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TT1 • 1
“TATTLE-TALE”
TELEPHONE
RECORDER KIT
Ramsey Electronics Model No. TT1
Ever want to tape that annoying or obscene phone call? Want
to find out who is making those long distance calls from your
phone? Or how about taping that call just to remember what
was said. The TT1 was designed with you in mind. Easy to
construct and use - an ideal first kit !
• Complete “hands off operation”! Turns on when you pick-up the
phone, turns off when you hang-up.
• No line noise to alert callers of taping!
• Can be connected to any modular phone jack or directly to
telephone line terminal block.
• Easily connected to any tape recorder with remote
and mike jacks!
• Play back the tape to our TG2 “Tone Grabber” to read out what
number was called!
• Superior performance!
• Very clean, low noise sound. Excellent audio quality.
• Unit runs on telephone line power-no need for batteries or external
power supplies.
• Complete and informative instructions guide you to a kit that works
the first time, every time - enhances resale value, too!
• Add our case set for a finished “Pro” look.
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TT1 • 2
RAMSEY TRANSMITTER KITS
• FM100B Professional FM Stereo Transmitter
• FM25B Synthesized Stereo Transmitter
• AM1, AM25 AM Transmitters
• TV6 Television Transmitter
RAMSEY RECEIVER KITS
• FR1 FM Broadcast Receiver
• AR1 Aircraft Band Receiver
• SR2 Shortwave Receiver
• AA7 Active Antenna
• SC1 Shortwave Converter
RAMSEY HOBBY KITS
• SG7 Personal Speed Radar
• SS70A Speech Scrambler
• SP1 Speakerphone
• WCT20 Wizard Cable Tracer
• LABC1 Lead Acid Battery Charger
• ECG1 Heart Monitor
• LC1 Inductance-Capacitance Meter
RAMSEY AMATEUR RADIO KITS
• DDF1 Doppler Direction Finder
• HR Series HF All Mode Receivers
• QRP Series HF CW Transmitters
• CW7 CW Keyer
• CPO3 Code Practice Oscillator
• VLF1 Low Bander
• QRP Power Amplifiers
RAMSEY MINI-KITS
Many other kits are available for hobby, school, Scouts and just plain FUN. New
kits are always under development. Write or call for our free Ramsey catalog.
TT1 TELEPHONE RECORDER KIT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Ramsey Electronic publication No. MTT1 Revision 1.2
First printing: March, 1994
COPYRIGHT
1994 by Ramsey Electronics, Inc. 590 Fishers Station Drive, Victor, New York
14564. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be copied or duplicated without the
written permission of Ramsey Electronics, Inc. Printed in the United States of America.
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TT1 • 3
TATTLE-TALE TELEPHONE
RECORDER
Ramsey Publication No. MTT1
Price $5.00
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to the TT1 .................. 4
How it works .................................. 4
Parts list ........................................ 7
Schematic diagram ....................... 8
TT1 Assembly instructions .......... 10
Parts Layout diagram .................. 12
Hook-up ....................................... 13
Troubleshooting ........................... 13
Ramsey kit warranty .................... 15
KIT ASSEMBLY
AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR
RAMSEY ELECTRONICS, INC.
590 Fishers Station Drive
Victor, New York 14564
Phone (585) 924-4560
Fax (585) 924-4555
www.ramseykits.com
Page 4
TT1 • 4
INTRODUCTION
Many times we wish to remember verbatim what was said during a phone
call. Whether it’s directions to grandma’s house or repair instructions for
some other manufacturers electronic kits, the TT1 will be your “silent
secretary”, recording calls for future playback.
The Ramsey TT1 “Tattle-tale” is a telephone recorder, which any person
may build and use in accordance with the laws of one’s state and local
authorities. For U.S. residents, it is illegal to tape someones telephone
conversation without informing all parties that the conversation is being
taped. So remember, when you pick up the phone and say hello also inform
the caller the conversation is being recorded.
