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Cat. No. 14-1167
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
Micro-39
Microcassette Recorder
with VOX
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Cue/Review
— lets you hear a recording as
you fast-forward or rewind a tape so you can
quickly locate a specific passage on the tape.
Built-In Microphone and Speaker
— let you
record and play back notes anywhere.
External Microphone Jack
— lets you use an
external, wide range microphone.
Fast Play
— lets you play a tape about 30%
faster than normal so you can hear the entire
tape quickly or reach certain passages faster.
Automatic Level Control (ALC) Circuit
— au-
tomatically sets the recording level.
AC Bias Circuit
— ensures a high signal-to-
noise ratio with low distortion.
Three Power Options
— you can power the
recorder from standard AC power using an op-
tional AC adapter, two AA batteries (not sup-
plied), or a vehicle’s battery using an optional
DC adapter.
We recommend you write your recorder’s serial
number here. The number is inside the battery
compartment.
Serial Number: _______________________
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CONTENTS
Preparation .................................................. 5
Connecting Power .................................. 5
Using Batteries ................................... 5
Using AC Power ................................. 7
Using Vehicle Power .......................... 8
Connecting an Earphone ..................... 10
Listening Safely ................................ 11
Traffic Safety ..................................... 12
Connecting an
External Microphone ............................ 12
Operation ................................................... 13
Loading a Microcassette Tape ............. 13
Recording ............................................. 14
Voice Activated (VOX) Recording ..... 14
Manual Recording ............................. 17
Playing a Tape ..................................... 18
Using Fast Play.................................. 19
Rewinding/Fast-Forwarding .............. 19
Quick Review ....................................... 20
Using the Tape Counter ....................... 21
TAPE TIPS .................................................. 22
Storing Cassette Tapes ........................ 22
Restoring Tape Tension
and Sound Quality ............................... 22
Erasing Tapes ...................................... 23
Preventing Accidental Erasure ............. 23
Care ............................................................ 25
Cleaning the Tape Handling Parts ........ 25
Specifications ............................................ 28
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PREPARATION
CONNECTING POWER
Using Batteries
You can power your Micro-39 with two AA bat-
teries (not supplied) or rechargeable AA Ni-Cd
batteries (not supplied). For the best perfor-
mance and longest life, we recommend Ra-
dioShack alkaline batteries. (Both Ni-Cd
batteries and the correct battery charger are
available at your local RadioShack store.)
Warning:
Dispose of old batteries promptly; do
not bury or burn them.
Cautions
:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required
size and recommended type.
• Never leave dead or weak batteries in the
Micro-39. Batteries can leak chemicals that
can destroy electronic circuits.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different
types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or
rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of
different capacities.
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1. Slide the battery compartment cover in the
direction of the arrow.
2. Insert the batteries into the compartment
as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and
–) marked inside.
3. Replace the cover.
If RECORD/BATT lights dimly during recording,
or it does not light at all, replace the batteries.
Note:
If you do not plan to use the Micro-39 for
several days, or if you plan to use only AC or
vehicle battery power, remove the batteries.
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Using AC Power
You can power the Micro-39 using an 3V, 300-
®
mA AC adapter and a size H Adaptaplug (nei-
ther supplied). Both are available at your local
RadioShack store.
Cautions:
You must use a Class 2 power
source that supplies 3V DC and
delivers at least 300 mA. Its cen-
ter tip must be set to negative and its plug
!
DC 3V
must fit the Micro-39's
jack. Using
an adapter that does not meet these speci-
fications could damage the Micro-39 or the
adapter.
• Always connect the AC adapter to the
Micro-39 before you connect it to AC
power. When you finish, disconnect the
adapter from AC power before you discon-
nect it from the Micro-39.
Follow these steps to power the Micro-39 from
standard AC power.
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1. Set the AC adapter's voltage switch to 3V if
it is equipped with a voltage selection
switch.
2. Insert the AC adapter’s Adaptaplug into the
AC adapter's cord so it reads TIP–.
DC 3V
3. Insert the adapter’s barrel plug into
on the recorder.
Note:
Inserting the barrel plug into the
DC 3V
Micro-39's
jack disconnects the
internal batteries.
4. Plug the adapter’s other end into a stan-
dard AC outlet.
