blog.over-update.download

I used to use a sharp minidisc recorder for field recording - but it was getting old and klunky and did not have any of the new features (mdlp, etc.) so I decided to upgrade and got the Sony n707 with netmd and all that jazz. There were some things I really did not like, for example you could not change recording levels on the fly, there was no line out, etc. I've found out how to fix those problems! This has made my n707 not suck quite as bad as sony intended!
The n707 and n505 has the same ROM as the n1 but certain extra software features are locked out on the n707 (like those I just mentioned). So doing alittle rom hack will allow you to use these extra features (at least the ones that do not depend on hardware).
These are the features you will unlock:
*Personal Disk Memory (remembers volume, program play, equalizer, and speed settings for 20 discs). DOES NOT WORK ON MOST N707's
*M-Timer (an alarm clock settable in minutes -- so you don't miss your train stop).
*Auto time mark (inserts a track mark every 5, 10, or 15 minutes during recording).
*Titling in Japanese Kana character set (as well as the normal Roman alphabet).
*microphone sensitivity (HIGH/LOW) - DOES NOT SEEM TO DO ANYTHING.
*selectable audio output modes (Headphone/Line Out) - WOOHOO!!
*Adjustable playback speed (from -80% to +110%).
*Recording level adjust on-the-fly.
WARNING: YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU MESSING UP YOUR MINIDISC UNIT. ALTHOUGH IF YOU DO IT RIGHT, I'VE NEVER SEEN A PROBLEM.
Run from the AC adapter or a fresh battery.
Unplug the remote.
Display Description
The MZ-N707's LCD display has two sections, the dot matrix field on the left where titles are displayed, and the 7-segment section on the right where numbers (e.g. time values) are displayed. We will refer to these respectively as the 'left display' and the 'right display'.
Enter service mode:
Set the 'HOLD' switch on.
While holding down the VOL - key like a SHIFT key, enter the key sequence:
>> >> << << >> << >> <<
i.e. FF FF REW REW FF REW FF REW PAUSE PAUSE
Release all keys.
If you have successfully entered service mode, the display will alternately display the firmware version in the left display and a screen with all LCD segments lit at about half second intervals. This work was done on a machine showing Ver 1.300.
Change Setting 1:
Press VOL + -- you should see 'MANUAL' displayed on the left and '0 00' on the right.
Press PLAY -- you should see 'Laser' on the left and '0 10' on the right.
Press VOL + 5 times -- you should see 'F Code' on the left and '0 60' on the right.
Press PLAY -- the first 3 digits of the left display should be continuously incrementing. The last 2 digits of the left display are a value in memory that you want to change (it probably reads 'A0' for the MZ-N707 and '??' for the MZ-N505, but write this number down!). You should see '0 61' on the right.
Press VOL + repeatedly until the last two digits of the left display read 'FE' (you can press VOL - if you go past it).
Press PAUSE
Change Setting 2:
Press PLAY -- you should again see incrementing numbers in the first 3 digits of the left display and '0 62' should appear in the right display. The last two digits of the left display are the value you want to change (it probably reads '50' for the MZ-N707 and '??' for the MZ-N505, but write this number down!).
Press VOL + repeatedly until this reads '7B' (you can press VOL - if you go past it).
Press PAUSE
Exit service mode:
Remove power plug or battery.
FULL CREDIT GOES TO [email protected]
AND FOR n505 USERS:
'The ?? factors are 80 and 10, respectively, for a 505. I have already e-mailed the original author with those values. I can report that this works great, except for a few features the N505 doesn't implement well like bass/treble adjustment and the M-Timer seems to be weird -- I can't speak for other units, as a 505 is all I have.
Enjoy!
/gleffler'
-NILBOG