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MIDI setup problem?
Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:18 pm
by al carmichael
In my audio/MIDI setup, I lose my active interface every time I turn the computer off and back on the next day. MIDI interface is a MOTU MIDI Timepiece.
When I go into the MIDI setup, I have a washed out original MTP and a new instance. I have to delete the old device and reconnect all my synths to the new MTP icon. This is getting old fast.
I have reset my permissions several times. I have trashed the old Audio/MIDI preferences. I hate to have to go through the hassle of re-installing the whole operating system to fix this one glitch. Is there any way to correct this problem?
Any help would be cherished!
Re: MIDI setup problem?
Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 12:29 pm
by MIDI Life Crisis
Is there a battery in the unit? Perhaps it is time to replace it...
Re: MIDI setup problem?
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:50 am
by al carmichael
That could be the issue. My old G4 started having the same trouble at the end of its life--exact same issues.
Any way to check, via software, the state of the battery?
Thank you for the suggestion. I appreciate it!
Re: MIDI setup problem?
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:28 am
by MIDI Life Crisis
I don't know how to check the battery but if it's loosing it's memory, that almost assuredly the problem. Just open it up and get out your tester. $5 should get you fixed.
Re: MIDI setup problem?
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:36 am
by Dave Bourke
With the Mac turned off, power up the MTP and change the Base Setup to a different one. Turn off the unit and wait 15 or 20 minutes. Then power it up again. If the Base Setup has changed back then your battery is dead.
Kind regards.
Re: MIDI setup problem?
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:50 am
by MIDI Life Crisis
Thanks Dave. I don't have one of those units, but I'd bet he needs a battery. Is it a pop in? Do you know what battery they use? Probably a C3032? Hopefully he won't have to solder anything but a tiny Rat shack Phillips screwdriver might be handy.

Re: MIDI setup problem?
Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 8:07 am
by Dave Bourke
Yes, MLC, it just pops in - a CR-2032, available at any jewellers. Dead easy to replace, just a PITA to unplug (in my case) 16 unlabelled MIDI cables to get the unit out of the rack. IMO, all units that use these batteries should have a pop-out battery holder slot. Yeah, I know, and every day should be sunshine and roses...
Kind regards.
Re: MIDI setup problem?
Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 10:21 am
by MIDI Life Crisis
Labeling cables is pretty easy. Spend about $6US for a cable labeling pack. You'll never avoid recabling again. Alternately, you can but address labels (the small ones) and just wrap them around the cables. What I do is add a small arrow showing the flow of data at each end. Wherever I use that cable, I know which is IN and which is OUT. Makes cabling a breeze. No more guesswork. On a MIDI cable, draw the arrow on the metal contact area if the cable it black. A set of Sharpies should always be at hand. They're not just for autographs any more...

Re: MIDI setup problem?
Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 3:59 pm
by al carmichael
I wanted to finally say thank you for the advice. I got around to the battery change on the MTP AV today and that seemed to do the trick.
Once again, thank you all for the help. Much appreciated!