Getting started with an Akai GX-280D-SS.

[johnthefilmer]

I just purchased an Akai GX-280D-SS on eBay and it should be here in a few days. Being completely new to analog other than a Tascam Porta02 MKII, I really don't know where to start. I purchased it from an engineer who says it works perfectly. He also "checked calibration" before sending it.

1. What is checking calibration, and will I need to do this in the future?
2. What are the general upkeep tasks I'll need to do to keep it in order, and how often?
3. What else do you think I should know either about analog or this machine before getting started?

Thanks.