Panasonic DVD drive spindle/hub cleaning, includes remedial procedures for reassembly complications
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NOTICE: With AVS implementation of a new format the photos attached to this post might be shown in a different order than that stated in the text.
This post provides advice and photos demonstrating cleaning procedures for the lens, hub/spindle and related parts of Panasonic DVD drives that evidence intermittant "no read" situations and/or other reading/writing or finalizing difficulties due to a dirty lens or a soiled rubber hub and spindle area.
LISTEN TO THE DVD DRIVE! IT'S TRYING TO TELL YOU WHAT THE MATTER MIGHT BE. The DVD Drive might make "grinding" noises with a soiled rubber hub and spindle area or "clunking," "chugging" or "errrp" noises with a dirty lens or a failed laser assembly. If the "no read" situation persists after the lens and hub/spindle cleaning, there are "clunking," "chugging" or "errrp" noises and/or U61, U88 or U99 errors reported at the front panel display, parts replacement is/are indicated.
For service/repair information I suggest sending a Private Message to Mickinct. See this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1400807/part-2-having-issues-with-your-panasonic-dvd-recorder-read/0_60
CLEANING THE LENS AND RUBBER HUB/SPINDLE AREA WITHOUT OPENING THE CASE AND REMOVING THE DVD DRIVE LID. Jjeff has suggested two good procedures that do not require opening the case or removing the DVD Drive lid. Jeff's procedures are summarized here:
1. The first procedure uses saliva to moisten the clear hub area of the underside of a DVD, then place the DVD into the disc tray and allow the DVD to spin-up. Then repeat the procedure. This procedure should remove most of the dust, debris and other soiling from the rubber hub. Then use any of several lens cleaning discs for that purpose.
2. The second procedure is depicted in the first attached photo showing an unmounted 2007 model year DVD Drive. Extend the disc tray and disconnect the power cord with the disc tray extended. Manually position the disc tray around half way out. This should affort somewhat limited access to the lens, rubber hub and spindle area. Then, moisten the end of a long-handled cotton swab with 91% isopropyl alcohol. (Long-handled cotton swabs are sometimes found where medical or hobby products are sold.) Use a flashlight to observe the lens and rubber hub areas. Then, gently roll the moistened swab over the lens one time only. Following that, roll the swab along the rubber hub. The rubber hub will turn freely as the swab rolls. The swab should also be moved front to rear across the hub in order to remove stubborn dust and debris. Then manually close the disc tray or reconnect the power cord and press the open/close button to close the disc tray.
PRELIMINARY MATTERS PRIOR TO PERFORMING THE SAINT BAZ LENS AND RUBBER HUB/SPINDLE CLEANING PROCEDURE. (Saint Baz is the screen name of the person originally describing the hub/spindle cleaning procedure in a February 2007 post at the CD Freaks/MyCe Forum.)
The different Panasonic case and DVD Drive designs require somewhat different access and opening/closing procedures as detailed below.
It is strongly suggested that you disconnect your Panasonic from AC power several hours before opening the case. Before beginning the procedure be sure to touch the metal case before touching interior components.
Due to the possibility of damaging ribbon cable contacts I strongly discourage removal of DVD Drives from their machines.
Do not extend, remove or otherwise disturb the DVD Drive disc tray while the drive lid is open--complications will result. The roller/slider MUST be positioned to the left at the rear of the disc tray before replacing and securing the DVD Drive lid. If there have been reassembly complications see the remedial measures found in my February 2009 posts in this thread.
POWER SUPPLY CAPACITOR EXAMINATION for leakage or bloating may be done while the case is open. Some Panasonic models might have a cover or partial cover over the power supply section. Use caution whenever working in or near the power supply section. If necessary, remove the power supply cover in order to examine the capacitors. Notice that the cover’s rear edge might have to be fitted between the Panasonic’s rear panel and the rear wall of the power supply for correct reassembly. If capacitors are observed with leakage or bloating see this thread for more information:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1055111
THE LENS AND RUBBER HUB/SPINDLE AREA CLEANING PROCEDURE. After removing the DVD Drive lid, I put my finger on top of the roller/slider to keep it in place at the left rear of the disc tray, see the second photo, then I use an air can to blow dust off the disc tray and roller/slider. Then I use a cotton swab dipped in 91% alcohol to gently roll over the laser lens one time only, see the third photo. Then I use the cotton swab to clean the rubber hub and spindle area. The second through fourth photos depict a dirty rubber hub/spindle area and the fifth photo depicts a clean rubber hub/spindle area. The cleaning procedure concludes by cleaning the circular guide wheel on the underside of the DVD Drive lid, see the photo in the next post.
CASE AND DVD DRIVE LID OPENING WITH 2006 AND NEWER PANASONIC DVD DRIVES. Panasonic's 2006 and newer DVD Drives have lids that are anchored at the front and lift from the rear. Remove the case top cover for access to the DVD drive. Then remove the four small Phillips screws and lift the DVD drive lid from the rear, see the photos attached to the next post. Then clean the drive according to the above instructions.
The roller/slider mechanism must be positioned to the left rear corner of the disc tray before reassembly so these parts will be correctly aligned to the guide rail on the underside of the drive lid. Take care that the drive lid is correctly seated and secured. The four drive lid screws are placed near the corners of the drive lid, see the photos attached to the next post.
With 2006 and newer models opening of the Panasonic case, removing the DVD drive lid, cleaning the drive, closing the drive lid, examining the power supply capacitors, and closing the case should take ten to fifteen minutes. Add another five minutes for cleaning the heads and tape path in the VHS mechanism (if present). Any screws dropped into a mechanism or inside the case must be removed before reassembly. Do not use magnetized devices for screw retrieval.
