Cassette loading problems

[Computer Collector]

I have a pretty new cassete player / recorder that Is actually a Radio shack product that I want to use with my model 4. Problem is, Ive had nothing but problems. Any advise would be appreciated. Here is the acount of what has happened with me:

I wanted to load a certain program. I plugged the tapre recorder in with all the 3 wires going to the correct holes (following Tandy's instructions for TRS-80 computers). I pushed play, then typed in
CLOAD "GAME" and hit ENTER. Immediatly the player started the tape, just like it should. in the upper right corner of the video display we see D* and the * is blinking. After a while the blinking stops, but the player keeps going; for way too long. The game should be loaded by now. So I hit stop and hit BREAK on the computer. For some reason, it didnt load properly. I even tried to RUN it.... Nothing.

I tried this using several different volumes - soft, medium, and loud.... Nothing.

I trid useing different programs, perhaps other tapes would do better? No, even worse. On these other tapes, I dont even get the D*.

Why is this happening?

[Terry Yager]

Mostly, it's the nature of the beast. Cassettes have never been an ideal storage medium, and TRS-80s are notorious for being picky about loading tape-based software. On a Model IV, try loading the tape at the lower speed. (At the CAS? prompt, type an L). Also, I assume you've tried cleaning the heads? Keep trying, experimenting with the volume levels. Of course, it's possible that your tapes have gone bad, either from old age, or accidentally damaged by a previous owner who was unfamilliar with it. If you'd like, I can send you a tested, working copy of one of my tapes, to eliminate the possibility of bad media. Pm me.

--T

[Computer Collector]

ill try typing L at the Cass prompt. I had no idea about this option. It actually makes the recorder move slower? Ill try it in a little while. Ill clean the heads first, too.

I dont think bad media is a prbolem. The reson being, "GAME" is a program I wrote a year ago and it used to work just great for me back when I had my actual Tandy computer cassette drive. I threw it away because it kept breaking and it was a total lemon. It was a CCR-82 or something like that.
By the way, Terry, do you still have that single sided disk drive for me? I want to by it. I think their called Tanden or something.

[Computer Collector]

I just tied it out. "L" didnt make the tape player go slower. It didnt work any better. Perhaps I should just get another actual Tandy computer tape recorder. Know where I can get one?

[Terry Yager]

Nope, mine's broke too, so if ya find two of 'em, save one for me. I still have the drive, if I can find it again.

--T

[Computer Collector]

If the drive is in good condition, Id like it because with it I wont have to worry about tapes. Ill be able to format disks and save info. on disk.

[Terry Yager]

I'll see if I can locate...

--T