Just bought a PC engine duo rx, not reading cds [need support]

[masamuneGTO]

Hi I am relatively new to this forum and just purchased a pc engine duo rx off of ebay.  Sadly the system has not been used in 3 years, so i do not know if the cd rom drive functions.  Is there an easy way that i could get a bin/cue file set to test my sytem's functionality?

Thanks!

[Keith Courage]

Just pop in any audio CD to test the CD player functionality.

[masamuneGTO]

Just makes some noises and gives please set disc! error message.  I bought the system off ebay, and the system was listed as functioning as originally intended.  Just makes a loud whirring noise.

[thesteve]

try cleaning the lens

[masamuneGTO]

try cleaning the lens

Thanks steve, I will try this later today with 100% isopropanol.  The system was used 3 years ago to play Rondo of Blood, and apparently worked then.  The seller is willing to pay up to $200 repair costs for me, since the item had been listed as fully functioning.  So if it is more complicated I may be looking for someone to help me out.

[masamuneGTO]

Just cleaned the lens using a q-tip and some 2-propanol 100% lab grade.  Still not reading an audio cd.

[BlueBMW]

Try and run the system without a disc in it and the lid open.  Press down on the lid close switch and start it up and press run.  The laser should move towards the spindle, then bob up and down a few times and you should be able to see the laser turn on.  Verify that this is happening.  If the laser isnt returning to center then we know its probably a lubrication / gear issues on the laser sled mechanism.

[incrediblehark]

sometimes the laser gets stuck (can happen during shipping). I would check to see if its moving on its track using BlueBMW's method. I have had mine get stuck sometimes and a little nudge will fix the situation. Not saying this is your problem but just a thought.

[Keith Courage]

Yeah, you might have to open up the system and manually move the lens gear with your finger a notch or two then try it out again.

[masamuneGTO]

I tried BlueBMW's method, here is what happens when I cycle the laser.  Red laser turns on, bobs up and down, moves a hair to the right, bobs some more, and then moves a hair left.  The laser remains near the spindle the whole time it is not near the center.

I still have not had a chance to "nudge" the laser.

[BlueBMW]

hmmm....

if its near the spindle, that's good, and if its bobbing its at least trying to read.  If you've already tried a music CD and got nothing, then we might be dealing with a bad laser.  No big deal really, you could probably replace it yourself if you wanted.  OR I'd contact thesteve or keith courage and have one of them change it for you.  I'm out of lasers right now so I cant help

[masamuneGTO]

Here is a video of the laser in action when I press run with the lid propped.

Hope this helps.

[thesteve]

that looked right.
i couldnt tell if the laser was lit, but you said it was.
the movements were all correct for a no disk attempt.either the laser is bad or the unit badly adjusted
other possibility is bad caps in the cd drive (uncommon in the -R (-RX))

[masamuneGTO]

There was also a rattling sound inside the system, but I found it to be this broken tiny plastic piece (screwdriver for scale).

[masamuneGTO]

Here is a clearer shot of the laser (red light) on with the system top removed.  The system definitely has been worked on in the past because the security screws were replaced.

[BlueBMW]

That little piece just looks like part of the casing....

I'd guess like thesteve said, you've either got a bum laser (pretty common actually) or one that's WAY out of adjustment.  If someone got in there and didnt know what they were doing, they could mess it up pretty bad.

Are you wanting to try and fix it yourself?  OR send it off to someone to have it done?

[masamuneGTO]

That little piece just looks like part of the casing....

I'd guess like thesteve said, you've either got a bum laser (pretty common actually) or one that's WAY out of adjustment.  If someone got in there and didnt know what they were doing, they could mess it up pretty bad.

Are you wanting to try and fix it yourself?  OR send it off to someone to have it done?

If I had more time I would try to fix it myself, but I am a full-time PhD student at UCSF in a biophysics program, so I don't have a to of spare time.  Keith Courage has offered his services, so I am planning on taking him up on the offer.  I am in San Francisco.  Like I mentioned previously, the seller I bought the system from is willing to pay for repairs up to $200. 

Everyone has been so helpful.

[thesteve]

no prob.
i have new lasers tested and ready to go

[masamuneGTO]

no prob.
i have new lasers tested and ready to go

Thanks for the offer, but Keith Courage got to me first.

[Keith Courage]

Got the DUO-RX going again. The middle spindle for the motor had been pushed down too far and also the 3 plastic poles that hold the lens assembly in place had fallen apart. It's a nice looking system by the way. The casing doesn't look faded at all.  Too bad it is missing the hu card cover 

[BlueBMW]

Ahh excellent!  An easy fix!

[thesteve]

Ahh excellent!  An easy fix!

the best kind

[Bernie]

Another saved system!  Gotta love this place!!

[masamuneGTO]

Got the DUO-RX going again. The middle spindle for the motor had been pushed down too far and also the 3 plastic poles that hold the lens assembly in place had fallen apart. It's a nice looking system by the way. The casing doesn't look faded at all.  Too bad it is missing the hu card cover 

Yeah, I am a little sad about the missing hucard cover.  I have access to a 3d printer, so I could design a replacement piece, but I would need to know the dimensions etc.  There is also a system for parts available in San Francisco, so I may pick it up for the hucard slot cover. 

Thanks again everyone!

[BlueBMW]

That parts system is probably repairable hehe.

[masamuneGTO]

Thanks to Keith Courage the system is fully back up and running.  Now onwards to acquiring some great cd based games.

[incrediblehark]

good to hear the problem was fixed!