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NEC TG-16/TE/TurboDuo => TG/PCE Repair/Mod Discussion => Topic started by: besthegreat on January 31, 2015, 09:48:36 AM

Title: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: besthegreat on January 31, 2015, 09:48:36 AM

Has anyone else experienced this?  It's been through some wear and tear recently.  I've done a laser replacement but it seemed the more I fidgeted with the system the more problems I would have.   It works now but I have to flip it upside down.  I'm hoping this is repairable but I'm still trying to figure out how.  Anyone have an idea as to what would cause this?

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: toymachine78 on January 31, 2015, 10:49:58 AM

Did you replace it with PS1 guts? Lol

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: jakeri on January 31, 2015, 11:29:23 AM

Quote from: besthegreat on January 31, 2015, 09:48:36 AM

Has anyone else experienced this?  It's been through some wear and tear recently.  I've done a laser replacement but it seemed the more I fidgeted with the system the more problems I would have.   It works now but I have to flip it upside down.  I'm hoping this is repairable but I'm still trying to figure out how.  Anyone have an idea as to what would cause this?

I'd guess the spinner motor bearing is failing. Thats been the most usual problem I've encountered with any optical disc drives. Never had tg cd drive though.

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: jakeri on January 31, 2015, 11:30:31 AM

and oiling the bearing (if possible) could help ofc.

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: Keith Courage on January 31, 2015, 05:19:21 PM

usually this is the sign of a week old lens or a drive that needs potentiometer adjustment.

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: besthegreat on February 01, 2015, 02:16:29 AM

Quote from: Keith Courage on January 31, 2015, 05:19:21 PM

usually this is the sign of a week old lens or a drive that needs potentiometer adjustment.

The lens is new.  Is there a specific pot for the motor?  Took me days to get it right to read CDs again without issue.  Just trying to narrow it down

I'm thinking it's just the motor wearing down but just don't get why gravity can fix it but I cant.

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: jakeri on February 01, 2015, 03:50:27 AM

Quote from: besthegreat on February 01, 2015, 02:16:29 AM

Quote from: Keith Courage on January 31, 2015, 05:19:21 PM

usually this is the sign of a week old lens or a drive that needs potentiometer adjustment.

The lens is new.  Is there a specific pot for the motor?  Took me days to get it right to read CDs again without issue.  Just trying to narrow it down

I'm thinking it's just the motor wearing down but just don't get why gravity can fix it but I cant.

the weared out bearing with pressure is much more work for the motor to spin. When put upside down there is "reversed" pressure and the bearings roll more freely
I hope this side cut of motor explains it:

(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/24686968/bearing.html)

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: besthegreat on February 01, 2015, 04:42:47 AM

I see, thank you for the graphic and explanation.  It makes sense.  Although it may not be fixable, I believe it is a component that is replaceable.  I appreciate everyone's help and advice.

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: Keith Courage on February 01, 2015, 04:48:51 AM

the one potentiometer that is alone by itself on the opposite side of the large ribbon cable is the one that adjusts the spindle motor speed.

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: besthegreat on February 01, 2015, 05:01:52 AM

Thanks!  I will give it a whirl

Title: Re: TG16 CD-ROM Have to flip upside down to work
Post by: besthegreat on February 07, 2015, 04:44:54 AM

I realized its because the spindle was pushed down.  I attempted to pry it up and am able to get it spinning but it's wobbly.  Still works upside down.  I'll probably give it another attempt when I pick up the proper tools.