o.k. after a series of switching cables and trying to re-install 1.52, I came across people having problems with using TurboMidi with the TM-1. I HAD previously never had a problem with it, so it didn't come to mind right away. (this is also after having to do a factory restart because at one point my MD didn't even seem to want to receive ANY midi messages.....)
So after turning the TurboMidi off, crackin a beer, and waiting for the slower transfer, I'm back in action with the sync.
damn, it's amazing how troubling a short series of problems can be when it's a piece you love so much