Why won't my MZ-NH1 play Hi-Md discs?

[sweetbabala]

Using Sonic Stage 4.3, I had loaded a bunch of songs onto a 1gb disc with my RH910, without issue. The disc played perfectly time after time. When I put the disc into my NH1, only the first track would play. After that, "CANNOT PLAY" was displayed for each subsequent track. I then used a new 1 gb disc to load more songs, but this time had the NH1 hooked up. On each of the three attempts, there was a problem. The first two times, the screen said a number of the tracks could not be transferred, even though there was no issue moving them with the RH910. The third time, it looked like everything moved over properly, but the disc still read as blank. I then took the same disc, hooked up the RH910 and everything transferred perfectly. When I put the disc into the NH1, the screen said, "CANNOT PLAY." The NH1 plays regular MDs without problem, so I am at a loss. Would any of the experts be willing to offer some suggestions? The NH1 is in virtually new condition, and sounds awesome, but this issue is very annoying.

Thank you in advance for any assistance,

Ryan 

[sfbp]

I'd suspect the power source. Did you get the ORIGINAL Sony 6V power supply with (I think) green writing on it?

Exact model you did get anyway, might be helpful. Also the state of the LIP-4WM battery may be important. There's a recent article on how to replace the business part of this with a cheap, available battery (real LIP-4WMs will cost upwards of $50 a piece which is outrageous).

[sweetbabala]

First, thank you very much for your reply.

I do have the original power sources for the NH1. When I tried playing the first disc (made with my RH910) on my NH1, it had a fully charged LIP-4 battery in it, so that shouldn't have been a problem. When I was loading the discs from my laptop, both the RH910 and NH1 were without batteries and were powered through the USB cables only. Again, with the RH910, the transfers worked perfectly.

Unless I am mistaken, there is no way to power the NH1, externally, aside from the USB cable while it is attached to the computer (meaning it can't be in its cradle.). I could put the LIP-4 in and try to load a disc again but, since the RH worked just fine without the battery, I didn't see why it would affect the NH1's ability to transfer files.

Ryan

[sfbp]

I think you cannot run the NH1 completely without battery when transferring. I think there are some dips in the USB power supply. In turn this may depend a bit on your computer and how many milliamps the USB is rated for. These dips could compromise the speed of rotation of the MD. Recording MD takes a lot of power.

Try that, and let us know. Sony was still playing around with different technologies when they designed the NH1, and they had not figured out how to charge and do USB at the same time.

The RH910 and the later RH1 are ok without battery inserted, I think. Certainly for upload (TO the PC), not 100% certain about TO the minidisc.

[sweetbabala]

That did the trick! I just loaded a disc with the battery in the NH1 and it went as smoothly as I hoped. I had no idea not having the battery in could make a difference but that is why boards such as this so great to have around. I'm still confused as to why the NH1 wouldn't play the disc loaded with the RH910, but I guess I'll just have copies for each now.

Thank you again, sfbp. I have been a big fan of MD since I bought my MZ-R50 in late 1998 and I can't see myself ever giving it up.

Best wishes,

Ryan

[sfbp]

Great! I'd get that replacement battery lined up... I ordered 4 when I read about the fix as I have at least 2 almost dead LIP-4WM's lying around.

You did well starting with the R50, by all accounts the most solid ever made. I love the MZ-R5ST which is is almost (but not quite) the same model, but with the connections wired in for optical in and out via the docking station.

I started with the MZ-RH1 and then worked backwards when I found that it wasn't so durable that I would actually use it for playing in my pocket. It's good as uploader, for sure, but many of the earlier models have nice features too. The RH910 has a really nice sound for playback.

[sweetbabala]

I actually just won an auction for an N10 which included three LIP-4WM. I wasn't even looking for an N10 because I am not too keen on the built-in battery, but had a look anyway. When I saw the three batteries thrown in as extras, I saw it as a great opportunity to grab some harder to find batteries at a decent price. It said they still held charges, so I am hopeful they will last for a good while in their rotation.

I still have my R50, by the way, and it looks as good today as when new. I bought a nice case for it at the time and have always kept it well protected, as I try to do with all of my machines. I was always very impressed with the sound quality and solid construction of that model.

Speaking of the RH910, I have two of them, one of which appears to be the "European" model. As I understand it, the only difference between it and my NA version is the European model doesn't offer "Custom 1" and Custom 2" options in the Sound EQ menu. I find that disappointing as they allow the listener to tailor the sound to their personal preferences a bit more. Do you have any idea why they would not be included on the European model but are on the NA version?

[sfbp]

There's the silly French-mandated volume cap which is implemented on many units (not necessarily the RH910) in such a way (dumb extra resistance IIRC) as to muddy the sound. I would DEFINITELY take it off (needs access to service mode, which you will figure out!) and of course remember not to turn up the volume all the way.