Cleaning turbo cds

[rCadeGaming]

I've been noticing that my 4-in-1 Super CD has a lot of problems: long loading times, distorting audio, music just stopping, and sometimes just plain failing to load.  I'll be doing the necessary maintenance on the system side, but I don't usually have any problems with Rondo of Blood, so I don't think it's just the system.

Both are authentic discs.  The 4-in-1 isn't badly scratched, but, no surprise, it's not as clean as Rondo.  I've done what I can with rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth, and I'm wondering what more can be done.

What kind of CD cleaning methods are people using for these discs? 

I've seen some products that basically buff out the scratches with a very fine abrasive, as you would do with any other plastic.  Some are just a compound for hand polishing, and then there's also the "Skip Doctor" type contraptions.

Has anyone used any of these?  Anything proven safe and effective with these kinds of discs?

[Bernie]

I wouldn't go buffing it yourself.  Take it to a place that has the professional machines that do it
  My local PlaynTrade do all of mine.  Some game stores or music stores offer it, just check around.

[PukeSter]

I'm sure it's like any other CD or disc. I would go with what Bernie said though.

[rCadeGaming]

I had my $200 Suikoden II disc done professionally back in the day, and to my surprise it took off quite a bit of material.   I'm not sure if the system would like the disc being that light, as temperamental as they can be.  Anybody?

[HercTNT]

No idea, but i'm gonna third having it professionaly done. i have tried fixing discs myself with off the shelf crap and it never goes well.

[Bernie]

I've had many Turbo discs done professionally, and never had issues.

[rCadeGaming]

I guess so.  I'll start looking for a local place.  Do you guys have any photos of the results?  How much material is lost; do they feel significantly lighter or thinner?

[Sparky]

Hold on, before you get it resurfaced I want ya to go out and buy some detailing spray/car wax... I recommend this... http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Quik-Detailer-Mist-Spray/dp/B0009IQXAE

You would not believe the amount of discs I have saved, even unreadable, your looking at $8 for the spray, give it a shot. Also remember when polishing/ waxing.... Spray the disc and spread over with a soft cloth, then get another clean cloth and polish working from the inside to outside... Not in circles but straight lines from centre to the outer edge.

If it is safe on a corvette it is safe on your disc

[rCadeGaming]

I don't know about that.  Those car detailing products can leave residue, sometimes intentionally.  I'd at least start with a compound designed for CD's.  Also, the cloths should probably be microfiber cloths.

...not sure if you're screwing with me, but "work straight from inside to outside" is good advice... 

[Sparky]

What? I am not screwing with you... I have done this many times and residue? Would a guy that owns a corvette be happy with residue, no there is none. Also google how to clean a cd... The first one that pops up is this...

http://labnol.blogspot.ca/2006/07/how-to-clean-dvd-or-cd-disc.html?m=1

Look at the second last point on the direction to clean it.. Take it or leave it Mr. Worry I am telling you the truth

[Bernie]

Sparky wouldn't mAKE THAT up.  I've never heard of it, but I'm positive if he says it works that it works.  As far as how much material is buffed off....I have no clue.  I honestly cannot tell the difference.  Granted, none of my discs have been really bad either.

[rCadeGaming]

Maybe this does work very well, but just so you know, you should drop the Corvette line.  Auto finish and the plastic bottom of a CD are entirely different chemically, functionally, etc.

[tpivette]

If it is safe on a corvette it is safe on your disc

Hey, Sparky... did you ever look at that Vette you were telling me about a few months ago? Any luck with it or are you still looking?

[Bernie]

Cmon man...  You came in here asking what people use and all.  Kinda crappy telling someone that's trying to help you, to drop part of his explanation.  I'm certain he knows just as well as the rest of us, that the chemical makeup is different.

[Sparky]

Maybe this does work very well, but just so you know, you should drop the Corvette line.  Auto finish and the plastic bottom of a CD are entirely different chemically, functionally, etc.

