The DEFAULT source for Internal T.C. is (Logically) The user stripped T.C.
To use the ABS time code:
You need to change the source for the DA88's internal time code.

1) Hold DISPLAY and press "Down Arrow" (this selects the T.C. control menu)

2) Hold Up or Down and then press the other (Enter the T.C. Edit mode)

3) Press the DISPLAY key twice. The display should read "t.out tc."

4) Press Up or Down to toggle "tc." to " AbS"

5) Hold the DISPLAY KEY and press UP, four times, to back out of the T.C. Edit menu.