XC12 Tape Recorder not working on NTSC system.

[Fallout_002]

I just brought my French XC12 Tape Recorder back to the U.S. and it appears not to be responding when connected to either of my NTSC 130XEs or XEGS. It had worked without any problems in Europe, but does not seem to even be powered on when connected to any of my U.S. machines. Could this be a compatibility problem, or was the device possibly damaged during shipping?

[+kheller2]

Your US machines wouldn't all happen to be 1200XLs would they?

[Trooper]

Your US machines wouldn't all happen to be 1200XLs would they?

 

not to be responding when connected to either of my NTSC 130XEs or XEGS.

 

I had a similar problem with one of my XC12's, I never bothered opening it up to check if it was allright though since I had another one. I guess the belt could have snapped...

 

Nope.

 

/T

Edited March 7, 2007 by Trooper

[Ross PK]

Since they're powered by the computer and the electrical system is different in America, maybe the current which is going into the cassette recorder is lower or higher?

Edited March 7, 2007 by Ross PK

[Trooper]

But the SIO port should put out the same amount of current regardless of whether it's a PAL or NTSC system I think...? Am I wrong?

 

/T

Edited March 7, 2007 by Trooper

[Mathy]

Howdy folks

 

5 Volt DC is 5 Volt DC. No matter where you are. That shouldn't be the problem. Only problem cold be is if you have a 1200XL. It's power outputs are limited.

 

What might be a problem is that the frequency on the clock line is slightly different.

 

Greetings

 

Mathy

[Fallout_002]

So... a European XC12 Tape Recorder should run ok on an American 130XE or XEGS?

[Rybags]

To my knowledge, there are no Atari made peripherals that ever used the clock line.

 

It wouldn't be needed anyway. In REC mode, the recorder just outputs what comes down the SIO out line. In PLAY, it has internal circuitry that converts the distinct tones into either 0 or 1 for the SIO in line.

[Fallout_002]

Ok, I fixed it.

 

After taking it apart, it turns out that the electric motor had seized up, and just needed a bit of persuasion to get it going. Aparently if I don't use this thing every few months, it has to tendency to lock up.