OTARI RADAR User manual

OPERATION MANUAL
Second Edition
Second Edition January, 1995 (JM)
Reprint April, 1996 (GK)
Printed in Japan
Part No. OS1-058
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AUTO
PLAY
00:00:00:00.00
LOC:04 CHORUS 01
HRS/BAR MIN/BEAT SEC/STEP FRM SUB
MENU/
CANCEL UP/ YES DOWN/ NO MARK LOC AUTO INPUT RECALL LOC EXT SYNC VARI- SPEED
2nd
FUNC AUTO PUNCH CYCLE EDIT
LOC UNDO/ REDO
CURS L CURS R
REC
RANDOM ACCESS DIGITAL AUDIO RECORDER

CAUTION
PLEASE READ THROUGH THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ON THE NEXT PAGE.
To prevent fire or shock hazard:
Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
Do not remove panels (unless instructed to do so).
There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
ii

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Instructions All safety and operating instructions should be read before operation.
2. Retain Instructions The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future
reference.
3. Heed Warnings All warnings on the device and in the operating instructions should be
complied with.
4. Follow Instructions All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture The device should not be used near water — for example, near a
bathtub, wash bowl, sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a
swimming pool, etc.
6. Carts and Stands The device should be used only with a cart or stand that is
recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Ventilation The device should be situated so that its location or position does not
interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the device should not
be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the
ventilation openings.
8. Heat The device should be situated away from heat sources such as a radiator,
heat register, stove or other appliances (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9. Power Sources The device should be connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the device.
10. Grounding or Polarization Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization
means of the device is not defeated.
11. Power Cord Protection Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the device.
12. Cleaning The device should be cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
13. Non-Use Periods The power cord of the device should be unplugged from the outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
14 Object and Liquid Entry Care should be taken that objects do not enter and that liquids are not
spilled into the enclosure through openings.
15. Damage Requiring Service The device should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have entered, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance;
or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a
marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
16. Servicing The user should not attempt to service the device beyond what is
described in the operating instructions. All other service should be
referred to qualified personnel.
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
RADAR OPERATION MANUAL iii

COMMUNICATION WITH OTARI
FOR SERVICE INFORMATION AND PARTS
All Otari products are manufactured under strict quality control. Each unit is carefully inspected and tested prior
to shipment.
If, however, some adjustment or technical support becomes necessary, replacement parts are required, or technical
questions arise, please contact your Otari dealer or contact Otari at:
Otari, Inc. Otari Corporation
4-33-3 Kokuryocho, Chofu-shi, 378 Vintage Park Drive
182, Tokyo, Japan Foster City, California 94404
Telephone : [phone] U.S.A.
Fax : [phone] Telephone : [phone]
Telex : J26604 OTRDENKI Fax : [phone]
Cable : OTARIDENKI TOKYO
Otari Deutschland GmbH. Otari Singapore Pte., Ltd
Rudolf-Diesel-Str.12 40 MacTaggart Road
D-40670 Meerbusch (Osterath) Singapore 1336
F.R. Germany Telephone : [phone]
Telephone : [phone] Fax : [phone]
Fax : [phone] Telex : RS 36935 OTARI
Another part of Otari’s continuing technical support program for our products is the continuous revision of
manuals as the equipment is improved or modified. In order for you to receive the information and support
which is applicable to your equipment, and for the technical support program to function properly, please include
the following information, most of which can be obtained from the Serial number label on the machine, in all
correspondence with Otari:
• Model Number:
• Serial Number:
• Date of Purchase:
• Name and address of the dealer where the machine was purchased and the power requirements (voltage
and frequency) of the machine.
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
iv COMMUNICATION WITH OTARI

FCC STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that which
the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Shielded cables and I/O cords must be used with this equipment to comply
with the relevant FCC regulations.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved in writing by Otari, Inc. may
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DE NORMALISATION
✣This product has been found to comply with all applicable CSA standards
CERTIFICATIONS
UNDERWRITER’S LABORATORIES
This product has been found to comply with all applicable UL standards
RADAR OPERATION MANUAL v

