Today's contribution is from our chief ADAT technician.

There is a user-accessible, hidden function on the ADAT-XT, XT20, and LX20 for self-calibration of the reel brakes. It is a good idea when you change tape brands to get a custom brake setting for that brand and improve locate response time. It is also a good first step if Sync is dropping out sometimes. This is a good trouble-shooting tip for checking transport action, because it won't pass unless all is working correctly. It is accessed by holding REWIND and FAST FORWARD during power up (for the LX20 just hold REWIND). "CALibrAt" will be displayed. Load a new, completely formatted (T-120 size only) tape into machine that and it will begin automated adjustments. Don't freak while it partially loads tape up and down. It takes about 5 minutes to complete. If all goes well, it will say "PASS" briefly at the end of the job and eject the tape. If you miss the word PASS don't worry, it only lasts a second. If anything wasn't perfect, it will stop testing and display "FaiL" at that point of the test and keep that indication until it is powered down. Possible fail conditions are as follows:

To prevent tape damage, do not use machine until it will pass the entire test!

EDITOR'S NOTE: As always we must warn you that these undocumented test and diagnostic routines we give you are to be used at your own risk. There are often other button presses you can make inadvertently that will get you in to deeper modes where you can cause great harm to your equipment. Proceed with caution.