DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER
VN-4100/VN-4100PC VN-3100/VN-3100PC VN-2100/VN-2100PC VN-1100/VN-1100PC

INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing an Olympus Digital Voice Recorder. Please read these instructions for information about using the product correctly and safely. Keep the instructions handy for future reference. To ensure successful recordings, we recommend that you test the record function and volume before use.
For customers in North and South America
USA RFI This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Canadian RFI This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. Cet appareil numrique ne dpasse pas les limites de Catgorie B pour les missions de bruit radio manant dappareils numriques, tel que prvu dans les Rglements sur lInterfrence Radio du Dpartement Canadien des Communications.

For customers in Europe

CE mark indicates that this product complies with the European requirements for safety, health, environment and customer protection. This symbol [crossed-out wheeled bin WEEE Annex IV] indicates separate collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment in the EU countries. Please do not throw the equipment into the domestic refuse. Please use the return and collection systems available in your country for the disposal of this product. Applicable Product : VN-4100/VN-4100PC/VN-3100/VN-3100PC/VN-2100/VN-2100PC/ VN-1100/VN-1100PC

E1-BZ8174-03 AP0701

Getting Started
4 Identification of Parts
Built-in Microphone Microphone jack Display (LCD panel) Record/play indicator light Hold switch STOP button USB terminal* PLAY button 0 (Rewind) button FOLDER/INDEX button Battery cover REC (Record) button + button 9 (Fast Forward) button button DISPLAY/MENU button ERASE button Earphone jack
PC (USB) terminal. VN-1100PC/VN-2100PC/VN-3100PC/VN-4100PC

4 Inserting Batteries

Built-in speaker
Lightly press down on the arrow and slide the battery cover open.
Insert two size-AAA alkaline batteries, observing the correct polarity.

Close the completely.

battery
Time/Date screen appears. The hour indicator flashes, indicating the start of the Time/Date setup process. (See Setting Time/Date (TIME) for details)
An optional Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery (BR401) from Olympus can be used for the recorder.

Replacing Batteries

When appears on the display, replace the batteries as soon as possible. Size-AAA alkaline batteries are recommended. When the batteries are depleted, appears on the display, and the recorder shuts off. It is recommended to set the HOLD switch to the HOLD position before you replace batteries to maintain the current settings (Time/Date, etc.). For your convenience,the recorder also logs the current settings in nonvolatile memory at hourly intervals.

4 Power Supply

The HOLD switch functions as a power button. When you do not use the recorder, set the HOLD switch to the HOLD position while the recorder is stopped. This will power off the recorder and minimize the battery drain. Power onReset the HOLD switch. Power offSet the HOLD switch to the HOLD position.
Standby Mode and Display Shut Off
If the recorder is stopped or paused for 60 minutes or longer during recording or play back, it goes into Standby (power-save) mode, and the display shuts off. To exit Standby mode and turn on the display, press any button.

4 Hold

Set the HOLD switch to the HOLD position. All operation buttons are disabled. This feature is useful when the recorder has to be carried in a handbag or pocket. Remember to reset the HOLD switch before attempting to use the recorder.

How to Use the Strap

s The alarm will sound at the scheduled time even if the recorder is set to HOLD. The recorder will then begin to play the file associated with the alarm once you press any button (Excluded VN-1100/VN1100PC). s The recorder functions as follows with the HOLD switch set to the HOLD position: If the recorder is playing, the display goes dark when playback of the current file has completed. If the recorder is recording, the display goes dark when the recorder stops recording automatically upon running out of free memory.

Strap hole

*Strap is not supplied. Use the optional accessory.

4 Notes on the Folders

The recorder provides four folders, A, B, C, and D (D is for VN-2100/ VN-2100PC/VN-3100/VN-3100PC/VN-4100/VN-4100PC only). To change the folder selection, press the FOLDER button while the recorder is stopped. Each recorded file is stored in a folder. Using folders to classify files makes it convenient to find files you want to access later. Up to a total of 100 files can be recorded in each folder.

Current folder

4 Setting Time/Date (TIME)
If you have set the time and date, information as to when a sound file was recorded is stored automatically with that file. When you install batteries for the first time or each time you replace the batteries, the hour indication will flash. In such a case, be sure to set the time and date by following steps 4 through 7 described below.
Press and hold the MENU button for 1 second or longer. Press the + or button until TIME flashes on the display. Press the PLAY button.
The hour indicator flashes.
Press the + or button to set the hour. Press the PLAY or 9 button to accept the minute.
The minute indicator flashes. Pressing the 0 button enables the hour setting again.

