Answering Machine Message Copy

[btfarm]

I should have done something about this before.
We have an old Sony 900Mhz phone with answering machine and caller id. Mod. #SPP-A973. It's needed replacement for awhile but there's a problem. The message on the machine was recorded by my son who died 4 yrs ago next week. Maybe it sounds a bit creepy to have left it on there all this time but it's been a real comfort to family and all his close friends to just call it every so often when nobody is home. I really haven't looked at the format it's stored in (tape/minidisk?) but somehow I'd like to save that message digitally on the computer and a backup disk/hard drive.
Any of you guys know about these answering machines?

 

[RYDNHI4X4]

Drew might know how.

 

[BoostN]

What you might try. Buy a External mic for your computer (3.5mm plug ) and try to record it onto your computer.

On another note, I have a buddy that plugs the other end into the headphone jack and he can record songs right from youtube(or anywhere that sound comes from your speakers).

 

[btfarm]

My concern is that the recording will wind up crappy from the little speaker on the machine through a microphone.

 

[CtChevy427]

Mike, maybe you could try and make contact with Sony. Explain the situation to them and see what they might suggest. I would have to guess you would not be alone here.

 

[Brooklyn Tow]

PM Franko

 

[Brooklyn Tow]

Or SFC Jones

 

[NVW]

Doesn't sound creepy to me, there's a lot of voices I'd like to hear.

 

[SfcJones]

Since it was done by a non pc format it would be mighty hard to convert it to mp3 or to any other type of audio file. the crude and possible only way is to record it like some others has suggested. play it with the computer mic close by, you might want to vary the location of the mic as to not distort the sound....
This may the best option you have. I have programs to convert files on my PC to audio but nothing to remove the recording off of a answering machine. I have the same problem, A dear friend of mine was buried today at Arlington National Cemetary. I have a message from him that I am going to try and save. I've known him for 30+ years and I couldn't go to the funeral because of transportation and finances. If the answering machine had a 2.5mm external jack, you might be able to plug it in your line in of the sound card. I am sorry about your loss. I have lost a child and know what it feels like.

 

[Franko914]

Hello Mike,

If the base has an output jack, you can connect it to the input (mic) jack of your PC's sound card and use Microsoft Sound Recorder to create a .wav file.

If the base does not have an output jack, you can connect a quality microphone to the input (mic) jack of your PC's sound card and use Microsoft Sound Recorder to create a .wav file. To prevent "tinny" sounding recordings:

-- place the base on a folded towel
-- place an unfolded handkerchief or washcloth over the base' speaker
-- place the microphone on top of the handkerchief or washcloth
-- cover the base/microphone with a shoe box or bigger box or another towel, etc. (gotta experiment a little with this step until you get the desired or acceptable results)

The recordings are stored on microchip (solid state). The format is irrelevant because of the application: playback through base' speaker. If you try to retrieve the microchip, you could end up wiping out its contents when you cut power to it (unless it's an EEPROM).

I hope this helps, Mike. Let us know how it goes. Merry Christmas!

Regards,
Frankhohoho

 

[btfarm]

OK thanks guys. I'll work it from that angle. My other son is a pro DJ so he should be able to help out with the mic part.