This recorder can be connected to
the telephone lines just about any place, and no external power source is needed. The tape
recorder's switch terminals are applied to a pair of transistors, connected as
Darlingtons, that are used to turn the recorder on and off. When the telephone is off-hook
there's usually about 50 Vdc across the phone thats divided over R1, R2, and R4, so that
Q1's base is negative enough to keep the recorder off. Pick up the receiver, and the
voltage drops to 5 V. That leaves not quite-enough voltage on Q1's base to keep that
transistor at cutoff, so the recorder begins. Remember to keep your recorder's switch in
the on position, and depending on how many people use the telephone, remember to rewind or
change tapes occasionally! |