There is provided in a car-mounted audio system an operator control section, a display section and a mechanical deck section in a central console or dashboard unit, wherein other units are located in hideaway positions, the system being characterized in that, a built-in microphone and a microphone amplifier are provided at the central control apparatus, buffers are provided at the hideaway units, and a microphone signal bus line is incorporated in the signal line connection between the central control and the hideaway units to couple a common microphone output signal therebetween.

An audio message storing circuit and a control method thereof in a timer program of a video cassette recorder for recording an audio information simultaneously with the timer program and outputting the stored audio information when the present time is equal to a programmed time. The audio message storing circuit uses a key matrix, a timer, a communication processor, a microphone, a analog/digital converter, a random access memory, a gate and hold circuit, a digital/analog converter, a low band pass filter, an amplifier, and an audio recording circuit coupled to a record/playback head of the video cassette recorder. The method is carried out by the steps of storing the audio information in the random access memory, setting a timer program, and reading the stored information sequentially. The audio signal is outputted to the record/playback head of the recorder when the present time is equal to the programmed time.

A method and apparatus for rapid access digital storage and playback of audio information that consists of a large array of solid state random access memory devices connected in a basic multi-group, multi-card, multi-unit configuration that is addressable in one second increments for a selected duration. Storage or playback with requisite signal conversion may be effected by inputting real time decimal address indications to select a designated time and duration of the total memory capacity.

A light-weight adhesive note recording device (12) records sounds (22) and written text (20) and attaches to a plurality of different types of surfaces (14). Recording circuitry (34) receives and records sounds (22) as a plurality of digital signals. Memory circuitry (38) stores digital signals, and speaker circuitry (40) plays back digital signals as recordings of sounds (22). Control circuitry (36) controls operation of recording circuitry (34), memory circuit (38), and speaker circuitry (40). Power source (44) provides power to operate recording device (12). Text surface (26) is used for writing or printing written text or message (20). Adhering mechanism (54) adheres recording device (12) to a wide variety of surfaces (14). Recording device (12) has sufficiently small size and a flat writing or text surface (26) for repeated use as an adhesive note recording device.

Small light weight voice recorder is worn by a user as a short term memory aid. It has a single, large, readily accessible control button on its front face. The device has two alternating operating modes, each of which is initiated by actuating the same button in the same way. In a first mode the device records a brief spoken message. In the second mode the message is played back. The device has all solid state components with no moving parts for durability, freedom from maintenance and low battery drain. It is especially useful for those with failing memory who may find the complexities and dexterity requirements of conventional recording devices beyond their capabilities. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes covered, rear mounted controls that are easily accessed and operated for playing back the recorded message at a preset time. This feature is designed to not interfere with the primary function of record and playback by alternate operation of a single button.