Cathay CC311 Cassette Recorder

Cathay Model CC311 was a mono SLIMLINE cassette recorder manufactured in China and available in 1987. It was very similar looking to the Cathay CC310 model. Its purpose was for use with home computers of that era, which stored data on compact cassettes; hence they marketed it as being compatible for use with computers. It was mains powered, and battery powered for portability, and also had built-in microphone, and jack sockets. The tape transport mechanism had fast-forward, rewind, pause, and auto-stop facility. There was also a 3-digit mechanical counter. Its dimensions were 5¼-inches × 10½-inches × 2-inches.

Review

In the evolution of cassette recorders, we are looking at a model from a time when they began utilising much less metal resources, consequently, this unit has a light metal tape transport frame, and metal pushbutton selector mechanism. Whilst earlier cassette recorders had rubber surfaces for driving the tape winding spindles, this unit has cogwheels, hence fast-forward and rewind functions continue to perform well.

The main board consists of KA2212 integrated circuit manufactured by the Samsung Corporation. It is a 0.5-watt Class B audio power amplifier IC in 9-pin single in-line package. It is designed for portable applications and can operate from as little as 3.5 V. The circuitry also has a pair of S9014 transistors. The loudspeaker is approximately 7.5 cm diameter with 0.8-watt (8 Ω) rating.

Price/eBay

In 1987, this cassette recorder would have cost £17.95, however on a good (buyer) day; you could get a bargain for much less. These units are still very much repairable, and a broken unit can sell for around five pounds or more. However a unit in mint condition in its original packaging can sell for twenty to thirty pounds, and sometimes more on a good day.

This Article Continues...