Olympus VN-900 User Manual

DIGITAL VOICE

RECORDER

VN-900
VN-1800
VN-3600

EN INSTRUCTIONS

Please read these instructions for information about using

To ensure successful recordings, we recommend that

you test the record function and volume before use.

Shinjuku Monolith, 3-1 Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-0914, Japan. Tel. [phone]

(Premises/Goods delivery) Wendenstrasse 14-18, 20097 Hamburg, Germany. Tel. [phone]

USA RFI

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide rea­sonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equip­ment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio com­munications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television recep­tion, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encour­aged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canadian RFI

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Cana­dian Department of Communications.

Cet apparail numerique ne depasse pas limits de Categorie B pour les emissions de
gruit radio emanant d’appareils numeriques, tel que prevu dans les Reglements sur
l’Interference Radio du Department Canadian des Communications.

“CE” mark indicates that this product
complies with the European
requirements for safety, health,
environment and customer protection.
L’indication “CE” signfie que ce
produit est conforme aux exigences
concemant la sécurité, la santé,
l’environnement et la protection du
consommateur.
Das „CE“ Zeichen bestätigt die
übereinstimmug mit den Europäischen
Bestimmungen für Betriebssicherheit
und Umweltschutz.

the product correctly and safely.

Keep the instructions handy for future reference.

Two Corporate Center Drive, Melville, NY 11747-3157, U.S.A. Tel. [phone]

(Letters) Postfach 10 49 08. 20034 Hamburg. Germany.

2-8 Honduras Street, London EC1Y 0TX, United Kingdom, Tel. [phone]

http://www.olympus.com

Il marchio “CE” indica che questo
prodotto è conforme alle norme della
comunità europea per quanto
riguarda la sicurezza, la salute,
l’ambiente e la protezione del
consumatore.
La marca “CE” indica que este
producto se encuentra de
conformidad con las exigencias
europeas sobre seguridad, salud,
medio ambiente y protección al
consumidor.

E2-2821-03

AP0311

Main Features

• The VN-900/1800/3600 has three recording modes: HQ (High Quality) mode, SP
(Standard Playback) mode, and LP (Long Playback) mode.

• The Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) reduces memory usage by pausing
recording when it senses silence.

• Four folders, each of which can contain a maximum of 100 recorded messages.

• Jogdial layout and liquid crystal display enable easy operation.

Identification of Parts

1 Earphone jack (EAR)
2 Display (LCD panel)
3 Clip
4 DISPLAY button
5 Jogdial
6 ERASE button
7 Built-in speaker
8 Microphone
9 Microphone jack (MIC)
0 Recording/playing lamp

(VN-3600/1800 only)

Recording lamp (VN-900)

! REC (Record) button
@ MENU/FOLDER button
# VOLUME control
$ Battery cover
% Hold switch
^Strap holes (Strap not included)

Jogdial

& STOP button
* 0 (Rewind) /– button
( 9 (Fast Forward) /+ button
) PLAY button

Display (LCD Panel)

1 Folder indicator
2 Recording mode indicator
3 Microphone sensitivity display

(LOW)

4 Current time/date, recording time/

date (REC DATE), elapsed
recording time, remaining
recording time (REMAIN), menu
display, etc.

5 Alarm indicator
6 Battery indicator
7 7Rewind indicator,

8Fast Forward indicator,
sRecord indicator, `Play

indicator

8 File number indicator
9 VCVA (Variable Control Voice

Actuator) indicator

Standby Mode and Display Shut Off

If the recorder is stopped or paused for 60 minutes or longer during recording or
playing, it goes into Standby (power-save) mode, and the display shuts off. To exit
Standby mode and turn on the display, press any button.

Inserting Batteries

1 Lightly press down on the arrow and

slide the battery cover open.

2 Insert two size-AAA alkaline batteries,

observing the correct polarity.

3 Close the battery cover completely.

Time/Date screen appears. The hour
indicator flashes, indicating the start of the
Time/Date setup process. (See “Setting
Time/Date” for details)

Replacing Batteries

When
soon as possible.

