I had a similar problem to what Mitch is describing. The first time it
happened, the DR680 froze up during a recording, first thing out of
the box. I had to pull the batteries to re-set the unit, and found
that Tascam already had a firmware update. I updated the firmware, and
had no further trouble (of that sort, anyway - Always remember to turn
off the phantom power- especially when using unbalanced 1/4" plugs!);
no further trouble, that is, until a couple of weeks ago in the
Boundary Waters. The DR680 worked flawlessly until I did an overnight
recording with a 16 GB SD card. The recorder ran fine for the first 2
GB file(s), but froze with an "error writing file/file not found"
error message. This time, I was able to shut down the recorder (though
probably shouldn't have- the files ended up getting wiped).
Previously, I had been using tested and approved 8 GB cards with no
problems. I don't remember the brand of the 16 GB SD card offhand (I
don't have it in front of me right now), but I seem to remember it
being a 'tested and approved' card.
So wonder if the DR-680 just has a software glitch dealing with
larger capacity cards? Mitch, what size cards were you using?
PS- other variables: recorder was loaded with AA NiMH batteries, but
powered by an external 12 AH sled, inside a ziploc bag with 2 large
silica gel packs, all inside a nylon dry bag. Overnight was dewy and
cool (mid-low 60s), and it had rained about 1/2 hour before I set up
the recorder.
Paul Dickinson
> >Rob,
> >as my tired old computer has a problem with Quick-Time movies, I'd
> be very
> >interested in a brief summary of his comparison of the two recorders.
>
> Hi Mitch--
>
> Did you try the alternate movie player programs?
>
> >Reason being, I have a Tascam DR-680 and while I find the audio
> recording
> >capability to be quite good, however, in my own words, it is
> extremely
> >unreliable about writing data to the SD card. Sometimes it simply
> freezes,
> >have to pull the batteries and AC adapter to get it back and file
> size =3D 0
> >(zero).. Also, sometimes, part way through a recording and it stops
> with a
> >"file error" on the display, or at end of recording get "File doesn't
> >exist" error and yet when I hook up the USB port, the file is there
> and OK,
> >I can download it and play it on the computer... $250 worth of memory
> >cards as recommended by Tascam later, the problem still exists.
> Dealer sent
> >me a second DR-680, first recording right out of the box, 3
> minutes, 25
> >seconds into the recording, the 2nd unit froze with the same
> symptoms of
> >the first unit and will do this almost predictably...
>
> Are you using storage media down to the brand and model number that
> the Tascam recommends for their recorder? In the manual, search, "A
> list of SD cards that have been tested with this unit.."
>
> Have you tried a USB card reader that has been tested as fully
> compatible with the operation system you are running on your computer
> to eliminate any USB cable connection issues? If you are running an
> old OS that could be a huge part of your problems. I'd try to not use
> a cable.
>
> Make sure you are following the exact directions for starting and
> stopping recordings correctly. Its sometimes important to use pause
> before stop.
>
> Always fully charge batteries before you start a recording session.
> Rob D.
>
> >Bottom line is I like the recorder... When it works, it works very
> well
> >however with no reliability, if the dealer or Tascam doesn't come
> up with a
> >fix by the time the trial period is over, its going back much to my
> >frustration...
> >
> >So, I'm looking to hear something positive about the DR-680, I hate
> to give
> >up on this recorder, it is a unique unit but with less than 50%
> reliability
> >out of two of them, it has no future with me...
> >
> >Has anyone else had file handling and lock up problems that you
> know of
> >with the DR-680?
> >
> >I'm desperate to find a solution...
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Mitch & Shadow...
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