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From: rlm@lanl.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Re: timers for cassette decks
Message-ID: <23226@lanl.ARPA>
Date: Wed, 13-Mar-85 16:40:34 EST
Article-I.D.: lanl.23226
Posted: Wed Mar 13 16:40:34 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 16-Mar-85 03:34:08 EST
References: <893@decwrl.UUCP>
Sender: newsreader@lanl.ARPA
Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Lines: 39

> 
> 	Does anyone have information on attaching a timer to one's
> cassette deck?  I have a Nak BX-1 and would like information regarding
> types of timers available (electronic is almost essential), potential
> hazards to the tape deck, cost of the unit, etc.  I'd like to know as much
> as possible so if anyone uses one, let me know.  Please respond by mail.
> I'm never sure I see everything that is posted.
> 
> 		Daniel Schneider
> 		{...decvax}!decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-vlnvax!schneider


For about $25 I purchased a timer from Radio Shack (it's brand name is
something like Micronta).  I find it works very well, and has a battery
back-up to maintain time through short power outages (it did loose
several minutes during our 20 hour outage in December).  I have my
tuner plugged into it, and my tape deck plugged into the switched
outlet on the back of the tuner.  The only disadvantage I have found
is that if the stereo is on, powered through the timer, it goes off
in the event of a brief power fluctuation (which is not infrequent in
our area).  Of course this would really be a problem only if it happened
while recording a radio program when I wasn't at home, but that hasn't
happened yet.  There are more expensive timers available, but this
one seems to do all that I need.

As far as the effect on your deck goes, that depends upon the type of
deck you have.  The newer decks are all electronic and must have a timer
switch (so that it automatically goes into record or playback mode when
the timer switches the stereo on).  This will cause no harm to your deck,
and the deck is designed to work that way.  If your deck is all electronic
and has no such switch you are out of luck.  (Be sure to remember to turn
the switch to 'off' when not using the timer or you might accidentally
over-record a tape.)  If your record and playback switches are mechanical
then you can cause deforming of the pinch rollers if you leave the deck
in record or playback position for an extended period of time.

I hope this is of some help.  I'm really glad I got my timer, both for
recording radio programs I don't want to miss when I'm away, and for
turning on the news in the morning.