Using Vehicle Battery Power
You can power the Micro-39 from a vehicle’s
12V power source (such as cigarette-lighter
socket) using a 3V, 300-mA DC adapter and a
size H Adaptaplug (neither supplied). Both are
available at your local RadioShack store.
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Cautions:
You must use a power source that
supplies 3V DC and delivers at
least 300 mA. Its center tip must
be set to negative and its plug must fit the
!
DC 3V
Micro-39's
jack. Using an adapter
that does not meet these specifications
could damage the Micro-39 or the adapter.
• Always connect the DC adapter to the Mi-
cro-39 before you connect it to the power
source. When you finish, disconnect the
adapter from the power source before you
disconnect it from the Micro-39.
Follow these steps to power the Micro-39 from
your vehicle's battery.
1. Set the DC adapter's voltage switch to 3V.
2. Insert the AC adapter’s Adaptaplug into the
adapter's cord so it reads TIP–.
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DC
3. Insert the barrel plug into the Micro-39's
3V
jack.
Note:
Inserting the barrel plug into the
DC 3V
Micro-39's
jack disconnects the
internal batteries.
4. Plug the other end of the DC adapter into
the vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket.
CONNECTING AN EARPHONE
You can use an optional mono earphone with a
1/8-inch (3.5-mm) plug to listen privately to the
Micro-39.
Notes:
• You can also use an earphone to monitor
what the recorder picks up through the
internal or an external microphone.
• While you can connect stereo earphones,
they produce sound only from the left ear-
piece.
• Your local RadioShack store carries a wide
selection of earphones.
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Insert the earphone's plug into the recorder's
EAR
jack. The internal speaker automatically
.
disconnects
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines
when you use an earphone.
• Set the volume to the lowest setting before
you begin listening. After you begin listen-
ing, adjust the volume to a comfortable lis-
tening level.
• Do not listen at extremely high volume lev-
els. Extended high-volume listening can
lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Once you set the volume, do not increase
it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume
level, so a volume level that does not
cause discomfort might still damage your
hearing.
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Traffic Safety
• Do not wear an earphone while operating a
motor vehicle or riding a bicycle. This can
create a traffic hazard and could be illegal
in some areas.
• Even though some earphones let you hear
outside sounds when listening at normal
volume levels, they still can present a traf-
fic hazard.
CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL
MICROPHONE
You can use an optional microphone with an
1
8
/ -inch (3.5-mm) plug to extend the recording
range. Your local RadioShack store carries a
wide selection of microphones.
Insert the microphone’s plug into the recorder’s
MIC
jack. The built-in microphone automatically
disconnects.
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OPERATION
LOADING A MICROCASSETTE
TAPE
Note:
We recommend MC-60 microcassette
tapes for up to 2 hours of recording/playback
time, or MC-90 microcassette tapes for up to 3
hours of recording/playback time. We do not
recommend long-playing microcassette tapes
such as MC-120s, because they are extremely
thin and can easily tangle in the playback
mechanism.
1. Use a pencil to turn the cassette's hub and
remove any tape slack. Avoid touching the
tape.
STOP/EJECT.
2. Press
The cassette compart-
ment door opens.
3. Insert the microcassette into the door's
guides with the tape’s open edge facing
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out and the full reel positioned toward the
top of the recorder.
4. Close the door.
RECORDING
Cautions:
• Do not change the tape speed while
recording.
RECORD
• Do not force down
when a cas-
sette erase-protection tab is not in place
(see “Preventing Accidental Erasure” on
Page 23).
Voice Activated (VOX) Recording
Follow these steps to have the recorder start
and stop recording automatically based on
sound it detects.
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VOX
ON
.
1. Set
to
2. Load a tape.
TAPE SPEED
3. Set
on the side of the
recorder as follows:
• To double the tape’s recording/playback
TAPE SPEED
1.2
to . This setting
time, set
allows 120 minutes of total recording/
playback time on an MC-60 tape, or 180
minutes on an MC-90 tape.
TAPE
• For better sound quality, set
SPEED
2.4
. This setting allows 60
to
minutes of total recording/playback time
on an MC-60 tape, or 90 minutes on an
MC-90 tape.
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RECORD
4. Press
to begin recording. Both
PLAY
lock down, and the
RECORD
and
RECORD/BATTERY indicator (to the right
of the tape counter) lights.
