tape recorder problems using DC power

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cindyc16

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When I use my tape recorder using AC power to record songs it sounds just fine and does the job I want at the time. Although when I use a DC current generator to record songs with the same tape recorder, I get permanent recorded buzzing noises on my tape.

Does anyone know why, and how I can fix this problem?

Thanks
 
Which make and model of tape recorder are we talking about here?

Also, what is this "DC current generator" you are using? Is this some type of automotive 12 volt DC to 120 VAC converter unit?

Cheers! :)
 
Chances are that the recorder uses both positive and negative voltages, as many do. With DC power youre only giving it half of what it needs, unless the recorder specifies to use DC. I'm assuming you're talking about AC and DC wall warts right?
 
shepdog said:
Chances are that the recorder uses both positive and negative voltages, as many do. With DC power youre only giving it half of what it needs, unless the recorder specifies to use DC. I'm assuming you're talking about AC and DC wall warts right?
Click to expand...

There's little to no point in talking about chances and assumptions if the member cindyc16 is unable to tell us which tape machine we are talking about here or about what "DC current generator" is being used.

Cheers! :)
 
Sorry had to ask a friend about the generator

This generator is a 5500 watt gas generator, with a 110-220 ac output, 12v dc output. I use the ac plug with an extention cord to my tape player recorder. The tape recorder is a Panasonic model no. RQ-2309A with A/C 120/220v 50-60 Hz or DC 6v.
 
cindyc16 said:
This generator is a 5500 watt gas generator, with a 110-220 ac output, 12v dc output. I use the ac plug with an extention cord to my tape player recorder. The tape recorder is a Panasonic model no. RQ-2309A with A/C 120/220v 50-60 Hz or DC 6v.
Click to expand...

OK, so we're talking about a mono shoe box cassette recorder and a gas powered generator to run it.

First off, these type of generators were designed mostly to give AC power in emergency situations or on remote building sites to have power for power tools and such. They're not really designed to put out the type of clean juice that audio equipment is looking for.

So, what I'd suggest is just running your Panasonic recorder on batteries, as it's designed to work with those and that will give you the same sound quality as running it on regular juice from the local power utility company.

Cheers! :)
 
I hope it will work

I have never used it on batteries.

Lets say it doesn't work, what can I do to get clean recording?
I tried to plug it into my solar system as well with an inverter that converts solar to AC, and I get humming/buzzing as well.
What exactly is the problem?
Is there something I can purchase to give me the clean recording?
I also noticed when I use my amp, guitar etc. plugged in to the generator or either my inverter, that it will cause problems through the amp, with buzzing or humming.

This living off grid is great except I miss my music....

Thanks
 
cindyc16 said:
I have never used it on batteries.

Lets say it doesn't work, what can I do to get clean recording?
I tried to plug it into my solar system as well with an inverter that converts solar to AC, and I get humming/buzzing as well.
What exactly is the problem?
Is there something I can purchase to give me the clean recording?
I also noticed when I use my amp, guitar etc. plugged in to the generator or either my inverter, that it will cause problems through the amp, with buzzing or humming.

This living off grid is great except I miss my music....

Thanks
Click to expand...

If you want clean juice for audio gear, you'd probably have to invest in a power line conditioner/regulator unit and make sure it was properly earth grounded. Companies like Monster Cable, Furman and APC make these units but they are not cheap. Usually $200 and up for ones that do a proper job. And $200 would buy a boat load of batteries which would definitely work on your Panasonic recorder.

Your choice.

You might also consider hiring a local licensed electrician to come out to your home and check the grounding system of the generator and house wiring. It could be that the system isn't properly earth grounded, which involves using a long metal spike that goes straight into the ground about 4 feet and has a heavy gage wire attached to it and the ground pin of your generator. But each system is different, as are the electrical code regulations. So hiring a competent electrician to sort it out would probably be the wise and safest thing to do. Ungrounded systems can kill you...as I'm sure you've probably heard about.

Cheers! :)
 
The Ghost of FM said:
If you want clean juice for audio gear, you'd probably have to invest in a power line conditioner/regulator unit and make sure it was properly earth grounded.
Click to expand...

This is something I might have to do, considering I do not have hydro running to my place. This might just solve the problem with my solar power as well, or maybe I should ground my solar panel, and inverter etc. to see if this might help me because the problem lies in both generator and solar power.

As far as an Electrician, I don't think I need one, as my system is far too small to be spending hundreds of dollars, when I could find the answers online.

Although, you are right, if all else fails I might have to call one in if a conditioner/regulator doesn't work, or the grounding I do won't work either!

If that happens, well it might be the fact that the power isn't as clean as audio equipment needs to be, and then I'll be back at square one again.

Has anybody delt with this sort of power before to run, CD burners, Amplifiers, Electric Guitars, tape recorders, etc.?
What did you do to fix the problem?

I'll let you know what happens.
 
I'm not sure why you're expecting the electrician coming over to have a look at your system is going to cost you hundreds of dollars, unless you live in an extremely remote location where they're going to have to charge you traveling expenses to get there. But normally, they charge around $25 to 40 an hour for their time and if you at least speak to one over the phone first, they could probably give you a guesstimate for free. They might also end up telling you that you don't need a power line conditioner and maybe just need the grounding fixed.

Also keep in mind that free on-line advice is often worth exactly what you paid for it and that includes my own. :D

Cheers! :)
 
I won't have the hrly rate for an electrician, therefore trial and error might have to do, unless I get so frustrated and have no choice.
Thanks for the advice though, I'll try the grounding first.
 
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