Many factors can affect the cassette recorder’s performance. The majority of problems experienced are due to volume, either too high or too low.
Our programs are produced on tape under conditions that make our duplicate tapes superior to original tapes produced by the computer.
However, just in case, we record each program twice. If you still have difficulty in loading our programs, remember these facts.
If you are loading a program and the volume is too high, the computer can receive distorted information and background noise may be picked up. The result of extreme high volume is that the screen goes blank.
If the volume is too low, some of the data can be missed. Even if the program seems to have loaded OK, program lines may be distorted and the program will not run properly.
A proper load should be followed with (0/0) at the bottom of the screen.
Another factor that may affect loading is whether the recorder has a HIGH and LOW frequency switch. Computer data pulses are consistently of a high pitched frequency. This can easily be observed by unplugging the jack from the EAR socket of the recorder and listening to the sound the tape makes when played. If the switch is in the LOW position, the recorder is not allowed to emit the frequency of sound needed by the computer. The low pitched sounds however are sent to the computer and distort the input to the point where the program load is a failure.
If you think that your recorder may be the problem, try another recorder. Borrow one from a friend if you can.
No volume adjustment is required when saving programs however. The recorder has a condensor microphone that automatically adjusts itself to the volume that is being inputed. It takes a second or two for this to happen and that is the reason why when you save programs, the screen pattern does not appear immediately. The computer is giving the volume level device in the recorder a chance to reach the correct threshhold.
Never save a program at the beginning of the tape unless it is a leaderless tape. All other tapes have a beginning and ending portion made of foil. Foil of course will not hold computer data.
Always make duplicate tapes.
I cannot over stress the importance of back-ups, especially when writing programs.
If the program you are writing is long, a good procedure is to write about 10 lines and then save it on one cassette twice. Then write 10 more lines and save it again, but on a second tape twice. Keep doing this procedure back and forth between the two tapes until the program is finished. This way, if the computer bombs, the power fails or if there is a nuclear attack, the most you would have lost is 10 lines. I realize this can be time consuming but there comes a time in every programmer’s life when he wishes he did it.
The last factor that affects tape performance is the quality of the tape itself. Budget tapes obtained at your local five and dime just won’t cut it. They may work but it is a gamble if you use them. Stay away from cheap long playing tapes. Many of them are made of an inferior material and can easily break.