LIMITED WARRANTY
The RADAR system and RE-8 session controller are warranted from the
date of purchase to the original purchaser to be free from defects in
material or workmanship for a period of one (1) year.
The hard disk drives contained within the RADAR chassis are warranted
for a period of one (1) year.
This warranty does not apply to damage resulting from improper or
negligent use, inadequate or improper packaging for shipment, damage
incurred during shipment, or unauthorized modification.
The sole and exclusive remedy for breach of any warranty concerning the
RADAR system, RE-8 session controller, and supplied internal hard disk
drives shall be repair or replacement of defective parts at the discretion of
Otari, Inc.
Repair or replacement of RADAR and/or RE-8 components will be
performed at no charge for parts or labor for one (1) year from date of
purchase to the original purchaser at a designated Otari service center or
the factory, at Otari’s discretion. Repair or replacement of the hard disk
drives contained within the RADAR system will be performed at no
charge for parts or labor for one (1) year from the date of purchase to the
original purchaser at a designated Otari service center or the factory, at
Otari’s discretion.
Otari, Inc. disclaims any warranty, expressed or implied of suitability for
specific use and disclaims any liability for incidental, special, or
consequential damages.
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
vi LIMITED WARRANTY

Please Read this First...
Congratulations on the purchase of your new RADAR system!
In order for Otari to maintain contact with you regarding new system features
for your RADAR machine and to provide you with the best service possible, we
ask that you take a moment to fill out the form below and return it to us as soon
as possible. Our address is:
Otari, Inc.
4-33-3 Kokuryocho, Chofu-shi
182, Tokyo, JAPAN
Attn: RADAR Service Department
RADAR User Information
Company:
__________________________________________________
Contact:
__________________________________________________
Address:
__________________________________________________
City: _______________________ State & ZIP: __________
Phone: _______________________ Fax: _________________
Dealer:
__________________________________________________
Purchase Date:
__________________________________________________
RADAR S/N:
__________________________________________________
RE-8 S/N:
__________________________________________________
EXB-5G S/N:
__________________________________________________
EDB-3 S/N:
__________________________________________________
Type of Business
(Please check all that apply)
___Music Recording ___TV Production ___Film Production
___Broadcasting ___Other (describe) ____________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________

TO ALLOW US TO
SERVE YOU WITH THE
BEST CUSTOMER
SUPPORT POSSIBLE,
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME
TO FILL OUT AND
RETURN THE USER
INFORMATION FORM
ON THE REVERSE SIDE
OF THIS PAGE.
THANK YOU !

Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
Communication with Otari ..........................................iv
Certifications .......................................................v
Section 1 Welcome to RADAR!
1.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................1-2
1.2 RADAR SYSTEM FEATURES....................................1-2
1.3 AN OVERVIEW OF HARD DISK RECORDING ..................1-3
1.4 MANUAL OVERVIEW ........................................1-4
1.5 RADAR HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS .........................1-4
1.5.1 AC Power..........................................1-4
1.5.2 Audio Inputs & Outputs ..............................1-5
1.5.3 Input & Output Reference Levels ......................1-5
1.5.4 Grounding .........................................1-6
1.6 CONTROLS & INDICATORS ..................................1-7
1.6.1 Rear Panel Connectors ..............................1-7
1.6.2 Front Panel Controls & Indicators .....................1-8
1.7 IMPORTANT INITIAL INFORMATION ..........................1-9
Section 2 Product Overview/Getting Started!
2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................2-2
2.2 BEFORE STARTING—PLEASE READ THIS! ......................2-2
2.2.1 AC Power Level Setting..............................2-2
2.2.2 SCSI Terminator Installation...........................2-2
2.3 AUDIO INPUTS/OUTPUTS....................................2-3
2.3.1 About Audio Reference Levels ........................2-3
2.3.2 Audio Connections—Analog.........................2-3
2.3.3 Audio Connections—Digital..........................2-4
2.4 POWER ON/OFF PROCEDURE...............................2-5
2.4.1 Power Up Procedure ................................2-5
2.4.2 Power Down Procedure..............................2-5
2.5 ARMING TRACKS OVERVIEW ................................2-6
2.6 RECORDING & PLAYBACK OVERVIEW ........................2-6
2.7 LOCATING IN THE RECORDED AUDIO........................2-7
2.7.1 Locating Using Fast Wind Keys.......................2-7
2.7.2 Jog/Shuttle Operation (RE-8 Only) ....................2-7
2.7.2.1 Entering Jog Mode...............................2-7
2.7.2.2 Entering Shuttle Mode ............................2-8
2.8 DISK TIME AVAILABLE.........................................2-8
2.9 NAVIGATING RADAR’S MENU ...............................2-9
2.9.1 Menus Overview ...................................2-9
Table of Contents