When the batteries are depleted,
and the recorder shuts off.
It is recommended to set the HOLD switch to the HOLD position
before you replace batteries to maintain the current settings
(time/date, etc.). For your convenience,the recorder also logs
the current settings in nonvolatile memory at hourly intervals.

An optional Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery from Olympus can be used for the
recorder. However, the battery level may not be indicated correctly when the
Ni-MH Rechargeabel battery is used.

appears on the display, replace the batteries as

Size-AAA alkaline batteries are recommended.

appears on the display,

a Battery indicator

Setting Time/Date (TIME)

If you have set the time and date, information as to when a sound file was recorded
is stored automatically with that file.
The time and date must be set to enable management of files in folder S, for the
alarm playback function, and for the scheduled alarm playback function.

When you install batteries for the first time or each time you replace the batteries,
the hour indication will flash. In such a case, be sure to set the time and date by
following steps 4 through 6 described below.

1 Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for

1 second or longer.

2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “TIME” flashes

on the display.

3 Press the PLAY button.

The hour indicator flashes.

4 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to set the hour.
5 Press the PLAY button to accept the hour.

The minute indicator flashes.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 to continue to set the minute, year,
month and date in the same way.

6 After setting the date, press the STOP button.

This completes the time/date setup procedure.

• You can switch the time indication between the 12-hour system and the 24-hour
system by pressing the DISPLAY button while you are setting the hour or minute.

(Example: 5:23 P.M.)

(Initial setting)

• You can change the order of the date indication by pressing the DISPLAY button
while you are setting the year, month, or day.

(Example: February 14, 2001)

(Initial setting)

• Each time you press the DISPLAY button while the recorder is stopped, the display
changes as follows (with folder A, B or C selected):
Time → Remaining recording time → Date → Time . . .
The selected indication appears on the display each time the recorder is stopped.

Notes

• If you leave the recorder untouched for 3 minutes or longer before pressing the STOP button
in step 6, Setup mode will be canceled, and any time/date settings you made will be canceled.

• If you press the STOP button during setup, time/date setup is canceled.

Notes on the Folders

The recorder has four folders: A, B, C, and S.
To switch between folders, press the MENU/FOLDER button
while the recorder is stopped.
Each time you press the MENU/FOLDER button, the display
changes as follows:
A → B → C →S → A . . .

• Folders A, B, and C
Each recorded file is stored in a folder. Using folders to classify files makes it
convenient to find files you want to access later.

• Folder S
This folder has date subfolders* from January 1 to December 31. Up to 15 files
can be stored in each date subfolder, a useful feature for schedule management
by storing a certain day's schedule for future reference.
To switch between date subfolders, select the S folder, then press the 9/+ or
0/– button while the recorder is stopped.
Up to a total of 100 files can be recorded in folder S.

* There is one subfolder for each day of the year.

Folder A

Maximum of 100 files

Maximum of 100 files in each folder
Total of 300 files

Press the MENU/FOLDER
button

Folder B

File

Folder C

Date subfolder

File

a Current folder

Folder S (schedule)

Maximum of 100 files in folder S.

Maximum

of 15 files

Recording (REC)

New recordings are saved as the last file in the folder. For example, if you have
eight recordings in the Folder A, and you press REC, the new recording will be
recording number nine.

1 Press the MENU/FOLDER button to select the desired

folder (A, B, C or S).

When you select folder S, the current date subfolder
appears on the display.
If you select folder A, B, or C, go to step 3.

2 If you select folder S, press the 9/+ or

0/– button to select the desired date subfolder.

3 Set the recording mode (see “Recording Modes”).
4 Set the microphone sensitivity (see “Microphone

Sensitivity”).

5 Press the REC button to start recording.

The Recording/playing lamp lights, and recording
starts.

• If the recorder is placed directly on a table when recording a
meeting, it tends to pick up table vibrations. Put a notebook or
other item between the table and the recorder for clearer
recording.

• The Record/Play display lamp will turn red while recording.

Each time you press the DISPLAY button, the display switches between current recording
time and remaining recording time.

6 To stop recording, press the STOP button.

Notes

• When the remaining recording time becomes 5 minutes or less, the display changes to remaining
recording time automatically.

