[DigaDo]

Generally, Panasonic DVD drives may not be swapped across different model year production. The exceptions are the 2007-2010 model year DVD Drive models as described below.


The 2005 models use DVD drives VXY1867 or VXY1872 with the large black plastic case with three ribbon cables connected to an onboard controller PCB and from that PCB there is a single ribbon cable to the separate Digital PCB. The VXY1872 DVD Drive is used with HDD/DVD models.


The 2006 models use DVD drives VXY1916, VXY1972, VXY1945, VXY1956 or a "no model number" DVD Drive with DMR-ES15 and DMR-ES25 DVD Recorders. These DVD Drives have four ribbon cables connected directly to the separate Digital PCB. The VXY1945 and VXY1956 DVD Drives are used with HDD/DVD models.


The 2007 models use DVD drive VXY1961 with the four ribbon cables connected to the onboard controller PCB and from that PCB there is a single ribbon cable connected to the separate Digital PCB.


The 2008/2009/2010 models use DVD drive VXY2010 with the four ribbon cables connected to the onboard controller PCB and from that PCB there is a single ribbon cable connected to the separate Digital PCB.


Panasonic’s 2006 model year DVD drives are powered through a ribbon cable instead of a wired connection as found on 2005, 2007 and 2008/2009/2010 model year DVD drives.


The 2006 DVD drives I’ve examined are paired with the Digital PCB VEP79132. That PCB stores the DVD drive alignment data, including error codes/history, accumulated "working time," even the "laser used time (hours)," of the DVD drive with which it has been paired. These Digital PCBs are factory configured for use with specific recorder models so there is limited interchangability.


Panasonic repeatedly cautions that 2006 model DVD drives and the separate Digital PCB must be replaced together as a “module,” and if not replaced together, the "module" requires "realignment" as the DVD drive alignment data is stored on the Digital PCB.


As mentioned in earlier posts I have successfully swapped 2006 model year DVD drives between different 2006 DVD recorder models. When swapping 2006 model year DVD Drives between different models I’ve usually retained a recorder’s original Digital PCB. In one instance I swapped a DMR-ES46V Digital PCB into a DMR-ES35V. That DMR-ES35V has had normal functionality since the swap. One 2006 DVD drive, pulled from a DMR-ES35V parts machine, subsequently gave nine months’ satisfactory service in a DMR-ES15 until that DVD drive’s laser assembly failed. Another 2006 DVD drive, originally from another DMR-ES35V parts machine, was swapped in. That DMR-ES15 has had normal functionality since the swap.


Panasonic's 2005, 2007 and 2008/2009 DVD drives have onboard PCBs that store the drive alignment data so the separate Digital PCB does not need to be paired with a specific DVD drive.


While 2007 and 2008/2009 DVD drives are similar in appearance these DVD drives have different model numbers. Wilmorr reports a successful swap of a good 2008/2009 VXY2010 DVD Drive fitted with the on-board controller PCB from a 2007 DMR-EZ17 where the VXY1961 DVD Drive has a failed laser assembly. This confirms that 2007-2010 model year DVD Drives will interchange as long as the on-board controller PCB is also swapped between the DVD Drives.


Those swapping DVD Drive controller PCBs should notice that the ribbon cable connector for the laser assembly data ribbon cable has a flip-up locking/unlocking mechanism. Three of the ribbon cables have their grip-tabs facing outward whereas the copper colored ribbon cable has its grip-tab facing inward.


The several posts that follow have attached photos showing two models of 2005 DVD drives and the onboard controller PCB; two models of 2006 DVD drives and the separate Digital PCB; a 2007 DVD drive, the onboard PCB and the separate Digital PCB; and a 2008/2009/2010 DVD drive, the onboard PCB and the separate Digital PCB. Notice the variations in ribbon cable arrangement between the various model years and the wired power connection utilized with 2005, 2007 and 2008/2009 model year DVD drives.

 

[DigaDo]

The attached photos are from the 2005 model year. The first three photos show DVD Drive VXY1867 used in non-hard drive models. The fourth photo shows DVD Drive VXY1872 used in the DMR-EH50 HDD/DVD model.

 

[DigaDo]

The attached photos are from the 2006 model year. The first photo shows the VXY1972 DVD drive in a DMR-ES35V. The second photo shows a 2006 DVD drive and the ribbon cable connections to the Digital PCB VEP79132. The third photo shows a VXY1916 DVD drive originally installed in a DMR-ES35V, notice the circled "35." The fourth photo shows this VXY1916 DVD drive installed and functional next to the Digital PCB VEP79132 in a DMR-ES15.


The 2006 Service Manuals (DMR-ES15 at page 16, DMR-ES35V at page 20, DMR-ES45V/46V at page 23) indicate that the Disc Maker ID may be displayed in Service Mode. Perhaps 2006 Panasonic DVD drives VXY1916, VXY1945 and VXY1972 are produced by different manufacturers. (The VXY1945 DVD Drive is used with HDD/DVD models.)


Some 2006 model year DVD drives, those found in the DMR-ES15 and DMR-ES25 models, do not have the DVD Drive model number stamped on the top of the drive lid. The fifth photo shows the DVD Drive in a DMR-ES25.

 

[DigaDo]

Here are photos from the 2007 model year:

 

[DigaDo]

Here are photos from the 2008/2009/2010 model years:

 

[jjeff]

Some nice information. You must be making use of your "service manuals"

Thanks for sharing.

