Q. I recently got a ZX81, and I'm delighted with it. My only problem is with my tape recorder, which is a Sanyo. It seems only to load games that I buy in shops, and refuses to load any programs that I've saved. I've tried everything, for example, new cassettes, a tape clearner and moving it closer to the TV, but nothing seems to work. Please help.

Andre Foley
Co. Tipperary, Eire

A. We assume you've tried all possible volume levels, and that you've disconnected the Ear cable, while you're saving through the Mic socket. If you've tried these, then it's either your ZX81 giving an inadequate output or your tape recorder is bust.

ZX81s are temperamental anyway, but if you've no problems with commercial software and nothing but problems with your own, it sounds like faulty machinery. Try different tape recorders, and if you have a friend with a ZX81, try loading one of their programs on your own machine, with your own tape recorder.

If this loads, then your ZX81 isn't saving properly, while if a different tape recorder works, then it's your tape recorder that's causing you grief.