone

Power requirements

• Four size AA (R6) batteries (not supplied): 6V DC
• DC IN 6 V jack accepts: Supplied AC power adaptor for use on 120 V AC, 60 Hz

Dimensions (w/h/d) (incl. projecting parts and controls)
Approx. 144 × 60 × 237 mm (5⅝ × 2⅜ × 9⅜ in.)

Mass (not incl. batteries)
Approx. 675 g (23.9 oz.)

Supplied accessories
AC power adaptor (1)

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Limited Warranty

SONY ELECTRONICS INC. ("SONY") warrants this Product (including any accessories) against defects in material or workmanship as follows:

1. LABOR: For a period of 90 days from the date of purchase, if this Product is determined to be defective, Sony will repair the Product at no charge, or pay the labor charges to any SONY authorized service facility. After the Warranty Period, you must pay for all labor charges.
2. PARTS: In addition, SONY will supply, at no charge, new or rebuilt replacements in exchange for defective parts for a period of one (1) year. After 90 days from the date of purchase, labor for removal and installation is available from SONY authorized service facilities or a Sony Service Center at your expense.

To obtain warranty service, you must take the Product, or deliver the Product freight prepaid, in either its original packaging or packaging affording an equal degree of protection, to any authorized SONY service facility.

This warranty does not cover customer instruction, installation, set up adjustments or signal reception problems.

This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of, or to any part of the Product, including the antenna. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper operation or maintenance, connection to improper voltage supply, or attempted repair by anyone other than a facility authorized by Sony to service the Product. This warranty does not cover Products sold AS IS or WITH ALL FAULTS, or consumables (such as fuses or batteries). This warranty is valid only in the United States.

Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice which is evidence that the unit is within the Warranty period must be presented to obtain warranty service.

This warranty is invalid if the factory applied serial number has been altered or removed from the Product.

REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. SONY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. In addition, if you enter into a service contract with the Sony Partnership within 90 days of the date of sale, the limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts does not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

For your convenience, SONY ELECTRONICS INC. has established telephone numbers for frequently asked questions:

• To locate the servicer or dealer nearest you, call: 1-(800)-342-5721
• For service assistance or resolution of a service problem, call: SONY CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTER 1-(800)-282-2848
• For Product information or operation, call: SONY CUSTOMER INFORMATION CENTER (201)-368-9272 or write to: Sony Customer Information Center, One Sony Drive, Park Ridge, New Jersey 07656-8003
• For an accessory or part not available from your authorized dealer, call: 1-(800)-488-SONY (7669)