FAQ - Tapeless Deck Project

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
and the most common answers :)

WHAT IS A TAPELESS DECK?
It' s a combination of a original vintage cassette recorder and a vintage smartphone :) The heart of the system is a smartphone equipped with dedicated software and memory for music storage. Phone is permanently mounted inside mechanically reworked cassete compartment (some of the deck mechanisms are removed). Phone is also electrically modified and connected to deck circuits to keep all systems going - e.g. working level meters, regulations, adjustable output level and so on. All functions are operated by touching phone screen. It is not a rocket science, nevertheless each deck needs a lot of experimenting, some clever electronic tricks, heavy mechanical works like sawing, cutting and drilling, soldering, glueing, and at last - a little bit of craziness and creativity :) In effect each of my Tapeless Decks is a unique handcrafted masterpiece, the only one of its kind in the world :) Enjoy!


BEFORE YOU BUY A TAPELESS DECK

How much is it?
It depends. Finished and ready-to-use decks have a given price. Please see the actual offer in my collection. When I convert a new deck (anyone from my collection or given by the customer), the price depends on many factors - mechanical and electrical construction of deck, the complexity of work, used components, amount of memory and so on. Just contact me, I will try to estimate the costs for you.

How long does it take to convert the deck?
About a week, from the moment I complete all necessary components.

Is every deck suitable for conversion?
Not everyone. Some tape recorders are not suitable for processing due to their mechanical or electrical design. The old, simple vintage decks with mechanical keys are my favourite choice for conversion, but I also work with more modern, sotf-logic and fully computerized tape recorders. Deck intended for conversion must be electrically functional. Audio circuits, inputs/outputs, level meters, regulations, switches, etc. should work correctly. Motors, belts, heads and gears are not so important, may be broken or damaged.

Can you convert my own deck?
Of course yes, if it is suitable for conversion (see details above). Just let me know the deck model and its actual condition - I will tell you whether your machine meets all technical requirements to become Tapeless Deck :)

Will the Tapeless Deck work normally as a tape recorder?
Unfortunately not. During processing, many mechanical parts are removed forever, so you will no longer be able to use the cassettes. Never ever. The conversion to Tapeless Deck is irreversible.

What is shipping cost to my country?
Please check the SHIPPING page - you will find delivery prices to most European countries, USA/Canada and other regions.

How can I pay for the deck?
I accept PayPal payments and bank transfers.

Is there any warranty for the deck?
Tapeless Deck is a combination of used vintage deck and used phone. As with all second-hand devices, the warranty is limited. I guarantee that every Tapeless Deck works exactly as described on product page and it has all functions shown in product movies, but I can't guarantee that it will last forever :)


USING THE TAPELESS DECK

How can I listen to the music?
In many ways. Every Tapeless Deck offers a lot of possibilities - internal MP3/FLAC player with cassette animation, Internet radio and FM radio. If you want to stream the music from your own phone/tablet/computer, I can install additional Bluetooth receiver inside the deck.

How can I upload music to Tapeless Deck?
All operations take place wirelessly, using any computer (PC/Mac) in your home WiFi network. Just log in your Tapeless Deck to your home WiFi and run AirDroid application that will help you to manage music files. Uploading, deleting, making folders, sorting - anything you wish. See SUPPORT page for more details.

How to use Tapeless Deck app?
Please watch the movie below:


How is the smartphone powered? Should I charge the battery?
There is no battery inside, you don't need to charge it. The phone is always in standby mode, powered by a modified charger all the time while the deck power cord is connected to power supply.

How can I operate the phone inside the deck?
Just like a standard phone, with one exception - since the phone is built into the deck and the ON/OFF swith is inaccessible, so it was electrically connected to one of the keys in the deck. This key works exactly the same way as phone button - you may switch the screen on/off, turn the phone on/off or restart the system in case of any problems. The rest is as simple as using a smartphone - just touch the screen :)

Should I connect the deck to the amplifier?
Sure, just like a regular deck - using an RCA/cinch cable. The output signal has standard parameters and fits all home amplifiers. In some Tapeless Deck models you can adjust the level of the output signal using dedicated knobs or sliders.

How much memory is available? Can I add more memory later?
Tapeless Deck is equipped with 2 GB storage as a standard. Expansion to 16/32/64 GB is possible with extra cost. You should choose the memory size before purchasing ready-made deck from my collection or before ordering conversion of your own deck. Later it will be very hard to upgrade the memory without disassembling the deck. Better don't try this at home :)

Is there something still unclear? Just let me know - I will complete this page with missing information.

Copyright (c) Tapeless Deck Project. Since 2017
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