Recorder Instructions

Viking Recorder Operating Manual (size: 6 or 7 printed pages)

LIMITED WARRANTY

Viking Systems International warrants only to the first purchaser that this product will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from date of purchase. If it is shown to Viking Systems International's satisfaction that the equipment has failed through faulty workmanship or materials, its repair or replacement will be provided free of charge, provided return is made postage prepaid to Viking Systems International. Defects caused by misuse, abuse, accident, modifications, negligence, unauthorized repairs and other causes beyond the control of Viking Systems International are not covered by this warranty. Batteries (including damage caused by faulty or leaking batteries) are not covered by this warranty.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION THEREIN, EITHER AS TO MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. VIKING SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE IS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE EQUIPMENT THAT HAS FAILED THROUGH FAULTY MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP. VIKING SYTEMS INTERNATIONAL ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF GOOD WILL, PRODUCTION OR INCOME, WHICH RESULT FROM USE OR MISUSE OF THE UNIT BY PURCHASE OF OTHERS.

Important Safeguards

When using this equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read and understand all instructions before using equipment
2. Do not operate equipment with a damaged cord, or if the equipment has been dropped or damaged - until it has been examined by a qualified serviceman.
3. If an extension cord is necessary, care should be taken to arrange the cord so that it will not be tripped over or pulled.
4. Always unplug equipment from electrical outlet when not in use. Never pull cord. Grasp plug and pull to disconnect cord.
5. To protect against electrical shock hazard, do not disassemble this equipment. Take it to a qualified serviceman if repairs are required. Using equipment that is not correctly assembled can cause electrical shock hazard.

Save These Instructions!!!

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of insulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove cover or back. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the equipment.


Setting Up Your Player/Recorder
Operating on AC Current This player/recorder may be operated on regular 120 VAC 60 Hz current. The 1.7-meter AC cord fits snugly within the open storage compartment on the bottom of the unit. Plug cord into a properly grounded wall outlet. This automatically disconnects the battery circuit (if batteries are installed). The three-prong plug be used without a two-prong adapter whenever possible. If an adapter is used, be certain the green wire or grounding tab on the adapter is attached to the screw on the wall outlet plate for proper grounding. CAUTION: If it is necessary to use an extension cord, examine it carefully for broken or frayed wire or insulation that could create a shock hazard. Faulty wiring could cause damage to the unit or possible injury to the operator.	Operating from Batteries Installing Batteries: Remove battery compartment cover (located on the bottom of the unit). Insert six "C" batteries in the compartment. Alkaline batteries are recommended for longer life and maximum power output. Carefully follow polarity (+ and -- symbols) as indicated inside the case. After batteries are installed and seated correctly, replace compartment cover. NOTE: Always remove old weak batteries immediately to prevent damage due to leakage. Batteries should be removed if player/recorder is not going to be used for an extended period of time. Once installed, the unit will operate on the batteries unless the AC power cord is plugged into an outlet, at which time it operates from the 120 VAC wall outlet.

The Controls and Their Functions

1. Listening Center
Four 1/4" jacks for group listening

2. Auxiliary Input jack (AUX IN)
This 3.5mm jack allows recording directly from a radio, CD, tape or other audio source.

3. Microphone & Remote Jacks (MIC & REM)
The 3.5mm Mike jack is used to record the signal from a microphone that has been run through a preamplifier.
The 2.5mm Remote jack is a remote start-stop switch.
The pair are used together for some types of recording interfaces.

4. Record Level Light
A red light emitting diode (LED) shows the correct level for recording. If light is off during recording, the volume is too low. If light is on continually, volume is too high. A flickering light indicates volume is adjusted to the correct range.

5. Tape Counter & Reset Button
Provides a method for indexing tape selections and locating parts of tape if desired. Button resets counter to "000”. Conforms to 2X ANSI standards.

6. ALC Switch
Automatic Level Control allows selection of either Automatic Level Control circuit or manual level control circuit for recording.

7. Condenser Microphone
Built to allow convenient hands-free recording. Offers extra sensitivity for group recordings at meetings and conventions

8. Tone Control
This knob controls the tone quality. Turn it toward you to boost the low frequency or away from you to boost the high frequency sound level.

9. Carrying Handle
Pulls out for safe and easy handling. Slides back into unit when not in use.

10. Volume Control
Adjusts sound level of tapes being played, and adjusts record level when recording with ALC (Automatic Level Control) off.

11. Record Key
Switches recorder into record mode when depressed simultaneously with the Play Key. Note: The cassette must have "knock-out" tabs intact to permit the Record Key to be pressed down.

12. Play Key
Turns on the unit and starts tape transport in motion for playing and, when used simultaneously with Record Key for recording.

13. Review Key
Pressing key while tape is playing permits quick backup of tape for reviewing a previously played portion. When other keys are not depressed, this key locks down and rapidly rewinds tape back to the beginning.

14. Cue Key
Pressing this key while the tap is playing permits fast forward movement of the tape to another selection. This key also locks down to fast forward when other keys are not depressed.

