14-1164.fm Page 1 Wednesday, November 25, 1998 1:20 PM
Cat. No. 14-1164
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
Micro-37
Voice-Activated
Microcassette Tape
Recorder
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External Microphone Jack — lets you
use an external microphone, so you can
extend your recording range.
Earphone Jack — lets you use an optional
earphone to listen to a tape privately.
Quick Record — lets you instantly change
from playback to record.
Tape Speed Switch — lets you record at
normal or slow speed. Slow speed gives
you twice the normal recording time.
Fast Play — lets you play a tape back
about 25% faster than normal speed, to
save time when listening to a tape.
Auto Stop — stops automatically when the
tape reaches the end during recording and
playback.
Automatic Level Control (ALC) Circuit
— automatically sets the recording level.
Power Options — let you power the re-
corder from internal batteries, AC power
(with an optional AC adapter), or vehicle
battery power (with an optional DC adapt-
er).
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We recommend you write your recorder’s
serial number here. The number is inside
the recorder’s battery compartment.
Serial Number: ____________
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CONTENTS
Preparation ............................................ 6
Before You Begin ............................. 6
Connecting to Power ....................... 6
Using Batteries ......................... 7
Using AC Power ..................... 10
Using Vehicle Battery Power .. 12
Connecting an Earphone .............. 14
Listening Safely ...................... 15
Traffic Safety ........................... 15
Connecting an External
Microphone .................................... 16
Operation ............................................. 17
Loading a Microcassette Tape ....... 17
Recording ...................................... 19
Playing a Tape ............................... 23
Rewinding/Fast-Forwarding .... 24
Quick Record ................................. 25
Using the Tape Counter ................. 26
Tape Tips ............................................. 27
Storing Cassette Tapes ................. 27
Preventing Accidental Erasure ...... 27
Erasing a Cassette Tape ............... 28
Care ...................................................... 29
Cleaning the Tape-Handling
Parts .............................................. 30
Specifications ..................................... 32
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PREPARATION
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
To protect the Micro-37 during shipment, a
piece of paper is attached to the cassette
door. Remove this paper before you use
the Micro-37.
CONNECTING TO POWER
You can power your Micro-37 from any of
the following:
• Internal battery power
• AC power (with an optional AC
adapter)
• Your vehicle’s battery (with an optional
DC adapter)
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Using Batteries
You can use two AA batteries (not sup-
plied) to power your Micro-37. We recom-
mend alkaline batteries, such as Ra-
dioShack Cat. No. 23-552.
Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the
required size and recommended type.
• Never leave dead or weak batteries in
the Micro-37. Batteries can leak chem-
icals that can destroy electronic cir-
cuits.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, dif-
ferent types of batteries (standard,
alkaline, or rechargeable), or re-
chargeable batteries of different
capacities.
• Dispose of old batteries promptly; do
not bury or burn them.
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Follow these steps to install batteries.
1. Slide the battery compartment cover in
the direction of the arrow until it stops,
then lift up the cover.
CUE
F
Caution: The battery compartment
cover is attached to the recorder. Do
not try to remove it.
2. Insert the batteries into the compart-
ment as indicated by the polarity sym-
bols (+ and –) marked inside the
compartment.
CUE
F
3. Close the battery compartment cover
by pressing it down and sliding it in the
opposite direction of the arrow.
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Notes:
• If the record/battery indicator to the
right of the EAR jack does not light or
lights dimly during manual recording,
replace the batteries.
• If you do not plan to use the Micro-37
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
To power the Micro-37 from an AC outlet,
you need an AC adapter (not supplied),
such as Cat. No. 273-1654B.
Cautions:
• You must use an AC adapter that sup-
plies 3 volts DC power and delivers at
least 200 milliamps. The center tip of
the adapter barrel plug must be set to
positive, and the plug must properly fit
the Micro-37’s DC3V jack. The recom-
mended AC adapter meets these
specifications. Using an AC adapter
that does not meet these specifica-
tions could damage the Micro-37, the
AC adapter, or the plug.
• Always connect the AC adapter to the
Micro-37 before you plug it into the AC
outlet, and unplug the adapter from
the AC outlet before you unplug it from
the Micro-37.
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Follow these steps to power the Micro-37
from standard AC power.
