BT Robin 202A Ansaphone

[Ferguson.Fan]

Hello.
I am new to this Site so hope that I am acting correctly !

Can anyone help with how to delete messages received on this Ansaphone ??

I have recently "unearthed" an old model, with Power Supply and Cassette but without Instructions, and wish to delete messages prior to offering it for sale.

I do hope that someone can help me.

Best Regards,

[Nickthedentist]

Hello and welcome.

I seem to remember that these just used a standard blank audio cassette.

So you could just remove the cassette, and leave it up to the new owner to replace it with a blank.

[EmleyTim]

Welcome Ferguson Fan
IIRC Nick, you’re right. A C60, I believe.
£4 for a TDK C60 from Amazon - I bought one recently to test a repaired music centre.
Tim

[Nickthedentist]

There was almost certainly a way to wipe the messages, ISTR it involved holding down two buttons at once. But it was a long time ago! I must have got rid of mine in the very eearly 1990s.

[Dave Moll]

I'm pretty sure I did manage to delete messages when I powered up my Robin, but I don't recall the procedure. I'll dig it out later and have a look.

As stated though, if you simply want to ensure it has no old messages when passed to a new owner, the safest way is to accompany it with a blank tape - or get the new owner to supply their own tape. Deleting messages is no guarantee that there isn't still playable information on the tape.

N.B. if you do pass it on without a tape, best to include a warning that it will only start up if a cassette is inserted if I recall correctly

[HamishBoxer]

I had a Robin, full of dry joints back in the day.

[Ferguson.Fan]

Thank you for the responses.

There is a further problem now, though.

"Robin" will not 'power-up' properly due, I believe, to the dreaded 'dry joint syndrome' as mentioned by HamishBoxer.

This is confirmed by 'wiggling' the Power Input Plug and resulting in intermittent response.

I will now probably offer it as "Spares and Repairs". Shame !

Best Regards,

[Nickthedentist]

I had to replace the moulded-on power plug on mine, as the wire had fractured inside it.

I suspect anyone interested in buying this will be the kind of person who is capable of making a few simple repairs, so I wouldn't worry too much.

[Dave Moll]

Having now had a play with one of my Robins, I think my memory was incorrect. Rather than deleting messages, it simply overwrites them next time unless you press STORE to keep them.

Interestingly, despite the problems reported above, I have had no problems with either of the Robins in my possession.

[Nickthedentist]

The only other problem on mine was an intermittent connection on the PCB header thingy which went to the record/play head. Hard wiring it solved all kinds of intermittencies.

Mine was 50p from a jumble sale, which included a mint Roberts R200 in green. Amazing the nonsense that sticks in the back of my mind!

[Dave Moll]

Originally Posted by Dave Moll

I have had no problems with either of the Robins in my possession.

I should have said, "... apart from the latch breaking off the BT plug."

[Ferguson.Fan]

Many thanks for the responses.

I will advertise the Robin and see what happens!!

Best Regards,