• Even if you press the DISPLAY button, the display will not change to current recording time if
the remaining recording time is 5 minutes or less.

• When remaining recording time falls to 1 minute or less, the Recording/playing lamp flashes.

• If “FULL” appears on the display, you cannot record in the selected folder. In such a case,
erase unnecessary files (see “Erasing from folder A, B or C” or “Erasing from folder S”).

• There is one subfolder for each day of the year.

a Date to record

a Folder
b Current recording

mode

c Current file number
d Recording time
e Remaining

recording time

To Pause Recording

To pause

Press the REC button during recording. , “PAUSE” appears on the display and

To resume recording

Press the REC button again. , Recording will resume at the point of interruption.

Note

The recorder will enter Stop mode if it has been left paused for 10 minutes or longer.

the Recording/playing lamp flashes.

To check the remaining recording time

Press the DISPLAY button while the recorder is stopped.

To check the total number of files recorded
in the folder

Press and hold the STOP button while the recorder is
stopped. The total number of files recorded in the folder
appears on the display.

a Current folder
b Total number of

files recorded in
the current folder

c Remaining

recording time

Playing Back (PLAY)

1 Press the MENU/FOLDER button to select the desired folder (A, B, C or

S).

2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select the file

to play back.

If you select folder S, select the desired date
subfolder.*

* When you select the desired date subfolder, it is useful to

press and hold the 9/+ or 0/– button for 1 second or
longer. The recorder locates the next date subfolder that
contains recorded files.

3 Press the PLAY button to start playback.

The playing time** appears on the display.

** Each time you press the DISPLAY button during playback, the display changes as follows:

Playing time → Remaining playing time → Recording date of the file → Recording time of
the file → Playing time . . .

4 Use the VOLUME control to adjust the volume to

your liking.

The Record/Play display lamp will turn green while
playing back (VN-1800/3600 only).

Note

When you play back a file in the date subfolder without choosing a
specified file, the recorder will play back all the files in the selected
date subfolder from filename “001”. When you play back a file
immediately after recording the file, only the most recently recorded
file will be played back.

Canceling Playback

To stop

Press the STOP button. , The recorder stops in the middle of the file being

To resume playback

Press the PLAY button again. , Playback will resume at the point of

Playback Functions

Fast Playback

(F-PLAY)

Fast Forward

(8)

Rewind (7) Press and hold the 0

• Fast playback is approximately 30% faster than normal playback.

• When fast playback of a file is over, the recorder will play back the next file at
normal speed. If you once press the STOP button and start playback again, the
recorder will play back files in normal speed as well.

• No sound is heard from the built-in speaker during fast forwarding or rewinding.

• The end of the file is located by pressing and holding the 9 button during fast
forwarding. The recorder will pause at the end of the file. If you do not release the
9 button, the recorder will continue fast forward.

• The beginning of the file is located by pressing and holding the 0 button during
rewinding. The recorder will pause at the beginning of the file. If you do not release
the 0 button, the recorder will continue rewinding.

played.

interruption.

Operation How to cancel

Press and hold the PLAY

button for 1 second or

longer in Stop mode or

while playing a file.

Press and hold the 9

button while playing a

file.

button while playing a

file.

If you press the PLAY button again,

the recorder will resume normal

playback.

When you release the 9 button,

the recorder will resume normal

playback.
When you release the 0 button,

the recorder will resume normal

playback.

a Current folder
b Current file number
c Playing time**

MAX

MIN

Locating the beginning of the file

Press the 9/+ or 0/– button in Stop mode,* playback mode, or fast
playback mode.

Each time you press the 9/+ or 0/– button, the recorder will locate the beginning
of the next or previous file.

* When folder S is selected, you cannot locate the beginning of the file in Stop mode.

Notes

• Even if you press the 9/+ or 0/– button during playback or fast playback, the recorder

will continue playback in the same playback mode.

• When you select folder A, B or C you can locate the beginning of each file continuously by

pressing and holding the 9/+ or 0/– button while in Stop mode. During operation, “SKIP”
flashes on the display.