The TT1’s capabilities
make it practical for many uses, but one should remember that this kit is
definitely not a toy. You may need to consult local regulations to provide you
with some information necessary to enjoy the TT1’s capabilities in
accordance with the law.
Typical uses for the TT1 include:
• Recording directions to a particular location.
• Varifing calls made from or to your telephone.
• Taping annoying or obscene calls.
• Or how about those business calls you don’t want to forget.
We think that you will be very pleased with the “Hands Off” operation,
audio quality, and ease of assembly of this build-it-yourself telephone
recorder. If you follow our assembly instructions carefully and use your
TT1 in accordance with applicable laws you’ll have a proud “reminder”
for all those phone conversations to come.
TT1 CIRCUIT OPERATING DESCRIPTION
Take a look at the schematic diagram as we walk through the circuit.
As you can see there is not much to the telephone recorder. For the purpose
of making this as easy as possible we will assume the “Power” switch is “on”
and the “Mode” switch is in the “record” position. We will discuss these
switches later.
STAND-BY MODE
When the phone receiver is “on hook” (hung up), the voltage that is applied
through the telephone line to J1 is about 48 volts. This voltage is supplied by
a room full of huge batteries at your local telephone company.
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TT1 • 5
That’s why even when your local power goes out, your telephone still
works. Surprising the things you can learn from these kit manuals.
Well, back to the circuit. To preface the next section it should be understood
that a PNP transistor has an arrow on the emitter whch is pointing in
, where
as a NPN transistor has an arrow on it’s emitter which is pointing out
. Just as
the arrows are reversed, the operation of these two different types of
transistors is reversed. An NPN transistor is considered turned “on“ when the
voltage at it’s base is more than .7 volts greater than the emitter voltage. PNP
transistors are turned on when the emitter voltage is more than .7 volts greater
than the base voltage.
The voltage at J1 is applied, through a 10:1 voltage divider (R3 and R4 or R5
and R4 depending on how the jack is hooked up) to the base of Q4 turning Q4
on. The diodes (D2,3,4 and 5) are arranged so that even if the jack is hooked
up backward the unit will still work properly. When Q4 is turned on, the
collector (leg without the arrow) is pulled down. This voltage is also at the base
of Q2. This voltage is too low to turn Q2 on. So with Q2 turned off, it’s collector
is allowed to rise to the voltage coming in from the tape recorder remote jack at
P1 and through power switch S1. Typically this voltage is in the range of 3 to
18 volts. This voltage is also applied to the base of Q1 turning it off. With Q1
turned off, no voltage passes through it to the base of Q3 leaving Q3 turned off
(NPN remember?). To activate the tape recorder the remote line must be
pulled low, this is the purpose of Q3. With Q3 turned off the line to the tape
recorder remote jack is not affected and the tape recorder stays in stand-by
mode. Therefore the second part of the circuit (the audio section) to P2 does
nothing at this time. D1 is used to protect the TT1 circuitry from reverse voltage
or possible voltage spikes from a tape recorder motor. We will go through the
audio section when we discuss the next mode of operation (the “off-hook” or
“active” mode).
ACTIVE MODE
When the phone receiver is “off-hook” (picked-up), either by an answering
machine or by someone answering or making a call, this completes the
telephone circuit. When the circuit is completed the voltage now at J1 is in the
range of 3 to 8 volts. This reduction in line voltage is due to something called
“line loss”. This is when a circuit is completed and electrical current flows
through the wires in the circuit, the wire tends to act like a resistor. The longer
or smaller diameter the wire, the more the resistance. So now, with this smaller
voltage at J1, let’s run through the TT1 circuit. With 3 to 8 volts at J1,
then going through the 10:1 voltage divider (R3+R4 or R5+R4) by the time this
voltage gets to the base of Q4 the voltage is not enough to turn Q4 on. With
Q4 turned off the collector of Q4 and also the base of Q2 rise to the voltage
(through R1) to the voltage supplied by the tape recorder remote jack. This
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TT1 • 6
voltage at the base of Q2 turns Q2 on. With Q2 turned on it’s collector and
also the base of Q1 are pulled low. With Q1’s base pulled low, Q1 is turned
on (remember PNP transistor). At this time Q1 passes the voltage from the
remote jack to the base of Q3 turning Q3 on. Q3, being turned on, pulls it’s
collector (which is connected to the remote jack) low, activating the tape
recorder. At this time the audio (which comes in on the same telephone
lines) comes down to C1 and C2 in the audio section. C1 and C2 block the
incoming DC voltage but pass the audio through. The audio then goes
through a 100:1 divider, R6 and R7, and is applied to the tape recorder mike
jack. Diodes D6 and D7 are used for protection and will never allow more
than .7 volts of audio to reach the recorders “Mike” jack (you never know
what noise can come over the line when you’re on the phone).