CASE AND DVD DRIVE LID OPENING WITH PANASONIC 2004/2005 AND SOME OLDER DVD DRIVES. Panasonic's 2004/2005 and some older drives have lids that are anchored at the rear and lift from the front. These models might require a somewhat more labor-intensive service procedure. Remove the case top cover for access to the DVD drive. It might be found necessary to remove the front panel assembly in order to provide enough clearance to allow removal of the DVD drive lid.
The front panel might have an anchoring screw near the top center. After removing this screw, if present, the snap-clips at the top and sides need to be released, then press the retaining tabs along the front panel bottom edge and gently remove the front panel.
Remove the four small Phillips screws, lift the drive lid at the front, slide the lid forward allowing the rear to disengage, and then lift the lid off. Then clean the drive according to the above instructions.
The roller/slider mechanism must be positioned to the left rear corner of the disc tray before reassembly so these parts will be correctly aligned to the guide rail on the underside of the drive lid. Take care that the drive lid is correctly seated and secured before closing the case.
Allow around 30 minutes for opening the case, cleaning the DVD drive, examining power supply capacitors, and reassembly. Add another five minutes for cleaning the heads and tape path in the VHS mechanism (if present). Any screws dropped into a mechanism or inside the case must be removed before reassembly. Do not use magnetized devices for screw retrieval.
Special circumstances apply to encased DVD Drives and/or DVD Drives the have the guide wheel and a roller/slider guide slot as part of a sub-lid structure.
VHS DOOR LIFTING MECHANISM ALIGNMENT. If the front panel has been removed on a combo recorder take care to hold the VHS door open as the front panel is fitted back to the case. This will assure that the VHS door lifting mechanism is correctly aligned with the door itself.
When the front panel snaps into place without the use of force this will correctly align the contacts between the chassis motherboard(s) and the front panel circuit board(s).
NOTE: The first photo depicts a DVD drive that had been removed, due to laser assembly failure, from a 2007 model year Panasonic. The second through fourth photos depict a DVD Drive mounted in a 2006 DMR-ES25. The fifth photo depicts a DVD Drive mounted in a 2007 DMR-EZ17. It is not necessary to remove most recent DVD Drives from the recorder for cleaning. Recent Panasonic DVD Drives are similar in appearance to those pictured. See later posts in this thread for additional photos, including photos of the large black plastic DVD Drive used in the 2005 model year. Some older Panasonic DVD Drives are similar in appearance. Some earlier model DVD Drives have a thin metal "sub-lid" below the black plastic lid. Some very early Panasonic DVD Drives may be encased in a surround structure.
In order to clean the lens, rubber hub and spindle area of early model Panasonic recorders that have DVD Drives encased within a surround structure, it is easier to use Jeff's quick cleaning procedures summarized above.
SEE THIS DMR-E100H THREAD FOR MORE INFORMATION CONCERNING ENCASED DVD DRIVES:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1207391
THE SAINT BAZ HUB/SPINDLE CLEANING PROCEDURE, the original February 2007 post, is found here:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/f106/fixing...t-help-210507/
NOTICE: With AVS implementation of a new format the photos attached to this post might be shown in a different order than that stated in the text.
This post provides advice and photos demonstrating cleaning procedures for the lens, hub/spindle and related parts of Panasonic DVD drives that evidence intermittant "no read" situations and/or other reading/writing or finalizing difficulties due to a dirty lens or a soiled rubber hub and spindle area.
LISTEN TO THE DVD DRIVE! IT'S TRYING TO TELL YOU WHAT THE MATTER MIGHT BE. The DVD Drive might make "grinding" noises with a soiled rubber hub and spindle area or "clunking," "chugging" or "errrp" noises with a dirty lens or a failed laser assembly. If the "no read" situation persists after the lens and hub/spindle cleaning, there are "clunking," "chugging" or "errrp" noises and/or U61, U88 or U99 errors reported at the front panel display, parts replacement is/are indicated.
For service/repair information I suggest sending a Private Message to Mickinct. See this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1400807/part-2-having-issues-with-your-panasonic-dvd-recorder-read/0_60
CLEANING THE LENS AND RUBBER HUB/SPINDLE AREA WITHOUT OPENING THE CASE AND REMOVING THE DVD DRIVE LID. Jjeff has suggested two good procedures that do not require opening the case or removing the DVD Drive lid. Jeff's procedures are summarized here:
1. The first procedure uses saliva to moisten the clear hub area of the underside of a DVD, then place the DVD into the disc tray and allow the DVD to spin-up. Then repeat the procedure. This procedure should remove most of the dust, debris and other soiling from the rubber hub. Then use any of several lens cleaning discs for that purpose.
2. The second procedure is depicted in the first attached photo showing an unmounted 2007 model year DVD Drive. Extend the disc tray and disconnect the power cord with the disc tray extended. Manually position the disc tray around half way out. This should affort somewhat limited access to the lens, rubber hub and spindle area. Then, moisten the end of a long-handled cotton swab with 91% isopropyl alcohol. (Long-handled cotton swabs are sometimes found where medical or hobby products are sold.) Use a flashlight to observe the lens and rubber hub areas. Then, gently roll the moistened swab over the lens one time only. Following that, roll the swab along the rubber hub. The rubber hub will turn freely as the swab rolls. The swab should also be moved front to rear across the hub in order to remove stubborn dust and debris. Then manually close the disc tray or reconnect the power cord and press the open/close button to close the disc tray.
PRELIMINARY MATTERS PRIOR TO PERFORMING THE SAINT BAZ LENS AND RUBBER HUB/SPINDLE CLEANING PROCEDURE. (Saint Baz is the screen name of the person originally describing the hub/spindle cleaning procedure in a February 2007 post at the CD Freaks/MyCe Forum.)
