Califone Upgrades CardMaster Card Reader
Posted by Keirsten Dungan on 6th Mar 2014
Califone Upgrades CardMaster Card Reader with More Controls
The new CAR2020 takes the place of two longstanding models, the 2020AV and 2010AV. It includes all of the features of the higher end 2020AV, including record, volume control, the Student/Teacher Electronic Track Memory (that permanently records the teacher’s and/or student’s vocal response and repeats it until a new card is scanned), and also now comes with a detachable power supply, making the unit slightly smaller, lighter and more portable.
Now with a detachable power adapter, making the CardMaster smaller and lighter than before.
A staple used in beginning reading or ESL/ELL programs, the legacy of the CardMaster card reader is as an effective tool for providing audio and visual reinforcement of connections between written and spoken words. It’s useful for literacy training, teaching and assessments. The CAR2020 operates by first sliding a blank or prerecorded card through a slot located on the top of the unit. The CardMaster temporarily records the content played from the card onto a dedicated teacher track or student track for later playback. With the “lock/unlock” button switched to the unlock position (located inside the battery compartment), teachers can allow recording onto the cards directly, creating a permanent record of the recording onto the card.
Each card has a narrow cassette strip which can record up to a twelve second customizable lesson. The student inserts the card into the slot of the card reader and then presses the record button while they echo the exercise on the card. Alternating between hitting the repeat Teacher track button and the repeat Student track button replays and contrasts their response to the modeled lesson.
The new CAR2020 delivers the durability necessary to withstand the knocks and bumps associated with everyday classroom use thanks to its tough ABS plastic, a material not commonly used in consumer electronics.
While its 2 Watts are loud enough to be played for a classroom of up to forty students, the card reader excels in 1:1 instruction or independent use. It has 1/4″ headphone and mic plugs as well as a pair of 3.5mm for each. For situations when the audio from the CardMaster needs to be recorded to or played back from an external source there’s also a 1/4″ aux out.
The CAR 2020 is the second recent consolidation of the company’s cassette-based players and recorders.
