Radiophile.com - Answer ATR-102

Answer ATR-102, mid-1960s

Approximately 7-7/8 inches / 20 cm in diameter, excluding projections.

This wacky, round tape recorder has a built-in AM broadcast-band radio. Transistor AM radios of this era usually use a ferrite loop antenna, but that won't work here because the unit's case is all metal and would block the signals from reaching the antenna. The problem is solved in this unit with the external telescopic rod antenna.

I left the reels in their plastic bags. I just couldn't bear to take them out. At least we know there's no old recording on this tape waiting to reveal itself to me—the tapes have never been unwrapped (and the recorder has never been used).

Above is a closeup of the metal banner that's riveted to the top of the case lid. At left is a closeup showing the radio dial, which peeks through a slot in the lid when it's closed. There are calibration marks on the top and the side of the dial for easy adjustment from the top with the lid open, and from the side with the lid closed.

Here's the unit with its box, accessories, and original batteries. You can see what the recorder looks like with its lid closed. That circular grille at the left rear of the lid lets the sound out when the lid is closed—it's directly over the speaker on the main deck.

This is the front of the box (not visible in the picture above). I'm not sure what's triple about this Triplecorder. The top of the box says "Radio, Phonograph & Tape Recorder," but I can see only double, as in radio and tape recorder. There's no phonograph or even a place to attach one. Perhaps something got lost in translation when the Japanese manufacturer wrote the nice marketing text for the box.

But wait, there's more! Here's a view of the underside of the unit, with the battery compartment open, revealing some innards.