Remote control transcribing device

Abstract

Apparatus for remotely controlling automatic telephone answering devices or the like to transcribe message information magnetically recorded by the telephone answering apparatus. The apparatus includes an oscillator coupled to an input/output transducer for generating a tone of a predetermined frequency which is coupled via a telephone to the automatic telephone answering apparatus. The tone switches the answering apparatus into a high speed rewind mode wherein the message information is not muted. The message information is recorded in reverse on a magnetic tape in the transcribing apparatus by a tape transport mechanism transporting the tape in a forward direction during a record operation. During playback, the tape transport mechanism transports the tape in the reverse direction so that the reverse recorded message information is played back in an intelligible manner to convey the recorded message information. The transcribing device also includes a tape position indicator for providing a visual indication of the amount of message information transcribed from the automatic telephone answering apparatus as well as a positive indication of the position of the tape relative to the record/playback head of the transcribing device.