Checking Software Version; Error Rate Display; About Error Rate Readings; Adat Head Life - Alesis ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual

Appendix B: Troubleshooting
C
HECKING
The current software version may be determined by holding [SET LOCATE]
and pressing [FAST FWD]. The XT20 will momentarily indicate the current
operating software version installed in the TIME counter.
E
RROR
The TIME counter has a secondary mode which, when selected, will display
only the minutes and seconds of the tape position, and the error rate while the
transport is engaged in play or record. This error rate is viewed as a count of the
number of sync block errors per 14 drum revolutions (every 280ms). Since there
are 30 sync blocks per sector, 8 sectors per track, and two tracks per revolution,
the maximum number is 6720. If this display mode is selected during any other
mode than play or record, the number will always read "0000".
To view the error rate display:
1
The TIME counter will briefly read:
d1
ABS
When PLAY or RECORD are engaged, the TIME counter will change to show
minutes and seconds on the left, and a 4-digit error rate counter on the rate.
2
The TIME counter will briefly read:
d1
ABS
...and will then change back to show hours, minutes, seconds and 100ths-of-a-
second.
A
BOUT
ADAT H
The expected head life for each ADAT varies according to a number of factors.
Given optimum conditions, tape quality, tape care, and operating environment
head life for the average ADAT will always be better than if your ADAT is
abused, placed in bad environmental conditions and used with badly
maintained tapes. Properly cared for, your heads should last for thousands of
hours.
116
S
OFTWARE
R D
ATE ISPLAY
Hold [SET LOCATE] and press RECORD ENABLE [3].
SP
Repeat step 1 to return the TIME display to its normal state.
SP
E R
RROR ATE
A new, perfect tape on a clean machine will normally read "0000"
with occasional flashes up to "0005" or "0010". Errors of 3 or below
are 100% correctable, and the odds are that significantly higher
readings will also be 100% correctable. Many new tapes out of the box
from some manufacturers have readings up to 100. Readings above 1000,
however, are guaranteed to cause some interpolation to take place.
Therefore, readings up to about 10-15 aren't anything to worry about
unless accompanied by the Interpolation indicator; but they do show
you that there is something less than ideal about current conditions. If
readings rise above 20, you should take action (see ADAT Head
Cleaning). If your brand of tape has a typical error rate above 20, that's
acceptable, but you want to look out for increases above the usual.
L
EAD IFE
V
ERSION
E rr
r E9
R
EADINGS
ADAT-XT20 Reference Manual