i have a panasonic 4350. is it normal for the line in to work only when play and record is pushed down, thanks

That's a bit annoying, but it's normal.
I have both versions of the RS4150 and it works in the way you have said. No line-in until you press REC & PLAY.

Have a look there ....

http://stereo2go.com/eve/forum...696027254/m/12110662

It also happens in the favorite RS-4300
But National have done a nice work there. I can't complain at all.

You only need to put the mecha in pause and stop the motor using the remote feature (if you find the plug).

Pedro

thanks pedro, you've lost me on the remote thing though

Remote jack is used to plug an additional wire which comes with some microphone which has the remote feature. This microphones have an on/off switch that opens/closes the motor supply.
When no plug, the circuit is normally close and motor runs.
When pluged, the supply for the motor goes to the microphone and returns to the boombox if the micropohne swicth is closed.
If you plug a dummy plug (without wire) will be enough to stop the motor and the whole mecha. It works in the same way that speakers jacks
If you plug a dummy conector the channel will shut-off.

Enjoy the 4350 without running the deck !!!!!

That's from my 4150 ...
The problem is to find that plug at a shop. It's a bit rare ... I've never seen one.

And ... Do you see the hole below the R-MIC jack ?? ... That's to put a plastic pin and push an internal disabling switch for the built-in micropohnes in case you want to erase a tape without recording any ambient noise. Love the detail !!!!!

geoff --agree with pedro - thats how the line-in works --
some hitachis are like that also.

cant blame you if you HATE that procedure !!

wow - didn't know that about the remote mic connection. What a great feature - now enjoying a use for which it wasn't designed, but whatever

wow thats cool, the remote thing worked, thanks again pedro

The 5380 is the same... It is a pain!