Listening with earphones (You can use any standard

3.5mm monaural earphone or headphone )

You can listen to files by connecting earphones to the earphone jack.

• If an earphone is connected, the speaker doesn't emit sound. Sound will be played back
monaurally.

Note

Do not turn the volume up very high when listening through earphones. Doing so may cause
poor sound quality and can impair hearing.

Erasing from Folder A, B or C

You can easily erase unnecessary files. Sequential file numbers are reassigned
automatically.

Erasing One File at a Time

1 Press the MENU/FOLDER button to select folder A, B, or C.
2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select the file to be erased.
3 Press the ERASE button.

The file number flashes, then alternatively “ERASE” and
“YES” appear on the display for 8 seconds.

4 Press the ERASE button again.

The file is erased.
You can erase a file while you are playing it back.

Note

If you leave the recorder untouched for 8 seconds or longer before you press the ERASE button
in step 4, Erase mode will be canceled, and the recorder will enter Stop mode.

Erase All Files from a Folder

1 Press the MENU/FOLDER button to select the folder from which you

want to erase all files.

2 Press and hold the ERASE button for 2 seconds or

longer.

The folder name and “ALL” flash, then alternatively
“ERASE” and “YES” appear on the display for 8 seconds.

3 Press the ERASE button again.

All files in the selected folder are erased simultaneously.

Note

If you leave the recorder untouched for 8 seconds or longer before you press the ERASE button
in step 3, Erase mode will be canceled, and the recorder will enter Stop mode.

Erasing from Folder S

STOP

Erasing One File at a Time in a Date Subfolder

1 Press the MENU/FOLDER button and select folder S.
2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select the date subfolder.
3 Press the PLAY button.

The recorder starts to playback all the files in the selected date subfolder.

4 During playback, press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select the file to be

erased.

5 Press the STOP button.
6 Press the ERASE button.

The file number flashes, then alternatively “ERASE” and
“YES” appear on the display for 8 seconds.

7 Press the ERASE button again.

The file is erased.
Sequential file numbers are reassigned automatically.

Note

If you leave the recorder untouched for 8 seconds or longer before you press the ERASE button
in step 7, Erase mode will be canceled, and the recorder will enter Stop mode.

Erase All Files in a Date Subfolder

1 Press the MENU/FOLDER button to select folder S.
2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select the date subfolder to be

erased.

3 Press and hold the ERASE button for 2 seconds or

longer.

“ALL” flashes, then alternatively the date of the selected
subfolder and “YES” appear on the display for 8 seconds.

4 Press the ERASE button again.

All files in the date subfolder are erased.

Note

If you leave the recorder untouched for 8 seconds or longer before you press the ERASE button
in step 4, Erase mode will be canceled, and the recorder will enter Stop mode.

Erase All Files in the S Folder

1

Press the MENU/FOLDER button to select folder S.

2 Press and hold the ERASE button for 4 seconds or

longer.

“S” and “ALL” flash, then alternatively “ERASE” and “YES”
appear on the display for 8 seconds.

3 Press the ERASE button again.

All files in folder S are erased.

Note

If you leave the recorder untouched for 8 seconds or longer before you press the ERASE button
in step 3, Erase mode will be canceled, and the recorder will enter Stop mode.

Recording Modes (MODE)

You can select from among three recording modes: HQ (High Quality) mode, SP
(Standard Playback) mode and LP (Long Playback) mode.

VN-900

HQ mode

SP mode

LP mode

• The recording time shown above is for one continuous file. The available recording time may
be shorter than specified if several files are recorded. (Use the remaining time and recorded
time only as references.)

Approx. 22 min.

Approx. 33 min.

Approx. 90 min.

VN-1800

Approx. 45 min.

Approx. 67 min.

Approx. 180 min.

1 Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1

second or longer.

The menu opens, and “MODE” appears on the display.

2 Press the PLAY button.
3 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to choose a

recording mode.

(Initial setting)

4 Press the STOP button to close the menu.

Note

• In case of difficult acoustic conditions or low speaker’s voice, recording in HQ or SP is
recommended. Also, usage of an external microphone (sold separately) could improve the
quality of recordings.