There, now that we’ve got all that out of the way, there is just one more
thing to discuss, the “Power” and “Mode” switches. The “Power” switch
connects the TT1 to your tape recorders remote jack. When this switch is in
the “Off” position the TT1 will have no effect on the tape recorders operation
(i.e. the tape recorder is in manual operation).
When this switch is in the “On” position the power from the remote jack
can be brought into the TT1 to be used to turn on and off the tape recorder
remotely (i.e. remote operation).
The “Mode” switch is used when you wish to either be in the “Record”
mode (with the tape recorders “Record” button pushed) or “Playback” mode
(with the tape recorders “Play” button pushed) for listening to what has been
recorded (remember to rewind the tape first).
Now, before we get building, check the parts that came in your kit
with the parts list on the next page to make sure everything on the
parts list accompanied the kit. Once you are satisfied with the parts,
LETS GET BUILDING!
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TT1 • 7
TT1 PARTS LIST
RESISTORS
1 470 ohm [yellow-violet-brown] (R6)
2 47K ohm [yellow-violet-orange] (R2,7)
1 470K ohm [yellow-violet-yellow] (R4)
2 4.7M ohm [yellow-violet-green] (R3,5)
1 100K ohm [brown-black-yellow] (R1)
CAPACITORS
2 .01 uF disc capacitor [marked .01 or 103 or 10nF] (C1,2)
SEMICONDUCTORS
3 NPN transistors [marked 3904] (Q2,3,4)
1 PNP transistor [marked 221 334] (Q1)
7 Diodes [marked 1N4148] (D1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
MISCELLANEOUS PARTS AND HARDWARE
1 3.5mm Cable,Mike plug(P2)
1 2.5mm Cable,Remote plug (P1)
1 Telephone modular jack (J1)
2 Switch,DPST,pushbutton (S1,2)
1 TT1 printed circuit board
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TT1 • 8
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TT1 • 9
RAMSEY Learn-As-You-Build KIT ASSEMBLY
There are numerous solder connections on the TT1 printed circuit board.
Therefore, PLEASE take us seriously when we say that good soldering is
essential to the proper operation of your kit!
• Use a 25-watt soldering pencil with a clean, sharp tip.
• Use only rosin-core solder intended for electronics use.
• Use bright lighting, a magnifying lamp or bench-style magnifier may
be helpful.
• Do your work in stages, taking breaks to check your work. Carefully
brush away wire cuttings so they don't lodge between solder
connections.
We have a two-fold "strategy" for the order of the following kit assembly
steps. First, we install parts in physical relationship to each other, so there's
minimal chance of inserting wires into wrong holes. Second, whenever
possible, we install in an order that fits our "Learn-As-You Build" Kit building
philosophy. We have described the circuit that you are building, instead of
just blindly having you install components. We hope that this will not only
make assembly of our kits easier, but help you to understand the circuit
you’re constructing.
For each part, our word "Install" always means these steps:
1. Pick the correct part value to start with.
2. Insert it into the correct PC board location.
3. Orient it correctly, follow the PC board drawing and the written
directions for all parts - especially when there's a right way
and a wrong way to solder it in. (Diode bands, transistor
shapes, dotted or notched ends of ICs, and so forth.)
