Service Clinic

SAM G□LDWAS 5ER

SERVICE EDITOR

Troubleshooting a CD Player
or CD-ROM Drive
I KNOW YOU CANT WAIT TO GET TO THE GOOD STUFF AND

START REPAIRING, BUT THERE IS JUST A LITTLE MORE PREPA¬

RATION THAT NEEDS TO BE COVERED FIRST AS I OFTEN SAY, “SOME

OF THE MOST DESIRABLE TEST EQUIPMENT THAT YOU CAN OWN

sits right between your ears.” In other working properly, a laser power meter is
words, do a bit of analytical thinking handy. Unfortunately, those instruments
before breaking out the spectrum gener¬ are expensive, but they are essential if
ators and such. Many problems do not you are to properly and safely adjust
require a schematic of the equipment laser power. Fortunately, that’s some¬
(though one is always useful). The thing that does not have to be done too
majority of CD-player problems are often and for most common problems,
mechanical and can be dealt with using all you need to know is if the IR laser
little more than a set of precision hand beam is being emitted. An inexpensive
tools, some alcohol, degreaser, contact IR detector card or even some cam¬
cleaner, light oil and grease, and your corders can handle that job.
powers of observation. A stereo amplifier with loudspeakers is
That said, a good or at least decent essential to allow your most important
test bench is an asset. Let’s look at some piece of audio test equipment—your
of the things that you might need to ears—to function effectively. A lot can be
repair a CD player or CD-ROM drive. THE TEAC CD-516S CD-ROM drive is typi¬
determined by listening to the audio out¬
cal of late-model (1997). low-cost, high spin-
Some you likely already own. Other put of a drive or player. Over time, you rate units. Access to nearly everything is
pieces of gear might be a little scarcer, but will learn to distinguish between prob¬ quite easy—just take out four screws total to
we’ll show you how you can work around lems caused by dirt, lubrication or lack remove the top and bottom covers.
that in some cases. thereof, servo control, and other
One piece of equipment that you are mechanical or electronic problems. By music), since most recordings of it are
likely to own and need is a DMM or the way, when troubleshooting a CD very close (or sometimes even over) that
VOM to check power-supply voltages player or CD-ROM drive, I suggest that length of time.
and sensors, LEDs, switches, and other you avoid using headphones as a sudden Hang on to old demo CDs and even
components. Since you will be depending burst of noise could blow out your obsolete CD-ROM discs (like the ones
upon these readings, accuracy is impor¬ eardrums and spoil an otherwise perfect¬ from AOL and MSN). They can be used
tant, yet many inexpensive meters will do ly good day. for testing. When an optical deck devel¬
June 1998, Electronics Now

the job nicely. An inexpensive test CD is also a nice ops a servo problem, the disc can end up
For other electronic problems includ¬ thing to have. It will let you play known spinning out of control. Stopping it sud¬
ing servo circuits, an oscilloscope is desir¬ frequencies and volume levels. Note that denly can result in the CD scraping
able. However, it too does not have to a special test CD is not essential—just against the drawer or the base of the deck
have all the bells and whisdes. A 10- to about any music CD will work just fine and getting scratched. Therefore, some
20-MHz dual-trace scope with a set of for most tests. However, to fully exercise “garbage” discs are always handy w'hen
10X probes is more than adequate for all the limits of the player, a disc with a full testing.
but the most esoteric troubleshooting 74 minutes of music will be needed— To evaluate tracking and error-cor¬
tasks. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is a good rection performance, any CD can be
To determine if the laser diode is choice (even if you are not into classical aimed into a test CD with strips of black
23
 tape, a felt-tip marker, or even a hand
drill! In fact, some professional test discs
are made in exactly that manner.
CAUTION: The electronic compo¬
nents—especially the laser diode—in CD
players, CD-ROM drives, and similar
devices, are vulnerable to ESD (electro¬
static discharge). There is no need to go
overboard, but do take reasonable pre¬
cautions like not wearing clothing made
of wool (which tend to generate static).
Get into the habit of touching a ground
like the metal chassis before touching any
circuit components. The use of an anti¬
static wrist strap would be further insur¬
ance, especially if the optical pickup
assembly needs to be unplugged for any
reason.

