Topic: Brief question for Minidisc users ("TOC hack" variety)

[Nugneant]

Hiya. I just got back from a show, and had a little unfortunate happenstance.

I recorded the first set, no troubles no nothing. Stopped the recording, the TOC saved, I was a happy man.

However, at some point between sets, I made a false-start in recording. Deciding it wasn't worth my while to record the in-house music, I hit "stop". When I hit "stop", apparently my Minidisc unit fritzed out and decided to erase the table of contents.

I didn't realize this until recording 7 seconds of new audio at the beginning of the disc.

So basically, sequence of events goes:

50 minutes of audio recorded, no problem.
~10 minutes of audio recorded, TOC isn't updated.
7 seconds of audio recorded before noticing that the TOC was at track 1, and stopping this.

I'm well aware of the "TOC hack" (recording a blank disc, swapping discs without the unit catching on, ending up with a functional disc) - but my unit isn't one that can perform the table-of-contents hack.

Before I go trolling the depths of eBay for a unit that can (the show was fan-fucking-tastic and it'd be worth the money to have a copy), I want to know if it'll be worth my while or not.

I know Minidiscs are non-linear (that is, they fragment, etc just like hard drives), so there's a chance - however sickening - that by recording those seven seconds, I lost the 47 minutes of audio I had already secured. There's also a chance that, since it was a fresh disc, the audio will all be fine, with the 7 seconds appearing tacked on at the end. And there's a chance that it'll be something in the middle. Whatever.

I figured someone here has had a similar experience, and could offer wisdom.

Thanks in advance!

[beefstew]

Ive heard of people buying a standalone MD unit that reads ANYTHING on the disc - even corrupted TOCs - i forget which model, but i remember someone here in this forum has one - try doing a forum search

[Nugneant]

Ive heard of people buying a standalone MD unit that reads ANYTHING on the disc - even corrupted TOCs - i forget which model, but i remember someone here in this forum has one - try doing a forum search

I think what you're talking about is called a "pro" unit, and usually goes for an exhorbant sum (to my knowledge).

I'd sooner just buy one of the used "walkmen" units for a few hundred less.

Thanks though

[firmdragon]

from my understanding what you should have on the disc

[---][-----------------------------------][------------]

7s           50min-7s                           ~10min

since you started w/  blank disc

[beefstew]

$61
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-MiniDisc-Deck-Mini-Disc-Player-recorder-MDS-JE330_W0QQitemZ280056232785QQihZ018QQcategoryZ4786QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$41
http://cgi.ebay.com/Silver-Sony-MDS-JE-470-Minidisc-recorder-player_W0QQitemZ250056782108QQihZ015QQcategoryZ4786QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$36
http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-MDS-302-ES-MINIDISC-PLAYER-EXCELLENT_W0QQitemZ260060173538QQihZ016QQcategoryZ4786QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


search around on ebay more - you might find a cheaper one

[iriewsp]

I have a unit that you can trick out the TOC with.  I havnt used this unit in years......  I'd be willing to part with it for cheap or just have you send me the MD and I'll make a data CD for you.

You'r call.  PM if interested.

[Nugneant]

$61
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-MiniDisc-Deck-Mini-Disc-Player-recorder-MDS-JE330_W0QQitemZ280056232785QQihZ018QQcategoryZ4786QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$41
http://cgi.ebay.com/Silver-Sony-MDS-JE-470-Minidisc-recorder-player_W0QQitemZ250056782108QQihZ015QQcategoryZ4786QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$36
http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-MDS-302-ES-MINIDISC-PLAYER-EXCELLENT_W0QQitemZ260060173538QQihZ016QQcategoryZ4786QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


search around on ebay more - you might find a cheaper one

These auctions look exciting... particularly the MDS-302. Are you -sure- you can clone TOC with this unit? (I checked the minidisc.org page, and it only refers to "older units like the MDS-303")

[nameloc01]

there was just( in the last week or two) a similiar thread with someone having the same problem.a memeber did respond saying he had a unit (i dont rememeber what model it was) but apparently he said that he could more than likely extract the audio with this unit.i'd look for this thread and contact this member.

[Nugneant]

Actually, the MDS-302 does -not- do what I need it to do. Good thing I erred on the side of caution. 

[1westkc3]

I have several MDs, Sony MDS JE520, Sharp MD-MT15 (portable) & two Sharp MD-SR60s (portable).  The MiniDisc.org has hacks for MT 15 TOC cloning on Sharp MD-MT15 class machines.  There is also info re Sony TOC cloning where David Tamkin has written extensively about TOC cloning procedures on the Sony MDS-JE520.  Not sure this is the task you're try to perform but if any will do the job you need, I'm certainly willing to help out. 

[OOK]

Ive heard of people buying a standalone MD unit that reads ANYTHING on the disc - even corrupted TOCs - i forget which model, but i remember someone here in this forum has one - try doing a forum search

I think what you're talking about is called a "pro" unit, and usually goes for an exhorbant sum (to my knowledge).

I'd sooner just buy one of the used "walkmen" units for a few hundred less.

Thanks though

I have a TASCAM MD301 MKII.  This is a  Rack mountable Pro unit and it has read everything I have thrown at it.  I had a MZR70 fritz on me once and the TASCAM read the disc....They are pricey. 469 new.  The current model is the TASCAM350 its the same as the 301MKII.  Mine has only about 75 hours on it, before I switched to DAT.  I would be willing to sell it for 200$  the thing is mint, Cherry Mint.... it has SCMS free opti in and out, analog in and out on RCA and I think XLR..... remote, orignal box and owner manuel.. its been a while since I've looked at it....

[Nugneant]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I'm happy to report that with a bit of ingenuity, the MZR-900 from Sony can pull off the TOC trick. It's a matter of opening the unit up, then either wedging a piece of cardboard on a certain button or (if you're me) breaking the button off, then soldering a connection in the heat of panic. I have pictures... somewhere on my hard drive...

Must have pissed someone off with this thread, too... -4 tickets... sheesh... whoever you are, I'm sorry for offending your professional sensibilities

[boojum]

I ignore the tickets.  They are gratuitous either plus or minus.  There is no way of knowing the mind or the ethics of the person who adds or subtracts them, so they are pretty much meaningless.   

A trip to www.minidisc.org should get you straight on TOC cloning. 

Cheers