Topic: Tascam DA-30 MKII home DAT deck question

[TaperBryan]

So, my home deck seems to sometimes not want to unload/eject DATs properly at times.  I know it doesn't like the 90m DATs.  But, I've always done the clear tape trick.  But, the last time I loaded a DAT (60m), it seemed to get stuck and not unload.  After a little cursing at the player and waiting a few mins, it finally unloaded.

Any suggestions as to what may be causing this?  Any tips in terms of me opening up the unit and performing some DIY cleaning/service?  I'm considering getting a DA-20 MKII.  As, per my understanding, that model WILL play 90m DATs w/out having to perform the clear tape trickery.

Thoughts/suggestions?

TIA!

[fmaderjr]

Years ago, when I took my E-Bay purchased DA-30 MKII to Pro Digital for an overhaul, Paul did a simple modification that enabled it to play 90m DAT's fine. Don't know if any other shops do it-if you don't live in his area, it probably wouldn't be worth mailing the deck in for the mod.

[TaperBryan]

Years ago, when I took my E-Bay purchased DA-30 MKII to Pro Digital for an overhaul, Paul did a simple modification that enabled it to play 90m DAT's fine. Don't know if any other shops do it-if you don't live in his area, it probably wouldn't be worth mailing the deck in for the mod.

unfortunately, i don't live in his area.  any idea about what/how he did the mod?   

[live2496]

So, my home deck seems to sometimes not want to unload/eject DATs properly at times.  I know it doesn't like the 90m DATs.  But, I've always done the clear tape trick.  But, the last time I loaded a DAT (60m), it seemed to get stuck and not unload.  After a little cursing at the player and waiting a few mins, it finally unloaded.

Any suggestions as to what may be causing this?  Any tips in terms of me opening up the unit and performing some DIY cleaning/service?  I'm considering getting a DA-20 MKII.  As, per my understanding, that model WILL play 90m DATs w/out having to perform the clear tape trickery.

Thoughts/suggestions?

TIA!

This sounds to me like the deck is not maintaining the proper tape tensioning if tapes are not unloading always.

I had a similar problem with my Sony DTC-700 years ago and Pro-Digital replaced the tape guides and all was back to normal again.

Ship it to Paul at ProDigital and have it serviced. This is not something that a simple cleaning will remedy.

Some decks are finicky about 90 meter tapes. It really depends upon your tape deck. Some tape transports are better at handling the somewhat thinner tape.

[fmaderjr]

Some decks are finicky about 90 meter tapes. It really depends upon your tape deck. Some tape transports are better at handling the somewhat thinner tape.

But the MK II was purposely designed to refuse to play them (to avoid potential problems, I guess), even though it probably could. That's why the clear tape trick works. I don't know what Paul did to the deck to avoid that, but my deck never had a problem with 90 m tapes after it was modded.