Getting Inside the Player

OK we’re almost ready to start. But
first, here are some words of warning:
By opening the case of the player you
will void any warrantee. Obviously that
means if a unit is still under warranty, it
should be taken to an authorized profes¬ THE RCA RP-7903A PORTABLE CD PLAYER is typical of modern portables in that every¬
sional for any covered repair. thing is crammed into a much-too-small space. Access to adjustments and circuitry are “con¬
Even if the unit is not under warran¬ veniently’ blocked when a disc is in place. The solder side of the PC board is even more fun
tee, you should be aware that by working to probe since the bottom cover also supports the optical deck assembly!
on the unit yourself, you might make the
problem worse—after all, you are not a These are nearly always Philips-head the case. In portable players, the bottom
professional service technician. If the types—make sure you use the proper cover can usually be removed after taking
player partially worked when you got it, screwdriver, especially if you expect to out several very tiny screws—again use
it may no longer even recognize the disc put the screws hack again. Once all the the proper-size Philips-head jewelers
directory if you make things worse. If screws are out, the top cover will lift up or screwdriver. For CD-ROM drives, both
you decide after working on it, that it slide back and then come off easily. If it top and bottom covers may be remov¬
should be taken to a pro, you may find still does not want to budge, don’t force able—it depends upon the model and
that the service center will simply refuse it. Take another, more careful look, for an manufacturer.
to touch it. There is nothing worse than additional screw or two that you missed Make notes of screw locations and
having to undo a “fix” introduced by a the first time around. types. Immediately store the screws away
well-intentioned do-it-yourselfer. At Once the top cover is removed, the in a pill bottle, film canister, or even an
best, you will be charged for this effort optical deck and electronics hoard will ice-cube tray.
on a time and materials basis. It could usually be readily accessible. In most When reassembling the equipment
well he very costly and not worth the designs, the entire optical deck can be after the repair is done, make sure you
expense. Be warned. lifted out after removing the 3 or 4 screws route cables and other wiring carefully,
In other words, if the player or drive that hold it in place. One of those screws so they are not pinched, snagged, or
in question is one that must be returned may have a grounding contact under it. broken. Be sure you do not nick the
to working order, the smart thing might Make sure you remember where it came insulation on any wires and keep the
he to take it to a professional from the from and reinsert it carefully when you cables clear of moving mechanical parts.
beginning. On the other hand, if you are put the plaver back together after com¬ Replace any cable ties you cut or
dealing with a unit that would be dis¬ pleting the repair. As you lift the deck removed during disassembly and add
Electronics Now, June 1998

