Recorders

Sony MDS-JE320

This little jewel is the latest purchase of recording equipment, I bought it at a discounted price. It records beautifully, the standard recording time is limited to 74 minutes, I found out that it uses the same pc board of a higher priced model, one with more features. I modified this unit to record up to 148 minutes, by hot-wiring in a mono/stereo switch. It uses 20 bit sampling conversion, which is a little better then most computer sound cards. It records flawlessly, I must say. The unit is 120 volt ac powered only.


Sony TC-KE500S


This is very good tape recorder, the only drawback is;  it
requires 120 volts ac, I (Larry) use an inverter in my truck
to power it. When a very poor ground condition exists, the
inverter and this tape deck are not used to take data.

Optimus SCT-88


This tape deck also uses 120 volts ac, but it has been modified to run
on gel cell batteries; one 6 volt, and one 12 volt. The rack mount
brackets were added after purchase.

Pentium Computer

I have been experimenting with my computer to record VLF, it works, when there is a good ground condition, I power it using my ac to dc inverter, however the 17" monitor I have drains the life out of the truck battery within about 15 minutes. I have to keep my truck running to use this method of recording for now, until I get a laptop. 

Realistic CTR-69


Some INSPIRE team members might recognize this popular tape recorder,
it is a good VLF recorder to start with, the most handy feature of this portable
tape deck is the alc on/off switch; most decks of this size and price have
automatic level control, which you cannot turn off, unless it is modified. It also
has a handy level meter (five light emitting diodes).