Author Topic: portable dat maintainence??? (Read 2007 times)

Brian · « **on:** February 12, 2004, 05:38:19 PM »

Hey all,

I have been taping now, using the same Sony M1, since i started year ago. For the entire year, through 68 shows my M1 has performed without one signal hitch or flaw and i have been sticking to the cleaning schedule(every 10-25 hours of use) with the dat cleaner.

my question to everybody is how often, if at all, do you send in your porta-dat decks to Pro Digital for a checkup and clean bill of health? Or do you only send it in if there is a problem with the deck that hinders it from performing correctly? I believe in the philosophy of "if it ain't broken, don't fix it". Anybody get their dat decks checked up on a yearly basis? I know it couldn't hurt, but is it necessary?

thanks for the help!

Brian

sexymexi · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2004, 07:29:03 PM »

good question, and that reminds me its time for a cleaning.. my guess is maybe every year or two. i may be wrong, depends i guess if you have a troublesome deck. hopefully somone with more experience can chime in on this.

jpschust · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2004, 07:33:50 PM »

depends on the usage. ideally a deck should be able to handle 500ish hours on the heads before they need replacement or hardcore cleanings. id suggest waiting till you have some down time from taping and deal with it then, unless you have a problem.

Brian · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2004, 12:20:40 AM »

right on guys thanks, +ts. it was bought new in feb 03. i figure the hours on it, record and playback, are around 175-200. i guess that means i have a little time, but this is really making me think i need a playback/transfer dat deck sometime soon. save some life M1 before I have to drop down cash on new heads

Brian

sexymexi · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2004, 12:30:07 AM »

good call. i guess since i run a full size deck, that i won't have to worry as much about wearing heads, from what i've read full size heads last longer. we'll see. i hope cause i can't afford to get another deck anytime soon. peace.

Brian · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2004, 12:47:00 AM »

yep i definitely don't have the cash to throw down on a home dat deck. some day, my friend, some day

Sean Gallemore · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2004, 02:23:18 AM »

you can get a deck for less than $150, as low as $50, used on ebay, just be careful what you buy

todd e · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2004, 10:29:00 AM »

i just sent my d8 back after a reliable 2 yr stint. lucky for me, but i had purchased the 4 yr warranty extension (terrapin) and it still worked (as it should). anyways. paul said the turn around would be a day or too, only thing i have to pay for is the shipping. labor and parts are fully covered. such a good $100 investment. and i can do it as many time as needed until 7/06!

invest wisely in warranties, you'll thank me.