pc-engine cdrom2 help

mburghdorf · 05/12/2018, 08:08 AM

I have a pc-engine cdrom2 unit that will not read all my discs. Two in particular are Sprigan and Ys. They are originals. I'm not sure what I can do to fix this issue. Is it just adjust the pots and see what happens or will I need to get a new lens in there?

Keith Courage · 05/14/2018, 01:28 AM

Do the discs spin at all? Does the CD drive make any sound when you hit play? Meaning, if you hit play and you hear absolutely nothing then most likely the center CD gear is stuck and needs replacement.

mburghdorf · 05/14/2018, 08:40 AM

they spin ... the middle gear was already replaced. The discs played fine on my duo. I was able to get them working by running a magic eraser over it ... Is there a way adjust the pots so that it would read minor scratched discs?

soop · 05/14/2018, 09:33 AM

Quote from: mburghdorf on 05/14/2018, 08:40 AMthey spin ... the middle gear was already replaced. The discs played fine on my duo. I was able to get them working by running a magic eraser over it ... Is there a way adjust the pots so that it would read minor scratched discs?

I think the general consensus is to replace the caps first (if they haven't been already)

Keith Courage · 05/15/2018, 07:47 AM

Yes, you could try adjusting the pots if there are only two discs giving you issues. Also, Make sure you already cleaned the lens off. Lots of times this is the issue with only some discs not reading well.

mburghdorf · 05/15/2018, 11:12 AM

Yeah I cleaned the lens ... I'll have to play with the pots when I get some free time.

NightWolve · 05/15/2018, 01:55 PM

Quote from: Keith Courage on 05/15/2018, 07:47 AMAlso, Make sure you already cleaned the lens off. Lots of times this is the issue with only some discs not reading well.

Aaah, ya know, I can't think if I ever thought to mention that to someone... What if it was as simple as that in some cases but people jumped the gun and started fiddling with the potentiometers as a first or second resort after a recap ?? Heh.

I believe I used a q-tip before just dipped in alcohol, but only on my CD music player BITD. Don't think I ever did that for any of my consoles.

Only other thing to mention is to be very gentle/careful given how the lens floats/is suspended. I dunno if someone has pro techniques with a tool to help hold it firmly in place to clean it well streak-free.

Xenogears · 05/16/2018, 06:30 PM

First recap the PCB and clean it if the Caps have leaked. If that did not solve your Problem, next is the Pots if the Laser is not already tooo worn, these steps fix your Problem I believe...

chop5 · 05/16/2018, 11:56 PM

just change the laser before pot tuning or anything else. they are still plentiful.

senkun · 05/17/2018, 03:21 PM

Quote from: chop5 on 05/16/2018, 11:56 PMjust change the laser before pot tuning or anything else. they are still plentiful.

I'm looking for a spare laser but not having any luck. Unless you mean plentiful as in ripping 162a/220a lasers from old discmans, but as with anything "retro" nowadays they've gotten pretty expensive. If you or anyone can point me to a reasonably priced source for them, I'd be really grateful.