Hey guy, I was just trying to help you out... My point with the corvette line was to help you less worry about a back of a cd, my god I have used it on game gear and nomads screens and even on my plastic Saturn ... Just so you know you worry to much

[Sparky]

If it is safe on a corvette it is safe on your disc

Hey, Sparky... did you ever look at that Vette you were telling me about a few months ago? Any luck with it or are you still looking?

Haha...I want it man, just need to work on the wife. Spring is a coming

[FiftyQuid]

What? I am not screwing with you... I have done this many times and residue? Would a guy that owns a corvette be happy with residue, no there is none. Also google how to clean a cd... The first one that pops up is this...

http://labnol.blogspot.ca/2006/07/how-to-clean-dvd-or-cd-disc.html?m=1

Look at the second last point on the direction to clean it.. Take it or leave it Mr. Worry I am telling you the truth

This is brilliant.  I never would have thought of it, but it makes perfect sense.  I won't ask how you fell into this Sparky, but I'm off to Crappy Tire tomorrow to get me a bottle.  Thanks!

[Sparky]

What? I am not screwing with you... I have done this many times and residue? Would a guy that owns a corvette be happy with residue, no there is none. Also google how to clean a cd... The first one that pops up is this...

http://labnol.blogspot.ca/2006/07/how-to-clean-dvd-or-cd-disc.html?m=1

Look at the second last point on the direction to clean it.. Take it or leave it Mr. Worry I am telling you the truth

This is brilliant.  I never would have thought of it, but it makes perfect sense.  I won't ask how you fell into this Sparky, but I'm off to Crappy Tire tomorrow to get me a bottle.  Thanks!

Well I will tell you.. I had a shitty game gear system with a scratched screen.. A buddy of mine wanted it so I was going to give it to him but the screen bugged me that it was scratched so I got out my car wax and tadaaaaaa... It improved it greatly I then tried it on my game discs and CDs... The end

[tpivette]

If it is safe on a corvette it is safe on your disc

Hey, Sparky... did you ever look at that Vette you were telling me about a few months ago? Any luck with it or are you still looking?

Haha...I want it man, just need to work on the wife. Spring is a coming

Work your magic soon... prices seem to go up in the spring.

Tell her they're "on sale" now, but by spring, the sale will be over. My wife always uses that excuse when making unnecessary purchases... "It was on sale, honey. I saved you money"

[tggodfrey]

What Sparky said has worked for more than 2 decades and he is the last person who is going to try and set someone up for failure.  Carnuba wax also works well.

[rCadeGaming]

Cmon man...  You came in here asking what people use and all.  Kinda crappy telling someone that's trying to help you, to drop part of his explanation.  I'm certain he knows just as well as the rest of us, that the chemical makeup is different.

Sorry, my thinking was that it's not a well-reasoned explanation, but I guess he didn't mean to it be.  I was the ass, being humorless; didn't mean to offend.  I'll give it a try.  Thanks guys!

[Sparky]

Your welcome

[rCadeGaming]

LOL, well now I'm going to continue being a dick.  Maybe if I pick that stuff up I can try it on a real driver's car.

[Bernie]

Lol

[nectarsis]

*Waits for tpivette, or Beemer to show up*   

[Sparky]

LOL, well now I'm going to continue being a dick.  Maybe if I pick that stuff up I can try it on a real driver's car.

Haha... Like you would ever own that Mr. Worry...  "it would use so much gas" " it's black it will show the dirt" "how can I keep the dust off it"

[M1Savage]

Sticking with the car theme, Mequiar's Scratch X 2.0 also works superb on scratched discs.

[Sparky]

Edit.. Just agreeing with above

[tpivette]

LOL, well now I'm going to continue being a dick.  Maybe if I pick that stuff up I can try it on a real driver's car.

Is that yours? Turbo or N/A? Definitely a nice car, but not my style. People stereotype Corvette drivers bad enough, but Porsche drivers get it even worse!

