When connecting devices on a SCSI chain, each device must have a unique device identifier (ID). SCSI allows you to set up to eight unique ID values from 0 to 7. Device ID 7 is used for the internal SCSI controller card, which leaves IDs 0 through 6 available for other devices. If you have a bootable SCSI hard drive, its ID must be set to 0.

Typical SCSI configuration:

If you occasionally receive messages such as The SCSI device is not responding or A problem was encountered while transferring the sample, reselect your host from the SCSI host drop-down list on the Sampler Configuration dialog. Doing this causes a series of SCSI commands to be executed that will resolve the problem in many cases. If this fails to work, power down and restart all equipment.

If these error messages are displayed frequently, you may have a more serious problem. The following sections discuss several possibilities.

The following is a list of causes for unreliable SCSI transfers.

Synchronous transfer mode

Some samplers (such as the Kurzweil K2000) do not operate properly if there is a SCSI device set to synchronous transfer mode on the same SCSI chain. SCSI hard drives and CD-ROMs often have the option of using a synchronous transfer mode. If there is a host vs. device synchronous transfer option, make sure you select Host. Refer to your SCSI device manuals for more information.

SCSI termination

If your SCSI chain is not properly terminated, you may experience unreliable SCSI transfers. Refer to your SCSI card and SCSI device manuals for more information.

SCSI cables

SCSI cables that are very long or not properly shielded can cause unreliable operation. Keep in mind that SCSI cables are not as forgiving as MIDI cables and very long cables will not work reliably. Also beware of using cables that are not certified SCSI cables; the extra money spent on a true shielded SCSI cable can save you endless hours of frustration.

If the Adaptec 1540/1542CF controller won’t recognize your sampler, you may need to make a change in the controller’s configuration.

Some samplers do not want to operate when the Reset SCSI Bus at Power-On option of the Adaptec controller is enabled. This is the default operation for the 1540/1542CF and you will have to disable this option to allow your system to work with your sampler.

Check for correct SCSI termination, and ensure that multiple devices on the SCSI chain do not use the same SCSI ID. If you’ve already done this and have an Adaptec SCSI card, you may need to update the mini-port drivers in your system.

For updated mini-port drivers, please refer to the Adaptec Web site.