Tape Recovery for a Dictaphone

The audiotape cassettes popular in the 1980s and 1990s are now largely out of use.

Dictaphones are small voice recording devices many people use to record reminders or ideas to use later. Some of these are digital recorders but others use tape. If a tape becomes stuck, there are a few ways to get it out.

Tape Feeder

Pull the magnetic strip very gently.

Often the magnetic tape strip becomes stuck in the feeder device at the front of the machine. To determine if this is the problem, open the cassette holder with the eject button. If it does not open, you can pry it open by sliding two knives in as far as you can on both side edges and pulling gently. Look to see if the tape has become trapped in the machine. If it has, slowly pull it out. Sometimes you will need to cut one side of the magnetic tape to pull it out. Tug on it gently, if it does not move, try spinning the turning wheels with your hand.

Back End

Dictaphone screws are small and easily lost.

A part may have come loose in the back of the machine. Remove the back of the Dictaphone with a small screw driver. Often, you can see the problem straightaway. See if you can remove the tape or tighten the faulty part with your screwdriver.

Professional Services

Dictaphone repair can be expensive, so get a quote first.

If you cannot find the problem, or if the problem continues, have your Dictaphone serviced. Some Dictaphones may simply be too old and they will tell you if it's time to get a new one.

References

• Martel Electronics: Dictaphone Tape Recorders