Press the + or button to set the minute.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 to continue to set the year, month and date in the same way.
After setting the date, press the PLAY or 9 button.
This completes the time/date setup procedure.
s You can switch the time indication between the 12-hour system and the 24-hour system by pressing the DISPLAY/MENU button while you are setting the hour or minute. s You can change the order of the date indication by pressing the DISPLAY/MENU button while you are setting the year, month, or day.

(Example: June 14, 2007)

Recording
Press the FOLDER button to select the desired folder
Press the REC button to start recording.
The Record/play indicator light turns red, and recording starts.
To stop recording, press the STOP button.
New recordings are saved as the last file in the folder.
a Current folder b Current recording mode c Current file number d Recording time e Remaining recording time

4 To Pause Recording

To Pause
Press the REC button during recording. PAUSE appears on the display and the record/play indicator light flashes.

To Resume Recording

Press the REC button again. Recording will resume at the point of interruption.
4 Recording from External Microphone or Other Devices
The external microphone and other devices can be connected and the sound can be recorded.
s When the external microphone is connected to the microphone jack of the recorder, the built-in microphone will not operate. s When using an external microphone, choose adequate microphone, such as a Noise-Cancellation microphone or Electret condenser microphone (optional). s When connecting an external equipment, use the connecting cord KA333 (optional).
A audio input terminal of other devices
s If FULL appears on the display, you cannot record in the selected folder. In such a case, erase unnecessary files or download to PC (VN-1100PC/VN-2100PC/VN-3100PC/VN-4100PC). s If the recorder is placed directly on a table when recording a meeting, it tends to pick up table vibrations. Put a notebook or other item between the table and the recorder so that the vibration is not easily transmitted for clearer recording. s Even if you press the DISPLAY button, the display will not change to current recording time if the remaining recording time is 5 minutes or less. s When remaining recording time falls to 1 minute or less, the Record/play indicator light flashes red. s The recorder will enter Stop mode if it has been left paused for 60 minutes or longer. s In case of difficult acoustic conditions or low speakers voice, recording in XHQ or HQ is recommended. Also, usage of an external microphone (sold separately) could improve the quality of recordings. s The input level cannot be adjusted on this recorder. When you connect the recorder to an external device, execute a test recording and adjust the output level of the external device.

4 LCD Display Information
You can select an option for the display of the recorder. This help review and confirm different recorder settings and file information.
State of the recorder While in stop mode While in record mode While in stop mode or playback mode Operation Display
Press and hold the STOP button Press the DISPLAY button Press the DISPLAY button
The total number of files recorded in the folder and remaining recording time appears on the display. The display switches between current recording time and remaining recording time. Playing time Remaining playing time Recording date of the file Recording time of the file Playing time.

Playing Back

To Stop
Press the FOLDER button to select the desired folder. Press the 9 or 0 button to select the file to play back. Press the PLAY button to start playback.
The Record/play indicator light turns green, and the elapsed playing time is indicated on the display.

a Current folder

Press the + or button to select the proper sound volume.
The display shows the volume level. You can choose between 0 to 30.
b Current file number c Playing time

4 Canceling Playback

Press the STOP button. The recorder stops in the middle of the file being played.

To Resume Playback

Press the PLAY button again. Playback will resume at the point of interruption.
4 Forwarding and Rewinding

Fast Forward

Press and hold the 9 button while playing a file. When you release the 9 button, the recorder will resume normal playback.

Rewind

Press and hold the 0 button while playing a file. When you release the 0 button, the recorder will resume normal playback.
s The end of the file is located by pressing and holding the 9 button during fast forwarding. The recorder will pause at the end of the file. If you do not release the 9 button, the recorder will continue fast forward. s The beginning of the file is located by pressing and holding the 0 button during rewinding. The recorder will pause at the beginning of the file. If you do not release the 0 button, the recorder will continue rewinding. s When the index mark is shown in the middle of a file, it will stop temporarily in the position of the index mark.