15. Stop/Eject Key
This key stops tape movement and returns all keys to up positions to stop all play, record or winding functions. When pressed a second time, the cassette is ejected.

16. Pause Key
When depressed, this key stops the tape transport instantly if Play key or Record and Play keys are down. Push once to stop tape; push again to restart tape.

17. Symbol Keyboard
Provides added assistance to the visually handicapped. Symbols used are those approved by the Library of Congress.

18. Cassette Chamber
Holds tape cassette. Cassette slide into channel rails inside cover for positive positioning. Pop-up cover allows easy loading and unloading.

19. Built-in Speaker
Provides strong amplification with excellent sound reproduction. Is muted automatically when headphone jacks are used.

20. AC Line Cord Storage
Located in bottom of unit; holds 1.7 meter AC cord when unit is being operated on batteries or during transport.

Using Your Player/Recorder

Playing a Recorded Cassette
After setting up your player/recorder by installing batteries or by plugging in the AC power cord, you can play recorded cassettes by following these two easy steps:

1. Open cassette chamber cover by pressing down Stop/Eject key. Insert cassette into channel rail inside chamber cover with exposed edge of tape facing you and full reel to your left.
2. With cassette seated so that the spindles engage the hubs, close cover of chamber and press Play Key to listen to the tape.

Pre-recorded tapes are recorded on both sides. You can also record on both sides of a cassette if the "knock-out" tabs on the cassette are intact.

Your player recorder has a Full Automatic Shut-off feature that turns the unit's power off when all the tape on one side has been played. To hear selections on the other side, just turn the cassette over and reload as explained above. The full reel of the cassette should be on your left when reloading.

Using Tape Counter
The counter provides a means of numerically indexing selections on tape cassettes and allows fast return to specific parts of the tape. To reset counter to "000" when you start a tape, press the Reset button.
The counter conforms to 2X ANSI standards.

The tape counter is helpful when recording and re-recording a tape in segments.

Using Review and Cue Keys
After playing a tape and with the tape stopped, pressing Review key or Cue key will lock the key down for fast rewind or fast-forward, respectively. Pressing Stop key returns Review or Cue key to up position.
For a quick review, back up the tape by pressing the Review key (leaving Play key down) and hold it for the desired time. When Review key is released, unit returns to play mode.
To advance tape to another selection, press Cue key (leaving Play key down) and hold it for the desired time. When the Cue key is released, unit returns to play mode.
When using Review and Cue keys, you soon learn to estimate how long to depress the key to reach the desired tape location.

Using Pause Key
The Pause key is used to instantly stop the tape transport without releasing the Play key. Push this key once to stop tape movement; push it again to restart the tape.
The Pause key is also useful in recording, since it instantly stops the tape.

Recording with Automatic Level Control

This unit is equipped with Automatic Level Control that adjusts the recording level automatically. Combined with the built-in Condenser Microphone, you have the advantage of "hands-free" recording. Move the ALC switch to the "ON" position. Insert a blank tape cassette with the "knock-out" tabs intact and depress the Record and Play keys. The Record Level Light will flicker as you record, which shows you that a signal is being recorded on the tape.

You can also record with Automatic Level Control when using a remote control microphone. Just plug the two-jack microphone cord into the Remote and Mic jacks, move the ALC switch to "ON". Insert a blank cassette with the "knock-out" tabs intact and press the Record and Play keys. Holding the microphone about 6 to 8 inches from your mouth, turn the microphone switch on and begin speaking. To pause during recording, move the microphone switch to "OFF", then back to "ON" when you wish to resume.

The unit's Pause key may also be used to stop the recording without disturbing the position of the Record and Play keys.

When the recording is complete, press the Stop/Eject key to release all other keys.

To play what you have recorded, press Review key to back up the tape, then press Play key. If microphone is still plugged in, leave the microphone switch on.

The counter can be used to indicate position of the tape.

Recording with Manual level Control

There are times when it is desirable to record with manual level control. Music, for example, can usually be recorded with better results in the manual method. The same is true when you recording with a relatively high level of background noise. This unit is sensitive to background noise in the ALC mode and will tend to emphasize background sounds in noisy rooms.

To record with manual level control follow these steps:

1. Load unit with a blank cassette with the "knock-out" tabs intact.

2. Set the ALC switch to the "OFF" position.

3. Use the built-in Condenser Microphone, Remote Control Microphone or Auxiliary input.

4. Press Pause key down, then both Record and Play keys. Turn switch on remote microphone to "ON"

5. Start the voice or source to be recorded. The microphone will pick up sounds, but because the Pause key is down, they will not be recorded.

To set the sound level, watch the Record Level Indicator light and set the Volume Control so that the red light flickers. When the light is off, the volume is set too low. When the light is on continuously, volume is set too high.

6. When the volume level is right, press the Pause key to release it. Tape transport will start instantly.

To record from sound sources such as radio, tape player, or other device through the AUX input jack, obtain a suitable connecting cord to hook-up the source with the AUX jack. If using the ALC recording level, turn the sound source to a normal listening level. Follow regular recording procedures. If using the manual recording system, follow the same procedure as when using a microphone.