The different Panasonic case and DVD Drive designs require somewhat different access and opening/closing procedures as detailed below.
It is strongly suggested that you disconnect your Panasonic from AC power several hours before opening the case. Before beginning the procedure be sure to touch the metal case before touching interior components.
Due to the possibility of damaging ribbon cable contacts I strongly discourage removal of DVD Drives from their machines.
Do not extend, remove or otherwise disturb the DVD Drive disc tray while the drive lid is open--complications will result. The roller/slider MUST be positioned to the left at the rear of the disc tray before replacing and securing the DVD Drive lid. If there have been reassembly complications see the remedial measures found in my February 2009 posts in this thread.
POWER SUPPLY CAPACITOR EXAMINATION for leakage or bloating may be done while the case is open. Some Panasonic models might have a cover or partial cover over the power supply section. Use caution whenever working in or near the power supply section. If necessary, remove the power supply cover in order to examine the capacitors. Notice that the cover’s rear edge might have to be fitted between the Panasonic’s rear panel and the rear wall of the power supply for correct reassembly. If capacitors are observed with leakage or bloating see this thread for more information:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1055111
THE LENS AND RUBBER HUB/SPINDLE AREA CLEANING PROCEDURE. After removing the DVD Drive lid, I put my finger on top of the roller/slider to keep it in place at the left rear of the disc tray, see the second photo, then I use an air can to blow dust off the disc tray and roller/slider. Then I use a cotton swab dipped in 91% alcohol to gently roll over the laser lens one time only, see the third photo. Then I use the cotton swab to clean the rubber hub and spindle area. The second through fourth photos depict a dirty rubber hub/spindle area and the fifth photo depicts a clean rubber hub/spindle area. The cleaning procedure concludes by cleaning the circular guide wheel on the underside of the DVD Drive lid, see the photo in the next post.
CASE AND DVD DRIVE LID OPENING WITH 2006 AND NEWER PANASONIC DVD DRIVES. Panasonic's 2006 and newer DVD Drives have lids that are anchored at the front and lift from the rear. Remove the case top cover for access to the DVD drive. Then remove the four small Phillips screws and lift the DVD drive lid from the rear, see the photos attached to the next post. Then clean the drive according to the above instructions.
The roller/slider mechanism must be positioned to the left rear corner of the disc tray before reassembly so these parts will be correctly aligned to the guide rail on the underside of the drive lid. Take care that the drive lid is correctly seated and secured. The four drive lid screws are placed near the corners of the drive lid, see the photos attached to the next post.
With 2006 and newer models opening of the Panasonic case, removing the DVD drive lid, cleaning the drive, closing the drive lid, examining the power supply capacitors, and closing the case should take ten to fifteen minutes. Add another five minutes for cleaning the heads and tape path in the VHS mechanism (if present). Any screws dropped into a mechanism or inside the case must be removed before reassembly. Do not use magnetized devices for screw retrieval.
CASE AND DVD DRIVE LID OPENING WITH PANASONIC 2004/2005 AND SOME OLDER DVD DRIVES. Panasonic's 2004/2005 and some older drives have lids that are anchored at the rear and lift from the front. These models might require a somewhat more labor-intensive service procedure. Remove the case top cover for access to the DVD drive. It might be found necessary to remove the front panel assembly in order to provide enough clearance to allow removal of the DVD drive lid.
The front panel might have an anchoring screw near the top center. After removing this screw, if present, the snap-clips at the top and sides need to be released, then press the retaining tabs along the front panel bottom edge and gently remove the front panel.
Remove the four small Phillips screws, lift the drive lid at the front, slide the lid forward allowing the rear to disengage, and then lift the lid off. Then clean the drive according to the above instructions.
The roller/slider mechanism must be positioned to the left rear corner of the disc tray before reassembly so these parts will be correctly aligned to the guide rail on the underside of the drive lid. Take care that the drive lid is correctly seated and secured before closing the case.
Allow around 30 minutes for opening the case, cleaning the DVD drive, examining power supply capacitors, and reassembly. Add another five minutes for cleaning the heads and tape path in the VHS mechanism (if present). Any screws dropped into a mechanism or inside the case must be removed before reassembly. Do not use magnetized devices for screw retrieval.
Special circumstances apply to encased DVD Drives and/or DVD Drives the have the guide wheel and a roller/slider guide slot as part of a sub-lid structure.
VHS DOOR LIFTING MECHANISM ALIGNMENT. If the front panel has been removed on a combo recorder take care to hold the VHS door open as the front panel is fitted back to the case. This will assure that the VHS door lifting mechanism is correctly aligned with the door itself.
When the front panel snaps into place without the use of force this will correctly align the contacts between the chassis motherboard(s) and the front panel circuit board(s).
NOTE: The first photo depicts a DVD drive that had been removed, due to laser assembly failure, from a 2007 model year Panasonic. The second through fourth photos depict a DVD Drive mounted in a 2006 DMR-ES25. The fifth photo depicts a DVD Drive mounted in a 2007 DMR-EZ17. It is not necessary to remove most recent DVD Drives from the recorder for cleaning. Recent Panasonic DVD Drives are similar in appearance to those pictured. See later posts in this thread for additional photos, including photos of the large black plastic DVD Drive used in the 2005 model year. Some older Panasonic DVD Drives are similar in appearance. Some earlier model DVD Drives have a thin metal "sub-lid" below the black plastic lid. Some very early Panasonic DVD Drives may be encased in a surround structure.
In order to clean the lens, rubber hub and spindle area of early model Panasonic recorders that have DVD Drives encased within a surround structure, it is easier to use Jeff's quick cleaning procedures summarized above.
