Topic: lost data on DAT tape

[Dominik]

hi,

on Sunday I recorded my favourite band and during the recording everything seemed to be ok, I checked the levels several times and they looked great.
After I stopped the recording to rewind and see how the result was like everything on the tape was gone. The only things left are 2 start IDs.....
A possible cause could be that I had to wait several hours outside the venue in the cold before getting in...

Is there way to get the data back?

every tip is highly appreciated!!

[dgale]

Your deck likely did not load the tape properly.  This would result in the levels displaying fine and the tape rolling along during recording but the tape actually being blank upon playback.  Is this a Sony portable DAT?  At least with the Sony D7/D8 (the decks with which I am familiar) the best way to confirm your tape is properly loaded is to turn on the light before inserting the tape and closing the door.  If the tape properly loads then the light will still be on...if it does not properly load then the deck will momentarily shut off and back on, which will result in the light being automatically turned off.  Assuming this is what happened to you, there is no way to recover the recording - it's not actually there.   Learn from the experience and make sure your tape loads properly next time.

[live2496]

On the old dat-heads list I remember stories about tapes being recorded on the backside of the tape because the tape got flipped somehow internally.
If you can get the tape to load again like that or flip it manually by releasing the front protective cover and winding the tape a bit you might get it to play. It's not impossible to do but a bit tricky if you've never been through the procedure. There is a tiny nylon mechanism that prevents the hubs from turning when unloaded.

[bonghitwillie]

i have had some dats that would not play and i tried another dat player and it was ok.  this especially happens with slower 32hz record speeds. i have found the fostex 5d to be a very forgiving unit. if you do get it to work, make a copy immediately.