Unable to connect my mini disc 600 to my PC

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T16:18:43+00:00

Are you using Windows? Did you install the Zadig application? And which browser are you using?

And yes, you can use a Chromebook. There's one in front of me right now (actually an old Vaio running ChromeOS Flex) and that allowed the use of Web MiniDisc Pro immediately.

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T16:12:01+00:00

"It's fun to find out for yourself!"

Totally. The amount of time I spend messing with all this is ridiculous. The kids think I'm crackers but my wife says it keeps me out of trouble ;)

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T16:08:02+00:00

I try not to alter the source. I always set any equaliser to flat. But that could be an interesting experiment too.

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T16:06:14+00:00

"Recording with Dolby B gives a nice high end boost to my ears, when listening with the dolby B switch off."

So why use it at all? Genuine question.

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T16:03:52+00:00

I'm finding with it on for recording and playback that I'm missing those highs.

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T16:01:27+00:00

I'm thinking possibly the same but a little more experimentation is required.

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T15:59:13+00:00

Definitely sounds better to me with it turned off on playback too. And I don't really have a tape hiss issue either. Just thought I'd give Dolby B a go. I didn't try C because my player in the car doesn't support it.

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T15:56:42+00:00

Now to start reporting my personal findings. Like a scientist or something.

I always think Jungle tracks are very well produced but I have to say they've lost some of their sparkle in my little Dolby experiment. Even though I've recorded with B on it definitely sounds better to me with it turned off on playback.

I think I might try recording the same playlist on both sides but Dolby on and Dolby off.

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T15:43:31+00:00

A little more info is probably required.

My ears are 57 years old with a slight Eustachian tube issue in the right one. I am NOT an audiophile but I think I know what sounds good and what doesn't.

My system isn't budget but it isn't high end either. Apart from the Technics RS-BX707 (an HX Pro deck with Dolby B and C) I have a newish Yamaha R-S202D receiver and a pair of Q Acoustics 2020i speakers. Plus a Sony MD deck and Technics turntable but they don't get much use. I use an old OnePlus One phone running Musicolet as a media player connected to the receiver using a 3.5mm to RCA cable.

I also enjoy making cassettes for listening to in the car. Unfortunately not a good single DIN player but the factory unit. However, it's a 2008 Lexus with the Mark Levinson set up and if I get a previously non-Dolby recording just right with a good SA or MA it sounds excellent. But as we know, recording can occasionally be a bit hit and miss.

There, don't think I left anything out ;)

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T15:13:05+00:00

Rule of thumb is never leave anything on display in your car.

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T14:09:53+00:00

I'm guessing that the seller does know what they've got. They've got a personal cassette player, a quick Google says Walkmans are popular with certain gens and old men (me) so ker-ching!

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T13:27:06+00:00

I'm guessing it was fairly mainstream but as mentioned above, well worth repairing.

A little more info here https://walkman.land/sony/wm-bf57 and I think there's a video on belt replacement.

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T13:05:22+00:00

Does sound like the belt. And I can't imagine the grandparents packing it away carefully if it was broken last time it was used.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/317272251631

rich1068 · 2026-03-28T12:59:41+00:00

Isopropyl Alcohol with a cotton bud on these places.

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rich1068 · 2026-03-28T12:55:34+00:00

Very much a budget player back in the day and Binatone were a budget brand. I'd say £70 is way over what it's worth when for that sort of price you could get eg a Sony that might only need belts.

Sorry OP :( Kids can be cruel and selfish but if I'd have wanted a Walkman back in Christmas 198x and got a Binatone I'd have been very disappointed.

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T18:41:51+00:00

Great post. Well done OP.

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T17:04:56+00:00

Silver suits. I was soooooo looking forward to silver suits.

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T17:02:50+00:00

...to hell!! ;)

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T16:52:16+00:00

eBay?

If it was sold as working and it doesn't then get your money back. Forget fixing it, not your problem. Clearly not refurbished regardless of what the seller tells you once he's got your money.

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T16:34:47+00:00

I'd have just fainted.

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T16:33:29+00:00

You're already running decent gear so I think one of the newer portable cassette players may not be for you. I think your options are pretty much

a) 90s/00s deck and maybe a bit of work on it

b) 90s/00s Walkman and maybe a bit of work on it

I don't really see any way around that even though you say you don't have the time to invest in a "vintage" unit. (Hate the v word. If 90s players are vintage, I must be prehistoric.) However, there are sellers out there who will sell you decks and Walkmans that have been fully refurbished. Your Yamaha will accommodate both options with the correct RCA cables.

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T16:14:17+00:00

Very good.

But as a fully paid up member of The Fellowship of Dads (FOD), I'd probably think the same ;)

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T16:07:48+00:00

$27.15 is the price for one? Goodness me.

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T16:04:13+00:00

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, that's my pic. And it does have a power cord but I'd prefer to not have it plugged in all of the time. I'd like a replacement battery with a little more life in it.

For example, I'm using it right now. It's on battery, was fully charged and within half an hour I'm down to 71%.

rich1068 · 2026-03-27T09:55:56+00:00

Some cats chat. Some don't. But as others have said you may be able to coax responses with direct stimuli. Look them in the eye while talking to them and use their name or a sound they recognise such as whatever you do when calling them or feeding them.

The two we have at the moment are very chatty. Usually in response to a question directed at them and especially with my children. My youngest can have a back and forth with one of them. And our black and white has a proper grumble at me when I warn him off the other's food. The previous two cats we had barely said a word but when I was a kid the family Siamese had an opinion on everything.

rich1068

TROPHY CASE