Really Stupid 2488 Question, Comin' Right Up!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Zaphod B
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Zaphod B

Zaphod B

Raccoons-Be-Gone, Inc.
It's a MkI 2488 but the version shouldn't matter.

The question is: Due to its having a hard drive in it, does it necessarily have to be positioned flat? Or could I mount it an an angle?

I'm getting some new gear for my home recording setup and I'm thinking about mounting it above the table surface, angled toward me, at maybe a 30-degree angle.

Any thoughts? :confused:
 
Zaphod B said:
It's a MkI 2488 but the version shouldn't matter.

The question is: Due to its having a hard drive in it, does it necessarily have to be positioned flat? Or could I mount it an an angle?

I'm getting some new gear for my home recording setup and I'm thinking about mounting it above the table surface, angled toward me, at maybe a 30-degree angle.

Any thoughts? :confused:
Click to expand...

Angle does not matter. Hard drives can be mounted flat, vertical etc. Don't worry.
 
MCI2424 said:
Angle does not matter. Hard drives can be mounted flat, vertical etc. Don't worry.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought - after all, laptops are used at every conceivable angle.

Thanks. :)
 
Before you do that you might want to check with Tascam. The manual tells you to "find a flat level surface for the 2488" Sometimes there are situations that would cause overheating and/or linkage problems if a machine isn't leveled correctly.
 
NYMorningstar said:
Before you do that you might want to check with Tascam. The manual tells you to "find a flat level surface for the 2488" Sometimes there are situations that would cause overheating and/or linkage problems if a machine isn't leveled correctly.
Click to expand...
That's not a bad idea.

For this unit there are no linkages, and I can't see ventilation being an issue as long as there is plenty of airspace around it.

Nevertheless, better to be safe than sorry.
 
NYMorningstar said:
Before you do that you might want to check with Tascam. The manual tells you to "find a flat level surface for the 2488" Sometimes there are situations that would cause overheating and/or linkage problems if a machine isn't leveled correctly.
Click to expand...

TASCAM manuals over the years have been loaded with plenty of less than accurate statements. Since I don't have a 2488, unless there is something really odd about it, mounting it at a 30 degree angle will not harm a hard drive. I will bet the farm they meant "mount it on a flat level surface" meaning they don't want the unit to slide off onto the floor.

Always beware of japanese to english translations.
 
Based on TASCAM's spotty record of responding to customer service inquiries, I think I'll just call the closest authorized repair center and ask them.
 
MCI2424 said:
TASCAM manuals over the years have been loaded with plenty of less than accurate statements. Since I don't have a 2488, unless there is something really odd about it, mounting it at a 30 degree angle will not harm a hard drive. I will bet the farm they meant "mount it on a flat level surface" meaning they don't want the unit to slide off onto the floor.

Always beware of japanese to english translations.
Click to expand...
The exact wording is:

"First, find a flat level surface for the 2488 which is stable and can't be jogged or jolted easily. This should be a hard surface. Don't put the 2488 on a carpet or furnishings, as this will block the airflow and possibly cause overheating."

To me, "level" means either parallel or perpendicular to the ground. But I'm guessing that the wording is boilerplate from previous manuals.
 
I contacted Tascam a couple weeks ago about another issue and they responded the following day. I'd still ask them about any concerns. I've seen cd drives in computers burn out in less than a year that were laid on their sides instead of upright although techs will tell you there's no problem doing that. Ask if will void the warranty just to be safe.
 
I googled around a bit and there is some suggestion that in theory a hard drive's life could be shortened if mounted vertically because the bearing fluid would run to one bottom. However, there doesn't seem to be any evidence that this actually does happen and at any rate mounting at 90 degrees is an extreme case.
 
I'll ask the question of TASCAM - either directly or to a service center - and let y'all know.

I appreciate your input. :)
 
OK, I called a service center over in Dallas. The answer they gave was that the unit should be flat if the CD drive is used; other than that, it does not matter.

Makes sense.

I've also emailed TASCAM at their main service email address so we'll see what they have to say.
 
I use my 2488 Mk1 on a wedge shaped stand that I made, I have using it on this stand for the last year or so with no problems at all. I just wanted the 2488 to match the wedge of my Mackie onyx mixer so they are at the same angle and height.
 
Double said:
I use my 2488 Mk1 on a wedge shaped stand that I made, I have using it on this stand for the last year or so with no problems at all. I just wanted the 2488 to match the wedge of my Mackie onyx mixer so they are at the same angle and height.
Click to expand...

Double, how much of an angle do you have? Mine could be 30 degrees or more. If I do it the way I'm thinking of, I'm going to be wall-mounting a support and it will have to be at a pretty good angle to be able to operate it.
 
.....and now that I think about it, it could be that the reason he brought up the CD drive is because if you just angle the 2488 on the table, with enough angle the drive door would hit the table. If it's up in the air, though......can a CD drive not work in just about any position? :confused:
 
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