Akai DR-16 SCSI problem. SOLVED !

[helterbelter]

Hi guys,

+/- 10 years ago I recorded a cd with my band , using an Akai DR16 recorder (not DR16 PRO). I made a few little mistakes with the mix, so the cd didn't sound as good as it sounded in my studio........
I kept the HD to be able to do a remix one day, but the recorder was sold to move over to DAW system.

And now..... a few weeks ago I bought a 2nd hand Akai DR-16, in great condition, almost full option. I bought the recorder only to be able to playback the HD and record the tracks into cubase. I checked the recorder at the place of the seller, and it seemed to be working okay. The internal HD was recognised, tracks could be armed, etc.

However, when I got home, I opened up the recorder to check if my hd would fit (sure it would, but just too enthousiastic to hear the tracks after all those years!). ......... The HD wasn't recognized by the DR16. Changed back to the original internal HD, nothing...... Scsi ID is correct, termination is correct, everything is correct. But they won't be recognised, and the don't start to spin either.

Did some searching on the net, and I expect the SCSI controller to be defective. I have no schematics, so, I hope somebody here can help me a bit ......


So......

Help ? Schematics ?
thanks in advance !

 

[kazper]

Did you plug/unplug the drive while powered? Could be drive settings or blown termination power fuse.

http://akaiscsifaq.digidude.net/akaifaq_scsi_fuse.htm

 

[helterbelter]

Hi Kazper,

No, i didn't hotplug, and I have checked the glassfuses, but I haven't checked the fuses mentioned in the article, so, thanks so far !

 

[audiomixer]

how about mounting the drive on a workstation and retrieving the files? I'am not 100% sure about the filysystem, but chances are good you can read them and work right in your DAW....

- Michael

 

[helterbelter]

Hi,

Yes, with the DR-16 PRO this would work in case the HD is formatted the right way, but this is not the PRO version. It's recorded in an AKAI format. (Which sounds better than any DAW format, IMHO, but that's OT, hahaha).

 

[AudioGimmer]

If the disk isn't spinning it could be a physical problem.
Can you find a safe way to power up the disk and check it is spinning, maybe in another SCSI enclosure. Has the disk been stored in the cold? That can cause old SCSI disk grease to become very thick and hard for the motor to spin up.

Once you establish the disk is spinning up, then you can move onto the SCSI voodoo, termination s.ended LVD etc.

Is it SCSI I on the disk (looks like an old centronics connector)?

The gimmer

 

[aomahana]

Hi,

I have an in use DR system.
I can copy my DR files (DR16 or PRO) into Pyramix.
They can then be converted to WAV if required.
So, if you have no success repairing your DR, you could send me your HD and I will convert them for you.
PM me if this interests you ...

Bye now,
aomahana.
www.audioarts.co.nz

 

[helterbelter]

Did you plug/unplug the drive while powered? Could be drive settings or blown termination power fuse.

http://akaiscsifaq.digidude.net/akaifaq_scsi_fuse.htm

Yes ! this solved the problem of my DR-16. In the DR-16 the fuse was not easy to spot, things were a bit different than mentioned in the article (which handled SCSI in samplers), but without it I probably wouldn't have found it.

Unfortunately, the print of the Harddrive with the recording is defective...... Now I have to search for the same drive just for the print..... And they're rediculously expensive on Ebay.

The DR-16 works with another HD, and I must say, it's a lovely machine !!!!!!!

Thank you all for your help !

Hi,

I have an in use DR system.
I can copy my DR files (DR16 or PRO) into Pyramix.
They can then be converted to WAV if required.
So, if you have no success repairing your DR, you could send me your HD and I will convert them for you.
PM me if this interests you ...

Wow, that's a fantastic friendly offer. Some people say the spirit's gone on this forum, but you're one of those guys that keep this forum a fantastic place to be.

As you see, there's no need for this, but thank you very much for this offer !

 

[audiomixer]

well 'solved' is kind of exaggerated in regard of the original issue ;-)

I had an IBM disk some years ago showing similar PCB issues - could not resurrect it and lost some content. if you are really interested in the files you might consider a professional service, but that will cost you some money for sure but it might be worth asking how much.....

- michael