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Page 8 of 14
STARTING UP A LOCAL TN
PURCHASE EQUIPMENT
It is assumed that the normal commercial cassette system is to be used. Note that this is not the same as the original Talking Book cassette system.
Normal compact cassettes can be obtained in varying lengths up to C120 i.e. one hour each side. C120 tapes are generally too thin for satisfactory use on high speed copiers but C90s, giving 45 minutes each side, are very satisfactory and are those in most common use. Beware of cheap cassettes. Good quality cassettes at about £0.50p each will last on average 100 times. Cheap cassettes are often of inconsistent length, resulting in a blank space at the end of side 1 and beginning of side 2, giving the listener the impression that there is nothing on side 2!
Some of the major items needed for a TN having approximately 200 listeners are listed. When purchasing, stress the charitable nature of the venture and ask if any special discounts can be given. Local businesses in the electronics trade may be able to arrange purchase at cost, or even provide some equipment free. However, do not overlook the need for reliable servicing facilities.
Master copier and slaves.
Master cassette recorder.
Microphones and headphones
(possibly) Minidisk machine, CD player
(Suitable computer for digital recording, CD-R for copying, CD copier stack, larger wallets for CDs)
Bulk eraser.
Yellow postal pouches - 200.
Printed pouch labels - 200.
Cassettes - 250.
Indexes, registers.
Shelving, sockets and extension leads.
Use only one pouch per listener; insist on its return before the next edition. This works quite satisfactorily and avoids unnecessary work.
Having purchased equipment, insure it against loss, theft, fire and accidental damage. Membership of TNF will enable you to insure at very favourable rates.
Do not wait until you have accumulated all this equipment before you start production - remember your priority is to provide a news service, not to equip an elaborate studio! Obviously your priorities must be cassettes and wallets, next a mixer and several microphones. These will immediately improve your production if you have been sharing one microphone initially.
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