Notes
:
VOLUME/VOX SENS
• The
setting deter-
mines the sound level that activates the
VOX circuit and starts recording when
the recorder picks up sound. At higher
settings, a softer sound starts VOX
recording. At lower settings, a louder
sound starts VOX recording.
• The built-in automatic level control
(ALC) automatically sets the recording
level once recording starts.
• When you use the VOX feature, record-
ing begins when the recorder picks up
sound and stops a few seconds after the
sound stops.
5. For maximum clarity, place the recorder as
close to the sound source as possible, with
nothing between the source and the
recorder that might block the sound.
PAUSE
6. To temporarily stop recording, slide
ON
PAUSE
to
. To resume recording, slide
to
OFF
.
7. Recording stops when the tape reaches
STOP/EJECT
the end of the cassette. Press
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to release the controls. To stop it sooner,
STOP/EJECT
press
.
Manual Recording
VOX
OFF
1. Set
to
.
2. Load a tape.
TAPE SPEED
1.2
to double the
3. Set
to
2.4
recording time, or to
quality.
for better sound
RECORD PLAY
also locks down).
4. Press
(
Recording starts and the built in automatic
level control sets the recording level.
5. Recording automatically stops when the
tape reaches its end. To stop recording
STOP/EJECT.
sooner, press
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PLAYING A TAPE
1. Load the microcassette tape.
TAPE SPEED
2. Set
to the speed used when
the tape was recorded.
PLAY
3. Press
to begin play.
VOLUME/VOX SENS
4. Adjust
to a comfortable
listening level.
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5. The tape automatically stops when it
STOP/EJECT
reaches the end. Press
stop playback sooner.
to
Using Fast Play
To play a tape about 30% faster than the nor-
FAST PLAY
ON
.
mal playback speed, move
to
FAST
To resume normal speed playback, move
PLAY
OFF
.
to
Rewinding/Fast-Forwarding
STOP/
To rewind or fast forward a tape, press
EJECT
REV/REW CUE/FAST-F to REV/
then slide
REW
CUE/FAST-F
to
to rewind a tape, or set it to
fast-forward a tape.
Caution:
To release the controls and protect
STOP/EJECT
the tape-handling parts, press
or
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REV/REW CUE/FAST-F
slide
to the center posi-
tion when the tape reaches the end.
To hear the tape play at a faster speed as it
REV/REW CUE/
fast-forwards or rewinds, slide
FAST-F
REV/REW
CUE/FAST-F
or during play-
to
back. When you release the switch, normal
playback resumes.
QUICK REVIEW
REV/REW CUE/FAST-F
During recording, slide
to
REV/REW
to hear a portion of what you have
STOP/EJECT
just recorded without first pressing
PLAY
REV/
. To stop the quick review, slide
and
REW CUE/FAST-F
to its center position. To re-
STOP/EJECT
sume recording, press
then
RECORD
.
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USING THE TAPE COUNTER
You can use the tape counter to note different
locations on your tape during recording or play-
back.
0
0 0
Before playing or recording a tape, rewind the
tape completely and press the counter’s reset
.
button to set the counter to 000 As the tape
moves, the counter advances.
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TAPE TIPS
STORING CASSETTE TAPES
Do not expose microcassette tapes to high tem-
peratures, high humidity, dust or dirt, or motors,
transformers, or other sources of strong mag-
netic fields.
RESTORING TAPE TENSION
AND SOUND QUALITY
After you play a microcassette tape several
times, the tape might become tightly wound on
the reels. This can cause playback sound quali-
ty to deteriorate.
To restore the sound quality, fast-forward the
tape from the beginning to the end of one side,
then completely rewind it. Then loosen the tape
reels by gently tapping each side of the cas-
sette’s outer shell on a flat surface.
Caution:
Be careful not to damage the micro-
cassette when tapping it. Do not touch the ex-
posed tape or allow any sharp objects near the
cassette.
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ERASING TAPES
To record over a microcassette tape, simply
record as usual. The tape recorder records over
the previous recording.
You can quickly erase both sides of a cassette
tape using a RadioShack bulk tape eraser.
PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL
ERASURE
Microcassette tapes have two erase-protection
tabs — one for each side. When a tab is in
place, you can record on that side.
To prevent accidental erasure of a tape re-
cording, use a screwdriver to remove one or
both of the cassette tape’s erase protection
RECORD
tabs. This prevents
pressed.
from being
Side A Tab
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If you later decide to record on a tape side after
you have removed the erase-protection tab,
place a piece of strong plastic tape over that
side’s erase-protection hole. Be sure you cover
only the hole originally covered by the erase-
protection tab.