2.9.2 Moving Around in Menus............................2-9
2.9.2.1 Menu Operation Using the RE-8....................2-9
2.9.2.2 Front Panel Menu Operation.......................2-9
2.9.3 Navigating the Menu ..............................2-10
2.9.4 Menu Structure.....................................2-10
2.10 RADAR PROJECTS OVERVIEW ..............................2-11
2.10.1 Default Project....................................2-11
2.10.2 Creating a New Project...........................2-11
2.10.3 Switching Between Projects........................2-11
2.10.4 Naming Projects..................................2-12
2.10.5 Copying Projects .................................2-12
2.10.6 Project Start Time .................................2-12
2.10.7 Project Sample Rate...............................2-12
2.10.8 Deleting Projects..................................2-12
2.10.9 Reclaiming Disk Space from Deleted Project(s).......2-13
2.11 EDITING/AN OVERVIEW..................................2-14
2.10.1 Edit Markers (MARK IN, MARK OUT)...............2-14
2.10.2 RADAR’s Editing Clipboard ........................2-14
Section 3 Recording & Transport Operation
3.1 GENERAL ...................................................3-3
3.2 ARMING TRACKS FOR RECORD ..............................3-3
3.3 INPUT MONITORING/METERS DISPLAY.......................3-4
3.3.1 Peak Hold Indicators ................................3-4
3.3.2 Clip Indicator LEDs..................................3-4
3.4 SAMPLE RATE SELECTION ...................................3-5
3.4.1 Sampling Rate Overview ............................3-5
3.4.2 Changing RADAR’s Sample Rate......................3-5
3.5 RECORDING OPERATION....................................3-6
3.5.1 Entering Record.....................................3-6
3.5.2 Punching In on Additional Tracks .....................3-6
3.5.3 Punch Out (Dropping Out of Record)..................3-6
3.5.4 Record Safe Feature.................................3-8
3.5.5 Clear Rec-Ready (RE-8 Only) .........................3-8
3.5.6 Recording to Timecode ..............................3-8
3.6 PLAYBACK OPERATION ......................................3-8
3.6.1 Standard Playback..................................3-8
3.6.2 Reverse Playback ...................................3-8
3.6.3 Playback Locked to Timecode ........................3-8
3.7 TRACK SOLO FEATURE (RE-8 Only) ............................3-9
3.7.1 Additive Solo Mode Operation.......................3-9
3.7.2 Interlock Solo Mode Operation.......................3-9
3.7.3 Momentary Solo Mode Operation....................3-9
3.8 VARISPEED RECORDING/PLAYBACK .........................3-10
3.8.1 Varispeed Overview................................3-10
3.8.2 Changing Pitch with Varispeed ......................3-10
3.8.3 Changing Varispeed Units ..........................3-10
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
x TABLE OF CONTENTS