4 Changing Playing Speed

You can change the playing speed by pressing the PLAY button while the recorder is playing back.
Normal speed Slow playback (-25%) Fast playback (+50%)
s When the slow playback mode is selected, the SLOW appears and, for the fast playback mode, FAST appears on the display while the recorder is playing back. s The recorder stops playing when you press the STOP button while playing back in the slow/fast mode, or when it reaches to the end of the file. If you once press the STOP button and start playback again, the recorder will play back files in normal speed as well.

4 Locating the Beginning of the File
While the recorder is playing back or playing back in slow/fast mode, pressing the 9 or 0 button forwards or rewinds to the beginning of the next file or the file being played respectively. If an index mark is encountered midway, playback begins at that point. (See Index Marks for details)
4 Listening with Earphones
You can listen to files by connecting earphones to the earphone jack. If an earphone is connected, the speaker doesn't emit sound. Sound will be played back monaurally.
s To avoid irritation to the ear, insert the earphone after turn down the volume level. s When you listen with the earphone during playback, do not raise the volume too much. It may cause hearing impairment and decrease in hearing ability. *Earphones are not supplied. You can use any standard 3.5mm monaural earphone or headphone.

4 Erasing

You can easily erase unnecessary files. Sequential file numbers are reassigned automatically.
Erasing One File at a Time
Press the FOLDER button to select folder.
Press the 9 or 0 button to select the file to be erased.

Press the ERASE button.

File to be erased
Press the 9 or 0 button to select the YES.

Press the PLAY button.

Erase All Files from a Folder
Press the ERASE button twice.

Folder to be erased

s An erased file cannot be restored. s If operation is not executed for 8 seconds during the setting, it will return to the stop status. s Completion of erasing may take several seconds. Do not attempt to remove, replace battery or attempt any other functions on the voice recorder during this period because data may be corrupted.
4 Basic Operation of the Menu Mode
Using the menu function, you can change various settings according to your preference.

Menu setting screen

Press and hold the MENU button for 1 second or longer while the recorder is stopped.
Press the + or button to select what you would like to set up.
The selected menu item flashes.
Use the 9 or 0 button to change the setting.
Press the PLAY button to confirm the setting.
Press the STOP button to close the menu.
Move the selection one position up/increase the number.
Move the selection one position to the left.
Move the selection one position to the right.

Confirm the setting

Move the selection one position down/decrease the number.
s The recorder will stop if you leave it idle for 3 minutes during a menu setup operation, when a selected item is not applied. s If you press the STOP button during a menu setup operation, the recorder will stop and apply the items that were set to that point.

4 Recording Modes (XHQ HQ SP LP)
The recording mode can be chosen from XHQ (extra high quality sound recording) and HQ (high quality sound recording), SP (standard recording), and LP (long-term recording). In Menu mode selection. XHQ, HQ, SP, LP

Current recording mode

VN-1100/ VN-1100PC VN-2100/ VN-2100PC VN-3100/ VN-3100PC VN-4100/ VN-4100PC
Approx.1 hour 25 minutes Approx.2 hours 50 minutes Approx.5 hours 50 minutes Approx.17 hours 50 minutes
Approx.2 hours 50 minutes Approx.5 hours 50 minutes Approx.11 hours 40 minutes Approx.35 hours 50 minutes Approx.5 hours 40 minutes Approx.11 hours 40 minutes Approx.23 hours 30 minutes Approx.71 hours 40 minutes Approx.11 hours 40 minutes Approx.23 hours 40 minutes Approx.47 hours 20 minutes Approx.144 hours 20 minutes
s The recording time shown above is for one continuous file. The available recording time may be shorter than specified if several files are recorded. (Use the remaining time and recorded time only as references.)
4 Microphone Sensitivity (HI
Microphone sensitivity display
Microphone sensitivity is adjustable to meet your recording needs. In Menu mode selection. HI, LOW HI: High-sensitivity mode that records sounds in all directions. LOW: Low-sensitivity mode suited for dictation.
s To ensure successful recording, make a test recording to choose appropriate microphone sensitivity before recording. s If you choose HI, we recommend setting the recording mode to XHQ or HQ to best take advantage of the higher sensitivity. s If you choose HI, background noise may be high depending on the recording conditions.
4 Using The Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA)
When the microphone senses that sounds has reached a preset volume, the built-in Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) starts recording automatically, and stops it when the volume drops. Particularly helpful for extended recording, the VCVA not only conserves memory by turning off recording during silent periods, but also makes playback more efficient and convenient. In Menu mode selection. On, OFF
s During recording, use the + and buttons to adjust the VCVA level in 15 levels. s The Record/play indicator light is lit during recording. When the recorder is in Standby mode, the Record/play indicator light flashes and VCVA flashes on the display.

