But now I'm very angry and I don't want to tape anything.
Paul...totally understand your frustration...but understand this is a hand made item. Things like that won't have the consistency of something made by a machine. Chris makes a great product.
Yes he can be a little slow (ok maybe a lot slow) with the warranty service...but at least you have a back up way to record.
I know how you feel. My Tinybox shit the bed so I didn't get a recording of a good show. I had actually noticed the previous show I recorded that something was amiss but figured it was just a fluke. I learned my lesson. (1) Have a back up rig, (2) Always test your equipment on a regular basis (more often after it gets older).
I actually bought an Naiant IPA to replace the Tinybox. I plan on sending the Tinybox back to Jon to have him fix it (it needs a new battery). Once I get that back it will become my back up rig (since it's bigger than the IPA).
I HIGHLY recommend checking out the IPA if that is an option for your setup. It's a very nice product. I haven't opened any of Chris' products, but I suspect Jon makes a higher quality product (not that Chris' aren't very good).
After many frustrating shows where something went wrong I have finally adopted my new taping mantra: "If the taping Gods don't want that nights show to turn out...they will screw you over...nothing you can do about it but move on to the next show." Yes it sucks when you can't record...but it's not the end of the world either.
Best of luck with your upcoming shows.