Glitchy MPC500, RAM and CF questions, Wave editing software

Hello. New to MPC's - long time Electribe user - got the 500 to take traveling, and to use the 48-track sequencer in my home studio; I don't use any computer based DAW, but have some cheap analogue synths I'd like to sequence WITHOUT using up the available voices on my EMX-1 or ESX-1.

Anyway, to the point:

I got the unit used, so it did not have any power supply, RAM upgrade, or a Compact Flash card!
I have ordered a 2GB CF card, which I'll have in about 7 to 10 days.

I powered it up to check if its working - using batteries - no CF card - 16MB on-board RAM - and 2 things are happening:

1. Samples not triggering (or truncated to a click) on random steps, occaisionally on same step.
2. Tempo goes wonky, maybe +/-20 BPM! More noticable when recording a sequence.

The unit apparently has OS 1.31.

Should I re-do the OS update/install?

Are these issues due to the lack of 128MB RAM and CF card?

I was under the impression that the timing and midi capabilities of the MPC family were absolutely solid. Is this true?
Will a properly functioning unit be solid enough to be the master unit in a midi set up?

Also, is there a sample/wave editing software made for the MPC500?
Any decent free sample editing software?
I only need to chop up some breaks and trim some phrases - a simple editor will do - and then drop 'em back into the 500.

Thankyou for your time and help,
Mick

Yo, welcome.

Sounds like you have a dodgy machine imo.

It should not fluctuate in tempo, ever.

MPC maid is free and easy to use. Although the chopping feature isnt as good as a dedicated wave editor such as Wavepad or Audacity (never used this one but hear it banded about a lot).

My 500 was bought brand new and i had to wait a week or so for my RAM upgrade but in the mean time I was able to bash out some sequences with no problems.

I'd try the software re-install approach but failing that I'd knock the **** out who sold me it.

Were the batteries brand new you used? If not, this might be the problem.

Good luck

Should I re-do the OS update/install?
It won't hurt to try.

Are these issues due to the lack of 128MB RAM and CF card?
I don't think so.

I was under the impression that the timing and midi capabilities of the MPC family were absolutely solid. Is this true?
very good sequencers.

Will a properly functioning unit be solid enough to be the master unit in a midi set up?
Yes.