Dictaphone 1243 (very old machine now obsolete) the side slide for Rec, Stop is now bare metal slide, do you still have part to cover metal slide to prevent sore fingers when recording ?

I'm sorry to hear that your Dictaphone 1243 is experiencing difficulties with recording sound. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue:
1. Check the microphone: Ensure that the microphone is not obstructed or damaged. Clean any debris or dust that may be affecting its functionality.
2. Volume settings: Verify that the volume is not set too low or muted. Adjust the volume settings accordingly.
3. Batteries: If your Dictaphone 1243 operates on batteries, make sure they are charged or replace them with fresh batteries. Insufficient power can affect the device's performance.
4. Recording mode: Confirm that you have selected the correct recording mode. Some devices have different recording options, such as voice activation or manual recording. Ensure you have chosen the appropriate mode for your needs.
5. Storage space: Check if there is sufficient storage space available on your device. If the memory is full, it may prevent further recordings. Delete unnecessary files or transfer them to another storage device to free up space.
6. Reset or firmware update: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you may consider performing a reset on your Dictaphone 1243. Consult the device's manual or contact the manufacturer's support for instructions on how to reset the device. Additionally, you could check if there are any firmware updates available for your device and apply them if necessary.
If none of these steps help to resolve the problem, it might be best to reach out to the manufacturer's support team or consider taking the device to a professional technician for further assistance.

To record, you need the optional microphone. Item 862300

Hello the tapes can be change by just slide down the front metal cover pull the tape from the side of two holes if you need replacement tapes you can get it from http://www.tvps.com/Products/Philips-LFH-0005-Mini-Cassette-Tape---New__PH-LFH0005.aspx good luck

You'll need a digital recorder (Dictaphone makes one - a Walkabout Model 5220). Transferring a recording from an analog (tape) machine to a PC requires a patch cord to hook it up to your PC, then some sort of software to record it while it's playing back.

If you press and hold the 'Conf' button, the machine will record using it's built-in mic (located on the right-hand side of the machine, closer to the front). It is probably recommended to get a microphone that plugs into the machine for better recording quality. Depending on what you're recording, you could get a handheld microphone or a telephone record adapter that plugs into your phone and the back of the 3750 (press and hold 'Tel Rec' to use that).

The 3750 won't let you control the telephone record jack. The only way you can get a mic to work using the Tel Rec jack is by pressing and holding the 'Tel Rec' button for about 1 second. But this isn't compatible with the hands-free operation.

If you're looking to do hands-free recording, it uses the built-in conference mic. Press and hold the 'Conf Rec' button for about a second and it should start recording. This built-in mic is located on the right-hand side of the machine near the front by the headset jack.

If you want to control the machine via a foot control while in Conference Record mode, you'll have to change the 'Foot Control Dictate' setting in the menu. Here's how:

1) Press and hold the 'Erase' & 'Search' buttons for about 5 seconds until the menu appears.

2) Scroll through the options until you get to 'Foot Control Dictate' and set this to 'Yes'.

3) Press 'Stop' to exit the menu.

4) Press the 'Conf Rec' button to enter record mode.

Now you should be able to control the start/stop of the record function via the foot control.

Hope this helps...

I'd try cleaning the internal switches on the main PCB. You'll have to remove the back cover on the portable (3 screws) and the remove the four screws on the PCB and CAREFULLY flip the PCB over to reveal the switches.

I assume the portable plays fine, but just won't rewind?

Not sure if you're still having problems with this portable, but the first thing I would check is to make sure that you've put the batteries UNDER the battery clip in the battery compartment. Does the machine just make a 'beeping' noise when it tries to play, rew, or FF?

The top cover slides down, and then the cassette should easily lift out.

Try another cassette. There is a tab on each side of the back edge of a tape which when removed will prevent most machines from going into record. If the tab is there (and not bent in), then the switch at the back of the cassette compartment is dirty or out of adjustment. If you can find a manual for the 2740 (try at www.nuance.com, they bought Dictaphone), it will show how to change the Letter display back to a timeline. Good Luck.