This is the AM/FM/stereo cassette tape player I
currently use on my 1991 Honda ST1100 -- "The Grey GhOOST." You will
notice that the unit itself is actually smaller than an audio tape cassette! It is a
Toshiba, "Stereo Cassette Player" - model: KT-AS10. I purchased it new in
about 1984. As a cassette tape player, it has Dolby, manual/auto reverse, fast fwd,
and CrO2/Metal features; and it delivers excellent audio quality to my helmet's J&M
headset speakers.
The unit's radio tuner is a separate part which inserts into the player just like a small
cassette. It is a self contained tuner with its own switches for AM, FM mono, and FM
stereo (w/LED stereo and tuning indicators). It uses the earphone or other connector
cable as its antenna. I'm continually amazed at the reception range when used on my
ST1100.
To connect the Toshiba to my system, I routed the input connection jack wire from my
J&M CB/Intercom/Stereo integrator box, located behind the instrument panel, through a
hole in the forward wall of the left fairing pocket, and then up through another hole in
the forward part of the flexible pocket cover. A Toshiba two C-cell aux power
battery pack (came with the unit) is stored in the fairing pocket, and its power wire was
also routed out through the cover hole. A long, split rubber grommet seals this hole
around both wires. I contact-cemented two J&M rubber wire holders onto the handlebar
cover to hold the two wires, and to position the jacks for easy plug-in to the unit.
I left enough slack between the wires and the first holder to allow stop-to-stop turning
of the handlebars.
The Toshiba is mounted to the top of my clutch reservoir with velcro and is very stable
there, even on the roughest of gravel roads. As it is not water resistant, I made a
simple plastic bag type cover to keep it dry in the rain, and still see/use the
switches. This has worked fine in even the heaviest of downpours.
When I park the bike I just disconnect the power and output jacks from the unit and drop
it in the locking right fairing pocket before I leave. Or I can just put it in one
of my Aerostich pockets -- it's about the same size as a pack of cigarettes!
Anyone else seen a smaller, slicker, or cooler stereo than this...?!? |