Topic: Marantz PMD 661 disk formatting problem

[laurieudesky]

Hi,
When I attempt to format the 16 GB Sandisk, the recorder message reads "executing" but it does not complete the action. Does anyone know how to troubleshoot this problem? It's a new machine that I wanted to get up and running for work. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[404 Not Found]

Is this a PMD661 or the newer PMD661MKII?  The older unit requires a firmware upgrade/update to allow for larger capacity SD cards.  I know that I have had problems with my PMD661 running anything higher than 8GB card as well as to avoid problems, I am using "class 4" SD cards and not the newer class 10 SD.   There are quite a few 661 users on this board that can possibly shed more light on this matter.

[pdxdanmusic]

I have a PMD661 with the latest firmware upgrade and use 16 GB class 10 with no problem.

[404 Not Found]

I have a PMD661 with the latest firmware upgrade and use 16 GB class 10 with no problem.

I knew another 661 user with the firmware update could confirm Question I have now, is it possibly the SD card?  Does this PMD661 read other cards and format with no problem? 

On an PMD661 side note, I have been holding off on the firmware update on my 661, as it has the Oadie Mod to it and was not sure if it would cause any issues, but for the record it does take a bit of time to format an 8GB card and I am curious as to how long you are waiting for the "executing" to run or does it just stay in this mode and not change?

[laurieudesky]

Thanks all for your suggestions. It is a Marantz PMD 661 and not the newer model. When I've tried to format, I've left it for about 10 or 15 minutes and it still says "executing." I have not tried any other SD cards, or smaller ones, a good suggestion. I will also look for the firmware to update it and see if it will work with the larger disk then.
Best regards,
Laurie

[DigiGal]

laurieudesky, it would help if you listed the firmware version of your PMD661.

I have a several of the 16GB PNY Optima SDHC class 4 cards and haven't had any issues.  They are currently $12.99 through Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/PNY-Optima-Class-Memory-P-SDHC16G4-EF/dp/B001518O24/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1283721481&sr=1-1

I'm running the version (v2.03) which was dated 6/17/2011 and never had issues with this or any of the previous versions, however...

Marantz has a new version dated 10/26/2012 firmware version (v2.04) for PMD661 (linked here) and attached to this message.

PMD661 Firmware Details Version 2.04  10/26/2012
Resolved issues below:
1. Fixed bug where the unit sometimes would not power on.
Previously fixed issues:
1. Expanded SD and SDHC card compatibility.
2. Fixed unit locking up when using pitch control on 24 bit 96 kHz files.
3. Resolved issue where setting EDL marks may corrupt the ‘Date Created’ in the file
properties.
4. Fixed formatting issue when the SD card is formatted in a different device.



I've also attached v2.03 which I'm currently running, it includes the (Expanded SD and SDHC card compatibility).

[laurieudesky]

Regarding downloading the firmware. I've looked through the forum and at the instructions and at Marantz instructions and am wondering if it's ok to do with the disc in the Marantz connected to my Mac? Some people suggested a separate reader is needed, which I don't have. Please advise. Thanks again

[DigiGal]

Regarding downloading the firmware. I've looked through the forum and at the instructions and at Marantz instructions and am wondering if it's ok to do with the disc in the Marantz connected to my Mac? Some people suggested a separate reader is needed, which I don't have. Please advise. Thanks again

You should be able to install the ‘pmd661up.bin’ to the root of the SD card that was supplied with the PMD661 with the Mac connected to PMD661 via USB cable.  I did that once with an older iMac running Tiger before getting one with a built in SDHC slot.  As I recall it was a slow process on cards larger than 2.0 GB.  At the time I picked up an inexpensive (about $12.00) Sony SDHC card reader because the SD card reader in my printer could not handle SDHC cards only SD cards.

[laurieudesky]

Thanks much. I shall try it.

[pdxdanmusic]

I have a PMD661 with the latest firmware upgrade and use 16 GB class 10 with no problem.

I knew another 661 user with the firmware update could confirm Question I have now, is it possibly the SD card?  Does this PMD661 read other cards and format with no problem? 

On an PMD661 side note, I have been holding off on the firmware update on my 661, as it has the Oadie Mod to it and was not sure if it would cause any issues, but for the record it does take a bit of time to format an 8GB card and I am curious as to how long you are waiting for the "executing" to run or does it just stay in this mode and not change?

I have an Oade Concert mod 661 and it did the firmware upgrade no problem.

[404 Not Found]

Thanks for the heads up!  I did the firmware updates and as you noted...no problems!

[DigiGal]

@ Laurie

So how did this work out for you???