RETRO-SYNTH said:
A lot of boomboxes use the tape function as "off", so they still have current flowing I would imagine. I would venture that it's alright.
Hi Retro-Synth
The Off / [SLEEP] function on boomboxes removes power from the radio circuits when Off. It diverts the power to a leaf style contact switch on the cassette mechanism. The boombox stereo circuitry is off at that point. When the cassette player is in use, the action of engaging the cassette mechanism closes that leaf switch, serves as the power switch and powers up the radio.
Sometimes I get asked what Sleep mode is. Sleep mode is found on radios where the Power switch is separate from the Function switch. You can select radio, tape, auxiliary or any other functions available. You set the power to Off / Sleep and press play on the cassette with a tape loaded. The Function selected will determine what the unit does while powered up by the cassette deck. The cassette length will determine the time the box will stay powered up. If you put in a C90 cassette that will give you 45 minutes (roughly) of up time. When the cassette comes to a stop the unit turns off.
Some boxes have a Timer function. This is a logic circuit that (when enabled) looks for wall current to be applied with the power button left in the on position. It is designed to be used with a wall timer that removes power to the plug of the radio. Once power is supplied, the logic circuit automatically energizes the cassette mechanism to record (assuming the record tab is in place). Whatever you have the stereo tuned to or input you have selected will then be recorded. When power is removed, enough residual power exists in the logic circuits capacitors to kick the deck off and return it to its 'parked' off position.
This feature is only found on full logic decks since it requires engaging and disengaging of the cassette mechanism on it's own. You can essentially make any fully mechanical boom box perform a timer function by manually engaging Record on the deck while unplugged, the source selected, power button on and a wall timer to turn it on. However, some stereos will kick the deck off using their auto stop music search circuit (if equipped) during power up...so not all radios will do this. Plus if you have a fully mechanical deck without any logic circuits, I'm not a big fan of leaving a deck in record/play mode with the power off for hours. This can cause an aging pinch roller to develop an impression of the capstan roller and lead to W/F issues. Another reason why it is so important to manually disengage a full logic or feather touch deck when they fail in the engaged position.
Can you tell I'm bored? I wrote a book there (shrug)