Repair of a PCE CR-ROM2: disks don't read, scraping noise

[FireAza]

Hey guys! I'm having an issue with a CD-ROM2 unit. I've replaced the middle gear and the laser can move now, but games don't load ("please set disk" it says) and there's often a scraping noise while the disk spins.

I can't see any red lasers while the disk is loading, so does that mean the laser is dead? I have another CD-ROM2 with the same issues, do their lasers die really easily or might something else be wrong? Like maybe incorrect assembly, aside from the putting the two ribbon cables in backwards problem. If the laser does need to be replaced, I just need to find and install a new one right? There's a sticker on the laser that says "KSS-220a" so that's what I need right? I've found some on eBay, but they have a silicon board where the ribbon cable would normally go, so is this the wrong part or does it need modification?

As to the scraping sound, it's obvious that the disk is too low and is rubbing on the body of the unit. I've got the three springs in place, so the laser assembly should be pushing away from the body, but that hasn't helped. I've read that you can install a new style spindle motor which solves the issue, but can the original be fixed?

Thanks guys!

[Lochlan]

The disk is too low and is rubbing on the body of the unit...can the original be fixed?

I received a Duo not too long ago that had this exact issue, the part the disc sits on that is attached to the spindle was too low.  If you search the forums you'll see that others have had this issue as well.  Anyway, I just opened up my Duo and pulled that piece upwards.  It took quite a bit of force, and it was tricky to get it back down to the correct height--it took a lot of trial and error.  Apparently you can bend the spindle pretty easily doing this, so be careful!

I am assuming you can probably do the same thing with the CD-ROM2 unit.

[FireAza]

Hmmm, it sounds like this is my only choice, since why else would the disk be rubbing on the bottom of the unit? How do you know if you've gone too far? I would guess the disk won't load, but my system is currently doing that anyway

[Keith Courage]

sometimes the black metal part underneath the CD can get bent or warped causing scraping. however, you should also check to see if the scraping sound still exists if you lift up on the lid of the CD Drive just barely while the CD is spinning. I remember I came across a CD Drive once that was missing the little foam pads that hold the CD lid down correctly and that was causing scraping noise as well.

[FireAza]

"Black metal part"? Is there suppose to be something on top of the spindle? Mine is a solid silver color. Though I have noticed if I put some electrical tape on the spindle to lift the CD up a bit higher, it doesn't scrape anymore, has something fallen off my unit?

By little foam pads, are you talking about those little rectangle-shaped felt stickers that are located on the left and right sides of the drive? Mine still has those.

[Keith Courage]

Yes, the tiny rectangle felt pads is what I am talking about. I came across a drive once where the felt pads had worn down(still on there) but did not hold the lid up high enough anymore. The black metal part I am mention surrounds the middle silver spindle motor. It is a big black panel, well or white if you have a pc engine CD drive.

[FireAza]

Ah, I have a Japanese unit, so now I know what you're talking about I seem to recall trying to run the unit without this metal cover in place and it still scraped a little...

Scraping issue for a moment, there's still the issue that I can't get this thing to load games. Even with the laser unit running without the body, I still get a "set disk" error. Do lasers often go bad in PCEs? What laser can you use to replace them? The one's I've found have a little board where the ribbon cable should be!

[Keith Courage]

The lens could be bad but the problem could also be bad capacitors or maybe just a possible potentiometer adjustment.

Compatible lenses known are Kss-220, kss-225a, and kss-162a

used sony discmans such as the D-33, D-34, D-12, D-11, and D-4 have the lens you need.

[FireAza]

I have two CD-ROM systems with the same problem, does that help narrow it down?

In terms of replacement lasers, do you have any recommendations on where to get them? I've found a few of the Diskman models you mentioned on eBay, but shipping on these units to Australia seems to be quite expensive. And I'd also feel kinda guilty about gutting a functional unit.

[fraggore]

I have had that on a few drives over the years and the one i got now, always fixed it but re-sitting the whole cd unit again making shore the rubbers are on the 3 pins. make shore there is no wires forcing the tray up a bit had that as well causing scrapping, from what i have done i have found they take a little fiddling with to get to sit flush without scrapping.

The one i got now didn't scrap till i replaced the cogs then when i put it back together it was scrapping after a bit of playing around and taking it apart a few times making shore no wires are pushing any thing its works fine.

hope that helps and good luck its a pain in the arse to fix.