M
C
D
3
RadioSnack
1. Set the AC adapter’s voltage switch to
3V.
2. Attach the 2.35 mm outer diameter/0.7
mm inner diameter barrel plug to the
AC adapter’s cord with the tip set to
positive (+).
3. Insert the barrel plug into the Micro-
37’s DC3V jack. This disconnects inter-
nal batteries.
4. Plug the other end of the AC adapter
into a standard AC outlet.
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Using Vehicle Battery Power
To power the Micro-37 from your vehicle’s
battery, you need a DC adapter (not sup-
plied), such as Cat. No. 270-1560.
Cautions:
• You must use a DC adapter that sup-
plies 3 volts DC power and delivers at
least 200 milliamps. The center tip of
its barrel plug must be set to positive,
and the plug must properly fit the
Micro-37’s DC3V jack. The recom-
mended DC adapter meets these
specifications. Using a DC adapter
that does not meet these specifica-
tions could damage the Micro-37 or
the DC adapter.
• Always plug the DC adapter into the
Micro-37 before you plug it into the
cigarette-lighter socket, and unplug
the adapter from the cigarette-lighter
socket before you unplug it from the
Micro-37.
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Follow these steps to power the Micro-37
from your vehicle’s battery.
M
C
D
3
1. Set the DC adapter’s voltage switch to
3V.
2. Attach the 2.35 mm outer diameter/0.7
mm inner diameter barrel plug with the
tip set to positive (+).
3. Insert the barrel plug into the Micro-
37’s DC3V jack. This disconnects the
internal batteries.
4. Plug the other end of the DC adapter
into the vehicle’s cigarette-lighter
socket.
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CONNECTING AN
EARPHONE
You can use an optional mono earphone
with a submini (3/32-inch) plug to listen to a
tape in privacy.
Notes:
• You can also use an earphone to mon-
itor what the recorder picks up through
the internal microphone or an external
microphone.
• Your local RadioShack store carries a
wide selection of earphones.
Insert the earphone’s plug into the record-
er’s EAR jack. The built-in speaker auto-
matically disconnects.
EAR
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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 listening, adjust the volume to a
comfortable listening level.
• Do not listen at extremely high volume
levels. 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.
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.
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CONNECTING AN
EXTERNAL MICROPHONE
You can use an optional microphone with a
submini (3/32-inch) plug to extend the re-
cording range. Your local RadioShack
store carries a wide selection of micro-
phones.
Insert the microphone’s plug into the re-
corder’s MIC jack. The built-in microphone
automatically disconnects.
DC3V
NORMAL F.PLAY SPEED
MIC
MIC SENS
VOX
2.4 1.2
MIC Jack
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OPERATION
LOADING A
MICROCASSETTE TAPE
Note: We recommend MC-60 microcas-
sette tapes for up to 2 hours of recording/
playback time, or MC-90 microcassette
tapes for up to 3 hours of recording/play-
back time.
Follow these steps to load a microcassette
tape.
1. Use a pencil to turn the cassette’s hub
and remove any tape slack. Avoid
touching the tape.
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2. Lift the latch to open the cassette com-
partment door.
Latch
VOICE ACTIVATION
2
SPEED
MICRO-37
MICROCASSETTE
RECORDER
3. Insert the microcassette into the door’s
guides so the microcassette’s open
edge faces out.
V O I C E A C T I V A T I O N
2
SPEED
MICRO-37
MICROCASSETTE
RECORDER
Note: An arrow on the cassette com-
partment shows the tape travel direc-
tion. Be sure the tape’s full reel is in
the opposite direction from the arrow.
4. Close the door.
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RECORDING
You can record manually or use voice-acti-
vated recording. When you use the voice
activating feature, recording begins when
the recorder picks up sound and stops a
few seconds after the sound stops.
Follow these steps to record.
1. Load the microcassette tape.
2. Set SPEED on the side of the recorder
as follows:
DC3V
NORMAL F.PLAY SPEED
MIC
MIC SENS
VOX
2.4 1.2
• To double the tape’s recording/play-
back time, set SPEED to 1.2. This
setting allows 120 minutes of total
recording/playback time on an MC-
60 tape, or 180 minutes on an MC-
90 tape.