4. Solder all connections unless directed otherwise. Use enough
heat and solder flow for clean, shiny, completed connections.
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TT1 • 10
Now, let's get building!
Since you may appreciate some “warm-up” soldering practice as well as
a chance to put some “landmarks” on the PC board, we’ll first install some
“hardware” components. This will also help us to get acquainted with the up down, left - right orientation of the circuit board. Remember that the
components will be mounted on the “component” side of the circuit board
and soldered on the “solder” side of the circuit board.
1. Identify and install DPDT switch S1. Be sure to push the switch
flat to the circuit board. Solder all six connections.
2. Install switch S2, same as in step 1.
3. Install the modular phone jack J1.
We’ll now begin by constructing the tape recorder control section of
the TT1.
4. Install R3, 4.7M ohm[yellow-violet-green].
5. Install R5, 4.7M ohm[yellow-violet-green].
6. Install D2, 1N4148 type small signal diode (glass body with black
band). Install it with the cathode band as shown as these diodes are
polarity sensitive and must be installed in the correct direction.
7. Install D3, 1N4148 same as in step 6.
8. Install D4, 1N4148 same as in step 6.
9. Install D5, 1N4148 same as in step 6.
10. Install R4, 470K ohm [yellow-violet-yellow].
12. Install Q4 a 2N3904 NPN transistor. When installing Q4, observe
correct placement of the flat side. Press the transistor snugly into the
PC board so that only a minimum amount of wire lead is exposed above
the board. In soldering, do not be afraid of using enough heat to make a
good solid connection.
13. Install Q2, 2N3904 same as in step 12.
14. Install Q3, 2N3904 same as in step 12.
15. Install R1, 100K ohm [brown-black-yellow].
16. Install R2, 47K ohm [yellow-violet-orange].
17. Install Q1, 221334 PNP transistor [reviewing step 12].
18. Install D1, 1N4148 diode [reviewing step 6].
19. Install P1, 2.5mm tape recorder “REMOTE” plug cable (see figure on
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TT1 • 11
page 11). In most cases the P1 hook-up in the schematic will be
correct but, as we all know some manufacturers just like to be different.
Though unlikely, the manufacturer of your tape recorder may have
reversed the positive and ground outputs on the remote jack. This is not a
problem as the TT1 is made to withstand reverse voltages. Remember
this point when it comes to testing the assembled unit. If your tape
recorder does not activate use a volt meter to measure from remote jacksleeve to remote jack-tip on your board. If the positive voltage is not on
the sleeve the leads will need to be reversed.
Tip
Sleeve “Remote” and “Mike” Jack Cables
Whew ! Now that wasn’t so bad now was it? You have just completed the
tape recorder control section of the TT1. Take a moment now to recheck you
work for clean, shiny solder connections. Resolder any connections that are
less than perfect.
We’ll get back to building now, starting at the audio input at J1 and working
through the audio circuitry.
20. Install C1, .01uF disk capacitor [marked .01 or 103 or 10nF]. This
capacitor is not polarized so polarity is not important.
21. Install C2, .01uF disk capacitor [marked .01 or 103 or 10nF] same as
in step 20.
22. Install R7, 47K ohm [yellow-violet-orange].
23. Install R6, 470 ohm [yellow-violet-brown].
24. Install D7, 1N4148 signal diode(remember cathode orientation).
25. Install D6, 1N4148 signal diode(remember cathode orientation).
26.Install P2, 3.5mm tape recorder “MIKE” plug cable (see figure above).
Congratulations! You have now completed assembly of your
Ramsey TT1 “Tattle-tale” telephone recorder printed circuit board.
At this time lets take a short break to clean up the work area, get a bowl
of Rocky Road ice cream, sit back and look over the work you just did.