3.9 AUTO INPUT MODE ........................................3-11
3.9.1 Auto Input Overview ...............................3-11
3.9.2 Turning Auto Input On & Off ........................3-11
3.10 AUTO PUNCH MODE.....................................3-12
3.10.1 Setting Up for an Auto Punch ......................3-12
3.10.2 Editing Auto Punch In and Out Locations ............3-13
3.11 UNDO/REDO FUNCTIONS ...............................3-13
3.12 LOCATING IN THE RECORDED MATERIAL...................3-14
3.12.1 Cueing with Fast-Forward and Rewind..............3-14
3.12.2 Jog/Shuttle Mode (RE-8 Only) .....................3-14
3.13 AUTO LOCATION .........................................3-16
3.13.1 Programming a New Auto Locate Point .............3-16
3.13.2 Recalling Marked Locate Points from the Front Panel. . 3-16
3.13.3 Recalling a Locate Point from the RE-8 ..............3-16
3.13.4 Auto Play After Locate.............................3-17
3.13.5 Editing a Locate, Mark In, or Mark Out Point........3-18
3.13.6 Naming Locate Points from the Front Panel ..........3-19
3.14 LOCATING VIA DIRECT TIME ENTRY (RE-8 Only) .............3-20
3.15 CYCLE....................................................3-21
3.16 PRE/POST ROLL ...........................................3-22
3.17 DIGITAL I/O OPERATION ..................................3-23
Section 4 RADAR Menu Operation
4.1 GENERAL ...................................................4-3
4.2 MENUS OVERVIEW..........................................4-3
4.2.1 RADAR Menu—Top Level ............................4-3
4.2.2 Moving Around in Menus............................4-3
4.2.2.1 Menu Operation using the RE-8 ....................4-3
4.2.2.2 Front Panel Menu Operation.......................4-3
4.2.3 Menu Structure......................................4-4
4.2.4 Entering/Exiting the Menu ...........................4-5
4.2.5 Scrolling & Selecting within the Menu.................4-6
4.2.6 Editing Values in a Dialog Window...................4-6
4.3 A TOUR OF THE MENU......................................4-7
4.3.1 System Menu .......................................4-7
4.3.1.1 System Version ..................................4-7
4.3.1.2 Digital I/O.....................................4-7
4.3.1.3 Sync Output ....................................4-7
4.3.1.4 Configure Disks .................................4-7
4.3.1.5 Set Time & Date.................................4-8
4.3.1.6 Upgrade System.................................4-8
4.3.2 Project Menu .......................................4-8
4.3.2.1 Backup/Restore .................................4-8
4.3.2.2 GOTO Project ..................................4-8
4.3.2.3 Create Project...................................4-9
4.3.2.4 Name Project...................................4-9
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
RADAR OPERATION MANUAL xi

4.3.2.5 Copy Project....................................4-9
4.3.2.6 Delete Project ...................................4-9
4.3.2.7 Sample Rate....................................4-9
4.3.2.8 Start Time ......................................4-9
4.3.2.9 Sync Offset.....................................4-9
4.3.2.10 Reclaim Space................................4-10
4.3.2.11 Renumber Locates .............................4-10
4.3.2.12 Erase All Disks ................................4-10
4.3.3 Edit Menu.........................................4-11
4.3.3.1 Undo/Redo ...................................4-11
4.3.3.2 Modify Edit....................................4-11
4.3.3.3 Edit Features (Cut/Copy/Paste/Move/Erase/Loop
/Slide/Reverse)................................4-11
4.3.3.4 Listen .........................................4-11
4.3.3.5 Mute Tracks ...................................4-11
4.3.3.6 Import *.WAV Files.............................4-12
4.3.3.7 Crossfade Time ................................4-12
4.3.3.8 Record Safe ...................................4-12
4.3.4 Preferences Menu..................................4-13
4.3.4.1 Default SMPTE Field ..........................4-13
4.3.4.2 SMPTE Lock Speed .............................4-13
4.3.4.3 Track Solo Mode...............................4-13
4.3.4.4 Low Disk Warning..............................4-14
4.3.4.5 Slide Time Units ................................4-14
4.3.4.6 Record Mode..................................4-14
4.3.4.7 Fast Forward/Rewind Rate .......................4-15
4.3.4.8 Peak Hold Time ................................4-15
4.3.4.9 Clip Hold Time.................................4-15
4.3.4.10 Save State Delay..............................4-15
4.3.5 Diagnostics Menu..................................4-16
4.3.5.1 Scan SCSI Bus.................................4-16
4.3.5.2 Mount / Unmount (File System)....................4-16
4.3.5.3 Disk Diagnostics................................4-16
4.3.5.4 Show Free RAM................................4-16
4.3.5.5 Debug/Error Logging ...........................4-16
4.3.6 Shutdown RADAR ..................................4-17
Section 5 External Synchronization Features
5.1 GENERAL ...................................................5-2
5.1.1 Synchronization Overview ...........................5-2
5.1.2 SMPTE Overview ...................................5-2
5.1.2.1 SMPTE Frame Rates..............................5-3
5.1.2.2 Chasing a Variable Speed Timecode Source.........5-3
5.1.2.3 Recording to Timecode ...........................5-3
5.1.3 MIDI Timecode Sync Overview.......................5-4
5.1.4 Video Reference (House Sync) Overview ..............5-4
5.1.5 External Word Clock Overview ......................5-4
5.2 EXTERNAL SYNC CONNECTIONS ...........................5-5
5.2.1 Timecode Connections ..............................5-5
5.2.1.1 Timecode Input..................................5-5
5.2.1.2 Timecode Generator Output.......................5-5
5.2.2 MIDI Timecode (MTC) Connections...................5-5
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
xii TABLE OF CONTENTS