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• For better sound quality, set SPEED
to 2.4. This setting allows 60 min-
utes of total recording/playback
time on an MC-60 tape, or 90 min-
utes on an MC-90 tape.
3. Set MIC SENS/VOX as follows:
DC3V
NORMAL F.PLAY SPEED
MIC
MIC SENS
VOX
2.4 1.2
• To manually start and stop record-
ing, set MIC SENS/VOX to MIC SENS.
• To use voice-activated recording,
set MIC SENS/VOX to VOX.
Note: The voice-activated feature
saves power and tape if there are long
or frequent pauses in the material you
are recording.
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4. Press REC to begin recording. Both
REC and PLAY lock down, and the
record/battery indicator to the right of
the EAR jack lights.
VOICE ACTIVATION
2
SPEED
MICRO-36
If MIC SENS/VOX is set to MIC SENS,
recording begins immediately. If MIC
SENS/VOX is set to VOX, recording
begins and the record/battery indicator
lights steadily only when the recorder
picks up sound.
Caution:
• To protect the recorder, press REC
only when a microcassette tape is
loaded.
• Do not force down REC. If you can-
not easily press REC, check the
microcassette
tape’s
erase-
protection tabs (see “Preventing
Accidental Erasure” on Page 27).
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Note: To pause recording, slide
PAUSE/OFF to PAUSE. To resume
recording, slide PAUSE/OFF to OFF.
5. If you set MIC SENS/VOX to VOX, adjust
VOLUME to set the sound level at
which recording begins. The higher
the VOLUME setting, the lower the
sound level needed to start VOX
recording.
If you set MIC SENS/VOX to MIC SENS,
adjust VOLUME to set the desired
monitoring sound level.
6. Press STOP to stop the tape.
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PLAYING A TAPE
1. Load the microcassette tape.
2. Set SPEED to the speed used when
the tape was recorded.
3. To listen to the tape at normal speed,
set NORMAL/F.PLAY to NORMAL.
To listen to the tape at about 25%
faster than normal speed, set NOR-
MAL/F.PLAY to F.PLAY.
DC3V
NORMAL F.PLAY SPEED
MIC
MIC SENS
VOX
2.4 1.2
4. Press PLAY.
REV
REW
FF
CUE
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5. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable lis-
tening level.
6. Press STOP to stop playback.
Rewinding/Fast-Forwarding
REV
REW
FF
CUE
Slide REV REW/FF CUE to REV REW to rap-
idly rewind a tape, or to FF CUE to fast-for-
ward a tape.
To slide REV REW/FF CUE to the desired
position, press the side of the switch oppo-
site the side marked with the desired direc-
tion.
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Caution: To protect the tape-handling
parts, press STOP or slide REV REW/FF
CUE to the center when the tape reaches
the end.
If you slide REV REW/FF CUE to REV REW
or FF CUE during playback, you can hear
the tape at a faster speed as it fast-for-
wards or rewinds. When you release the
switch, the recorder resumes normal play-
back.
QUICK RECORD
During playback, you can press REC to go
directly to recording without pressing STOP
first.
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USING THE TAPE
COUNTER
You can use the tape counter to mark loca-
tions of specific sections of tape so you can
easily return to them.
Reset
Button
VOICE ACTIVATION
2
SPEED
Press the reset button next to the tape
counter to set the counter to 000 at the be-
ginning of a tape. As the tape plays or
records, note the counter reading at the
position(s) to which you want to return.
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TAPE TIPS
STORING CASSETTE
TAPES
Do not expose microcassette tapes to high
temperatures, high humidity, dust or dirt, or
motors, transformers, or other sources with
strong magnetic fields.
PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL
ERASURE
Most microcassette tapes have an erase-
protection tab for each side of the tape. To
protect your recordings from being acci-
dentally erased or recorded over, use a
screwdriver to carefully break off the erase-
protection tabs.
Side A Tab
If you later decide to erase or record over
the tape, place a piece of strong tape over
the holes.
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Caution: Removing the erase-protection
tabs does not prevent a tape from being
erased by a bulk tape eraser.
ERASING A CASSETTE
TAPE
If you no longer want a recording, you can
record over it or erase it.
To record over a microcassette tape, be
sure the erase-protection tabs are in place.
Then simply record as usual. The recorder
records over the previous recording.
