Likewise, I have 'sync start' on all the time. I do use an EC5 pedal which I have set up as follows: A-Break, B-Fill 1, C-Fill 2, D-Sustain, E-Sustain. Don't know why I have two pedals for sustain, but I'm not that good with my right foot (probably why I don't play football). For dead stops, I just hit the 'sync stop' button on the control panel.