5.2.3 Video Sync Connections.............................5-5
5.2.4 Digital Wordclock Connections ......................5-5
5.3 SMPTE TIMECODE OPERATION ..............................5-6
5.3.1 Setup for Timecode Operations.......................5-6
5.3.2 Recording While Locked to Timecode.................5-7
5.3.3 Playback to Timecode ...............................5-7
5.3.4 SMPTE Offset.......................................5-7
5.4 EXTERNAL SYNC (HOUSE SYNC) OPERATION ................5-8
5.5 DIGITAL WORDCLOCK OPERATION ..........................5-9
Section 6 RE-8 Session Controller Features
6.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................6-2
6.2 A TOUR OF THE RE-8 SESSION CONTROLLER.................6-2
6.2.1 Track Arm Keys...........................................6-2
6.2.2 Track Function Keys .......................................6-2
6.2.2.1 REC SAFE......................................6-2
6.2.2.2 TRACK SOLO...................................6-2
6.2.2.3 AUTO INPUT ...................................6-3
6.2.3 Text Entry Keys ...........................................6-3
6.2.4 LCD & Numeric Display....................................6-3
6.2.4.1 LCD...........................................6-3
6.2.4.2 2-Digit LED Display ..............................6-3
6.2.5 Calculator Keys ..........................................6-4
6.2.5.1 Numeric Keypad ................................6-4
6.2.5.2 + (Plus) and – (Minus) Keys........................6-4
6.2.5.3 MENU/PREV Key ...............................6-4
6.3.5.4 ENTER Key .....................................6-5
6.3.5.5 RECALL LOC Key ................................6-5
6.3.5.6 ENTER TIME Key ................................6-5
6.2.6 Transport Keys ...........................................6-5
6.2.7 Cursor Keys..............................................6-5
6.2.8 Utility Keys...............................................6-6
6.2.9 RE-8 Dedicated Editing Keys................................6-7
6.2.10 Jog/Shuttle Wheel.......................................6-7
6.2.10.1 Entering Jog Mode .............................6-7
6.2.10.2 Entering Shuttle Mode...........................6-8
6.2.11 MARK IN & MARK OUT Keys .............................6-8
6.2.11.1 Defining a Location using MARK IN ...............6-8
6.2.11.2 Defining a Location using MARK OUT..............6-8
6.2.11.3 Recalling & Editing a Marked Location Point ........6-9
6.3 FOOT SWITCH FEATURES....................................6-9
Section 7 RADAR Editing Features
7.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................7-2
7.1.1 RADAR v1.1 Editing Functions ...........................7-2
7.1.2 About the Clipboard ....................................7-3
7.1.3 Digital Crossfades on Edit Operations ....................7-3
7.2 DEFINING AN AUDIO CLIP USING MARK IN/MARK OUT .....7-4
7.2.1 Marking the Start and End of an Audio Clip...............7-4
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
RADAR OPERATION MANUAL xiii

