Help with DVX100A and Firestore FS100

[salvo]

I recently purchased a used FS100 to go tape-less for my DVX100A and can't seem to get it to function properly. I set everything according to the manual and when I press the record button on the cam it triggers the FS100 to start recording but when I press the record button again it has no effect. I realize that the unit is intended for HVX200 but people have been using them with other Panasonic camcorders such the DVX100's. My question is, is there a special way for it to work with out having to place a tape in the cam? The hole point of buying the unit was to eliminate the need to use tape. Here are the settings I used to for the camcorder and FS100:

1. Set the DVX100A to - other functions - DV control - both. Set recording setup - UB Mode - FRM.RATE
2. Set the FS100 to - RECORD - NORMAL - HDD MODE - DVCPRO/DV REC. DV FORMATS - QUICKTIME. CONTROL - TAPELESS.

Now I have access to a DVX100B and it works without a tape but the DVX100A you have to put a tape in order for it to work - strange. Any help or input would be appreciated.

Thanks-Sal

 

[zogh]

I too have the fs-100 setup with my dvx-100. Aside from triggering the drive separately, or just leaving it running during your shoot, you will need to run tape. I use it to my advantage as having a safety copy on the tape that can be packed away in case of emergency. If you want, you can just set aside 2 or 3 tapes & just re-record over them. HOWEVER, in doing that, you face possibly doing great harm to the heads & rest of the tape transport even if you run a cleaning tape religiously. And by running cleaning tape, you also abrade the heads.
So in the long run use fresh tape, pack it away, and work off the footage from the firestore, save time capturing.