SEE THIS DMR-E100H THREAD FOR MORE INFORMATION CONCERNING ENCASED DVD DRIVES:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1207391
THE SAINT BAZ HUB/SPINDLE CLEANING PROCEDURE, the original February 2007 post, is found here:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/f106/fixing...t-help-210507/
The AC cord should be disconnected any time the Panasonic case is opened. This is especially important if the DVD drive lid is to be removed for the hub/spindle cleaning procedure. See the second post in this thread for advice and photos.
If the AC cord is connected to the machine when the DVD drive lid is removed various complications may arise. Take care not to remove or extend the disc tray with the DVD drive lid removed, complications will arise.
Some reassembly complications may arise if the drive lid cogs at the front side edge are not correctly aligned with the guide posts on the DVD drive case sides at the front, see the first attached photo, or the roller/slider assembly at the back of the disc tray is not positioned to the far left before reassembly, see the second photo; the roller/slider assembly has been dislodged from its platform at the left rear of the disc tray; or the drive lid is not fully seated with the four screws near the corners of the drive lid, see the third photo.
In the second photo notice the guide rail on the underside of the DVD drive lid. Observe the guide rail's relation to the roller/slider mechanism at the rear of the disc tray. When the disc tray is in the retracted positon the roller/slider mechanism must be positioned to the far left when the drive lid is fitted back to the DVD drive case.
On 2006 or newer DVD drives take care to anchor the cogs at the front side-edge of the lid to the pivot posts at the front of the drive case before lowering the lid into position, as seen in the first photo.
If the DVD drive had been opened for cleaning but reassembled incorrectly, open the case cover, remove the DVD drive lid and reposition the roller/slider to the left. In the event that the roller/slider has been dislodged, reinstall it atop its platform at the left rear of the disc tray, as shown in the second photo.
If the roller/slider is not correctly aligned with the guide rail on the underside of the drive lid then that situation must be corrected before the drive will function. When the disc tray is fully retracted into the drive the correct alignment has the roller/slider at the far left position at the rear of the disc tray. When the disc tray is extended out, up to about half way, the correct roller/slider position is still to the far left position. The roller/slider veers toward the right as the disc tray is extended out more than half way. As the disc tray becomes fully extended the roller/slider follows the guide rail channel as it approaches the DVD drive's front to rear centerline.
If a malfunction of the DVD drive occurs following improper reassembly see my February 2009 posts in this thread for more information.
During DVD drive operation the hub/spindle assembly moves upward to lift the DVD off the disc tray and clamp the DVD against the circular guide in the drive lid so that the DVD spins freely in order that the lens assembly may correctly read/write/finalize the disc. Before the disc tray is opened the roller/slider movement to the left rear corner of the disc tray causes the hub/spindle assembly to descend to a point below the disc tray allowing the disc tray to open.
The disc tray manual release will allow the disc tray to be slid out, an action that will also cause the hub/spindle to descend to allow the disc tray to extend. Retracting the disc tray will cause the hub/spindle to rise.
Disc tray manual release locations, cautions and procedures are found in this post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post14709306
Notice the guide rail on the underside of the DVD drive lid as seen in the second photo. Observe the guide rail's relation to the roller/slider mechanism at the rear of the disc tray. When the disc tray is in the retracted positon the roller/slider mechanism must be positioned to the far left when the drive lid is fitted back to the DVD drive case. On 2006 or newer DVD drives take care to anchor the cogs at the front side-edge of the lid to the pivot posts at the front of the drive case before lowering the lid into position, as seen in the first photo.
The first two photos attached to this post show a typical DVD drive found on 2007 models; the third photo show a DVD drive found on a 2006 DMR-ES15.
2005 and older DVD drive lids anchor at the rear and lift at the front. The screws securing the drive lids on those models are more centrally located.
If the disc tray is locked into an extended position or the disc tray continually opens and closes, there may be a problem with a ribbon cable connection, the DVD Drive on-board contoller board (except 2006 models) or the Digital PCB.
If the AC cord is connected to the machine when the DVD drive lid is removed various complications may arise. Take care not to remove or extend the disc tray with the DVD drive lid removed, complications will arise.
Some reassembly complications may arise if the drive lid cogs at the front side edge are not correctly aligned with the guide posts on the DVD drive case sides at the front, see the first attached photo, or the roller/slider assembly at the back of the disc tray is not positioned to the far left before reassembly, see the second photo; the roller/slider assembly has been dislodged from its platform at the left rear of the disc tray; or the drive lid is not fully seated with the four screws near the corners of the drive lid, see the third photo.
In the second photo notice the guide rail on the underside of the DVD drive lid. Observe the guide rail's relation to the roller/slider mechanism at the rear of the disc tray. When the disc tray is in the retracted positon the roller/slider mechanism must be positioned to the far left when the drive lid is fitted back to the DVD drive case.
On 2006 or newer DVD drives take care to anchor the cogs at the front side-edge of the lid to the pivot posts at the front of the drive case before lowering the lid into position, as seen in the first photo.
If the DVD drive had been opened for cleaning but reassembled incorrectly, open the case cover, remove the DVD drive lid and reposition the roller/slider to the left. In the event that the roller/slider has been dislodged, reinstall it atop its platform at the left rear of the disc tray, as shown in the second photo.
If the roller/slider is not correctly aligned with the guide rail on the underside of the drive lid then that situation must be corrected before the drive will function. When the disc tray is fully retracted into the drive the correct alignment has the roller/slider at the far left position at the rear of the disc tray. When the disc tray is extended out, up to about half way, the correct roller/slider position is still to the far left position. The roller/slider veers toward the right as the disc tray is extended out more than half way. As the disc tray becomes fully extended the roller/slider follows the guide rail channel as it approaches the DVD drive's front to rear centerline.
If a malfunction of the DVD drive occurs following improper reassembly see my February 2009 posts in this thread for more information.