VN-3600

Approx. 91 min.

Approx. 137 min.

Approx. 364 min.

a Current recording

mode

Microphone Sensitivity (MIC)

Microphone sensitivity is adjustable to meet your recording needs.

1 Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second or longer.

Go to the Menu screen.

2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “MIC” flashes on

the display.

3 Press the PLAY button.

4 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select between

“LO” and “HI”.

LO: Low-sensitivity mode suited for dictation.
HI: High-sensitivity mode that records sounds in all

directions.

5 Press the STOP button to close the menu.

If you choose LO, will appear on the display.

Notes

• To ensure successful recording, make a test recording to choose
appropriate microphone sensitivity before recording.

• If you choose HI, we recommend setting the recording mode to HQ or SP to best take advantage
of the higher sensitivity.

• If you choose HI, background noise may be high depending on the recording conditions.

a Microphone

sensitivity display

Moving Files Between Folders
(MOVE)

You can move files recorded in folders A, B and C to other folders.
The moved file is added at to the end of the destination folder.

1 Choose the file you want to transfer and press the PLAY button to play it.
2 Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1

second or longer while the file is playing.

Playback stops, and “MOVE” flashes on the display.

3 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to choose a

destination folder.

The destination folder and new file number appear after moving.

4 Press the PLAY button.

The destination folder and the number of the moved file
appear on the display, and moving is completed.

Notes

• You cannot move files between folder S and the other folders.

• If the destination folder is full (100 files), “FULL” appears on the display,

and you cannot move the file to that folder.

a Destination folder
b Destination

number of the file

Using the Variable Control Voice
Actuator (VCVA)

When the microphone senses that sounds have reached a preset volume, the built­in Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) starts recording automatically, and stops
it when the volume drops.
Particularly helpful for extended recording, the VCVA not only conserves memory
by turning off recording during silent periods, but also makes playback more efficient
and convenient.

1 Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for

1 second or longer.

The menu opens.

2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “VCVA” flashes

on the display.

3 Press the PLAY button.

4 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select between

“On” and “OFF.”

On: The VCVA is activated.
OFF: The VCVA is canceled.

5 Press the STOP button to close the menu.
6 Press the REC button to start recording.

Notes

• When the VCVA senses sound louder than its start/stop actuation level setting, recording
starts automatically. When it senses silence for 1 second or longer, recording pauses
automatically, and the recorder enters Standby mode.

• The Recording/playing lamp is lit during recording. When the recorder is in Standby mode, the
Recording/playing lamp flashes and “VCVA” flashes on the display.

a VCVA indicator

Alarm Playback Function (ALARM)

The alarm playback function can be set to play a selected file at a preset time.
Up to 20 alarms can be set.

1 Choose the file to be played when the alarm sounds.
2 Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second or longer.
3 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “ALARM”

flashes on the display.

4 Press the PLAY button.

The month indicator flashes.

5 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to set the month.
6 Press the PLAY button to register your month setting.

Continue to set the date, hour, and minute.

7 Set the minute and press the STOP button.

An alarm will sound at the scheduled time for 5 minutes.
Press any button other than the DISPLAY button while the
alarm is sounding to play back the file you associate with
the alarm.

Press the STOP button to stop file alarm playback.

Notes

• The alarm tone stops automatically if no button is pressed within 5 minutes after the alarm
starts. The file is not played back in this case.

• After alarm playback is over, the alarm playback function is canceled automatically.

• If no files are recorded in the selected folder, you cannot set the alarm playback function.

• You cannot set the year of the file to be played.

a Alarm indicator

To cancel an alarm playback

1 Repeat steps 1 to 4 in “Alarm Playback Function.”

The month indicator flashes.

2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select the month of the alarm you

want to cancel.

3 Press the PLAY button to register this month setting for alarm

cancellation.

Continue to select the date, hour and minute of the desired alarm
cancellation.
When you set the minute, “On” flashes on the display.

4 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select “OFF.”

A set alarm playback is canceled.

5 Press the STOP button to close the menu.

Schedule Alarm Playback Function
(SALARM)

This is useful for reviewing your daily appointments and reminders.