Check for cold solder joints, solder bridges, missing components or any
other problems. Once you are satisfied with your assembly work, it’s time to
test your new Ramsey TT1 “Tattle-tale” telephone recorder.
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TT1 • 12
TT1 PARTS LAYOUT DIAGRAM
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TT1 • 13
INITIAL TESTING
Hook-up your TT1 telephone recorder as in the figure below:
Telephone
Line
Once your TT1 is hooked-up per drawing push “Power” button on TT1 to
“On” position. Push “Mode” button to “Record” position. Push “Record”
button on tape recorder. The tape recorder is now in stand-by. Pick up any
phone on the same phone line. The tape recorder should start taping. Talk
into the phone for a few seconds. Now hang-up. The tape recorder should
stop running.
To listen to what was taped, push the “Stop “button on tape recorder. Push
the “Mode” button on your TT1 to “Playback”. Rewind your tape. Push the
“Play button on your tape recorder. You will now be hearing what was taped.
Yes, it’s that easy.
TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS
While we had hoped that it wouldn’t come to this, if you are having trouble
with your “Tattle-tale” Telephone Recorder, here are a few suggestions.
By far the most common source of problems is due to misplaced parts or
poor solder connections. It’s always best to take a break before searching for
bad connections. Around here it’s referred to as the “Irwin Time Test” which
states that “anything left alone long enough seems to repair itself !” This also
gives you a chance to clear your head. A good way of checking component
placement is to double check the assembly steps going backwards from the
last steps to the first. Bright lighting and a magnifying aid can be helpful in
identifying soldering problems.
Use a methodical, logical troubleshooting technique. Most problems can be
solved using common sense. A volt-ohm meter and a clear head are
J1
P1
Remote
Microphone
P2
P1+P2 Cables
Supplied
TT-1
Modular phone cord-Not Supplied.
This cord can be purchased at
your local electronics store.
Tape Recorder
-Not Supplied-
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TT1 • 14
usually all that are needed to correct any problem. A full circuit operating
description is located starting on page 4 of this book. If you walk through this
description carefully with your meter, this should lead you to the root of the
problem.
If your TT1 still doesn’t work properly, please understand that we do have a
talented repair staff on hand but, it is nearly impossible for us to
“troubleshoot” by phone. Any specific questions should be documented and
sent to us by email or snail mail.
CONCLUSION
We sincerely hope that you have enjoyed the construction and use of this
Ramsey Kit. As always, we have tried to compose our manual in the easiest,
most “user friendly” format that is possible. As our customers, we value your
opinions, comments, and additions that you would like to see in future
publications. Please submit comments or ideas to:
Ramsey Electronics Inc.
Attn. Hobby Kit Department
590 Fishers Station Drive
Victor, NY 14564
And once again, thanks from the folks at Ramsey!
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TT1 • 15
The Ramsey Kit Warranty
Please read carefully BEFORE calling or writing in about your kit. Most
problems can be solved without contacting the factory.
Notice that this is not a "fine print" warranty. We want you to understand your rights and ours too! All
Ramsey kits will work if assembled properly. The very fact that your kit includes this new manual is
your assurance that a team of knowledgeable people have field-tested several "copies" of this kit
straight from the Ramsey Inventory. If you need help, please read through your manual carefully, all
information required to properly build and test your kit is contained within the pages!
1. DEFECTIVE PARTS: It's always easy to blame a part for a problem in your kit, Before you conclude
that a part may be bad, thoroughly check your work. Today's semiconductors and passive components
have reached incredibly high reliability levels, and its sad to say that our human construction skills
have not! But on rare occasion a sour component can slip through. All our kit parts carry the Ramsey
Electronics Warranty that they are free from defects for a full ninety (90) days from the date of
purchase. Defective parts will be replaced promptly at our expense. If you suspect any part to be
defective, please mail it to our factory for testing and replacement. Please send only the defective part
(s), not the entire kit. The part(s) MUST be returned to us in suitable condition for testing. Please be
aware that testing can usually determine if the part was truly defective or damaged by assembly or
usage. Don't be afraid of telling us that you 'blew-it', we're all human and in most cases, replacement
parts are very reasonably priced.
