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4.5
Compat ibilit y
Note that there is no difference in line up procedure between the T ascam DA-88 and
the Sony PC M-800. Both machines use the same Sony Hi-8 transport, and both
machines are manufactured by T EAC .
4.6
Maint enance
C heck the head hours regularly (see below). Every 250 hours the unit should be
cleaned manually and the tape path alignment checked. T his should be performed by
an experienced engineer with the correct tools and test tapes. Every 1000 hours the
machine should be fully aligned with probable replacement of the pinch roller and reel
tables and the possible replacement of the heads. Real world experience has shown
that the heads last for between 750 and 1200 hours.
4.7
Cleaning
T he error rate of a known good tape should be checked regularly (see below – if the
error LED lights it' s far too late!). When the error rate begins to rise, a cleaning tape
should be used and then the errors checked again. I f there is no improvement, the
machine should be cleaned manually and re-aligned. Note that each pass of the
cleaning tape will reduce the head life by approximately 5 to 10 hours. Manual cleaning
does not reduce head life, but there is a danger that the head will be damaged (turn
anti-clockwise only) and also the strong possibility that the tape path alignment will be
altered. I t is therefore always advisable to check the alignment after manual cleaning.
4.8
Head hour display
T o invoke the head hour display, hold ST OP+ PLAY whilst powering on. T he display will
say "d XXXX" where XXXX is the total head hours
4.9
Er r or r at e display
Hold FF+ ST OP+ PLAY and power on. Within 2 seconds press ST OP (for DA88) or PLAY
(for PC M-800). T he display says "test". Press REMOT E. Meters 1 and 2 now show head
errors in play mode. A "test" tape with a tone should be made when the heads are
new. T he state of the head and alignment can then be monitored using this tape.
Newly recorded tapes should also be checked for error rate periodically. An "in-spec"
machine will not show anything on the meters.
4.10
T ape get s st uck inside
I f errors occur, sometimes the machine won' t eject, for "safety" reasons. T o eject,
enter test mode as above. I nstead of pressing REMOT E, press EJEC T . T he tape will
now eject. Next turn off the machine and back on to exit test mode. I f the tape is
damaged, do not continue to use the machine!
4 DT RS Machines – C are and Use
SDDS Print Master G uidelines, Page
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