1 Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second or longer.
2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “S” and

“ALARM” flash on the display.

3 Press the PLAY button.
4 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select “On.”
5 Press the PLAY button.

The hour indicator flashes.

6 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select the hour.
7 Press the PLAY button to register the hour.

Continue to set the minute.

8 Set the minute and press the STOP button.

An alarm will sound at the scheduled time for 5 minutes.
Press any button other than the DISPLAY button while the
alarm is sounding to play back all files recorded in the day’s
date subfolder.

To stop schedule alarm playback, press the STOP button.

Notes

• The alarm tone stops automatically if no button is pressed within 5 minutes after the alarm
starts. The files recorded for the current date are not played back in this case.

• Schedule alarm playback occurs every day unless it is set to OFF.

• Even if no file is recorded in the day’s date subfolder, the beeps will sound. In such a case, no

sound is heard even if you press some button while the alarm is sounding.

To cancel schedule alarm playback

1 Repeat steps 1 to 3 in “Schedule Alarm Playback Function.”

“On” flashes on the display.

2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select “OFF.”

Schedule alarm playback is canceled.

3 Press the STOP button to close the menu.

a Alarm indicator

System Sounds (BEEP)

The recorder beeps to alert you to button operations or warn you of errors. If you
wish to disable the system sounds, proceed as follows:

1 Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button for 1 second or longer.
2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button until “BEEP” flashes

on the display.

3 Press the PLAY button.

4 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to choose between

“On” and “OFF.”

On: System sounds are enabled.
OFF: System sounds are disabled.

5 Press the STOP button to close the menu.

Note

If the alarm playback function or the schedule alarm playback function has been set, the alarm
will sound at the scheduled time even if the system sounds are disabled.

Settings

1 Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER button

for 1 second or longer while the recorder
is stopped.

2 Press the 9/+ or 0/– button to select

what you would like to set up.

The item to be set will change every time the
9/+ or 0/– button is pressed.

Recording mode setting. Switch among HQ, SP, and LP modes.

Microphone mode setting. Switch between HI and LO modes.

VCVA setting. Switch between On (enabled) and OFF (disabled)

Alarm playback setting. Switch between On (enabled) and OFF
(disabled)

Scheduled Alarm setting. Switch between On (enabled) and OFF
(disabled)

System sounds setting. Switch between On (enabled) and OFF
(disabled)

Time/Date setting. In order of hour, minute, year, month and day .

Closing the Menu Screen

Press the STOP button.

Clip

How to Use the Clip

• Press the area that the arrow points to.

• Do not force the clip wider, as it may break.

Hold

Set the HOLD switch to the HOLD position.

All operation buttons are disabled. This feature is useful when the recorder has to
be carried in a handbag or pocket.

Remember to reset the HOLD switch before attempting to use the recorder.

Notes

• The alarm will sound at the scheduled time even if the
recorder is set to HOLD. The recorder will then begin to
play the file associated with the alarm once you press any
button.

• The recorder functions as follows with the HOLD switch set
to the HOLD position:

– If the recorder is stopped, the display goes dark.
– If the recorder is playing, the display goes dark when

playback of the current file has completed.

– When you set the HOLD switch to the HOLD position while

playing back, you can still adjust the volume using the
VOLUME control.

– If the recorder is recording, the display goes dark when

the recorder stops recording automatically upon running
out of free memory.

Resetting the Recorder (CLEAR)

This function resets the current time and other settings to their
initial status.

It is useful if you are having problems with the recorder, or if
you want to erase the entire memory of the recorder.

1 Hold the STOP button, and hold the ERASE button for

2 seconds or longer.

“CLEAR” and “YES” appear alternately on the display for 8

seconds.

2 Press the ERASE button again.

All files in all folders are erased, and the recorder is reset
to its default settings.

Note

If you leave the recorder untouched for 8 seconds or longer before you press the ERASE button
in Step 2, Clear mode will be canceled, and the recorder will enter Stop mode.

For Safe And Correct Usage

Read this manual carefully to ensure that you know how to operate it safely
and correctly. Keep this manual in an easily accessible location for future
reference.

