Audio Etc. Hardwire Remote Controls for Fostex and HHB R-DAT Recorders

Audio Etc. manufactures hardwire remote controls for the Fostex and HHB line of field R-DAT recorders. Oddly, although both HHB and Fostex provide the connectors and capability for remote control, neither company manufactures a remote control unit for its own machines.

I use the Fostex PD4v2 model; it's lightweight, well-built, easy-to-use and very reliable. The PD4v2 is especially helpful when doing music playback jobs for accurate cueing of the playback machine. The remote control also works with older Fostex PD-2 machines, although there are minor differences in the remote functions. An explanation of changes necessary with the PD-2 is included.

The Fostex PD4v2 remote is a six-button/10-function unit with a 5' connecting cable. The case is 4.5" by 2.75" by 1". The remote has five dual-function positions and a shift button; available functions are: rewind/ID back, fast forward/ID, forward stop/ID write, play/blank search, record/pause and shift.

The PD4 remote has two terminals at the top edge of the case (red and black) that let you check the battery voltage of the PD4 with an external battery meter. The PD4v2 remote costs $175; two-machine version with switchable battery check position runs for $225.

The HHB remote is a full-function unit that controls ID seek back, ID seek forward, rewind, fast forward, stop, play, pause and record. The remote unit is 4.5" by 2.75" by 1". The standard version of the HHB remote has a 5' machine connecting cable hardwired to the remote case with a molded on Portadat connector. The HHB standard remote $175 and the Breakaway remote is $200. For the machine off switch option add $25 and for the two-machine dual function connector add $50. Extension cables (5 ft minimum) $30; and $3 for each additional foot.

Contact: Audio Etc. at 954-255-7628