Motu 828 & Firewire, My powerbook doesn't recognize the unit! Options

[lennyonbass]

Hello all,
I wish my first post to the forum wasn't a cry for help, but unfortunately that is the way it seems to be.
I just purchased a used 828(mk1). The unit appears to be in good condition cosmetically, FWIW.
I have since downloaded the latest driver 1.2.5 from MOTU and installed it without incident on my powerbook (running Jaguar)
I have bought a new FW cable as well.
All connections seem to be good.
I just can't seem to get the computer to recognize the MOTU device through the firewire. Someone...please....help...me!

I have also installed the driver on my wife's powerbook (running Panther) with the same result. No MOTU.

MOTU support lines are busy and I haven't been able to get through. Nor have I rec'd a response to my email inquiries.

Anyone? Thoughts please?

[lepetitmartien]

First if you don't have, do repair permissions…

Next, maybe a reset of the motherboard/ports could be useful. I don't remember the procedure on powerbooks… anyone?

Have you tried to start up the 828 on, off, unconnected etc ?

[gdoubleyou]

Open the system profiler, and check to see if the system sees a firewire device connected.

If it is detected, does the MOTU firewire console open when you turn on the 828?

I own the same interface, and haven't had any problems so far.

[lennyonbass]

Open the system profiler, and check to see if the system sees a firewire device connected.

If it is detected, does the MOTU firewire console open when you turn on the 828?

I own the same interface, and haven't had any problems so far.

Hey folks,
Thanks for the replies. It has been a week now, and I have gone through all the hoopes of installing, unstalling, and reinstalling drivers til I am blue in the face. I've bought new FW cables, too. I have even tried to install it on my wife's p-book. No joy. The unit is simply not recognized by the OS (Jaguar on one, Panther on the other...)
After extensive talks with MOTU, the company, I am shipping the unit back to them for repair, under the assumption that the FW port is defective.
Ugh.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Lenny

[cornutt]

Lenny, while you're waiting, a few things:

1. When you turned the unit on, did it do the "LED dance"? (The input and output level LEDs flash in an alternating pattern for a few seconds. The two clock rate LEDs continue to blink alternately for about 10 seconds.)

2. You said you downloaded version 1.2.5 from MOTU. I checked and sure enough, that's what's on the Web site. It's strange, though, because I downloaded a driver update last winter (right before Christmas) and I was pretty sure I was up to date until I saw this post. And the version I have is 1.0.9. I wonder why the number skip? I'm beginning to think that 1.2.5 is intended for Tiger and doesn't work with older versions.

I wish you still had your unit. I think I can find the 1.0.9 install package. If you had access to another 828 to borrow, I could email it to you.

I've had an 828 for about two years and it has worked flawlessly since day one.

[lennyonbass]

Lenny, while you're waiting, a few things:

1.  When you turned the unit on, did it do the "LED dance"?  (The input and output level LEDs flash in an alternating pattern for a few seconds.  The two clock rate LEDs continue to blink alternately for about 10 seconds.)

2.  You said you downloaded version 1.2.5 from MOTU.  I checked and sure enough, that's what's on the Web site.  It's strange, though, because I downloaded a driver update last winter (right before Christmas) and I was pretty sure I was up to date until I saw this post.  And the version I have is 1.0.9.  I wonder why the number skip?  I'm beginning to think that 1.2.5 is intended for Tiger and doesn't work with older versions. 

I wish you still had your unit.  I think I can find the 1.0.9 install package.  If you had access to another 828 to borrow, I could email it to you.

I've had an 828 for about two years and it has worked flawlessly since day one.

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the reply and the offer of the driver.
To answer your questions: Yep, the lights did the dance, although the clock lights only dance for 1-2 seconds, if that long.
During my talks with MOTU support, we ended up uninstalling the 1.2.5 driver and installing the 1.0.9 driver. No luck there either, I'm afraid.
I haven't yet sent the unit back, but I'd like to by tomorrow. MOTU has given me an RA number and the box is ready. I am basically waiting to see if the guy who sold it to me will give me a refund. I am not holding my breath though.
Did I say "ugh" already?
Lenny

[gdoubleyou]

Do you have any firewire devices that work? the sytem profiler will tell you if the machine is detecting the 828.

[lennyonbass]

Do you have any firewire devices that work? the sytem profiler will tell you if the machine is detecting the 828.

Hey gw,
Yeah, the FW on the mac is fine. I plug an external HD and my iPod into it regularly...
The MOTU 828 doesn't show in the System Profiler...

Lenny

[lepetitmartien]

There's been a few reported 828 giving headaches, if the common procedures don't make the beast show off as listed here, spanking MOTU with it a good solution.

To the aftersales up you go

[keem]

hi, i'd really like a followup on this. what happened when you sent it off? i have just experienced the same exact symptoms, except my tibook has killed TWO 828's this week alone! i KNOW its not the firewire port... my personal guess is that their new driver f'd up the firmware, and for all intents and purposes my life, as i have ABSOLUTELY NO WAY TO RECORD ANYTHING NOW, save the lovely line in on the back of the powerbook... please, anyone with an original 828, DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS DRIVER. DO NOT GO TO TIGER. YOU WILL DIE.
*absolutely f'n out for blood*
-kimsystem