During DVD drive operation the hub/spindle assembly moves upward to lift the DVD off the disc tray and clamp the DVD against the circular guide in the drive lid so that the DVD spins freely in order that the lens assembly may correctly read/write/finalize the disc. Before the disc tray is opened the roller/slider movement to the left rear corner of the disc tray causes the hub/spindle assembly to descend to a point below the disc tray allowing the disc tray to open.
The disc tray manual release will allow the disc tray to be slid out, an action that will also cause the hub/spindle to descend to allow the disc tray to extend. Retracting the disc tray will cause the hub/spindle to rise.
Disc tray manual release locations, cautions and procedures are found in this post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post14709306
Notice the guide rail on the underside of the DVD drive lid as seen in the second photo. Observe the guide rail's relation to the roller/slider mechanism at the rear of the disc tray. When the disc tray is in the retracted positon the roller/slider mechanism must be positioned to the far left when the drive lid is fitted back to the DVD drive case. On 2006 or newer DVD drives take care to anchor the cogs at the front side-edge of the lid to the pivot posts at the front of the drive case before lowering the lid into position, as seen in the first photo.
The first two photos attached to this post show a typical DVD drive found on 2007 models; the third photo show a DVD drive found on a 2006 DMR-ES15.
2005 and older DVD drive lids anchor at the rear and lift at the front. The screws securing the drive lids on those models are more centrally located.
If the disc tray is locked into an extended position or the disc tray continually opens and closes, there may be a problem with a ribbon cable connection, the DVD Drive on-board contoller board (except 2006 models) or the Digital PCB.
With 2005 and earlier Panasonics the DVD drive lid is hinged at the rear and lifts from the front. The machine's front panel must be removed to provide enough clearance to lift the DVD drive lid, slide it forward somewhat and lift the lid off the DVD drive. The photos show a DMR-ES30V combo recorder from the 2005 model year.
The first photo shows the tight DVD drive clearance at the front panel.
The second photo shows the DVD drive lens and hub/spindle area.
The third photo shows the correct far left positioning of the roller slider at the rear of the disc tray. This will correctly align the roller with the guide rail on the underside of the DVD drive lid as the drive lid is secured.
If the front panel is removed on a model with a VHS mechanism take care to hold the VHS door open when fitting the front panel back to the case, as shown in the fourth photo. This will correctly align the VHS door lifting mechanism.
The first photo shows the tight DVD drive clearance at the front panel.
The second photo shows the DVD drive lens and hub/spindle area.
The third photo shows the correct far left positioning of the roller slider at the rear of the disc tray. This will correctly align the roller with the guide rail on the underside of the DVD drive lid as the drive lid is secured.
If the front panel is removed on a model with a VHS mechanism take care to hold the VHS door open when fitting the front panel back to the case, as shown in the fourth photo. This will correctly align the VHS door lifting mechanism.
If the front panel is removed on a model with a VHS mechanism take care to hold the VHS door open when fitting the front panel back to the case. This will correctly align the VHS door lifting mechanism.
The photos show a 2006 DMR-ES35V combo recorder:
The photos show a 2006 DMR-ES35V combo recorder:
NOTICE: With AVS implementation of a new format the photos attached to this post might be shown in a different order than that stated in the text.
The following descriptions and photos depict a 2006 Panasonic DVD Drive. Interior views of later Panasonic DVD Drives will be similar.
When the DVD Drive disc tray roller/slider has been dislodged from its platform it must be correctly repositioned on that platform as seen in photo 3.
In order to reinstall a DVD Drive disc tray that has been removed from the DVD Drive, see the five photos for the correct positioning and alignments. The photos are keyed to these instructions:
1-This photo shows the Slide Cam (the white part) positioned to the right where the spindle is in the high position for clamping a disc to the guide wheel on the underside of the DVD Drive lid in order to spin the disc on the black rubber hub for read, write and finalizing operations. The disc tray can not be correctly aligned and reinserted when the spindle is in the high position. (Notice at the upper right of the photo the roller/slider's positioning at the far left and its relationship to the white guide rail on the underside of the DVD drive lid.)
2-With a small, flat-bladed screwdriver placed through the disc tray manual release access hole drift the slide cam to the left until it stops. Do not force the slide cam beyond the stop position.
3-With the slide cam in the left-most position extend the disc tray side rails and place the disc tray in the EXACT position seen in the photo. Notice the disc tray's position in relation to the slide cam (seen just beyond the back edge of the disc tray) and the belt wheel (seen through the opening in the disc tray floor). This EXACT position allows the left and right flanges at the lower edge of the front half of the disc tray to align with the guide pegs on the side of the DVD Drive case (as seen in photo 4).
4-Slide the disc tray back into the DVD Drive. If clicking is heard while sliding the tray into the DVD Drive, the disc tray has not been correctly aligned. Go back through the above instructions and repeat the procedure. Notice that the pencil points at the guide posts correctly aligned with the disc tray's lower flange.
5-This photo shows the disc tray locked into its place in the DVD Drive.
You may want to confirm the correct operation of the disc tray before reinstalling the DVD Drive lid. To do this reinsert the screwdriver in the disc tray manual release access hole and unlock the disc tray. With your hand, steady the disc tray in its position and move it outward an inch or two. If whirring is heard the disc tray is correctly reinstalled. Slide the disc tray back into the DVD Drive until it is in the locked position. If clicking is heard while sliding the disc tray outward, the disc tray has not been correctly aligned. Again, it will be necessary to repeat the procedure.
Once the disc tray has been correctly aligned and reinstalled take care that the roller/slider mechanism is positioned to the far left and place the DVD Drive lid in position. Take care that the DVD Drive lid cut outs at the front side edges correctly engage the posts at the front sides of the DVD Drive case, place the screws in their positions nearest the drive lid corners and tighten the screws.
