CD problem

[Johnny nocash]

Hi Guys advice sought.
My CD player stopped reading discs so I cleaned the laser lens & it was fine.
However after switching off, the problem recurred the next time I went to use it.
I have repeated the above several times and the same thing keeps happening.
Basically if I don't unplug there's no problem.
Any ideas?

And don't say 'leave it switched on then':rolleyes:

[struth]

Might be the transport rails that are a bit gummed up. Try cleaning them and coat with graphite. A graphite pencil rubbed on rails is what I use. The coating on them can get gummed up and when warm will work but cold it sticks a bit.
Worth a try

[Macca]

Could be a dry or cracked joint or failing connection somewhere. If it's a really fancy player then worth getting it fixed, if not get another one. Good players are cheap second hand nowadays.

It isn't likely to be something you can fix yourself unless you know what you are doing. people always think it is the laser at fault but it rarely is.

[Johnny nocash]

Thanks Grant but the rails are pretty spotless.

Yes Macca, it is worth fixing that's why I'm seeking advice. I don't think it's the laser as it works perfectly when not switched off in between sessions.

I have noticed that when I clean the lens (after switching off) the mounting it's contained in drops down approx 3-4mm. This seems to allow the Player to read the disc again & work perfectly.

[struth]

sounds like its not focusing properly. could be a capacitor.

[sq225917]

What model is it?

[Johnny nocash]

What model is it?

Helios 2 Simon.

[nonuffin]

According to my drive/laser listing the Helios 2 has the CDM 12.4 mechanism.

They can be bought on ebay for around £30.00

[Primalsea]

Did you clean the lens using one of those cleaning CDs with the brush on the underside, or manually with something like a brush or a lens wipe?

Might be a servo mechanism sticking and the cleaning action and having a chance to warm up a bit is enough to free it up for a while.

[Johnny nocash]

Thanks Dominic.

I clean the lens manually with a lens wipe Paul. It could be the servo mechanism but not to do with warming up. I'm playing it right now but If I switch off & immediately back on ... The player doesn't spin to read the TOC so 'No disc' is displayed.

Cheers for the input so far guys.

[JohnJo]

I don't profess to know anything about repairing CD players but I'm sure I remember reading about a 33uf capacitor in the servo board being the no.1 cause of a Philips cdm mechanism not reading properly - worth a check maybe.

Think this was for the early mechs though so maybe not valid for this player.