I set the time code to a different format and tried to generate SMPTE
from the unit. It didn't work.

I decided to read the manual cover to cover - even about options that
I didn't have.

There it was under MIDI sync - you must push the sync button before you
push play for the unit to output time code. Duh?? This only makes sense.
It's too bad it wasn't in plain English in the manual. Add this to your
list of Akai DR series quirks Bruce.

The manual that came with the unit is a photocopy of an update for the
new version of software (3.0) that the unit needs to use the SMPTE card.