Caution:
Removing the erase-protection tabs
does not prevent a bulk eraser from erasing a
microcassette tape.
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CARE
To enjoy your Optimus Micro-39 Microcassette
Recorder for a long time:
• Keep the recorder dry. If it gets wet, wipe it
dry immediately.
• Handle the recorder gently and carefully.
Don’t drop it.
• Use and store the recorder only in normal
temperature environments.
• Keep the recorder away from dust and dirt.
• Wipe the recorder with a damp cloth occa-
sionally to keep it looking new.
Modifying or tampering with the recorder's inter-
nal components can cause a malfunction and
might invalidate the recorder's warranty. If your
recorder is not operating as it should, take it to
your local RadioShack store for assistance.
CLEANING THE TAPE
HANDLING PARTS
Dirt, dust or particles of the tape's coating can
accumulate on the tape heads and other parts
that the tape touches. This can greatly reduce
the performance of the Micro-39. After every 20
hours of tape player operation, follow these
steps to clean the tape-handling parts or use a
RadioShack microcassette deck cleaning kit.
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1. Remove the batteries and disconnect any
other power source.
2. Open the cassette compartment door and
PLAY
press
parts.
to expose the tape-handling
3. Use a cotton swab dipped in tape head
cleaning solution or denatured alcohol to
gently clean the record/playback head,
pinch roller, capstan, and tape guides.
Swab
Tape Guide
Capstan
Pinch Roller
Record/Playback Head
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STOP/EJECT
4. Press
to release the tape-
handling parts. Then close the cassette
compartment cover and reconnect power.
Note:
For easier cleaning, you can use a micro-
cassette cleaner kit, which includes a special
cleaning cassette. Your local RadioShack store
carries a full line of cassette recorder cleaning
supplies.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Tape System ................ 2 Track, Microcassette
15
16
Tape Speed ............ 2.4 cm/sec. ( / ips) and
15
32
1.2 cm/sec. ( / ips)
Recording Time (with MC-60 Microcassette)
2.4 cm/sec ....................... 30 min. per side
1.2 cm/sec ....................... 60 min. per side
Power Output (Max.)....... 270 mW into 8 Ohms
Current Consumption ........ 150 mA (no signal)
Frequency Response ................ 315–4,000 Hz
at 2.4 cm/sec. +4 dB, –14 dB
Power Sources
Internal Batteries .................... 3 Volts DC,
Two AA Batteries
AC Power .............. 120V with AC Adapter
Vehicle Battery ........ 12V with DC Adapter
Typical Battery Life
(with Alkaline Batteries) ......................18 Hours
7
1
16
8
Dimensions (HWD) ............... 5 / × 2 / × 1 In.
(128.6 × 65.6 × 25.4 mm)
Weight (without batteries)...........5.6 oz. (160 g)
Specifications are typical; individual units might
vary. Specifications are subject to change and
improvement without notice.
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NOTES
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Limited Ninety-Day Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufac-
turing defects in material and workmanship under normal use
for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from Ra-
dioShack company-owned stores and authorized Ra-
dioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED
HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRAN-
TIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO
THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRAN-
TIES CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED
HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RE-
SPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON
OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR
DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE
OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING
OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM
INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY,
REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, IN-
CIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF
RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an im-
plied warranty lasts or the exclusion of incidental or conse-
quential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may
not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period,
take the product and the RadioShack sales receipt as proof
of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will,
at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the
defect by product repair without charge for parts and labor;
(b) replace the product with one of the same or similar de-
sign; or (c) refund the purchase price. All replaced parts and
products, and products on which a refund is made, become
the property of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and
products may be used in the performance of warranty ser-
vice. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted
for the remainder of the original warranty period. You will be
charged for repair or replacement of the product made after
the expiration of the warranty period.
(Continued)
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(Continued)
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused
by or attributable to acts of God, abuse, accident, misuse, im-
proper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, im-
proper installation or maintenance, alteration, lightning or
other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs
other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Ser-
vice Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d)
cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance
costs; or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-up ser-
vice adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations,
200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
04/99
RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
C2141-920-0-01
Printed in China
07A99
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