NOTICE: With AVS implementation of a new format the photos attached to this post might be shown in a different order than that stated in the text.
The following descriptions and photos depict a 2006 Panasonic DVD Drive. Interior views of later Panasonic DVD Drives will be similar.
When the DVD Drive disc tray roller/slider has been dislodged from its platform it must be correctly repositioned on that platform as seen in photo 3.
In order to reinstall a DVD Drive disc tray that has been removed from the DVD Drive, see the five photos for the correct positioning and alignments. The photos are keyed to these instructions:
1-This photo shows the Slide Cam (the white part) positioned to the right where the spindle is in the high position for clamping a disc to the guide wheel on the underside of the DVD Drive lid in order to spin the disc on the black rubber hub for read, write and finalizing operations. The disc tray can not be correctly aligned and reinserted when the spindle is in the high position. (Notice at the upper right of the photo the roller/slider's positioning at the far left and its relationship to the white guide rail on the underside of the DVD drive lid.)
2-With a small, flat-bladed screwdriver placed through the disc tray manual release access hole drift the slide cam to the left until it stops. Do not force the slide cam beyond the stop position.
3-With the slide cam in the left-most position extend the disc tray side rails and place the disc tray in the EXACT position seen in the photo. Notice the disc tray's position in relation to the slide cam (seen just beyond the back edge of the disc tray) and the belt wheel (seen through the opening in the disc tray floor). This EXACT position allows the left and right flanges at the lower edge of the front half of the disc tray to align with the guide pegs on the side of the DVD Drive case (as seen in photo 4).
4-Slide the disc tray back into the DVD Drive. If clicking is heard while sliding the tray into the DVD Drive, the disc tray has not been correctly aligned. Go back through the above instructions and repeat the procedure. Notice that the pencil points at the guide posts correctly aligned with the disc tray's lower flange.
5-This photo shows the disc tray locked into its place in the DVD Drive.
You may want to confirm the correct operation of the disc tray before reinstalling the DVD Drive lid. To do this reinsert the screwdriver in the disc tray manual release access hole and unlock the disc tray. With your hand, steady the disc tray in its position and move it outward an inch or two. If whirring is heard the disc tray is correctly reinstalled. Slide the disc tray back into the DVD Drive until it is in the locked position. If clicking is heard while sliding the disc tray outward, the disc tray has not been correctly aligned. Again, it will be necessary to repeat the procedure.
Once the disc tray has been correctly aligned and reinstalled take care that the roller/slider mechanism is positioned to the far left and place the DVD Drive lid in position. Take care that the DVD Drive lid cut outs at the front side edges correctly engage the posts at the front sides of the DVD Drive case, place the screws in their positions nearest the drive lid corners and tighten the screws.
The photos attached to the above post depict a DVD Drive that had been removed from its machine.
To the question “Is it necessary to remove the DVD Drive from the machine in order to realign/reinstall a DVD Drive disc tray?” the answer is no, removal of the DVD Drive is not necessary.
Rather than finding and opening a machine set aside for standby service, and in order to promptly respond to another board member’s immediate problem, I found it more expeditious to open a boxed “parts” DVD Drive, remove the disc tray, take a series of photos of the realignment/reinstallation procedure, select and name the photos, write the narrative to accompany the photos, and submit the post.
I generally discourage removing a DVD Drive from a Panasonic due to the likelihood of damage to the ribbon cable contact strip(s) and other complications.
The contacts in Digital PCB connector(s) have a tendency to drift forward as the ribbon cable is removed. When that happens the Digital PCB contact may damage the ribbon cable contact strip(s). The remedy is drifting the connector contact back into its proper position and trimming off the damaged portion of the ribbon cable’s contact strip. One of my DVD Drives/Digital PCB "modules" had this problem upon removing a ribbon cable.
Two other DVD Drive problems may occur if the DVD Drive is turned upside down with the drive lid removed. The roller/slider may become dislodged from its platform and the lens assembly mounting panel front edge post may be dislodged from the slide cam’s guide channel. The remedy for the former is to reposition the roller slider as shown in the photos in the earlier post. See the remedy for the latter described and illustrated in this Service Clinic DMR-EZ47 post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post15746105
It may be somewhat difficult to have sufficient clearance to realign/reinstall the DVD Drive disc tray with the machine's front panel in place. That’s why I suggest removing the machine’s front panel to gain better access to the DVD Drive. Most combo recorders have a single front panel anchoring screw at top center. The attached photo shows my little yellow gripper tool for final screw removal and initial screw threading being used on the front panel anchoring screw on a DMR-ES35V combo recorder. DVD recorders do not usually have a front panel anchoring screw. Panasonics front panels have clips that release by lifting just a little with a fingernail or lifting/pressing with a flat-bladed screw driver. These clips, some of which are delicate, may be found at the front panel's top, sides and bottom. Loosen these and remove the front panel for access to the front of the DVD Drive.
After disc tray realignment/reinstallation fit the front panel back to the case. On models with a VHS mechanism be sure to hold the VHS door open to correctly align the VHS door lifting mechanism. The front panel clips should snap back into place easily, as long as there has been no damage to the case.
If the case has been damaged there may be difficulty realigning the front panel circuit board contacts (if so equipped) with their guided connections on the chassis motherboard(s). If the case has been “bowed” it may need straightening before these contacts may be realigned. One of my combo recorders (purchased used) required case straightening before the front panel buttons would function correctly.
The photos attached to the above post depict a DVD Drive that had been removed from its machine.
To the question “Is it necessary to remove the DVD Drive from the machine in order to realign/reinstall a DVD Drive disc tray?” the answer is no, removal of the DVD Drive is not necessary.
