The Tesla ANP402 “Start” is a portable reel-to-reel tape recorder, designed for sound recording and playback—and sized just right to fit in any briefcase, literally. Weighing only 3.4 kg, its casing is made from hardened paper covered with leatherette, giving it the look of a stylish suitcase hiding a sonic surprise.
It could be powered in three ways: built-in 9V batteries, a mains adapter (AYN400), or even a car battery. That made it a perfect travel companion—like the Swiss army knife of tape recorders.
Operation was reduced to a single rotary knob that handled recording, playback, stop, and rewind. Erasure was handled by a fixed-position permanent magnet—a simple but clever solution. There was no recording level indicator nor fast-forward function, yet its very simplicity is what makes the “Start” such a collectible gem today. According to some reports, early production runs lacked any safeguard against accidental recording—leading users to unintentionally overwrite cherished moments, such as wedding vows or secretly captured concerts.
The ANP403 version was built for military use, housed in a larger wooden cabinet. It looked as though the tape recorder had suited up—like a soldier dressed for duty.