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Introduction - a history
The CR240 was released in 1979 using a similar tape loading mechanism to that of
the CR124 and CR210. It is a stereo 2 head cassette deck with Dolby B
noise reduction. A manual slide selection between Ferric, Ferro-Chrome and Chromium
Dioxide tapes,
usually set up for BASF Ferric and Chromium tapes at the factory but service
agents could change that to other tapes like TDK AD and SA and Sony FeCr. Mine
was recalibrated by REW Audio Visual for £9.56 in April 1978.
The specifications of the CR240 now brought it up to date with the 4 year old Sony TC-153SD but lighter, more compact and expensive. Sony meanwhile launched the TC-D5M able to use Metal Type IV tapes getting the weight below the CR210 although about the same volume.
I was told by one shop manager that the Uher sales representative could not understand why Uher portable cassette decks were not selling; even when shown the competition's features and price.
The CR160 was released in 1984 offering Dolby C as well as Dolby B, stereo built in speakers and soft touch buttons for start, pause, stop and record retaining the heavy rewind and fast forward switch from the CR210/CR240.
The Sony Professional Walkman WM-D6C and CR160 were a similar price. Half of the original rice of the CR240.
At the time I purchased the Uher CR240 I was aware of the CR210 and a Sony model
(one off TC-152SD, TC-153SD, TC-158SD, TC-164SD) that was heavier and larger
than the Uher CR240. I also knew about the 5" reel-to-reel Uher Reporter series
but wanted something lighter and compatible with compact cassette recorders
owned by family and friends. The Uher CR240 replaced the need for a desktop
cassette deck and the flexibility to connect to the car stereo to play back and
also to record from the FM radio.
When I upgraded to the CR160 with Dolby C I gave the CR240 to my parents along
with the matching Uher Miniline FM/MW tuner and pre/power amplifier.
The Sony Professional WalkmanWM-D6C is far smaller, fitting inside a jacket
pocket also offers Dolby C and can record on and playback Metal tapes lossing
the Ferri chrome position. The Uher CR160 has the edge over the Sony WM-D6C but
differences are slight and has proven to be easier to maintain. The Uher
CR240 had many repairs and tweaks under warranty and more later. The Uher CR160
also had a number of teething problems and more recently sourcing parts has been
difficult.
The Uher CR240 has a metal case. There is a mono speaker for monitoring and
playback built into the top. Also there is a mono microphone for recording
notes. The cassette slots in through a slot door and a lever drops it down onto
the spindles (far right on the front). A removable cover allows for inspection
and cleaning of the head and pinch roller. A back light allows the tape to be
watched giving an idea of how much is left.
On the front left of the Uher CR24 is a stereo microphone input. All low impedance microphones may be connected directly. When using M620 microphone set the pause function may be controlled from the start/stop switch on the microphone. Condenser microphones can be powered from this socket.
Next to the DIN plug for the microphones is a volume control for the head phones and built in mono speaker. The button next to it activated the speaker. Output to the headphones becomes mono with the speaker engaged..
The INT for internal microphone activates the microphone on the top of the CR24.
ALC (automatic level control) sets and holds the maximium level for 3 seconds when using a microphone or 30 seconds when using line in.
Dobly NR switches on Dolby B noise reduction and lights a green LED.
The record button is used in conjuction with the tape play windrose switch set to stop. The recording is then started by flicking the switch in the direction of the arrow.
Below the play switch is the Fast wind and rewind switch. If flicked in play mode it will return to play when set back to the centre position.
Below the cassette tape slot is the tape selection Fe, FeCr and CrO2 (types I, III and II).
Left of the tape counter are three LED for record, on and start.
To the right of the UV are dials to set the recording level. The switch below locks the dials in tandem or the can be set individually.
Two head phone sockets are found on the left side - a 1/4" (6.3 mm jacket) and a
5 pin square type DIN socket that can also be used to power a stereo set of
passive 4 ohm speakers or active speakers.
There is also a DC 12,24V input for use in a car to to use the Z131 externally
with lead K638 to charge the Z217 Professional Nickel Cadmium battery pack
taking 15 hours to fully charge. Lead K719 connects to a car lighter socket.
K528 (mono) or K529 (stereo) connects to the tape socket of the car radio (e.g.
Blaupunk Frankfurter FM21) and the AUTO RADIO socket of the Uher CR240. The Z131
has a switch to operate from 115V and 220V mains supplies,
The AUX input is for connection to a stereo record player with a crystal pickup
cartridge. A stereo tape, cassette recorder or the Uher Stereo Mixer MIX50 A124
can be connected with cable K541.
ACCESS (2nd from front) is for a remote control (F111) or starter and can be
operated with the Clock-timer A403 power up when set in record mode and switched
on.
RADIO (nearest the front) for connection to the tape of a stereo tuner or
amplifier using the lead K541.
Below is the power supply Z141 which can be placed inside the battery compartment o rused externally to charge the Z217 battery pack.
The leather case has slots on the left hand side and the cover flips around at the back to enable access to all the front controls.
This start plug was made up for me by Photo Acoustics Ltd for £7.50 in May 1980 as Uher had already stopped making them.
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Manuals for the CR160, VG840, EG740, Z141
Last updated 16th February 2022