7.2.2 Selecting Track(s) for Editing .............................7-4
7.2.3 Auditioning the Clipboard ...............................7-4
7.3 UNDO/REDO FUNCTIONS..................................7-5
7.4 CUT ........................................................7-6
7.5 COPY.......................................................7-7
7.6 PASTE.......................................................7-8
7.7 ERASE......................................................7-10
7.8 MOVE .....................................................7-11
7.9 SLIDE.......................................................7-13
7.10 LOOP.....................................................7-14
7.11 MODIFY EDIT .............................................7-15
7.12 REVERSE (REVERSE CLIPBOARD MATERIAL) ...................7-16
7.13 MUTE TRACKS ............................................7-17
7.14 IMPORT *.WAV TRANSLATOR FEATURE .....................7-18
Section 8 Backup & Restore Operation
8.1 BACKUP/RESTORE OVERVIEW ...............................8-2
8.2 EXABYTE DRIVE INSTALLATION/HOOKUP .....................8-3
8.3 BACKUP OPERATION ........................................8-4
8.4 RESTORE OPERATION........................................8-6
8.5 TAPE DRIVE ACTIVITY INDICATORS............................8-7
8.6 EXABYTE DRIVE CLEANING PROCEDURE ......................8-8
8.7 BACKUP/RESTORE ERROR MESSAGES........................8-9
Appendix A Hardware/Software Installation
A.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................A-2
A.2 RADAR PHYSICAL INSTALLATION..............................A-2
A.2.1 Rack Size ...............................................A-2
A.2.2 Rack Mounting ...........................................A-2
A.2.3 Airflow/Cooling..........................................A-2
A.2.4 Rough Handling..........................................A-2
A.2.5 AC Power Level Setting ....................................A-2
A.2.6 Grounding ..............................................A-3
A.3 CONTROLS & INDICATORS OVERVIEW.......................A-4
A.3.1 Rear Panel Connectors.....................................A-4
A.3.2 RADAR Front Panel Controls & Indicators......................A-6
A.4 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ...................................A-7
A.4.1 Audio Inputs & Outputs Overview............................A-7
A.4.1.1 Balanced vs. Unbalanced Audio Signals ................A-7
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
xiv TABLE OF CONTENTS

A.4.1.2 Wiring for Balanced and Unbalanced Cables ...........A-7
A.4.1.3 Audio Reference Levels (-10 dBm/+4 dBu) ..............A-7
A.4.2 Audio Connections—Analog ...............................A-8
A.4.3 Audio Connections—Digital ................................A-8
A.4.4 External Sync Connections .................................A-9
A.4.4.1 Timecode Connections...............................A-9
A.4.4.2 Timecode Input .....................................A-9
A.4.4.3 Timecode Generator Output ..........................A-9
A.4.4.4 MIDI Timecode (MTC) Connections ....................A-9
A.4.4.5 Video Sync Connections .............................A-9
A.4.4.6 Digital Word Clock Connections ......................A-9
A.4.5 External SCSI Device Installation............................A-10
A.4.5.1 SCSI Basics.......................................A-10
A.4.5.2 SCSI Terminator Installation ..........................A-10
A.4.5.3 Backup Tape Drive Installation/Hookup................A-11
A.4.5.4 External Disk Drive Chassis Installation/Hookup .........A-12
A.5 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ..................................A-12
A.5.1 Initial Installation Procedure................................A-12
A.5.2 Software Upgrade Installation Procedure.....................A-14
Appendix B Diagnostics
B.1 GENERAL....................................................B-2
B.1.1 Diagnostics Introduction..............................B-2
B.1.2 Diagnostics Utilities Operational Overview ............B-2
B.2 RADAR DIAGNOSTICS OPERATION...........................B-3
B.2.1 Scan SCSI Bus Operation............................B-3
B.2.2 Mount/Unmount Operating System ...................B-4
B.2.3 Disk Diagnostics ....................................B-5
B.2.3.1 Check Disk Operation ............................B-6
B.2.3.2 Repair Disk Operation ............................B-6
B.2.3.3 Init Disk Operation ...............................B-8
B.2.4 Show Free RAM ....................................B-9
B.2.5 Config Debug ......................................B-9
B.2.6 Show Debug ......................................B-10
B.2.7 Save Debug .......................................B-10
B.2.8 Error Logging ......................................B-11
B.2.8.1 Playlist Errors Operation..........................B-11
B.2.8.2 Realtime Errors Operation ........................B-11
Appendix C Exploded View Drawings and Parts Lists
C.1 RE-8 SESSION CONTROLLER.................................C-2
C.2 RADAR (FRONT) .............................................C-4
C.3 RADAR (REAR) ...............................................C-6
Index
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
RADAR OPERATION MANUAL xv

Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
Welcome to RADAR!!!
Each section of this manual begins with its own table of contents to help you
find information fast. In addition, there is a quick index at the end of the
manual.
This section includes the following subsections.
1.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................1-2
1.2 RADAR SYSTEM FEATURES....................................1-2
1.3 AN OVERVIEW OF HARD DISK RECORDING ..................1-3
1.4 MANUAL OVERVIEW ........................................1-4
1.5 RADAR HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS .........................1-4
1.5.1 AC Power..........................................1-4
1.5.2 Audio Inputs & Outputs ..............................1-5
1.5.3 Input & Output Reference Levels ......................1-5
1.5.4 Grounding .........................................1-6
1.6 CONTROLS & INDICATORS ..................................1-7
1.6.1 Rear Panel Connectors ..............................1-7
1.6.2 Front Panel Controls & Indicators .....................1-8
1.7 IMPORTANT INITIAL INFORMATION ..........................1-9
Section 1 Welcome to RADAR!

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Otari RADAR random-access digital
audio recorder. RADAR has been designed to provide you with a fast, reliable,
and feature-rich environment with which to record and edit audio material. All
of us at Otari hope that you enjoy your system and that RADAR becomes an
integral part of your day to day audio production needs.
1.2 RADAR SYSTEM FEATURES
Familiar Transport Controls: RADAR’s familiar transport and track arming
controls make it easy to become productive almost immediately; you get the
advantages of advanced technology without needing to become a proficient
computer user.
24 Discrete Audio Inputs and Outputs: RADAR acts just like a standard 24
track tape machine. Each track has its own balanced input and output. You can
record on all 24 tracks at the same time to capture a live performance by a band
or orchestra and then assign a separate external processor for compression or
effects during mixdown.
Self-Contained System: RADAR is a fully integrated system. There are no
compatibility, setup or interface problems arising from having to connect a
computer with another manufacturer’s audio card or external black boxes. This
also makes RADAR much easier to learn for people who are not familiar with
computers.
High Quality Digital Converters: The most important parts of a digital
recorder are the converters that produce digital data from a microphone preamp
or line mixer. RADAR’s 16 bit input and 18 bit output converters use the latest
technology for the purest sound possible.
Flexible Sync Capabilities: We have placed great emphasis on developing
reliable external synchronization for RADAR. On RADAR, external sync is not
an expensive option package, but is included in every system. And, RADAR’s
sync functions are flexible enough to tolerate variable speeds from the timecode
source.
RADAR’s transport speed control can continuously synchronize to wild
SMPTE timcode. A highly specialized clock circuit can effortlessly track a
varying SMPTE signal from a tape machine even if Varispeed has been applied;
RADAR can even lock to timecode in reverse!
Manual or Automatic Punching with Undo: Punch-ins or punch-outs can be
done in exactly the same way as on a tape recorder. You may arm tracks on the
fly, punch into record manually on the fly, and/or punch into record
automatically at marked punch points. RADAR’s accuracy enables you to
reliably punch the same location(s) over and over—and its Undo feature allows
you to experiment with punch-ins until they are perfect!
Because of RADAR’s unmatched processing power, there is no limit to the
number of tracks that can be simultaneously punched, and RADAR’s smooth
adjustable crossfades make for seamless punch points.
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
1-2 SECTION 1

