Technical Details
Brand: Belsona (Hitachi)
Model:TRQ-399
Category:Mid High Fidelity
Application:Consumer
Electronics:Solid State
Country of Manufacture:Japan
Tracks:1/2 Rec/PB
Speeds: 1 7/8, 3 3/4
Max Reel Size("): 3"
Number of heads: 2
Head Composition: Permalloy
Head Configuration: full-track-mono
Voltage(s): 220-240v
Frequency Response:3¾ ips: 150Hz - 7kHz 1 ips: 150Hz - 4kHz
Sound quality rating:5 / 10
Long-term reliability rating: 5/ 10
Additional Details
Description
This Belsona tape recorder was made by the Japanese company Hitachi, who later
sold products under their own name. It was a half-track mono battery-operated
machine with two speeds, 3¾ & 1
ips and a three-inch spool capacity, giving it a playing time of fifty
minutes per track with triple play (450ft) tape.
Quoted frequency response was 150 – 7kHz at 3¾ ips and 150 – 4kHz
at 1
ips. Power was obtained from four 6-volt torch batteries (which powered
both the motor and the amplifier) and power output was rated at 500 mW
through the internal 4 x 2½” speaker.
A unique feature of the TRQ-399 was a continuously variable rewind speed,
the only such device to be found on a battery portable in 1963. Rewind
was estimated to be less than 4 minutes.
The controls could be easily operated while the hinged cover was in place.
Other features included a combined record level and battery life indicator,
printed circuit wiring, facilities for earphone monitoring and an extension
speaker socket.
The price of (UK) £36 15s included a dynamic microphone, monitoring
earphone, recording leads. splicing tape, polishing cloth, leather carrying
case and strap, a spool of tape and an empty reel.
An A.C. adaptor was sold separately.
Additional Info
Outputs: extension speaker and monitor earphone / Power output: 500 mW / Speaker(s): internal 4 x 2½” / Dimensions (with lid): 8¾ x 6 x 3½” ( 222.3 x 156 x 86 mm) / Weight: 4¼ lbs (1.9 kg) / half-track mono