carded anyway, why not give it a shot. out, watch for fragile flexible cables. Be additional ones of your own if needed. A
Even if your repair is not successful, you careful and work slowly so that you do little electrical tape provides handy insu¬
will learn a lot in the process and there¬ not damage them. These cables usually lation insurance as well.
fore will be more likely to succeed the plug into connectors on the electronics
next time a similar problem crops up. board. Unplug them carefully. A Few Notes
Besides, it can be a lot of fun In rare cases, removing the bottom Before we begin the troubleshooting
Once you’ve decided to try to repair cover will provide access to the solder part of this discussion, there are a couple
your CD player, it is fairly easy to remove side of the electronics board. However, in of things that didn’t really fit conve¬
the top cover of most units There are most CD players the bottom of the case niently in our earlier discussions, but
usually some very obvious screws on the is solid and the only w^ay to get at the foil that you should be aware of before we
24 sides, and possibly on the back as well. side of the board is to lift the hoard out of proceed. Let’s cover those nowr.
 While CD players and CD-ROM dri¬ nent in power supply (including blown 3. Foreign object such as a toy, rock,
ves have a common origin, and still have fuse). or runaway disc blocking drawer.
much in common, over time their tech¬ 4. Defective microcontroller. 4. Stripped gear or other mechanical
nologies have diverged somewhat The damage.
optical pickups remain similar, but the CD player is operational but there is 5. Gear timing is incorrect
data processing and servo systems needed no or partial display.
to support 24X and higher speed CD- Possible causes: Spindle table loose or sticks to clam¬
ROM technology are much more sophis¬ 1. Burned out backlight bulb(s). per upon eject
ticated than those needed for lx speed 2. Bad connections to display panel Possible causes:
CD audio. So when you peek inside your (totally dead or erratic). 1. Set screw loosened or glue holding
shiny new CD-ROM drive, don’t be sur¬ 3. Bad solder connections on display spindle to motor shaft has failed.
prised to see parts that differ rather con¬ panel (some segments work). 2. Parts of spindle table broken.
siderably from those that you will find in 4. Bad power supply.
aDiscman. Intermittent or erratic operation.
The power supply in a component- CD player ignores you. Possible causes:
stereo CD player is normally a linear Possible causes: 1. Dirty, scratched, or defective disc.
supply that is both very reliable and easy 1. Bad connections to one or more 2. Dirty lens.
to repair when necessary. In portables, buttons or sets of buttons. 3. Extended length discs too long for
however, you are likely to encounter a 2. Microcontroller failed to reset player.
switching supply, possibly sealed in a properly. 4. Loading (mechanical) not com¬
shielded can, and difficult to repair. 3. Missing/incorrect voltages from pleted reliably.
Usually, at least three voltages are need¬ power supply. 5. Bad connections including miss¬
ed: logic power (+5VCC) and a pair of 4. Defective microcontroller or other ing/erratic optical-deck shield.
voltages for the analog circuitry (± 15V). logic. 6. Cracks in ribbon cable to optical
However, some designs use a variety of pickup.
voltages for the various portions of the Drawer does not open or close. 7. Dirty drawer or limit switches.
analog circuitry. Possible causes: 8. Power supply or logic problems.
The microcomputer controller, ser¬ 1. Worn, stretched, or oily belt 9. External interference.
vos, read-back electronics, audio D/A(s) 2. Dirty mechanism or gummed-up
and filters are found on the unit’s elec¬ lubrication. CD player or CD-ROM drive
tronics board. Most servo adjustment 3. Stripped gear or other mechanical overheats.
potentiometers will be located there as damage. Possible causes:
well. In many cases, their functions are 4. Defective motor or bad connec¬ 1. Excessive ambient temperature.
even clearly marked, but not always. Use tions to motor. 2. Failing/marginal part in power
some common sense here; do not turn 5. Bad drawer/eject button. supply or logic.
anything unless you are absolutely sure 6. Missing/incorrect voltages from
of what your are doing—and then only power supply. Disc is not recognized (unit displays
after marking the potentiometers’ origi¬ 7. Defective microcontroller or other "disc,” “error,” etc.)
nal positions precisely. logic. Possible causes:
1. Disc loaded upside-down.
Instant Troubleshooting Chart Drawer operation is erratic. 2. Transportation lock engaged.
Now for the good stuff (and it’s about Possible causes: 3. Dirty, scratched, or defective disc.
time!). In this section I am going to pre¬ 1. Dirty sense-switch contracts or 4. Dirty lens.
sent a variety of common problems and bad connections. 5. Loading (mechanical) not com¬
nearly all possible causes. You’ll of 2. Worn, stretched, oily, flabby, belt. pleted reliably.
course need to use diagnostic proce¬ 3. Dirty mechanism or gummed-up 6. Dirt, gummed-up lubrication, or
dures to see which ones actually apply in lubrication. damage in sled-drive mechanism.
your particular case. The possible causes 4. Defective motor or bad connec¬ 7. Dirty/defective limit switch or
are listed in approximate order of likeli¬ tions to motor. sensor.
hood. While this chart lists many prob¬ 5. Stripped gear or other mechanical 8. Defective spindle motor.
lems, it is does not cover everything that damage. 9. Spindle table height incorrectly
June 1998, Electronics Now

can go wrong. However, it does offer a 6. Missing/incorrect voltages from set.

