Matt

Does anyone know anything about the REM port on the side of tape recorders? Like what the spec is for interfacing with it? It's like lost technology on the Internet and I can't find any details on it

I'm assuming it's for remote control, but I'm getting mixed information about it

#electronics #CasetteTapes #retro

Feb 20 at 1:50pmWeb
Show threadTobias KlausmannFeb 20

@mdc I used to have an old SABA R2R recorder with a REM port and the accompanying foot pedal. Its purpose for my unit was to allow a secretary or similar to transcribe audio. The pedal started/stopped playback, but also adjusted the speed, for easier transcription. I've heard that there are even fancier remotes that also allow for rewind and other features.

I doubt the connectors are compatible between manufacturers, probably not even between models. Documentation I'd seek in service manuals.

Show threadMattFeb 20

@klausman

Thanks, I'll dig up some service manuals and see if I can reverse engineer a compatible interface. It uses a smaller diameter jack much like the serial port on those old graphing calculators.

Show threadMalin DixonFeb 20
@mdc I seem to remember microphones for tape recorders with on-off switches in them. I can't recall if they used separate jack plugs for the microphone and switch functions or a combined one.
Show threadMattFeb 20

@diver300

This gives me a hint that it's probably a simple TTL interface for controlling the pause mechanism. Thanks