mod to be able to record digitally with the internal microphones of a boombox

[A Reel Person]

Looks like maybe (2) ext. mic inputs on 1/8" and ext. speaker outs on DIN connector.

[PRHunt]

The playback not working could be a just a slipping or broken drive belt. If the motor runs but the tape doesn't run, then this could be the problem.

[hansgauffin]

The playback not working could be a just a slipping or broken drive belt. If the motor runs but the tape doesn't run, then this could be the problem.

Yeah, that could probably be fixed,, but I´m still interested in trying to make use of the internal mics without the use of tape, it´s a little project. As soon as I get the unit, I will try the ways discussed here, outputs and headphone jack, if it doesnt work I´ll return.thanks

[themaddog]

Just a suggestion, but you may get better sound out of it if you use batteries instead of the power cable.

-MD

[hansgauffin]

Strangest thing I´ve heard!,But interesting,,, In what way could the power supply affect the sound?

[jpmorris]

Strangest thing I´ve heard!,But interesting,,, In what way could the power supply affect the sound?

AC mains power may introduce hum or ripple into the system which would not be present running from batteries.

On some of these machines, just hitting record + play would echo the input sound out of the headphone socket. There used to be a trick where you could poke the cassette-present sensor in so that you could force it into record mode without the cassette present.
This was occasionally popular in the 1980s where computers used cassettes to store data, and often had crappy internal speakers. You could use this trick to output the computer's sound through the cassette deck's speaker, which was usually better.

[hansgauffin]

Thanks for useful info on the battery vs AC power topic.

Would there be any benefit from the sensor trick you mentioned vs just keeping the cassette in record/pause mode? Which would also let the microphone pick up sound without having the tape rolling

[hansgauffin]

Actually, I bought another Boombox today on auction!! can´t wait to try this one! c. 1977-78
Hitachi TRK-5280E - hitachi - BoomBox 70-80' Club / 70-80 -

[jpmorris]

Thanks for useful info on the battery vs AC power topic.

Would there be any benefit from the sensor trick you mentioned vs just keeping the cassette in record/pause mode? Which would also let the microphone pick up sound without having the tape rolling

You could do that too, yes.

[hansgauffin]

I just did a test with my boombox and it turned out that it DOES monitor the internal mics thru the headphone amp.
The only problem now is that there is some hum. It could be from the motor, they make some noise even if the tape is´nt running but in pause mode, it could also be from the AC power. I´ll go and buy batteries tomorrow and monitor the sound while running on them instead.

I believe there is some kind of motors that is switched on whenever the rec button is pressed. Does anyone know if it´s possible to monitor the internal mics without having to push the recorder in REC mode?
Thanks for any answer!