Sony TCM-23V

The TCM-23V was one in a series of voice operated recorders (VOR), consisting of TCM-22V, and TCM24V, manufactured in Japan by the Sony Corporation. The TCM-22V had the MT-22V-13 tape transport mechanism, whilst the TCM-23V and TCM-24V had the same MT-23V-13 mechanism. Other recorders that share similar transport mechanism are TCM-14 and TCM-15V. These recorders are mono compact cassette players intended for dictation or reporting purposes. The VOR system enables the unit to begin recording automatically when the microphone detects sound, and stops automatically when there is no sound. This feature minimizes tape use, power consumption, and simultaneously provides a useful function to spy on people. With a C120 cassette, the user can have one hour of recording time on each side of the cassette and with the Sony AM3 (N) batteries; the recorder provides 12-hours of recording time. This is a small handy little recorder measuring 92.1 mm × 134.7 mm × 35 mm, and mass 280 g including batteries.

Review

This wonderful little recorder is simple to use and tends to be very reliable. The most that can go wrong is it requiring a new set of drive belts. Fortunately, all the belts are easily accessible and the two main belts can be 1.2 mm in thickness, and generic type that are readily and cheaply available.

For a cassette recorder so small, the sound quality is adequately good through the tiny 4.5 cm diameter built-in loudspeaker, driven by 160 mW audio output (10 % THD). It uses the NJM2073D power amplifier IC for driving the loudspeaker. The motor servo functionality is through the LA5523 IC, and the VOR function is through the NJM2072D IC.

Price/eBay

Many of these units break easily due to the plastic pushbutton assembly, and consequently the numbers in circulation is always reducing. One typical fault that occurs is when you can hear the motor whirring away, but the tape-winding spindle does not turn. In this case, chances are that it needs new drive belts. However they are extremely easy to service, and changing their belts takes minutes.

These recorders are still in demand because they are so simple to use compared to modern digital recorders, and recording apps within mobile phones. Units in mint condition together with their box and packaging can sell for twenty to thirty pounds and sometimes more on a good day.

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