Aksys error or MPC4000 error (chicken or the egg)?

Hi All, hope you can give me some insight on this issue.

I just picked up a MPC4000 from GC (Blue plus model 256mb and 60gb HD)
I wanted to transfer all the samples off to archive so I loaded the latest version of Aksys (2.6.1) on a old G4 MacBook (1.25gb ram, OS 10.4.11, 1.25ghz)

Aksys launches fine and I connect no issue, however after I begin the transfer (3-4 hours in or after about 5gb gets transfered) the MPC locks up. The LCD turns solid blue and none of the buttons work, so Im wondering what's the likely culprit- the MPC or the Aksys software?

I have read some 4k models had a eprom issue, was the unit freezing up during transfer one of the sysmptoms?

I still have time to return it or get it repaired (I picked up the extended warranty)- so I hope the collective knowledge of the board can help guide me!

Thanks in advance

"Blue plus model 256mb and 60gb HD"

er...don't you mean "272mb and 80gb hd"? aka bone stock.

can't comment on your problem specifically but perhaps try one or all of the following:

1. make sure you have the latest mpc os
2. try on a pc
3. transfer in smaller "batches"

- jim

jimfowler wrote:... 3. transfer in smaller "batches"

- jim

Yeah, isn't it the case that Aksys will nearly always crap out if you try to copy over big bunches of files that are in lots of nested folders?

There was talk around here that it was the nested folders that were the problem, but that could just be because copying several levels of file folders enables you to copy large batches of files.

jimfowler wrote:3. transfer in smaller "batches"

This.

Or copy the contents to your MPC4000 HD another way. Remember you have an IDE hard drive and a USB port to help with this. There are plenty of posts here about transferring data to the MPC4000 HD.

Thanks all for the insight- Going to try the transferring samples to another system (MacBook Core Duo 2gb ram) in small batches to see if the problem pops up again.

If I had to point the finger I would think it's the software also since it's 10 years old, however with me being new with a 4k I need to be sure this isn't a bigger issue.

Also has anyone ever complied a checklist (or started a thread) that points out the known factual symptoms in a faulty 4k?
For example, if your system displays "Fatal Error! " Instruction Abort" when you (fill in the blank)- it's most likely a bad eprom and will need to be re-flashed or serviced.

Lastly to Jims point, the memory is in fact 272mb and the HD is being reflected as "60gb free"- so it may be 60gb free and 20gb of samples pre-loaded?.

I notice there was never mention if this unit was sporting the latest os "1.71". Some users preferred downgrading the os for some unknown reason, so that's why it's good to check out what version it's running before making assumptions.

Quick updates:

1) It's using the latest OS 1.71

2) I managed to test another Macbook with better specifications then the orignal G4 and was able to transfer 6GB of samples before the software locked up (this time the 4k never froze so it's the software)

Over the weekend I will max out the memory, upgrade the system to a 160gb 7200rpm HD and put the orignal HD in a enclosure (if it's the orignal it can't have much life left).

Thanks again for all the help.

Remixxed wrote:Quick updates:

1) It's using the latest OS 1.71

2) I managed to test another Macbook with better specifications then the orignal G4 and was able to transfer 6GB of samples before the software locked up (this time the 4k never froze so it's the software)

Over the weekend I will max out the memory, upgrade the system to a 160gb 7200rpm HD and put the orignal HD in a enclosure (if it's the orignal it can't have much life left).

Thanks again for all the help.

You might want to consider an external Hard Drive for the 4k instead of another internal HD. It'll save you a lot of unscrewing and screwing parts back together and it's much easier and faster to transfer files from your computer to the 4k. If you're using USB port for something else just cop a USB hub.

Remixxed wrote:...upgrade the system to a 160gb 7200rpm HD

Believe me I understand the desire to put the best HD in that you can find, but watch your power consumption on faster drives. I personally would not exceed the current draw of the original spec drive for fear of putting more stress on the power supply.

Luckily, HDs generally have become more efficient at the same time as getting faster but since we are talking about IDE drives where development has stopped, current draw is something to watch out for.

I think the original was rated at 0.5 amps on each of the 12v and 5v circuits?

i recommend (and personally use) this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820171674

it's absurdly small and read/write speed isn't too much slower than the internal hd. saves you the hassle of fvcking around with the mpc's guts. of course if size isn't an issue you could easily get a flash drive with more storage.

MPCdawk- Great call, I have been working with/on computers for 25 years or so and I haven't had to think about sh#* like that in years.

Wow how time flys, I started with a Mac SE and my first upgrade job was installing Windows 3.1. on a 486DX2 for a friend who had DOS-- man I'm geting old