XT-20 Problem

[hanj]

Hello

I currently own a studio in Missoula, Montana. I have 2 XT-20 ADAT's. Just recently, the second ADAT (slave) is having problems linking to the master. I checked the link cables... and all looks good. We cleaned the machine, including the idler wheel, hoping this would solve the problem, but no luck. We reinitialized the BRC, still no luck. This happens to all tapes... new and previously recorded.

We receive no error messages when link is not working. I noticed that the second ADAT doesn't give a CHASE notification. The second ADAT is trying to link...looks like it's off by a few milliseconds. Sometimes the machine will link after 20-30 seconds of playing. The problem is intermitent (of course), so sometimes it links right away, and then for 5 tries... it won't, etc.

The quick fix we utilized is this. We swapped the troublesome slave ADAT and the master ADAT. So the trouble maker is the master and the reliable machine is the slave. After doing this, we have had no problems. Any suggestions will greatly be appreciated! We understand the our solution is a quick fix, and problems will probably still persist in the near future.

Thank you very much
Sincerely

Troy Donovan
Bevel Studio
http://www.bevelstudio.com

 

[sonusman]

Idler wheel...

Cleaning the idler wheel is of course a good idea, but it sounds like you may need to actually replace it. It is a $3 part from Alesis, and they will gladly ship you the part. Try replacing it and see if the problem goes away.

As far as swapping decks as master and slave, if it gets you through there is certainly nothing wrong with that.

I have 3 ADAT's and I swap which one is Master every so often just to sort of even out the time each deck spends having to chase as a Slave deck. Being a Slave deck in an ADAT system is much harder on the transport then being the Master.

Good luck.

Ed

 

[hanj]

Idler Wheel

Thanks

I went ahead and ordered some idler wheels... they're $6.50 a piece now. I talked to tech support about my problem... and they don't think it's an idler problem... but I purchased some wheels anyway. They believe it's an internal issue??... All I know is that I can't be out an ADAT for 6 weeks.

Swapping the decks make sense.. I understand that the slave has to work pretty hard to link.

adios
Troy Donovan
http://www.bevelstudio.com