Fostex R8 reel/4030 sync with 002r HELP!

[lasertagnate]

Hello. Maybe someone out there knows something about what I'm trying to do... I'd like to sync an 8 track reel to reel with Protools 002R. More specifically, I'd like the 8 track to slave to Protools.

Here's the scoop... I recently got an old 80's 8 track reel to reel, a Fostex R8. It has the optional Fostex MTC-1 attached to it. This is ment to stripe SMPTE on to tape, then to read SMPTE from the tape, convert it to MIDI TIME CODE in order to sync it with a midi device. The midi device can start/stop the tape deck but is slaved to the MIDI TIME CODE from the MTC-1, which is relying on the tape deck's motor for accuracy, right?. I found a device on the internet, the Fostex 4030 Synchronizer, that is supposed to control the tape deck via servo control. It connects to the tape deck with a 20 pin ribbon. It was intended to sync 2 tape machines together but that's all I know about it. I'm hoping that I can run SMPTE into the 4030 (by 1/4" or S/PDIF) from Protools to truly sync these puppies up but I can't find any specs or real info about the 4030 anywhere. I'm fairly new to this (syncing). I think I understand it, but I could use some help. So, here's my barrage of questions...

Does anyone know anything about the Fostex 4030 Sychronizer?
If I can get one, will it do what I'm hoping it does?
Does it have some sort of SMPTE input?
Is there another device I should be looking at?
One with a 20 pin connector?

I've heard that you can configure Protools to slave to SMPTE input. Is this true?
But even if it is, the reel to reel can't be as reliable a clock as the computer, right?
Wouldn't I be creating problems for myself?

And lastly, is there another reel to reel machine that I could use that would fit into what I'm trying to do?

I'd really love to be able to bounce tracks back and forth between analog and digital, you know? Have my cake and eat it too! If anyone has any information that might help, I'd super appreciate it!
Thanks tons, Nate

[THEMUSICROOM]

I found your post as I have a 4030 & 4035 that I am selling now on Recycler.com for $200 + shipping or pick it up.

I used them with a Fostex R8 to sync up together.
I used the 8th track of the R8 to write sympte code to it from thee 4030/4035. Then you use the 4030/4035 to CHASE LOCK to the code on tape. It chases the code on the tape, slowing down or speeding up to LOCK to tape and then stays in sync. It works great if that's what you want to do!

That's it!
John
(310) 316-4551
[email protected]

[stoneinapond]

I have no direct experience of the items you mentioned.

I have had experience syncing tape to PT.

You really want Pro Tools to be the master, since any variations from the tape transport (and there will be some) will affect the clocking of the 002R, which will adversely affect the audio in Pro Tools, if not prevent recording/playback altogether.

Here are links to product manuals for the three items you mentioned.

From a quick perusal of the manuals (and I do mean quick) it would seem that you may have problems syncing the 002R with the R8. Although, if two machines can be synched, you'd think that there must be some servo control of the tape machine motors.

Sorry I can't be of more help. Perhaps someone here will chime in.

4030/4035 manual
MTC-1 Manual
R8 Manual