Plus, you could probably buy 2 or 3 of my car with the cash you'd spend on that one... and I bet mines faster

Drive one of these, and you may change your taste in cars...


BACK ON TOPIC: I never knew car wax could be used for cleaning CDs. I'll have to give that a try when one of mine starts acting up. Good tip!

[roflmao]

I don't have a fancy car to show off, but I've used car polish on my CDs in the past and sometimes it's helped and sometimes it hasn't.  But it's definitely worth giving a shot, especially if you have some in the garage.

[rCadeGaming]

If I was really so worried, I wouldn't ride this:



http://www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/519499-the-green-810

Seriously though, the bike is mine the car is not.  Planning to get one in a few years though.  Porsche 993, the last generation of real 911's before they went with water cooled, and just got big and overcomplicated.

Plus, you could probably buy 2 or 3 of my car with the cash you'd spend on that one... and I bet mines faster

Drive one of these, and you may change your taste in cars...

My buddy has a 50th anniversary C5.  Sorry, but I don't really care for it.  I just feels a little big and cumbersome from the wheel for my taste.  Certainly a great drag car, but doesn't really feel right on a windy country road.  Not that the handling is bad, it's not really in terms of numbers (993 is significantly lighter though), it just doesn't feel nimble in the same way.  Depends on taste.

Yes, the C5 would be faster in a straight line, especially considering I'd prefer an N/A just to keep things simple.  I could easily maintain it myself (used to work in a garage, built that bike), and some of the turbo bodywork is pretty gawdy.

Oh, and N/A 993's can be found mint for as little as $30k.

[tpivette]

Seriously though, the bike is mine the car is not.  Planning to get one in a few years though.  Porsche 993, the last generation of real 911's before they went with water cooled, and just got big and overcomplicated.

Plus, you could probably buy 2 or 3 of my car with the cash you'd spend on that one... and I bet mines faster

Drive one of these, and you may change your taste in cars...

My buddy has a 50th anniversary C5.  Sorry, but I don't really care for it.  I just feels a little big and cumbersome from the wheel for my taste.  Certainly a great drag car, but doesn't really feel right on a windy country road.  Not that the handling is bad, it's not really in terms of numbers (993 is significantly lighter though), it just doesn't feel nimble in the same way.  Depends on taste.

Yes, the C5 would be faster in a straight line, especially considering I'd prefer an N/A just to keep things simple.  I could easily maintain it myself (used to work in a garage, built that bike), and some of the turbo bodywork is pretty gawdy.

Oh, and N/A 993's can be found mint for as little as $30k.

A 50th Vette is only availible in the coupe or convertible body style, and with the magntic ride suspention. Mine is a FRC (hardtop... no removable roof) with the Z51 option. That basically means the chassis is stiffer than the regular coupe due to the solid roof. It also came with bigger sway bars, and stiffer shocks/springs over the magnetic ride suspention as well. The one thing these cars do lack, is tires. They came with Goodyear runflats from the factory, and quite frankly, they blow. Throw a set of Michelin Pilots on the car and its a whole different experience. I'm quite confident it would do well on either a racetrack or some twisty back roads. No saying the Vette would win in a handling contest against a 993, as that's what Porsche's are known for. The Vette is more of an multi-tasking car... it does well in all catagories. If I wanted an all out drag car, I would've purchased a LS1 Camaro or Firebird. However, it does hold its own at the dragstrip... my best time 100% stock with sticky tires is a 12.30 at 113.49mph. Not too shabby for a 14 year old car.

How much does the 993 weigh? I always thought Porsches were on the heavier side. My FRC with a full tank weighs in at 3100lbs.

Definitely post some pictures up when you decide to pull the trigger and pick one up.

Oh... and my 50k mile 1999 only cost $14k

[rCadeGaming]

Ok, yes, his car could certainly use the added stiffness.  Still though, the wheel base is much longer and wider.  It just feels massive looking down that long hood.  Not a bad thing for a muscle car, just not what I'm into.  Not that I don't like Vettes; I think 2nd gen and early 3rd gen are some of my favorites in terms of looks.

