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Tips and Troubleshooting
This page offers tips and tricks for the Showtech as well as solutions to common problems and mistakes. Please Bookmark this page, we will be updating it regularly. Also, please send any comments that you think would be of help to include on this page or in the manual. Click Here for the Showtech Manual.
| Tip / Symptom | Meaning / Remedy |
| CHECK REMOTE PLUG | If your showtech screen reads CHECK REMOTE PLUG it is not recognizing your remote module. First check that it is plugged in and oriented corectly. Make sure none of the 8 pins are bent preventing it from making a connection. Also check that the plug is flush with the socket and not with the metal casing which houses the showtech. |
| Sony Power & Control | If your Showtech is on and your Sony is not getting power or being controlled . Check to be sure that your sony plug is securely connected to your Showtech. This plug is the fourth plug down on the left hand side of your Showtech. Make sure that the plug is flush with the face of the jack inside the Showtech and not the metal casing which houses the Showtech. |
| Back to back Tracks | You cannot program the same track twice in a program. You must either record the actual track twice on your minidisc and record track data for each track. You can also program one track cue backwards at show time and play again using your remote control. |
| Connections | Your Showtech comes to you in it's case packed the best way possible (trust us). You are best to leave the Showtech and the minidisc connected and in the case just as you received it. Excessive handling of the cords will loosen the jacks in both the Showtech and minidisc. |
| Audio Glitches | With Sony models MZ-R30, MZ-R37, MZ-R70 & MZ-R700 there is necessary step when recording music onto the minidisc. You must pull the sony plug that plugs into the Sony headphone jack. It is the larger plug with a headphone jack and three other connections. If you do not pull this plug you will experience problems when recording music onto the minidisc. |
| Reception | As stated in the manual the very best reception is to have your antenna vertical (straight up and down), and to have the antenna as far away from the Showtech as possible. Another helpful hint is to keep the Showtech as far away from amplifiers and any other magnetic fields. They will drastically reduce your reception. In keeping with the times, we do offer an upgrade for your Showtech. However, as of now, all Showtechs come with the most recent remote upgrade. We are constantly updating and keeping with the newest technology to keep you on the cutting edge. |
| Staying in Sync | One of the most commonly asked questions is. When I practice at home, all is fine, at showtime, why does the Showtech get out of sync with the minidisk. To understand why it this is happening it is important to understand how your Showtech works. The Showtech basically records time when you are recording your track data. It merely starts and stops the minidisc based on real time. That being said, it is imperative that the track recorded on the Showtech is within the time of the track on the minidisc. In other words, if track #1 on your minidisc is only 1minute and 30 seconds long and you have recorded your Showtech to play track #1 for 1 minute and 35 seconds you have a problem. What will happen is this, the Showtech will start track #1 on the minidisc, and after the first 1minute 30 seconds the minidisc will roll into track #2. The Showtech will then pause the minidisc 5 seconds later. The Showtech is now at the end of track #1, whereas the minidisc is already 5 seconds into track #2 at the pause. Thus you are out of sync. The main reason this happens to most people is, at home they fail to play the entire track and just cue the track forward to conserve time. If you do this you will not realize you have a problem. When when playing the track entirely at showtime this will become apparent. The remedy is to re-record your track data to insure that the Showtech is stopping the minidisc within that track. This is why we recommend leaving 5 to 10 seconds at the end of each track. |
| Power Supply | If you have lost or damaged your power transformer you may replace it with a 12 volt, 1 amp (1000 milliamp) transformer (Radio Shack #273-1776). The proper plug to fit the Showtech has an O.D. of 5.5mm and a I.D. of 2.1mm (Radio Shack #M). The plug must also be installed as positive tipped, this is very important. If you have any questions please call us. |
| Adapters | Here are a few adapters that may be helpful. They adapt your current cord (Mini stereo to RCA male). to 1/4" and XLR. The following numbers are Radio Shack part numbers. 1/4" to XLR (Radio Shack #274-017). RCA to 1/4" (Radio Shack #274-308A or #42-2150). |
| Efficient Operation | One way to make your Showtech run more efficiently is to record your show in as close to the order that you will play it at show time. |
| Hold | If your minidisc seems to not be resopnding check its hold button. Make sure it is off, that will allow you to play and make use of all of its functions |
| Minidisc Batteries | It is very important not to use batteries in your minidisc when the Showtech is powering the minidisc. If you are experiencing problems check this first. |
| Transmitter | When replacing batteries in the transmitter you should always clean the battery contacts. Use an emery board or sandpaper to clean the battery tabs on the transmitter. This will ensure adequate power to the transmitter. |