You might prefer to use a bulk tape eraser,
such as Cat. No. 44-232, which erases
both sides of a tape in just a few seconds.
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CARE
Your Optimus Micro-37 Voice-Activated
Microcassette Tape Recorder is an exam-
ple of superior design and craftsmanship.
The following suggestions will help you
care for your recorder so you can enjoy it
for years.
• Keep the recorder dry. If it gets wet,
wipe it dry immediately. Liquids can
contain minerals that can corrode the
electronic circuits.
• Handle the recorder gently and care-
fully. Dropping it can damage circuit
boards and cases and can cause the
recorder to work improperly.
• Use and store the recorder only in nor-
mal temperature environments. Tem-
perature extremes can shorten the life
of electronic devices, damage batter-
ies, and distort or melt plastic parts.
• Keep the recorder away from dust and
dirt, which can cause premature wear
of parts.
• Wipe the recorder with a damp cloth
occasionally to keep it looking new. Do
not use harsh chemicals, cleaning sol-
vents, or strong detergents to clean it.
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Modifying or tampering with the recorder’s
internal components can cause a malfunc-
tion and might invalidate the recorder’s
warranty. If your recorder is not operating
as it should, take it to your local Ra-
dioShack 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 re-
corder. Use the following cleaning proce-
dure after every 20 hours of recorder
operation.
1. Press STOP, remove the batteries, and
disconnect any other power source.
2. Press PLAY to expose the tape-han-
dling parts.
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3. Use a cotton swab dipped in tape
head cleaning solution or denatured
alcohol to gently clean the record/play-
back head, pinch roller, capstan and
tape guides.
Record/Playback Head
Tape Guides
V
O
I
C
E
A
C
T
I
V
A
T
I
O
N
Capstan
Pinch Roller
4. Press STOP to release the tape-han-
dling parts. Then close the cassette
compartment cover and reconnect
power.
Note: For easier cleaning, you can use a
microcassette cleaner kit, which includes a
special cleaning cassette. Your local Ra-
dioShack store carries a full line of cas-
sette deck cleaning supplies.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Tape Type ........................... Microcassette
Tracks ........ 2 Tracks, 1 Channel Monaural
Drive System ..................... Capstan Drive
Tape Speed ... 2.4 cm/sec. (15/16 ips) and
1.2 cm/sec. (15/32 ips)
Recording Time
(with MC-60 Microcassette):
2.4 cm/sec. ............... 30 min. per side
1.2 cm/sec. ............... 60 min. per side
Practical Max. Output .................. 200 mW
Frequency Response ......... 400–4,000 Hz
at 2.4 cm/sec.
Fast Play:
2.4 cm/sec. ............................... +25%
1.2 cm/sec. ............................... +30%
Microphone Sensitivity ........... Continuous
Adjustment Using VOLUME
in Record Mode
Power Sources:
Internal Batteries ............. 3 Volts DC,
Two AA Batteries
AC Power ....... 120V with AC Adapter
(Cat. No. 273-1654)
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Vehicle Battery ............... 12V with DC
Adapter (Cat. No. 270-1560)
Typical Cassette Recording Time
(with Alkaline Batteries) ............. 17 Hours
Dimensions (HWD) ....... 4.8 × 2.5 × 0.9 in.
(122 × 64 × 24 mm)
Weight (with 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 man-
ufacturing defects in material and workmanship under
normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of pur-
chase from RadioShack company-owned stores and
authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EX-
CEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES
NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANT-
ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PUR-
POSE, 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
RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER
PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIA-
BILITY, 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 INCONVE-
NIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVE-
NUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, 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
implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitations or ex-
clusions may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty pe-
riod, take the product and the RadioShack sales receipt
as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. Ra-
dioShack 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 design; or (c) refund the pur-
chase price. All replaced parts and products, and prod-
ucts on which a refund is made, become the property of
RadioShack.
(Continued)
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(Continued) New or reconditioned parts and products
may be used in the performance of warranty service.
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.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure
caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse, acci-
dent, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to
follow instructions, improper installation or mainte-
nance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess
voltage or current; (b) any repairs other than those pro-
vided by a RadioShack Authorized Service 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 service 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, Dept. W,
100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
3/97
RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
E2-2403-01
7A8
Printed in China
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