Common Machine Problems

Easy Cassette Players

Here are a few of the recurring problems that patrons experience with their easy cassette machines:

  1. My easy cassette machine does not play all sides of the tape.
    Caused by reaching into the machine and removing the tape from the platform and flipping the tape onto the opposite side. The easy cassette player has the capabilities of playing all four sides of the tape without removing the tape from the platform and flipping it over.

    NOTE: There is no need to flip the tape over, even when instructed to do so by the audiotape itself. Likewise, the easy cassette player does not have a side selector switch to manipulate. So, again, ignore the direction to change the side selector switch when instructed to do so on the audiotape.
  2. My easy cassette machine does not play at all.
    Caused by trying to operate the easy cassette machine without plugging the machine into the electrical wall outlet. The easy cassette machine operates on electricity only. It does not have a battery pack attachment.
  3. My easy cassette machine plays too slow.
    Caused by playing commercially produced audiotapes instead of cassettes produced by the National Library Service. The easy cassette machine is designed to play Wolfner Library cassette tapes and other tapes recorded at 15/16 inches per second (ips) only. This is a slower speed than commercially produced tapes.
  4. My easy cassette machine is hot.
    Caused by the machine constantly being plugged into the electrical wall outlet. When your easy cassette machine is not in use, please remove the power cord from the electrical wall outlet.
  5. My easy cassette machine is not starting at the beginning of the book.
    Caused by not operating the easy cassette player properly. The easy cassette machine has an instruction tape inserted inside the machine and printed instructions are available at Wolfner Library.

    Here are a few quick things to check:
    • Be sure the easy cassette machine is on a flat surface.
    • Be sure the power cord is properly plugged into the electrical wall outlet.
    • Be sure the electrical wall outlet is working.

    To begin listening to the tape, slide the slide control to the right all the way to the middle of the easy machine and wait until you hear the beginning of the tape. If your machine is still not operating properly, contact the Machines Department for assistance as your machine may be in need of replacement.
  6. I want to listen to a part in the middle of the book.
    The easy cassette machine has a review key to listen to parts of the tape that you would like to have repeated. The review key is located on the front of the easy cassette machine, to the right of the slide control which turns the easy machine on and adjusts the volume. Just press down the review key and hold it until you get to the part of the book you want to hear again. The tape will begin to play as soon as you release the review key.
  7. I want to skip to side two instead of listening to all of side one.
    Remove the panel on the right rear of the machine, press the raised "S" button, hold until you hear two beeps, release and side two will began to play. Once side two begins, place the panel back over the opening on the right rear and when aligned correctly, it will lock in place.

    NOTE: If you want to skip to side three, hold the “S” button down until you hear three beeps. To start on side four, hold the “S” button down until you hear four beeps. Be sure to replace the panel when you are finished.
  8. My easy cassette player beeps and does not play the tape.
    Caused by the audiotape being twisted or an easy machine malfunction. Press down in the middle of the cassette tape until the tape and platform rises to the top. Slide the slide control all the way to the left. Press down in the middle of the cassette tape until the platform locks in place. Slide the slide control to the middle of the panel and wait for the beginning of the tape. If the tape still does not play properly, contact the Machines Department for assistance as your machine may be in need of replacement.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please call the Wolfner Library's Machines Department for assistance.

Archie L. Andrews, Machines Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Office of the Secretary of State
Wolfner Library for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped
PO Box 387, 600 West Main St.
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Phone: (800) 392-2614 or (573) 751-8720
Fax: (573) 526-2985
Email: [email protected]
Wolfner Homepage: http://www.sos.mo.gov/wolfner/