starting point for guiding your thinking power supply. 10. Bad component in optical pickup.
in the proper direction.. 7. Defective microcontroller or other 11. Cracks in ribbon cable to optical
logic. pickup.
CD player is totally dead. 12. Need to adjust servo (or less like¬
Possible causes: Drawer does not dose (or open) ly, optical) alignment.
1. Power outlet, wall adapter, or bat¬ completely. 13. Faulty power supply, electronics
teries are dead. Possible causes: or control logic.
2. Damage to line or wall-adapter 1. Worn, stretched, or oily, belt. 14. Bad connections including miss¬
cord or plug. 2. Dirty mechanism or gummed-up ing/erratic optical-deck shield.
3. Bad connections or faulty compo¬ lubrication. 15. External interference. 25
 Disc spins in wrong direction or too Possible causes: damage in sled-drive mechanism.
fast and is never recognized. 1. Missing optical-deck shield, 2. Sled reaching mechanical stop with
Possible causes: ground strap, or other connection. extended-length (longer than 74 minutes)
1. Disc loaded upside-down. 2. Outside interference. disc.
2. Dirty, scratched, or defective disc. 3. Transportation lock engaged.
3. Dirty lens. Seek operations take too long or fail 4. Servo alignment needed.
4. Tracking or CLV servo out of to complete. 5. Defective spindle motor.
adjustment or faulty. Possible causes:
5. Bad component in optical pickup. 1. Dirty, scratched, or defective disc. Various tracking problems on por¬
6. Microcontroller or control logic 2. Transportation lock engaged. tions of discs:
problems. 3. Dirty lens. Possible causes:
7. Bad connections or defective ribbon 4. Tracking or CLV servo out of 1. Dirty, scratched, or defective disc.
cable to optical pickup. adjustment or faulty. 2. Faulty spindle motor.
5. Mechanical problems with sled 3. Misalignment of spindle table and
Pickup attempts to reset past inner movement. sled track.
track. 6. Faulty sled motor or drive IC. 4. Need for CLV adjustment.
Possible causes: 7. Faulty control logic.
1. Dirty or defective limit switch, or 8. Bad flex cable to optical pickup. Repetitive noise at disc rotation rate.
faulty connections to it or its electronics. Possible causes:
2. Broken parts preventing limit Search, seek, or play starts correctly, 1. Dirty, scratched, or defective (pos¬
switch from being activated. then loses time or position. sibly warped) disc.
3. Tracking servo out of adjustment Possible causes: 2. Dirty lens.
or faulty. 1. Dirty, scratched, or defective disc. 3. Loose spindle or foreign material
4. Microcontroller or logic problems. 2. Dirty lens. on spindle table.
3. Tracking or PLL servo out of 4. Disc not firmly clamped.
Player won’t let you go near it and/or adjustment or faulty. 5. Bent spindle.
use your favorite lamp. 4. Stuck button. 6. Excessive spindle run-out due to
5. Defective sled motor or drive IC. worn bearing.
6. Faulty control logic. 7. Servo alignment needed.
8. Weak laser or other component in
Free Best Seller! Write
Consumer Information Catalog Short-distance skipping. optical pickup.
Dept. BEST, Pueblo, CO 81009
Possible causes:
1. Dirty, scratched, or defective disc. Audio muting, noise, or distortion.
YOU CAN WIND 2. Dirty lens. Possible causes:
1. Dirty contacts on RCA jacks on
3. Fine tracking servo out of adjust¬
YOUR OWN COILS? ment or faulty. CD player or amp,
There’s no trick to it except 4. Weak laser or other defective part 2. Bad connections to RCA jacks.
knowing what you are do¬ in the optical pickup. 3. Dirty/defective muting-relay con¬
ing. In a unique, 106-page tacts.
book you can become ex¬ Playback gets stuck (rapid repeat). 4. Defective components in the ana¬
pert in winding RF, IF, Possible causes: log circuitry (final filter, muting, amp).
audio and power coils, chokes and trans¬ 1. Dirty, scratched, or defective disc. 5. Faulty power supply (for audio cir¬
formers. Practically every type of coil is dis¬ 2. Dirty lens. cuits, if used)
cussed and necessary calculations are given 3. Dirt, gummed-up lubrication, or
with the mathematical data simplified for damage in sled-drive mechanism. Wrap-Up
use by anyone. Get your copy today! 4. Transportation lock engaged. With the information we’ve present¬
5. Servo alignment needed. ed thus far, in this section of CD and
Mail coupon to: CD-ROM servicing, you have enough
Electronics Technology Today, Inc. Occasional long-distance skipping or basic information to get started in your
P.O.Box 240 repeating. troubleshooting task. Next time we are
Massapequa Park, NY 11762-0240 Possible causes: going to look at what I call “General
Electronics Now, June 1998

Please send me my copy of Coil Design and 1. Dirty, scratched, or defective disc. System Problems” and take a closer look
Constwcdon Manual {160). I enclose a check or 2. Dirty lens. at some of the items touched on in the
money order tor $8.95 to cover the book's cost 3. Dirt, gummed-up lubrication, or troubleshooting chart
and shipping-and-handling expenses. NY state
residents must add local sales tax. damage in sled-drive mechanism. \ That’s all we’ve got room for this
4. Transportation lock engaged. time. Between now and the next issue, if
5. Servo alignment needed. you have any specific problems or ques¬
Address.
tions, you can reach me by e-mail at
| City. .State _ZIP_ Player gets stuck at approximately [email protected]. For general
All orders must be paid In U.S. funds only. Sorry, same time on different discs. information on electronics trou¬
not
Possible causes: bleshooting and repair visit my web site
26 1. Dirt, gummed-up lubrication, or at www.repairfaq.org.