SCSI Hardware Bug (not read error) in Original MPC2000!?

Hi,

This is my first post in this forum, so if this has been discussed I'm sorry in advance. I tried to find information on the issue, but didn't see any. I will continue to look after I post this.

I have noticed a problem with my MPC2000. I have one of the first made as I actually got a demo model from the first batch. I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but it's information none the less.

I have replaced my screens, added memory, replaced the disk drive etc... so I am comfertable with the hardware. I also develop software (my 9-5) so I'm more than comfertable around code.

Here is my problem. It's involving the SCSI read error people are reporting. I have the same issue when trying to load .ALL files. I can't load them from my ZIP, but I can from Floppy's. I can load them from the ZIP on my friends MPC2000 XL, but I can't on mine. I was using 1.72, and I saw a thread to try 1.70. I did, and now I can get passed the SCSI error but the sequences are messed up. I also can't load my APS files with 1.70, but can with 1.72. Why is Akai playing with file formats across O/S versions, and why can an XL load these disks fine? Does anyone have 1.71?

The real issue I'm seeing but can't prove is that the SCSI control on the original MPC is a bit faulty. Why? It seems every 8 months or so I have to change my ZIP drive. I can then load these .ALL files for another 6-8 months until I need to buy yet another drive. The puzzling part is while the drives seem to break after 8 months, they can load *ALL* file types *EXCEPT* for .ALL. Upon replacing my drive I can then load .ALL. I can also use my "broken" zips on my PC and they work flawless. I notice the ZIP drives spin consistantly on the old MPC when not in use, while on the XL they are idle. Is the old MPC2000 causing the drives to break down because of the consistant disk referencing? Is that why they went SCSI2 on the XL?

I need any help at all on what the real issue is. I'm guessing it's an O/S issue, but I can't explain why switching the ZIP drives helps even though the hardware is fine. I have tested software in the past and the logic that it's the hardware is very unlikely, but has been proven to some degree.

Also, does anyone know if I can convert MPC2000 XL .ALL files to MPC2000? If not, does anyone have refferences to the file structures so I can try myself? Does anyone have the source code for the 1.72 O/S? Why the hell are Akai playing with file formats across O/S versions!?

I just need to get the .ALL loading without dropping another $100 on a zip, or at least know once and for all what the real problem is so I can avoid it

What is the source of the ALL files? Your MPC or the MPC2000XL (which uses a different format).

There was no difference between 1.70 and 1.72 in regards to the file formats.

"Is that why they went SCSI2 on the XL?"

THe XL uses SCSI1. Just a different connector. Not related.

It is possible that there is a problem with the drive itself that is corrupting the file, but it would be strange that it is only corrupting a single type of file. The issue seems to be time related and with time comes disk fragmentation. Some MPC files might be sensitive to fragmentation. A simple test would be to save an ALL to two different partitions. Keep re-using the first partition. When it fails to work, switch to the second partition that has not been touched in months and try loading. I suspect it would.

" Also, does anyone know if I can convert MPC2000 XL .ALL files to MPC2000?"

Not without dropping data since the XL has more features and stores data for this in these files. Even if one wrote such a utility and for it to be eventually used on the non-XL one could not use the enhanced features of the XL. For all that trouble it would best to just get another non-XL.

"so I can avoid it"

Just don't use the APS or ALL files. You can do work without them. There are there mostly as convenience items but make it impossible to port the files to different platforms.

Hi,

The .ALL files were all saved on my MPC2000, not an XL. I can load them perfectly find on the XL, but not on the MPC2000. I can load the sequences on the MPC2000 using 1.70 (even though I saved in 1.72) and not in 1.72. I can load all files, .APS and anything else under the sun *EXCEPT* for .ALL using 1.72 and SCSI. I can load .ALL using 1.72 and floppy. Is there a site with all of the older O/S versions!?

So if I can find ANY way to get the .ALL off the SCSI (maybe use a PC?!) to floppy I'm fine since I can load all my .APS files with all the information.

what seems interesting to me is the SCSI read error using 1.72 doesn't seen to even reference the disk when it crashes. It just throws up "SCSI ERROR"

I am considering replacing my ZIP yet again (this will be my third one), but there is no logic at all that a broken zip would load .APS and not .ALL. It obviously has no concept of file types, so it would be all or none.

The reason I asked about the XL->2000 conversion is I can load all my .ALL files fine on a SCSI ZIP drive (the EXACT same drive I use connected to an XL), so I thought I can load on the XL, and then save down to 2000 where I have my APS files etc...

Is there a safe way for me to just grab the .ALL files using a PC? I can avoid using windows, or I can run ISO format to get around the joliet issues. I just need to somehow get these .ALL files off these disks.

I'm guessing the partitioning is somehow the issue, although I'm pretty sure I'm using single partitioned disks. Excuse the ignorance, but how would I switch between partitions using the MPC UI itself?\

I know this scenario sounds a bit flaky, and being a developer myself the symptoms don't seem to add up. I'm honestly lost here...

BTW: Any reason for me to beleive the 2000 'ruins' or damages idle SCSI zip drives (external) from the non stop clicking? I don't hear the clicking on the 2000XL or a PC when using the zip!? Why only the 2000?

Thanks for the help

It happened today to Me. I've turned on the mpc, start os from disk, and changed to zip and trying to load the work i finished yesterday. The zipdrive clicked (you know that style) and mpc said 'SCSI READ ERROR' when i placed the disc to the pc zip drive he also said it's damaged, but it was working 100% till today. When I formatted again these zip i can work again both on pc or mpc. But i've lost my work...and I've lost the whole one. So it doesn't happen only to .all files.

Hope someone figure out how to handle that.