GCN Gamecube spins discs but laser assembly moves to one place

[JR_44]

Not sure how to explain so I had to record it.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/85785229/gpatemp/VID_20140908_202546.mp4

Opening it up isnt an option at the moment since I don't have those "special" screwdrivers.

 

[migles]

well, isn't that the normal behavior? when you close the cd drive, it will calibrate the position of the laser.... the motor will move the laser head it until it moves to an edge (usually the most center point of the cd) when it touches that edge the laser head presses a button which will say "this is the start position" and he will move according to that start position.... otherwise the drive would go "blind" he didn't knew where he was...

 

[Foxi4]

The disc drive is supposed to do this - upon detecting a disc, it will try to verify it and read the structure from the beginning. Is the disc drive refusing to read the disc afterwards? Perhaps the lens needs cleaning?

 

[migles]

The disc drive is supposed to do this - upon detecting a disc, it will try to verify it and read the table of contents, which is always invariably in one spot. Is the disc drive refusing to read the disc afterwards? Perhaps the lens needs cleaning?

^^ this, but try to use the right tools to clean it, otherwise you will need to replace it... i can't recommend you something like cotton swabs, because i am no expert, and at my first time cleaning a laser i had used alcohol and it was a goodbye...

 

[Foxi4]

^^ this, but try to use the right tools to clean it, otherwise you will need to replace it... i can't recommend you something like cotton swabs, because i am no expert, and at my first time cleaning a laser i had used alcohol and it was a goodbye...

I corrected the post for consistency since DVD's don't really "have" a TOC per-se, but the procedure is more or less the same.

Cleaning a lens is relatively easy, but requires patience. You have to be gentle, make sure that the cotton swab won't scratch the surface, use "clean" alcohol (high proof spirit with no additives, colouring, sugars and whatnot) or a special liquid for cleaning lenses and dry it off with a lint-free piece of cloth (microfibre works well) once you're done.

 

[JR_44]

The disc drive is supposed to do this - upon detecting a disc, it will try to verify it and read the structure from the beginning. Is the disc drive refusing to read the disc afterwards? Perhaps the lens needs cleaning?

Yes the disc spins for one second then it stops. Tried it with animal crossing and sonic adventure dx and same thing.

Cleaning a lens is relatively easy, but requires patience. You have to be gentle, make sure that the cotton swab won't scratch the surface, use "clean" alcohol (high proof spirit with no additives, colouring, sugars and whatnot) or a special liquid for cleaning lenses and dry it off with a lint-free piece of cloth (microfibre works well) once you're done.

I'll see if I have any alcohol and if I do i'll try it.

 

[migles]

Yes the disc spins for one second then it stops. Tried it with animal crossing and sonic adventure dx and same thing.

I'll see if I have any alcohol and if I do i'll try it.

if cleaning doesn't work, you need to replace the laser...

 

[Foxi4]

if cleaning doesn't work, you need to replace the laser...

Not true - you can always try calibrating the laser.

 

[migles]

Not true - you can always try calibrating the laser.

wait, how?

 

[Foxi4]

wait, how?

http://www.gamefaqs.com/gamecube/915781-gamecube/faqs/30525

 

[kehkou]

If you use a cotton swab, make it all fluffy first, then lightly brush it with the fibers no more than 5 sweeps. On positive read, the drive will make a quiet "beep" sound.

I'll see if I have any alcohol and if I do i'll try it.

I don't recommend doing this; a dry, clean cotton swab should suffice if the lens is dirty.

 

[Foxi4]

If you use a cotton swab, make it all fluffy first, then lightly brush it with the fibers no more than 5 sweeps. On positive read, the drive will make a quiet "beep" sound. I don't recommend doing this; a dry, clean cotton swab should suffice if the lens is dirty.

A dry swab is alright for cleaning off dust, but if it's sticky grime then a droplet of isopropyl alcohol can do wonders. Of course we're talking about a droplet and cleaning it off immediately afterwards by polishing with the fluffy dry end, but you get my point.

 

[JR_44]

Couldn't find any alcohol so I rubbed a cotton swab on it and it wasn't reading discs still. I'm assuming my lens need to be calibrated so would these work to open up the gamecube? http://www.amazon.com/Silverhill-To...d=1410304821&sr=8-4&keywords=gamecube+gamebit

 

[kehkou]

A dry swab is alright for cleaning off dust, but if it's sticky grime then a droplet of isopropyl alcohol can do wonders. Of course we're talking about a droplet and cleaning it off immediately afterwards by polishing with the fluffy dry end, but you get my point.

True, and I'm sure it goes without saying the purer the better.

I still wouldn't recommend doing it unless you know what your doing like Foxi does.

 

[JR_44]

Alright so I got some alcohol from a friend and cleaned it and the lens looked shiny so I'd assumed it would've worked but it's still the same, disc spins for a few seconds and stops. Can't be the lens so it may be the motor?

 

[Red_Beani]

True, and I'm sure it goes without saying the purer the better.

I still wouldn't recommend doing it unless you know what your doing like Foxi does.

If you use a cotton swab, make it all fluffy first, then lightly brush it with the fibers no more than 5 sweeps. On positive read, the drive will make a quiet "beep" sound.



I don't recommend doing this; a dry, clean cotton swab should suffice if the lens is dirty.

Actually, it is supposedly a cotton swab and glass cleaner that does the best job because it allows for a great clean with the least residue. I also have an issue with a GCN and its laser is just bumping into one side and does not seem to be able to move backward.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Do you guys know how to solve this issue because I tried both tuning and cleaning the laser. I get a bright red flash and it seems to be able to see but it will no go back into place. It bumps into the side two times and will not move back to the default position on its own.

 

[Red_Beani]

Actually, it is supposedly a cotton swab and glass cleaner that does the best job because it allows for a great clean with the least residue. I also have an issue with a GCN and its laser is just bumping into one side and does not seem to be able to move backward.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

I solved the movement issue and I am just going to replace the laser though now I need a voltmeter so I can tune it with ought burning the new laser.