I think most standard 993's are around 3075 lbs stock curb weight, so not much difference there.  The 993 certainly isn't heavy, being basically a small, simple air-cooled car.  Maybe they started to get fat starting with the 996, but I lose interest with those.  Anyhow, supposedly you can get them under 2800 lbs, but I wouldn't want to tear it up so badly.  I want it as a reasonable daily driver, at least for the summer time.

$14k huh?  You've certainly got me there.  $30k is the low end of 993 prices.

Anyhow, don't expect to see me in one soon.  5 years is the plan I'd say.  I might get another bike, and a better winter vehicle first.

[rCadeGaming]

Ok, last night I decided to make sure and rule out everything on the system side.  I cleaned out all the grease around the cd laser gears and tracks and whatnot with rubbing alcohol, and replaced it with Molykote 44 Light.  After this, Rondo still worked perfectly... and the 4-in-1 wouldn't load at all  

Then I tweaked all the pots according to this guide:

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=8926.msg152736#msg152736

After that, the laser seemed to operate more quietly, and the carriage moved around to find different tracks even quicker and more efficiently in the music test on Rondo... but the 4-in-1 still wouldn't load  

Finally, I decided I'd try the pot right on the side of the laser.  I turned it about 45 degrees clockwise, tried loading the 4-in-1 one more time, and to my delight, it started instantly.  

It seems to be working perfectly now; all the problems areas where it would stall, crackle, or fail to load outright, have cleared up.  In the Gate of Thunder music test, the last track is on the very ragged edge of the disc, and it loads up super quick and plays rock solid.

Of course, everything in Rondo still works great too.  I still don't know why it never had much problem and the 4-in-1 was so bad though.  Granted, the Rondo disc is mint, but the 4-in-1 really only has a few light scratches.  Maybe there's something different about US and Japanese Turbo CD's, I don't know.

Since everything seems to be good now, I'm going to leave well enough alone.  I'll keep the CD cleaning tips in mind for the future though.

[Bernie]

Glad you were able to get it fixed.  Thats weird that it only chose that disc to act crazy with.

[CrackTiger]

Ok, last night I decided to make sure and rule out everything on the system side.  I cleaned out all the grease around the cd laser gears and tracks and whatnot with rubbing alcohol, and replaced it with Molykote 44 Light.  After this, Rondo still worked perfectly... and the 4-in-1 wouldn't load at all 

Then I tweaked all the pots according to this guide:

https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?topic=8926.msg152736#msg152736

After that, the laser seemed to operate more quietly, and the carriage moved around to find different tracks even quicker and more efficiently in the music test on Rondo... but the 4-in-1 still wouldn't load 

Finally, I decided I'd try the pot right on the side of the laser.  I turned it about 45 degrees clockwise, tried loading the 4-in-1 one more time, and to my delight, it started instantly.   

It seems to be working perfectly now; all the problems areas where it would stall, crackle, or fail to load outright, have cleared up.  In the Gate of Thunder music test, the last track is on the very ragged edge of the disc, and it loads up super quick and plays rock solid.

Of course, everything in Rondo still works great too.  I still don't know why it never had much problem and the 4-in-1 was so bad though.  Granted, the Rondo disc is mint, but the 4-in-1 really only has a few light scratches.  Maybe there's something different about US and Japanese Turbo CD's, I don't know.

Since everything seems to be good now, I'm going to leave well enough alone.  I'll keep the CD cleaning tips in mind for the future though.

Good to hear you got your system working without having to touch your discs. Different games have different data and audio tracks and aren't all formatted exactly the same. North American discs aren't any different than Japanese discs. Sometimes some individual CD copies of any type are just harder for CD players to read.

[Sparky]

After all that you go another route ... I joke, good to hear rCadeGaming.