2. MISSING PARTS: Before assuming a part value is incorrect, check the parts listing carefully to see
if it is a critical value such as a specific coil or IC, or whether a RANGE of values is suitable (such as
"100 to 500 uF"). Often times, common sense will solve a mysterious missing part problem. If you're
missing five 10K ohm resistors and received five extra 1K resistors, you can pretty much be assured
that the '1K ohm' resistors are actually the 'missing' 10 K parts ("Hum-m-m, I guess the 'red' band
really does look orange!") Ramsey Electronics project kits are packed with pride in the USA. If you
believe we packed an incorrect part or omitted a part clearly indicated in your assembly manual as
supplied with the basic kit by Ramsey, please write or call us with information on the part you need
and proof of kit purchase.
3. FACTORY REPAIR OF ASSEMBLED KITS:
To qualify for Ramsey Electronics factory repair, kits MUST:
1. NOT be assembled with acid core solder or flux.
2. NOT be modified in any manner.
3. BE returned in fully-assembled form, not partially assembled.
4. BE accompanied by the proper repair fee. No repair will be undertaken until we have received the
MINIMUM repair fee (1/2 hour labor) of $25.00, or authorization to charge it to your credit card
account.
5. INCLUDE a description of the problem and legible return address. DO NOT send a separate letter;
include all correspondence with the unit. Please do not include your own hardware such as nonRamsey cabinets, knobs, cables, external battery packs and the like. Ramsey Electronics, Inc.,
reserves the right to refuse repair on ANY item in which we find excessive problems or damage due to
construction methods. To assist customers in such situations, Ramsey Electronics, Inc., reserves the
right to solve their needs on a case-by-case basis.The repair is $50.00 per hour, regardless of the cost
of the kit. Please understand that our technicians are not volunteers and that set-up, testing, diagnosis,
repair and repacking and paperwork can take nearly an hour of paid employee time on even a simple
kit. Of course, if we find that a part was defective in manufacture, there will be no charge to repair your
kit (But please realize that our technicians know the difference between a defective part and parts
burned out or damaged through improper use or assembly).
6. REFUNDS: You are given ten (10) days to examine our products. If you are not satisfied, you may
return your unassembled kit with all the parts and instructions and proof of purchase to the factory for
a full refund. The return package should be packed securely. Insurance is recommended. Please do
not cause needless delays, read all information carefully.
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TT1 • 16
TT1 “Tattle-tale Telephone Recorder
Quick Reference Page Guide
Introduction to the TT1 ................... 4
How it works .................................. 4
Parts list ......................................... 7
Schematic diagram ........................ 8
TT1 Assembly instructions ........... 10
Parts Layout diagram ................... 12
Hook-up ........................................13
Troubleshooting ............................13
Ramsey kit warranty .....................15
Price: $5.00
Ramsey Publication No. MTT1
Assembly and Instruction manual for:
RAMSEY MODEL NO. TT1 “Tattle-tale”
Telephone Recorder Kit
RAMSEY ELECTRONICS, INC.
590 Fishers Station Drive
Victor, New York 14564
Phone (585) 924-4560
Fax (585) 924-4555
www.ramseykits.com
REQUIRED TOOLS
• Soldering Iron Ramsey WLC100
• Thin Rosin Core Solder Ramsey RTS12
• Needle Nose Pliers Ramsey MPP4 or RTS05
• Small Diagonal Cutters Ramsey RTS04
<OR> Technician’s Tool Kit TK405
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED ITEMS
• Holder for PC Board/Parts Ramsey HH3
• Desoldering Braid Ramsey RTS08
• Digital Multimeter Ramsey M133
TOTAL SOLDER POINTS
58
ESTIMATED ASSEMBLY
TIME
Beginner ...............1.8 hrs
Intermediate .........1 hr
Advanced .............0.8hrs
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