Rather than finding and opening a machine set aside for standby service, and in order to promptly respond to another board member’s immediate problem, I found it more expeditious to open a boxed “parts” DVD Drive, remove the disc tray, take a series of photos of the realignment/reinstallation procedure, select and name the photos, write the narrative to accompany the photos, and submit the post.
I generally discourage removing a DVD Drive from a Panasonic due to the likelihood of damage to the ribbon cable contact strip(s) and other complications.
The contacts in Digital PCB connector(s) have a tendency to drift forward as the ribbon cable is removed. When that happens the Digital PCB contact may damage the ribbon cable contact strip(s). The remedy is drifting the connector contact back into its proper position and trimming off the damaged portion of the ribbon cable’s contact strip. One of my DVD Drives/Digital PCB "modules" had this problem upon removing a ribbon cable.
Two other DVD Drive problems may occur if the DVD Drive is turned upside down with the drive lid removed. The roller/slider may become dislodged from its platform and the lens assembly mounting panel front edge post may be dislodged from the slide cam’s guide channel. The remedy for the former is to reposition the roller slider as shown in the photos in the earlier post. See the remedy for the latter described and illustrated in this Service Clinic DMR-EZ47 post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post15746105
It may be somewhat difficult to have sufficient clearance to realign/reinstall the DVD Drive disc tray with the machine's front panel in place. That’s why I suggest removing the machine’s front panel to gain better access to the DVD Drive. Most combo recorders have a single front panel anchoring screw at top center. The attached photo shows my little yellow gripper tool for final screw removal and initial screw threading being used on the front panel anchoring screw on a DMR-ES35V combo recorder. DVD recorders do not usually have a front panel anchoring screw. Panasonics front panels have clips that release by lifting just a little with a fingernail or lifting/pressing with a flat-bladed screw driver. These clips, some of which are delicate, may be found at the front panel's top, sides and bottom. Loosen these and remove the front panel for access to the front of the DVD Drive.
After disc tray realignment/reinstallation fit the front panel back to the case. On models with a VHS mechanism be sure to hold the VHS door open to correctly align the VHS door lifting mechanism. The front panel clips should snap back into place easily, as long as there has been no damage to the case.
If the case has been damaged there may be difficulty realigning the front panel circuit board contacts (if so equipped) with their guided connections on the chassis motherboard(s). If the case has been “bowed” it may need straightening before these contacts may be realigned. One of my combo recorders (purchased used) required case straightening before the front panel buttons would function correctly.
The DVD Drive spindle/hub cleaning advice is somewhat different with Funai manufactured recorders, see this post:
http://www.avsforum.com/t/940657/magnavox-557-537-535-533-515-513-2160a-2160-2080-philips-3576-3575/12240_60#post_19647592
I encourage searching AVS Forum threads for advice based upon experience rather than experimentation that might lead to complications.
The DVD Drive spindle/hub cleaning advice is somewhat different with Funai manufactured recorders, see this post:
http://www.avsforum.com/t/940657/magnavox-557-537-535-533-515-513-2160a-2160-2080-philips-3576-3575/12240_60#post_19647592
I encourage searching AVS Forum threads for advice based upon experience rather than experimentation that might lead to complications.
Kudos to DigaDo for his diligence in getting the word out on Panasonic DVD Recorders that can be spared a trip to the service depot by cleaning the hub inside of the DVD drive. Thanks also to the original poster of this cleaning technique and for others who have reported successful use of the procedure.
Now, you can add me to the list. I have a DMR-EH75 that was about to make its 3rd trip to Elk Grove due to its failure to write and finalize discs. I was intrigued after joining the forum several months ago and seeing these posts about hub cleaning, and, after trashing 3 brand new disks from a new pack of 100, tried the 'saliva test' on number 4. It worked! Hurray!
Took the top off the drive today and cleaned the internals per the procedure, and burned another without problem!
This machine, with TVGOS (when it's working) is the absolute greatest consumer toy I've ever purchased and I'm happy that it can stay home rather than going back for repair again.
FWIW, I've been very happy with Panasonic's service dept. I bought a 3-year extension to the original warranty for $109, and it's been worth every penny so far, with two repairs covered at 100%, including shipping both ways.
Wish I could get another one!
Now, you can add me to the list. I have a DMR-EH75 that was about to make its 3rd trip to Elk Grove due to its failure to write and finalize discs. I was intrigued after joining the forum several months ago and seeing these posts about hub cleaning, and, after trashing 3 brand new disks from a new pack of 100, tried the 'saliva test' on number 4. It worked! Hurray!
Took the top off the drive today and cleaned the internals per the procedure, and burned another without problem!
This machine, with TVGOS (when it's working) is the absolute greatest consumer toy I've ever purchased and I'm happy that it can stay home rather than going back for repair again.
FWIW, I've been very happy with Panasonic's service dept. I bought a 3-year extension to the original warranty for $109, and it's been worth every penny so far, with two repairs covered at 100%, including shipping both ways.
Wish I could get another one!
So Panasonic doesn't offer that 3 year warranty for $109 any more? I brought one for my Eh-500 about 3 years ago. It will expire in Aug 2009.
Maybe I should send my unit in any way. It has never been worked on since I brought it in June 2005. But now it grinds like hell when finalizing a dvd-r. I get a failure maybe once every 3-5 dvd-r's our of a 50 pack. I also started using TDK dvd-r and it will finalize the dvd-r ok. I hit enter after finalize and it will say check the disc. The EH-500 will not play it. But every other dvd player and computer plays it. Plus I can rip it without any problems/errors. Also lately when recording to the HD and I hit the stop button the unit will not respond to the remote. It will not respond to any of the buttons on the remote except the power button. I can hit the power button and it will power off. But if I power the unit back on and start recording once again it will not respond to any buttons on the remote. I have to unplug the power cord and this clears up the problem. I have a new EH-75V in the closet so may be time to break that out and send in the EH-500.
