WM-3000Duo-Windo

WML ID #372

Manufacturer: Sony

Model: WM-3000

Nick: Duo-Windo

Gang: Pioneers

Year: 1989

Made in: Taiwan

Technical details, specifications

Battery: 2AA

Battery life: 8h (with 2)

Colors: red

Dimensions: 137*95.3*40.4 mm (527 cm³)3D size

Weight: 265 gr

Window: yes

Frame: plastic

Case: plastic

Carry: belt

Expandable: no

External compartment: no

Tape selector: Only T1 compatible

Waterproof: no

Speaker: no

Frequency range: 40-15000 Hz

FMax output: 2x15 mW

Functions

DC in: no

Record by input: no

Record by int mic: no

Hotline mode: no

Cue: no

Balance (L/R): no

Phone type: 1

Equalizer: no

Auto volume yes

Auto reverse: no

Anti rolling: no

AMS no

Blank skip no

Logic control: no

Hold lock: no

Bass: no

Noise reduction: no

Radio: no

Remote control: no

Wireless headphone: no

Indicator: no

Description

One of the My First Sony range, aimed at kids. Front and rear window, the latter showing the mechanism. Object in the rear view window are closer than they appear?

Aimed at children with generous parents, “my first Sony” was intended to break into the market for children’s audio equipment (popularised by the wide availability of stories on tape) that had been previously been dominated by the likes of Fisher-Price and Tomy. Whilst some of the well-known Japanese manufacturers had released brightly coloured cassette players and radios which may or may not have appealed to children before, “my first Sony” was a dedicated complete range from a company that also made “serious” products such as colour TV sets, VTRs, proper hi-fi and broadcast equipment.

Most importantly, the WM-3000 had to be safe for children to use. All edges were made smooth and rounded and the battery cover could not be detached, eliminating a choking hazard. Throughout the initial period of popularity for the personal stereo, fears had been voiced that playing music at high volumes through headphones cold damage the listener’s hearing, something that would not be an acceptable risk for growing children. To prevent this, the WM-3000 was the first personal stereo cassette player to incorporate a volume limiter. This would later become a common feature across the Walkman range, where it was known as “AVLS”. Rather than simply restrict the range of the volume control, the limiter monitored the level going to the headphones and cut the gain of the amplifier back if it was deemed excessive. Thus the system retained the same maximum sound intensity, regardless of how the tape was recorded. The limiter could be turned off, but the switch was recessed and so could only be operated by an adult using a pen or small screwdriver.

To interest children in the workings of the machine, a clear viewing window was placed at the rear so that the wheels inside could be seen rotating as the tape played. The plastic parts were moulded in brightly coloured plastics, a nice detail. The capstan flywheel was coloured blue and printed with a spiral of yellow dots. When viewed under electric light, a stroboscopic pattern was formed as the flywheel turned, adding yet more interest.

The WM-3000 came with a matching pair of red MDR-006 headphones and red carrying strap. It gave similar results to the WM-B10 (and many other basic models), though it was the first Walkman since the TPS-L2 not to have a setting for chrome or metal tape playback.Via Walkman Central (edited)