RE-8 Session Controller (option): The RE-8 session controller is a dedicated
remote control surface with all the features you’d expect from an Otari remote:
track arming keys, transport, auto-location, and editing controls, plus a
jog/shuttle wheel for accurate editing.
Modular System with Upgrade Path: RADAR can be purchased initially as an
8 track recorder with the chassis ready to accept up to two additional EM-8 8-
track expansion kits for each additional 8 tracks. All the metering hardware and
connectors are already on RADAR, making internal expansion easy and fast.
Otari also offers the EDB-3 external disk drive chassis—this option adds up to
three external disk drives for additional recording capacity. A RADAR system
with this option can record on the internal drives, the external drives, or both.
For more information about these options, please contact your Otari
representative.
1.3 AN OVERVIEW OF HARD DISK RECORDING
The term hard disk recording refers to the conversion of analog audio signals
from a microphone or instrument into digital form (data) and storing it on a
hard disk drive. A hard disk could be compared to a roll of tape used in analog
recording.
This is where the comparison ends, because once the data is stored on the disk it
can be manipulated in ways much superior to tape (such as less generational loss
during copying, instant location to any point with in the program material and
word processor or sequencer type editing of sound).
The digital conversion process is done by the analog-to-digital converter which
takes a snapshot (sample) of the analog signal forty-four (or forty-eight)
thousand times a second and transforms it into a number. This number is
represented as a word in binary form eg. 1010110010100101. RADAR is a 16-
bit system meaning that the data word has 65,536 different levels of resolution
per sample. This sample is sent to RADAR’s DSP (Digital Signal Processing)
unit and on to the disk drive where it is stored as a tiny magnetized area.
A hard disk is similar to a phonograph in that it has spinning platters and a
pickup mechanism. The main difference would be that the pickup arm of a
hard disk never makes contact with the platter, but merely hovers over it and
reads the data magnetically. Hard disk technology has improved dramatically in
the last few years to the point where disk lifetime is measured in hundreds of
thousands of hours of constant use; this is with absolutely no maintenance.
Converting back to audio form is done when the drive reads the data and sends
it back to the CPU. From the CPU, the signals travel to the digital-to-analog
converters and on to the mixer to become sound again. When sound is recorded
and played back digitally it accumulates extremely low levels of distortion from
analog to digital and back to analog form. The dynamic range (the difference
between the quietest and loudest sounds) of the original signal is preserved so
well that compression or gain riding is unnecessary to achieve a high signal to
noise ratio.
WELCOME TO RADAR! 1-3
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)

1.4 MANUAL OVERVIEW
This manual is organized as follows:
Section 1 Welcome & Introduction
Section 2 Product Overview of Operation/Getting Started!
Section 3 Recording & Transport Operation
Section 4 RADAR Menu Features
Section 5 External Synchronization Features
Section 6 RE-8 Session Controller Features
Section 7 RADAR Editing Features
Section 8 Backup/Restore Operation
Appendix A Hardware/Software Installation
Appendix B Maintenance
Appendix C Exploded View Drawings & Parts Lists
Index
About this Manual: This manual is a comprehensive guide to operating
RADAR that covers all of the functions available at the time of printing.
Explanations of some recording basics are briefly covered to help the less
experienced operator.
Because RADAR has two physical control interfaces, the front panel and the
RE-8 session controller, operation of certain functions may be slightly different
and where necessary are described separately.
How to Avoid Reading this Manual! While we put lots of effort into creating
up-to-date, accurate, and lively documentation, we know how often people
actually read the manual.
THEREFORE! Save yourself time and trouble—be sure to read the Product
Overview/Getting Started section (Section 2)!
1.5 RADAR HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS
1.5.1 AC Power
IMPORTANT!
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT WHEN FIRST HOOKING UP
RADAR THAT, BEFORE THE UNIT IS POWERED UP, THE LINE
VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH IS CORRECTLY SET. IF THIS IS SET
INCORRECTLY, THIS COULD EXTENSIVELY DAMAGE RADAR’S
INTERNAL CIRCUITRY.
RADAR has a universal power supply that can accommodate AC voltages and
frequencies anywhere in the world. The standards used by different countries
fall in either of two ranges—100 to 120 volts at 50/60 Hz or 220 to 240 volts at
50 Hz. A switch on the back panel of RADAR determines which of these is to
be used to provide power.
• Power Requirements: Switchable between AC 50/60 Hz, 100/120 V +5/-
10% or AC 50 Hz, 220/240 V +5/-10%
• Power Consumption: 250 VA Max
• Certifications: UL, CSA, and FCC Class “A” certified
Edition 2 (Printed in Japan)
1-4 SECTION 1