SYMPTOM:
The diagnostic program passes all tests except for the “Receive
Interrupt” test.
SOLUTION:
The IRQ setting in the diagnostic program probably does not
match the IRQ setting of your serial port. Make sure they are set to the same
value. If this does not alleviate the problem then your port is probably using
another IRQ than you think it is, or you have another peripheral using the same
IRQ (See the Installation and Diagnostics sections).
Syncing Trouble-Shooting
If you are having trouble syncing to SMPTE you should check the following:
Are you using a high quality tape deck and tape? Have you tried using a higher
quality tape?
Do you have the MIDISPORT8x8/s SMPTE In connected to the proper Tape
Out/Sync Out port of your deck?
Are your SMPTE audio cables good?
Have you discovered the best Input and Output level settings on your tape
deck? You may need to spend some time playing with different playback and
record levels to find the best and most reliable settings. If the signal is too hot or
too low during record or playback you may encounter problems. You should
play with the record and playback levels until you get reliable sync. We have
found that a level of around -10 dB is best.
A SMPTE stripe is essentially data recorded to tape. If your recorder uses noise
reduction, such as DBX or Dolby, when writing or reading SMPTE, the data may
be corrupted and the results may be unacceptable. We recommend that you do
NOT use noise reduction when recording or playing a SMPTE sync track.
If you are recording any kind of a sync stripe and going through a mixing board
to set levels, make sure any EQ is off or flat. If you EQ a SMPTE signal it may
turn to mush. Also, try to avoid the bussing system by using direct outputs.
Are you trying to use SMPTE mode with a sequencer that does not support MTC
or is not set to chase to MIDI Time Code?
With all sequencers you must set a SMPTE song/sequence start time. Make sure
you set this SMPTE start time to a value at least a couple seconds later than what
your SMPTE stripe starts at. For example, if you recorded a SMPTE stripe
starting at 1 hour (01:00:00:00), you should set your sequencer start time to
something like 1 hour and 5 seconds (01:00:05:00).
Make sure your sequencer is set to receive MTC on the Windows driver that has
MIDI Time Code coming over it. This driver is called “MIDISPORT8x8/s
Sync/Status”.
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