VCVA indicator

4 System Sounds (BEEP)
The recorder beeps to alert you to button operations or warn you of errors. System sounds may be turned off. In Menu mode selection. On, OFF

s If the alarm playback function has been set, the alarm will sound at the scheduled time even if the system sounds are disabled (Excluded VN-1100/VN-1100PC).
4 Alarm Playback Function (
(Excluded VN-1100/VN-1100PC)

Alarm indicator

You can use the alarm playback function to sound the alarm tone for 5 minutes at the scheduled time. Within this 5 minutes, pressing any button other than the HOLD switch starts the recorder to play back the preselected file. In Menu mode selection. SET, On, OFFAfter selecting SET, press the PLAY button to set the time. With the alarm playback function, only one file can be played back. Select a file for the function before setting the time.
To cancel an alarm playback
For in the menu mode, select OFF and press the PLAY button.
s Regardless of the selected folder, once the alarm playback is set, it operates every day unless the setting is canceled. s To view the current setting, select On, and then press the PLAY button. s The alarm tone stops automatically if no button is pressed within 5 minutes after the alarm starts. The file is not played back in this case. s If the recorder has no recorded file in the selected folder, the alarm playback function is not available. s Alarm playback occurs every day unless it is set to OFF.
4 Timer Recording (TIMER)
You can schedule for automatic recording, specifying the start time and end time of recording. When the timer-controlled recording completes, the setting is released. In Menu mode selection. SET, On, OFFAfter selecting SET, press the PLAY button to set the time.
To cancel the timer setting
For the timer in the menu mode, select OFF, and then press the PLAY button.
s To view the current setting, select On, and then press the PLAY button. s With this function, you can set only the start and the end time of recording. The current settings of the recording mode, microphone sensitivity, VCVA and folder are applied for the settings before you set timer-controlled recording. s The setting exceeding the remaining recording time is not allowed. s You can record at any time even it is not within the specified recording duration. However, if that makes the remaining recording time insufficient for the timer-controlled recording, the recording will not complete. s If any operation is ongoing, the timer-controlled recording is overridden.

Other Functions

4 Moving File Between Folders
You can move files recorded in folders A, B, C and D to other folders. The moved file is added at to the end of the destination folder.
Choose the file you want to transfer and press the PLAY button to play it. Press and hold the MENU button for 1 second or longer while the file is playing.
a Destination folder number of the file
Press the 9 or 0 button to choose a destination folder. b Destination Press the PLAY button. The destination folder and the number of the moved file appear on the display, and moving is completed.
s If the destination folder is full (100 files), FULL appears on the display, and you cannot move the file to that folder.

4 Index Marks

Index marks can be placed in a file during recording or playback to provide and quick and easy way of keeping track of important sections in the file.
Press the INDEX button during recording (pause recording) or playback to set an index mark. An index number appears on the display.

Clearing an Index Mark

Press the ERASE button while the index number appears on the display.
s Up to 10 index marks can be set in a file. s Sequential index marks numbers are reassigned automatically.
4 Resetting the Recorder (CLEAR)
This function resets the current time and other settings to their initial status. It is useful if you are having problems with the recorder, or if you want to erase the entire memory of the recorder.
Hold the STOP button, and hold the ERASE button for 3 seconds or longer. Press the 9 or 0 button to select the YES. Press the PLAY button.
s If you leave the recorder untouched for 8 seconds or longer before you press the PLAY button in Step 3, Clear mode will be canceled, and the recorder will enter Stop mode.

General Precautions

Read this manual carefully to ensure that you know how to operate it safely and correctly. Keep this manual in an easily accessible location for future reference. The warning symbols indicate important safety related information. To protect yourself and others from personal injury or damage to property, it is essential that you always read the warnings and information provided.

