The tape drive mechanism of the tape recorder does not last forever, and the reels and cassettes are almost out of use. But the amplifier for a tape recorder can be very good, and it can be used to amplify sound from a computer, player, smartphone or tablet.
Instructions
Step 1
If the tape recorder is a tube recorder, find information on the network or in the instructions about it about which power supply is used in it. Instead of a mains transformer, an autotransformer can be installed in it or it can be powered directly from the mains through a rectifier. In no case should such a tape recorder be used as an amplifier. Also, any set-top boxes are not suitable for use as an amplifier, but for a different reason: they themselves require connection to external amplifiers.
Step 2
The most convenient for use as amplifiers are tape recorders that have inputs for external signal sources. Select the one for connecting the pickup. Purchase or make a cord that has a 3.5mm stereo plug at one end and a connector that matches the jack on the tape recorder (3, 5, or 6, 3mm jack, RCA, DIN). You can combine stereo channels when connecting a stereo source to a monaural tape recorder with two 1 kilo-ohm resistors. Connect one terminal of the first resistor to the output of the left channel, and the second to the output of the right channel. Connect the remaining pins to each other, and apply the signal from the point of their connection to the input of the tape recorder.
Step 3
When connecting to a DIN input, note that some tape recorders have stereo input pins to the left of the middle, while others have stereo input pins on the right, depending on when the unit is released. Switch the recorder to record mode without spools and cassettes. With a cassette recorder, you will have to press the lever of the cassette presence sensor before switching to recording mode. You can put in it an empty cassette case, in which the write-protect tabs are not broken (or broken, but sealed).
Step 4
A cassette recorder without inputs for external devices (including a car radio) can be supplied with a signal through an adapter in the form of a cassette. Place the adapter into the tape drive and turn on playback (in no case turn on the recording, however, this mode is usually not on a car radio). Plug the cord from the adapter into the signal source. If you have an FM radio rather than a tape recorder, you can also use an FM transmitter. Tune the transmitter to a free frequency, and switch the radio tape recorder to the receiver mode and tune to the same frequency as the transmitter. Apply power to the transmitter, and then insert a USB flash drive or memory card with music files into it (it will work as a player itself), or connect it with a cable to another signal source.
Step 5
A tape recorder that is no longer intended to be used for its intended purpose can be redesigned. Apply the signal through a capacitor with a capacity of 0.05 - 0.5 μF relative to the common wire to the output of the volume control, opposite to that connected to the common wire. Disconnect the wires going to the motor and short-circuit the mode switch pins that supply voltage to the audio amplifier so that power is supplied to this amplifier at all times, even when the buttons are released.
