TASCAM DA-98HR
83
12 – Maintenance and settings
12.1
Head and transport cleaning
The DA-98HR incorporates an internal cleaning
mechanism that not only cleans the rotary head, but
also the tape as it enters the tape path. The provision
of this cleaning mechanism significantly reduces the
need for manual cleaning.
However, before recording in HR mode, because of
the high bit density, dirty heads can have a significant
effect on recording and playback. We therefore sug-
gest a daily cleaning procedure as described below:
12.1.1 Daily cleaning
If this unit is used for HR recording, we suggest a
daily cleaning of the heads. However, take note that
excessive head cleaning may cause abrasion of the
heads.
To clean the heads when recording in HR mode:
1
Before inserting the tape to be used for record-
ing, insert a suitable cleaning tape (such as the
TEAC HC-8).
2
As the cleaning tape is loaded, the display
shows
--LoAd
, followed by
E. Hi8t
(E
Hi8T), and the cleaning tape is then automati-
cally ejected.
This method of cleaning the heads causes mini-
mum abrasion.
If, despite the internal cleaning mechanism and this
daily cleaning operation, the
PB CONDITION
indica-
tor
lights, the heads are dirty and the periodic
manual cleaning procedures below should be
followed.
12.1.2 Periodic cleaning
Use a TEAC HC-8 cleaning tape (as supplied with
the unit, and recommended) or a dry cleaning tape
specially designed for Hi8 8mm video equipment.
NOTE
S
NEVER use a wet-type cleaning tape, as this will result in
winding problems.
The use of the dry tape will reduce the head life of the DA-
98HR by about five hours. Use of manual cleaning is there-
fore discouraged.
We recommend the following schedule (based on our
experience with the DTRS system) for cleaning and
maintenance schedules. See “Checking head time”
on page 84 below for details of how to check head
usage time.
The above cleaning cycle timings are based on the
assumption that the DA-98HR is being operated in a
clean environment. A dusty or smoky atmosphere
will shorten the time between cleaning operations
NOTE
Most name brand tapes are of very high quality. However, it
is sometimes possible to receive “bad” stock which exhibits
excessive shedding characteristics. If you receive such
tape stock, stop using it immediately, and follow the clean-
ing procedure as described below.
1
Select menu group 9, move the cursor to
Cleaning
, and press
ENTER
:
2
Press the
§
or
¶
key to set the cleaning mode
to
on
. If a tape is loaded, it is automatically
ejected.
3
Insert the cleaning tape.
4
The cleaning tape “plays” for about two sec-
onds and then is automatically ejected. The
cleaning counter (number of times the heads
have been cleaned) is incremented by one.
NOTE
Note the following points:
Do not attempt to rewind or fast forward the cleaning tape,
either in the DA-98HR or in a video unit. Simply insert it into
the DA-98HR when you use it the next time.
Excessive cleaning can cause excessive wear on the
heads. Do not clean the heads too frequently, and never
perform the head cleaning procedure more than 5 times
running.
In addition to cleaning the heads, we recommend that you
have the DA-98HR checked by an authorized TASCAM
service technician every 500 hours or so of use.
Every 350 to
400 hours
Perform manual cleaning of heads and
guides as described below. Check the
tape path alignment after cleaning. This
requires proper test and measurement
equipment, and should be performed only
by qualified service personnel.
Every 1000
hours (every
third cleaning)
A complete alignment check should be
performed.
C l e a n i n g
M o d e
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