Warning regarding data loss
Recorded content in memory may be destroyed or erased by operating mistakes, unit malfunction, or during repair work. For important recorded content, we recommend you to write it down somewhere (for VN-1100/VN-2100/VN-3100/VN-4100) or make a back-up by downloading to a PC (for VN-1100PC/VN-2100PC/VN-3100PC/VN-4100PC). Any liability for passive damages or damage of any kind occurred due to data loss incurred by a defect of the product, repair performed by the third party other than Olympus or an Olympus authorized service station, or any other reasons is excluded from the Olympuss liability.
For safe And Correct Usage
Do not leave the recorder in hot, humid locations such as inside a closed automobile under direct sunlight or on the beach in the summer. Do not store the recorder in places exposed to excessive moisture or dust. Do not use organic solvents such as alcohol and lacquer thinner to clean the unit. Do not place the recorder on top of or near electric appliances such as TVs or refrigerators. Avoid sand or dirt. These can cause irreparable damage. Avoid strong vibrations or shocks. Do not disassemble, repair or modify the unit yourself. Do not operate the unit while operating a vehicle (such as a bicycle, motorcycle, or go-cart). Keep the unit out of the reach of children.

Batteries

Warning
Batteries should never be exposed to flame, heated, short-circuited or disassembled. Do not attempt to recharge alkaline, lithium or any other non-rechargeable batteries. Never use any battery with a torn or cracked outer cover. Keep batteries out of the reach of children. If you notice anything unusual when using this product such as abnormal noise, heat, smoke, or a burning odor: 1 remove the batteries immediately while being careful not to burn yourself, and; 2 call your dealer or local Olympus representative for servicing.

Troubleshooting

Q1 Nothing happens when a button is pressed. A1 The HOLD switch may be set to HOLD. The batteries may be depleted. The batteries may be inserted incorrectly. Q2 No sound or quiet sound is heard from the speaker while playing back. A2 The earphone plug may be plugged into the recorder. The volume may be set to the minimum level. Q3 Recording is not possible. A3 By pressing the STOP button repeatedly while the recorder stops, check if the display shows: The remaining recording time in the selected folder may have reached00:00. The number of files is 100. Check if the display shows FULL by pressing the REC button. Q4 The playback speed is too fast (slow). A4 The recorder may be set to Fast (slow) Playback.

Specifications

Recording medium: Overall frequency response: Built-in flash memory XHQ mode 300 to 7,200 Hz HQ mode 300 to 7,200 Hz SQ mode 300 to 5,400 Hz LP mode 300 to 3,100 Hz VN-4100/VN-4100PC: 256 MB XHQ mode: Approx. 11 hours 40 minutes HQ mode: Approx. 23 hours 40 minutes SP mode: Approx. 47 hours 20 minutes LP mode: Approx. 144 hours 20 minutes VN-3100/VN-3100PC: 128 MB XHQ mode: Approx. 5 hours 40 minutes HQ mode: Approx. 11 hours 40 minutes SP mode: Approx. 23 hours 30 minutes LP mode: Approx. 71 hours 40 minutes VN-2100/VN-2100PC: 64 MB XHQ mode: Approx. 2 hours 50 minutes HQ mode: Approx. 5 hours 50 minutes SP mode: Approx. 11 hours 40 minutes LP mode: Approx. 35 hours 50 minutes VN-1100/VN-1100PC: 32 MB XHQ mode: Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes HQ mode: Approx. 2 hours 50 minutes SP mode: Approx. 5 hours 50 minutes LP mode: Approx. 17 hours 50 minutes Electret Condenser Microphone (monaural) Built-in 28 mm round dynamic speaker 120 mW 3.5 mm diameter, impedance 8 3.5 mm diameter, impedance 2 k Two AAA (LR03 or R03) batteries or Two Ni-MH rechargeable batteries Alkaline batteries. 25 hours Ni-MH rechargeable batteries: Approx. 15 hours 102(L) 39 (W) 19.5 (T) mm 63 g (including battery)

Recording time:

Microphone: Speaker: Maximum power: Earphone jack (monaural): Microphone jack(monaural): Power supply: Continuous battery use time: Dimensions: Weight:
* Battery life is measured by Olympus. It varies greatly according to the type of batteries used and the conditions of use. * Your recorded contents are for your personal use or pleasure only. It is prohibited to record copyrighted material without permission of the copyright holders according to copyright law. * Specifications and design are subject to change without notice for improvement of performance.

