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Will using a mono cable in a stereo line-out cause problems with LOAD?

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 8:47 am
by Kahenraz
Today has been my first try at saving and loading programs from tape. It has been quite an adventure!

I have been unable to load programs from a newer cassette player which I believe has a stereo line-out. I'm guessing that this problem may have to do with the player trying to output two channels onto the single mono pole of the cable and this is creating a problem with the signal.

Is this possibly the problem?

I've had the best of luck with my Centennial C-693A. My GE 3-5300A had some trouble as there was a very small range in volume that would work. And I was unable to get any program to load from my modern QFX Retro-39.

Both the GE and QFX could not be used to SAVE a program as the audio from line-in was always too quiet. It was somewhat audible from the GE and barely audible from the QFX at maximum volume. I was able to successfully SAVE and LOAD a program from the Centennial.

Re: Will using a mono cable in a stereo line-out cause problems with LOAD?

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 9:12 am
by Kahenraz
Upon further inspection with an audio book, the QFX is playing back cassettes slightly fast and/or is off pitch this may be the real problem.

Re: Will using a mono cable in a stereo line-out cause problems with LOAD?

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 11:26 am
by 1024MAK
Will using a mono cable in a stereo line-out cause problems with LOAD?
Yes!

Mono 3.5mm jack plugs are incompatible with most stereo 3.5mm jack sockets, and stereo 3.5mm jack plugs are incompatible with mono 3.5mm sockets. The socket contacts do not line up with the contacts on the plugs in both cases.

The Mic is at a ‘volume’ level far below a line out level.

Mark

Re: Will using a mono cable in a stereo line-out cause problems with LOAD?

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 7:50 pm
by bola_dor
Kahenraz wrote: Mon Jul 27, 2020 8:47 am Today has been my first try at saving and loading programs from tape. It has been quite an adventure!

I have been unable to load programs from a newer cassette player which I believe has a stereo line-out. I'm guessing that this problem may have to do with the player trying to output two channels onto the single mono pole of the cable and this is creating a problem with the signal.

Is this possibly the problem?

I've had the best of luck with my Centennial C-693A. My GE 3-5300A had some trouble as there was a very small range in volume that would work. And I was unable to get any program to load from my modern QFX Retro-39.

Both the GE and QFX could not be used to SAVE a program as the audio from line-in was always too quiet. It was somewhat audible from the GE and barely audible from the QFX at maximum volume. I was able to successfully SAVE and LOAD a program from the Centennial.
Female plug at the computer will connect it's GND contact to the he right channel if you use a stereo plug cable. This will in practice null the signal if the player is feeding both channels for equal.. you can use stereo to mono plug adapters. Many modern devices need extra amplification.. you can use an old pc speaker with n earphone output for example...