Hi, I have started my analysis regarding the problem I face with dropouts. I have started erasing a Sony Pro DAT plus 125 on my PCM-2700 that was previously recorded on a different machine (Sony DTC77ES). The recording input is 0. I have noticed an erratic behavior in the counter counting when it is set to "Counter mode", looks like some seconds tend to jump forward and when I set it to "Remaining time" mode its showing around 6 hrs 30mins remaining! In ABS time mode it behaves as normal. I also noticed that when I tried to fast forward the tape it kept stopping every 3 minutes or so! Very odd. I am now erasing the tape for the next 2 hours in SP mode and then try to fast forward the tape and see if it stops. In the meantime if these observations trigger any suspicions I would be grateful for your help again.Please post your results. BTW, did you know the 2700 is a movie star? There's a scene in "A Clear And Present Danger" where a rack of them can be seen. I liked the 2700 very much but it was about twice the price of the commercial 87ES, so I bought the 87ES. Only thing that was problematic was it conformed to SCMS and this was a headache so I ended up getting a pair of PCM-7010F's which I still use today. Fun stuff.
When you erase tape by re-recording you are effectively erasing audio and re- recording Absolute Time-Code but you will also still be committed to the bit and bite rate originally selected and recorded. Re-recording Time-Code all the way through is good. The net effect is i.d.'s will be erased and, with no Time-Code breaks, drop-outs are less a concern. In fast forward, you may have had the unit set to stop at previously recorded stop or start i.d.'s. If I were you, I'd just buy some new DATs. I think then your drop-out problem would cease.Hi, I have started my analysis regarding the problem I face with dropouts. I have started erasing a Sony Pro DAT plus 125 on my PCM-2700 that was previously recorded on a different machine (Sony DTC77ES). The recording input is 0. I have noticed an erratic behavior in the counter counting when it is set to "Counter mode", looks like some seconds tend to jump forward and when I set it to "Remaining time" mode its showing around 6 hrs 30mins remaining! In ABS time mode it behaves as normal. I also noticed that when I tried to fast forward the tape it kept stopping every 3 minutes or so! Very odd. I am now erasing the tape for the next 2 hours in SP mode and then try to fast forward the tape and see if it stops. In the meantime if these observations trigger any suspicions I would be grateful for your help again.
Will post again when I have some results and find outs.
Thanks
Hey hdrobien - I know I'm 6 years too late... but I've just put my 2 Sony DAT Torque meters on ebay.It was a pleasure.
By the way I am looking for a Sony Torque meter tape (ref TW-7131). If anyone knows where to find one at a reasonnable price...
I have a pair of Sony PCM-7010F Time-Code DAT Recorders at $7200 each back in 1994 or thereabouts. They still work; but, they need about an hour or two warm-up to work without bad tape or alarm notices from interrupting playback. I have zero experience or knowledge about how to repair these recorders, although I did successfully install an option to both recorders allowing for editing function from a edit controller. At any rate, I'm impressed that there are folks here who like me have an interest in keeping their DAT Recorders in action.After reading this thread again, I made sure to power up my mechanical transport components and use them for a bit to get the "Juices" flowing!
My units are always powered off when not in use. Maybe I do not have a cap. issue. At any rate, I think you know which hog ate the cabbage. Interestingly enough, the unit which will not play unless it's warmed up was serviced by Sony back in 2010. Its time-code reader/generator went spastic. Sony repaired it at a flat rate of about $900. As I understand it Sony no longer supports the PCM 7000 series so if I want my units repaired now I will need to find someone to do it. It appears no one in my area however has the interest or skill to service my units.The 7010 use the almost same transport as the 77ES and others high end consumer models (DTC-2000, ZA5ES...).
They usually suffer from the same problems, mostly hardened grease that prevent the left (supply) guide to fully extend. That is why they usually play better when warn (the grease is "softened").
They also suffer from worn out capacitors in the power supply, because they were usually always permanently powered in the studios.