Topic: What's up with my HHB PortaDrive

[typ3]

I'm new to this whole tapers thing and I have a question. I recently picked up a HHB PortaDrive Reporter's Kit in great shape for really cheap. I love the setup and despite using a dead-ish format, MiniDisc, I really like it.

The only issue I have with it is that there seems to be an intermittent (every 7 secs or so) bit of low-volume interference which sounds slightly like the interference created by a cellphone. It's only really noticeable when whatever I'm recording is very quiet. It's not loud, but with full headphones on it's noticeable. Also, when I'm recording quiet things, there seems to be a bit of noise which sounds like sizzling. Is this normal? Is my PortaDisc broken?

Thanks

[John Willett]

The title says "PortaDRIVE" and you describe a "PortaDISC"!

I assume it really is a PortaDISC you have, as the PortaDRIVE is an 8-track hard disk recorder.

Have the PortaDISC checked out - but it may also be duff cables picking up RF interference.