Panasonic RQ-2102

Data

General

• Manufacturer: Panasonic
• Model: RQ-2102
• Year of manufacture: 1993 (?) - 2012 (still being built).
• Manufactured in: Xiamen, China
• Color: black/silver
• Remote control: no
• Power consumption: 6 W
• Batteries: 4 x R14/"Baby"
• Dimensions:
• Weight:
• New price approx:

Connections

• Number of inputs: 1
  • Microphone: mono, 3.5mm jack
• Number of outputs: 1
  • Monitor/Headphone: mono, 3,5mm jack, 8 Ohm
• Mains: European power plug

Technical Data

• Sound heads: 1 talking head/listening head, 1 erasing head (permanent magnet)
• Motors: 1
• Synchronous speed:
• Tape types:
• Frequency response:
• Distortion factor:
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
• Auto reverse: no
• Title search: no
• Dolby: no
• MPX filter: no
• Fader: no
• Pitch control: no
• CD synchro recording: no

Special Features

• Loudspeaker: 1, integrated, 80 mm diameter
• microphone: 1, integrated, condenser microphone
• mechanical counter with three digits
• retractable transport handle

Remarks

Monophonic portable single recorder for mains/battery operation

This single recorder is, although such devices were contemporary twenty years ago, still in production (as of 2012). It is mainly sold on the Eastern European market, but is also available in Germany via mail order.

Recording and playback quality are rather below average, but the device is very robust. In particular, the lift/pressure mechanism for the sound head and pressure roller is, unlike in comparably priced devices, not exclusively mechanically coupled to the play button, but is gently supported by the drive motor during the start-up process. This means that even rough handling of play and cue buttons is gentle on both the mechanics and the tape.

The author knows of several devices that - despite "hard use" in the children's room - still work perfectly after almost 20 years.

Pictures