Hints on using your Player/Recorder

Using Listening Center
Located on the top of the unit, this center consists of four standard 1/4" headphone jacks. From one to four monaural headphone jacks can be plugged into this center at one time for group listening of tape cassette being played.
When the MO Option is on the recorder, the jack closest to the front of the machine is used to hear what is being recorded, or used as the audio out to another tape recorder, allowing you to hear what you are taping on the unit's speaker.
Listen in privacy by connecting monaural headphones to a Listening Center jack. When you play a tape with the headphones plugged in, the unit's built-in speaker is automatically turned off.
NOTE: When using more than one headphone, be sure they are all of the same type or impedance so that they will all reproduce at the same sound level.
NOTE: The 1/4" jacks are not designed to operate extension loudspeakers.

Using Automatic Voice Activation (VOX)
Built-in automatic voice activation is an option available on all long play recorders.
When the voice activation is switched on, the recorder will only record when sound is present and the recorder will stop after 5 seconds of silence.
The automatic voice activation will function with the internal microphone, and external microphone or an external audio source plugged into the AUX jack.
After pushing the Record/Play keys, turn the voice activation on by turning the knob on the left side of the recorder clockwise past the "click". With the knob fully clockwise, the VOX sensitivity is at a MINIMUM. The sensitivity INCREASES as the knob is turned counterclockwise.
Set the VOX sensitivity to the desired level. (Normally, just turning it past the click for maximum sensitivity works well.) Test the VOX operation to make sure the VOX starts the recorder when a signal is present and stops the recorder after approximately 5 seconds of silence.
NOTE: For playback the VOX must be "OFF".

Distortion
Distortion in your recording can be caused by having the manual recording level set too high when using the manual system with the ALC turned "OFF", or having the sound source or background noise too loud when recording in the ALC mode.

Erasing Tapes
Recorded tapes can be erased by playing them through the unit with the Record button pressed down. Be sure to turn the ALC to "OFF" and have the Volume control knob turned all the way down. It is much faster to erase tapes with a commercially available tape eraser. Bear in mind, that the recorder erases the tape as it feeds to the record head when you are recording so erasing a tape before using it is not necessary.

Caring for your Player/Recorder
Clean the heads periodically for continued high fidelity performance. Use a cotton swab and any commercial magnetic head cleaning agent. Follow instructions on the cleaner container. Alcohol also works well.
The magnetic head that is used for recording and playback can become magnetized from continued use. A magnetized head will cause distortion in playback and recording.
Demagnetize the head periodically with a commercially available head demagnetizing tape. Complete instructions are provide with these specially designed tapes.

Protecting Your Cassettes
Keep in mind that unless the tabs on the back edge of the cassette have been removed, any sound already on the tape will be erased automatically if that cassette is used in the Record mode of the Recorder. You can protect the cassette from accidental erasure by removing the tabs.
With Side 1 of the cassette facing up, tab at left may be used to protect Side 1; tab at right to protect Side 2.
Tabs can be removed by breaking them outward with a small screwdriver, pinpoint or other suitable tool.
If, in the future, you no longer wish to preserve the protected tape, merely cover the tab openings with a small piece of tape. That cassette can then be used for recording.

Instructions for Recorder Options

Vox Option:
The Vox switch is located on the left side of the recorder. Turning it all the way counterclockwise will click it OFF. Turning it clockwise will click it ON. As you keep turning it will become more & more sensitive. Usually, just turning it ON is a good setting for recording. However, in some cases where there is hum on the line, you may need to actually set the sensitivity. The VOX must be off when you play back a tape. If not, the recorder won’t start on Playback.

12 VDC option:
The 12 VDC coaxial power jack is located on the left rear side of the recorder. When the car power cord is plugged in, the recorders' internal batteries (if installed) are automatically disabled.

M l microphone input option;
The M l jack is a 3.5mm audio jack, located on the left side of the recorder. When a microphone is plugged into this jack, the recorder's internal microphone is automatically disabled.

VS variable speed option:
When you RECORD, the VS should be OFF in order to have all tapes recorded at the standard speed.
When the VS is off the recorder runs at its normal speed.
When you play back the recording and you want to increase the playback speed, turn the VS control clockwise past the "click". The more you turn the control clockwise, the faster the playback speed will be. The speed can be increased to approx. 150% of the nominal speed. Speech can be understood up to about 150% of standard speed.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO TURN THE VS OFF BEFORE RESUMING RECORDING

MO record monitor option:
When the MO option is specified the headphone jack # 4 is active during recording AND playback. The other 3 jacks are active in playback only. Jack # 4 is the 1/4" headphone jack closest to the front of the machine. This feature is handy for recording to another recorder. If used as the audio out to the other recorder, you hear the tape through the recorder speaker making cueing easier.

Unmuted Cue/Review option:
Unmuted Cue/Review is an option that keeps the speaker sound while the Cue or Review keys are depressed while the recorder is playing a tape. This allows you to listen to the tape sound as it speeds by. This is useful for telephone messages since the 5 seconds of silence between each message makes it easier to count messages as you fast-forward or rewind.