DUO CD FAIL :(

Tatsujin · 04/26/2009, 06:59 AM

have the following trouble with one of my DUOs.

after pressing run, the cd-rom starts spinning but after a while (time out) it says, "please set a cd!" which means nothing less than it couldn't recognize that it is a value compact cd in there. tested it with a cd-rom game as well an audio cd -> same trouble.

the mechantronics seems to be ok:

-motor turns
-laser lights and focuses
-laser moves from left to right and vice versa

i also tried every potentiometer on the PCB in fullrange 360° turns to obtain a better run -> no chance.
also cleaned the laser lens -> still same.

someone ever faced that same trouble and can give me some other countermeasure advices?

thanx a lot

tatsu

Tatsujin · 04/26/2009, 10:00 PM

CrackTiger · 04/26/2009, 11:07 PM

I have a Turbo Duo with the same problem. I posted about it a while back and although there were several responses by people who know how to fix Duos, none could offer a definite solution.

Tatsujin · 04/27/2009, 01:10 AM

so did you try adjust the pots and everything?

probably there is only a chance to recover it by replacing the laser module. i know, some peeps here did this already with success.

elnino · 04/27/2009, 02:56 AM

My first Duo had the same problem, the laser is moving but cannot really read the cd. I think I could have fixed it by replacing the laser module but since I couldn't find any of them for a reasonable price, I just bought myself a new Duo.

Joe Redifer · 04/27/2009, 03:07 AM

Tats, you must have a thousand ways to play PC Engine games by now judging by your weekly hauls that you post. Why worry about this one li'l ol' Duo when you have 50 others?

Anyway, it sounds like the laser may be too weak since it can't recognize the reflection from the disc. Turn up some random pots and see what happens.

Ravij · 04/28/2009, 05:57 AM

I had the same problem.

Replaced the laser myself and it was fixed.

BlackandBlue · 04/29/2009, 01:25 AM

I just replaced the laser in my CDROM², had the ribbons in backwards, and got the same message. So, while I'm sure the ribbon cables are correct on your machine, unless you took it apart, there's a chance the laser is dead. When i put them in the right way, it started right up. If you are in the US, electronix.com has the laser units for $24.

boogiecat · 05/02/2009, 10:11 AM

Mine also kinda defective..

WoodyXP · 05/03/2009, 08:39 AM

Quote from: BlackandBlue on 04/29/2009, 01:25 AMIf you are in the US, electronix.com has the laser units for $24.

Word life. Good lasers, I always keep a couple salted away just in case.