• The warning symbols indicate important safety related information. To protect
yourself and others from personal injury or damage to property, it is essential that
you always heed the warnings and information provided.

General Precautions

• Do not leave the recorder in hot, humid locations such as inside a closed

automobile under direct sunlight or on the beach in the summer.

• Do not store the recorder in places exposed to excessive moisture or dust.

• Do not use organic solvents such as alcohol and lacquer thinner to clean

the unit.

• Do not place the recorder on top of or near electric appliances such as TVs

or refrigerators.

• Avoid sand or dirt. These can cause irreparable damage.

• Avoid strong vibrations or shocks.

• Do not disassemble, repair or modify the unit yourself.

• Do not operate the unit while operating a vehicle (such as a bicycle,

motorcycle, or go-cart).

• Keep the unit out of the reach of children.

Batteries

Warning

• Batteries should never be exposed to flame, heated, short-circuited or

disassembled.

• Do not attempt to recharge alkaline, lithium or any other non-rechargeable

batteries.

• Never use any battery with a torn or cracked outer cover.

• Keep batteries out of the reach of children.

• If you notice anything unusual when using this product such as abnormal

noise, heat, smoke, or a burning odor:

1remove the batteries immediately while being careful not to burn

yourself, and;

2call your dealer or local Olympus representative for servicing.

Troubleshooting

Q1 Nothing happens when a button is pressed.

A1 • The HOLD button may be set to HOLD.

• The batteries may be depleted.

• The batteries may be inserted incorrectly.

Q2 No sound or quiet sound is heard from the speaker while playing back.

A2 • The earphone plug may be plugged into the recorder.

• The volume may be set to the minimum level.

Q3 Recording is not possible.

A3 • The remaining recording time in the selected folder may have reached

“0m00s”.

• The number of recorded files in the selected folder may have reached

100.

• The number of files of the same date in folder S may have reached 15.

Q4 The playback speed is too fast.

A4 The recorder may be set to Fast Playback.

Q5 The remaining recording time seems too short.

A5 Some files may storede in the S folder. Hold the stop button while in the S

folder. The display will show the total number of recordings in the S folder.

Q6 You cannot move the file.

A6 • The number of recorded files in the destination folder may have reached 100.

• Make sure that you haven't transferred to or from the S folder.

Specifications

Recording medium: Built-in flash memory

Recording time:

Speaker: Built-in ø 28 mm round dynamic speaker
Maximum power: 120 mW

Earphone jack: ø 3.5 mm diameter, impedance 8 Ω

Microphone jack: ø 3.5 mm diameter, impedance 2 kΩ

Power supply: Two AAA (LR03 or R03) batteries or Two Ni-MH

Continuous battery use time: About 33 hours (use of alkaline batteries,

Dimensions: 96 (L) × 39 (W) × 21.5 (T) mm

Weight: 60 g including batteries
* The continuous battery use time may be reduced according to the battery type

and the use conditions.

* Your recorded contents are for your personal use or pleasure only. It is prohibited

to record copyrighted material without permission of the copyright holders according
to copyright law.

* Specifications and design are subject to change without notice for improvement

of performance.

Accessories (Optional)

Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery Charger: BU-400
Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery: BR401
Connecting cord (Earphone jack ↔ Microphone jack) : KA232*
Connecting cord (Mini miniplug → Miniplug) : PA3
Noise-Cancellation microphone : ME12
Electret condenser microphone : ME10
Headset : E99
Telephone pickup : TP6

Accessories marked* should be used in combination with the PA3 plug adapter.

VN-900 (8 MB)
HQ mode: Approx. 22 min.
SP mode: Approx. 33 min.
LP mode: Approx. 90 min.
VN-1800 (16 MB)
HQ mode: Approx. 45 min.
SP mode: Approx. 67 min.
LP mode: Approx. 180 min.
VN-3600 (32 MB)
HQ mode: Approx. 91 min.
SP mode: Approx. 137 min.
LP mode: Approx. 364 min.

rechargeable batteries

measured value for continuous recording
according to the specifications of our company)