So Panasonic doesn't offer that 3 year warranty for $109 any more? I brought one for my Eh-500 about 3 years ago. It will expire in Aug 2009.
Maybe I should send my unit in any way. It has never been worked on since I brought it in June 2005. But now it grinds like hell when finalizing a dvd-r. I get a failure maybe once every 3-5 dvd-r's our of a 50 pack. I also started using TDK dvd-r and it will finalize the dvd-r ok. I hit enter after finalize and it will say check the disc. The EH-500 will not play it. But every other dvd player and computer plays it. Plus I can rip it without any problems/errors. Also lately when recording to the HD and I hit the stop button the unit will not respond to the remote. It will not respond to any of the buttons on the remote except the power button. I can hit the power button and it will power off. But if I power the unit back on and start recording once again it will not respond to any buttons on the remote. I have to unplug the power cord and this clears up the problem. I have a new EH-75V in the closet so may be time to break that out and send in the EH-500.
I would sure send it in. It sounds like it needs a spindle cleaning at the least.
I'm not sure if Panasonic will just clean the spindle or they may possibly replace the DVD drive. Give them a detailed description of the problem and even send them a 1/2 dozen or so of the discs that give you the most problems.
I'm not sure if Panasonic will just clean the spindle or they may possibly replace the DVD drive. Give them a detailed description of the problem and even send them a 1/2 dozen or so of the discs that give you the most problems.
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Excellant thread, posts and pics.
I wish someone would do the same for the cleaning procedure for the lens assembly for Mits DLP TV's.
I wish someone would do the same for the cleaning procedure for the lens assembly for Mits DLP TV's.
My Panasonic burns unevenly with a circular pattern about 2 inches from the hole. This pattern has two equal semicircular components, one being offset from the other by a millimeter or so. The ends of the two semicircles taper almost down to a point. These arcs are about a millimeter wide and look to be unburned area. I suspect the drive mechanism for the laser.
The DVD drive bears the following numbers: VXY1945
06927A030
This first began several months ago, so I quit using the machine for burning. I tried it again a couple of days ago and got good results for two or three DVDs but now it produces this pattern on every attempt. The resulting DVDs hang up when the read laser gets to this part of the disc.
I've tried cleaning the spindle and the laser comes up as a 0 in the power test mode.
Does this sound familiar to anyone?
I'm a newcomer to this forum; thanks for establishing it and allowing me to post this query
The DVD drive bears the following numbers: VXY1945
06927A030
This first began several months ago, so I quit using the machine for burning. I tried it again a couple of days ago and got good results for two or three DVDs but now it produces this pattern on every attempt. The resulting DVDs hang up when the read laser gets to this part of the disc.
I've tried cleaning the spindle and the laser comes up as a 0 in the power test mode.
Does this sound familiar to anyone?
I'm a newcomer to this forum; thanks for establishing it and allowing me to post this query
The 2006 DVD Drive VXY1945 is commonly found in the DMR-EH75 model. It is mentioned and pictured in this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1082922
Interpretation of laser power reports is found on page 29 in the DMR-EH75 Service Manual, see the attached scanned image. (For easier viewing I suggest going to Print Preview to enlarge the image or viewing the images attached to my 9/4/2009 post found below.)
As to appearance variations of the burned surface of multi-title discs, I've occasionally observed pronounced variations between titles. I've always attributed these variations to the use of inferior DVD media. I've yet to observe appearance variations of burned surfaces when using Taiyo Yuden Premium Line 8x DVD-R media.
The 2006 DVD Drive VXY1945 is commonly found in the DMR-EH75 model. It is mentioned and pictured in this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1082922
Interpretation of laser power reports is found on page 29 in the DMR-EH75 Service Manual, see the attached scanned image. (For easier viewing I suggest going to Print Preview to enlarge the image or viewing the images attached to my 9/4/2009 post found below.)
As to appearance variations of the burned surface of multi-title discs, I've occasionally observed pronounced variations between titles. I've always attributed these variations to the use of inferior DVD media. I've yet to observe appearance variations of burned surfaces when using Taiyo Yuden Premium Line 8x DVD-R media.
thanks for the comments.
I'm using only taiyo-yuden media
The pattern seems to be the same regardless of the file being burned
I suspect a mechanical problem in the mechanism that moves the laser, but without a service manual, I don't know how to proceed
I'm using only taiyo-yuden media
The pattern seems to be the same regardless of the file being burned
I suspect a mechanical problem in the mechanism that moves the laser, but without a service manual, I don't know how to proceed
The Service Manual has only limited diagnostic information. There is very little information concerning servicing of individual assemblies/components such as DVD Drives and Digital PCBs as it is Panasonic's policy to replace assemblies/components that demonstrate any performance issue/failure. The following post provides more specific information:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post16832715
The Service Manual has only limited diagnostic information. There is very little information concerning servicing of individual assemblies/components such as DVD Drives and Digital PCBs as it is Panasonic's policy to replace assemblies/components that demonstrate any performance issue/failure. The following post provides more specific information:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post16832715
I happened to see an EH75 listed on Craig's List in Seattle. I posted a link to the listing as an example of a seller not aware of the going price of this model (and in the event that an AVS member in the Seattle area might be interested in it). I'm in the Portland/Vancouver area, about a three hour drive to Seattle.
I happened to see an EH75 listed on Craig's List in Seattle. I posted a link to the listing as an example of a seller not aware of the going price of this model (and in the event that an AVS member in the Seattle area might be interested in it). I'm in the Portland/Vancouver area, about a three hour drive to Seattle.
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