Sony SDDS Print Master manual DT RS Machines Care and Use

4 DT RS Machines – Care and Use

4.5Compatibility

Note that there is no difference in line up procedure between the T ascam DA-88 and the Sony PCM-800. Both machines use the same Sony Hi-8 transport, and both machines are manufactured by T EAC.

4.6Maintenance

Check 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.

4.7Cleaning

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.

4.8Head 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

4.9Error rate display

Hold FF+ST OP+PLAY and power on. Within 2 seconds press ST OP (for DA88) or PLAY (for PCM-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.

4.10T ape gets stuck 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 EJECT . 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!

SDDS Print Master Guidelines, Page 12 of 26