Accessories (Optional)

Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery Charger: BU-400 (Europe only) Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery: BR401 Connecting cord (Earphone jack Microphone jack): KA333 Noise-Cancellation microphone: ME52 Electret condenser microphone: ME15 Dual monaural earphone: E20 Telephone pickup: TP7 Neck Strap: ST26

- 10 -

Versatile Olympus VN-4100PC Digital Recorder

By Ken Reitz KS4ZR

o you ever wish that late night TV chat shows were on during a time of the day when you arent asleep? How about those shortwave radio shows that you always seem to miss when they air? Or what about trying to stay up all night to catch those shows on the AM band with guests who seem like theyre from other planets? Whats happening in your town on the scanner while you sleep? Ive heard from many monitoring enthusiasts over the years who have concocted different schemes to record the things that happen in the RF spectrum while they are asleep or are at work, but the Olympus VN-4100PC digital recorder could be the best answer to what theyve been missing.

Feature Rich Recorder

Heres a super lightweight (just 2.5 ounces with batteries) digital recorder that you can use to record off-air radio or TV; your favorite programs off your computer or from any other source, for that matter. An easy to use, built-in timer makes sure you catch the radio shows youve been missing. You can play back through external speakers on your stereo, through your computers sound card, through your car stereo, or any other radio that has a mini phone jack input. With up to 144 hours recording time, you can accumulate a lot of old time radio shows, BBC World News, or anything you can find on the web for future playback. This recorder comes with software that lets you manage what youve recorded via.wav files. But, you dont even have to have a computer to record and listen to shows. Use it the way you used to use a small cassette recorder, but without the hassle, weight and mechanical crankiness of cassette recording. This recorder also has a built-in microphone that lets you record interviews; use it as a personal note-taker (up to 144 hours of your private Olympus VN-4100PC digital thoughts!), or to record business recorder stores up to 144 meetings. Ive used this unit to hours on batteries that seem record interviews using a home- to last forever. (Photo courbrew lapel microphone I made tesy Radio Shack)
for less than $5 from an electret mic element, a length of RG/176 coax and a mini-plug. The person interviewed simply slips the recorder into a shirt pocket and attaches the mic to his shirt. The audio is perfect. On playback, an index button lets you tag parts of the broadcast or interview of interest so that, playing it back again, you can skip over the fluff and get to the parts you want to hear. A goof-proof erase button is easy to use, but not so easy that you can accidentally erase what youve recorded. A bright red LED indicates that the unit is recording, and a bright green LED indicates playback. The 4100PC has a built-in microphone jack that can be used as I described above or for input from your radios speaker, computer sound card, or any other device that has the same type output. A very small, built-in pezioelectric speaker is useful but makes listening a strain. I found that earbuds (not included) are more useful, as they give better audio fidelity and listening privacy. Most functions are done through an easyto-understand menu, which is displayed on a 1 square LCD screen. Playback volume level, fast forward, and reverse are done using a four-way rocker button. There are three levels of playback: slow (to facilitate dictation), regular, and fast (to get quickly past parts youre not interested in, but still maintain intelligible audio). Separate buttons for record and stop help you set up to record quickly.
tion, Ive found that with moderate use throughout the year, Ive only had to change the batteries once. And, for recording level control, adjusting the output level at the audio source keeps the unit from over-driving the audio when recording off-air. There are also cheaper Olympus models available but, they have less record time, no PC connection and no external microphone connection. If those features arent important for your recording needs you could save money by buying the cheaper models. But, for my purposes, the VN-4100PC was just right. This recorder is available from Radio Shack and numerous other storefront and online outlets, retailing anywhere from $45 to $62. It comes with a full year warranty on parts and labor. SPECIFICATIONS:

Recording length: 144 hours Batteries: 2 AAA (not included) Dimensions: 4 long, 1.5 wide, thick Weight: 2.22 oz. w/o batteries, 2.5 oz. w/batteries Features: Built-in microphone, External microphone jack, Earphone jack, USB port w/cable

Last Word

Other more expensive Olympus models include rechargeable batteries and use a recharge circuit through the USB port to charge the batteries when hooked up to your computer. The more expensive models also feature volume level controls and stereo input and playback. Those features may be worth the extra money, but if youre primarily listening to shortwave, scanner or old time radio programming, you wont have much need for stereo. As for battery consumpSeptember 2008 MONITORING TIMES