 

[DigaDo]



Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff /forum/post/15031676


Some nice information. You must be making use of your "service manuals"

Thanks for sharing.

Recently I’ve been snapping new photos and reorganizing/renaming older photos. I’ve also consulted a few Panasonic Service Manuals, sometimes an exercise in frustration when some information is so poorly translated (if it’s included at all). Some important information is not to be found in these manuals.


For instance, Panasonic cautions that 2006 model year DVD drives and Digital PCBs must be replaced together as a “module.” If DVD drives and Digital PCBs are not replaced together (according to Panasonic) the "module" requires "realignment" as the Ram Drive configuration data resides on the Digital PCB. (Panasonic refers to a DVD drive as a “RAM Drive.”) In Panasonic’s 2006 model-specific DVD recorder Service Manuals there is no information about what this "realignment" entails.


There are references here and there to Ram Drive (DVD Drive) model-specific Service Manuals but I have been unable to locate these manuals. Panasonic states that “RAM Drives and Digital PCB(s)” are "impossible" to service at the component level but they may be recycled by returning them to the "Service Center." This implies that defective Digital PCBs must be swapped out with a new or known good Digital PCB that must then be “aligned” or "realigned" for use with a specific Ram (DVD) Drive. One would think that a functional Digital PCB might be “realigned” in somewhat the same manner as running a firmware update but that information is missing from 2006 model-specific DVD Recorder Service Manuals.


But what of a DVD drive with failed/defective parts? There are many parts machines with good parts that may be found in the field.


Apart from regular hub/spindle cleaning the DVD drive part that most commonly fails is the laser assembly. OEM replacement laser assemblies are available online through second parties. Mickinct has posted source information and has also reported replacing the laser assemblies in several Panasonics, including some from the 2006 model year. There are certain cautions/procedures that must be observed when handling laser emitting devices. Electronics is not my field so I have no training in that area. Perhaps Mickinct or someone else with that experience will respond with specific information or advice.

 

[DigaDo]

Two examples of twisted translations from a Panasonic Service Manual may be found in this post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post14709306

 

[rgazzara]

Great info, thanks.


Do you have any information on the 2004 model year?

 

[DigaDo]



Quote:
Originally Posted by rgazzara /forum/post/15039889


Great info, thanks.


Do you have any information on the 2004 model year?

No, I'm sorry I don't. If you have a 2004 model year product perhaps you might check the model number found on the drive lid and post that information.


With the 2005 DMR-ES30V model there is rubber damping built into the DVD drive mounting platform and there is additional damping around the drive mounting screws, see the second photo. There is probably damping for some earlier models as well. The stripped down 2005 DMR-ES40V model omits the rubber damping, see the first photo. Later models also have rigid DVD drive mounting platforms such as that found in the 2006 DMR-ES35V model, see the third photo.

 

[jjeff]



Quote:
Originally Posted by DigaDo /forum/post/15040727



With the 2005 model year there is rubber damping built into the drive mounting platform and there is additional damping around the drive mounting screws. That is probably the case for earlier models as well. In later models the mounting platforms are rigid.

Then that could explain why the '05 machines are Soooo much quieter than the '06 and on machines. Really shows up when finalizing/editing and chase playing.

The '05 machines are also a fair amount heavier too. I think by '06 they started looking for ways to cut costs and build quality is usually the first thing to suffer. Not that I think their is anything wrong with the '06 ES series machines but they aren't built like a tank like the older ones.

 

[DigaDo]

The Digital PCB is the “brain” of a Panasonic. In the 2006 model year the Digital PCB VEP79132, unlike other model years, also serves as the DVD drive controller. Does this Digital PCB interchange between various 2006 model Panasonics? Not necessarily.


The first photo shows a VEP79132 from a DMR-ES15 at the top and a VEP79132 from a DMR-ES35V at the bottom. The pen and pencil point to two extra ribbon cable connectors found on the Digital PCB used in an ES35. These “extra” connectors accommodate ribbon cables for a hard drive and a HDMI PCB found on various other Panasonic models. See the next post for a photo of a 2006 model year DVD drive’s four ribbon cables connected to the Digital PCB.


The second photo is a closer view of the top side of a DMR-ES15 model’s Digital PCB as seen mounted on its platform. Notice the fitting for the DVI connector at the lower right.


The third photo is a close view of the bottom side of the DMR-ES15 model’s Digital PCB. Notice that the small DVI PCB, seen at the lower left, utilizes a hard connector. This DVI PCB extends beyond the platform to the ES15 model’s front panel.


The fourth photo is a closer view of the top side of the DMR-ES35V model’s Digital PCB as seen mounted on its platform. Notice the ribbon cable connection to the DVI PCB seen under the Digital PCB at the right.


The fifth photo is a close view of the bottom side of the DMR-ES35V model’s Digital PCB as seen mounted on its platform. Notice the DVI and SD Card PCB at the left. (The ES35 model does not have a SD Card slot.) This DVI PCB extends beyond the platform to the ES35 model’s front panel. Notice the DVI/SD Card ribbon cable routed to a different DVI connector found on the top side of the ES35 model’s Digital PCB, see the fourth photo. The finger is pointing at the DVI hard connector that is not used on the ES35 model.

 

[DigaDo]

The attached photo shows the bottom of a 2006 DMR-ES35V model DVD drive with its four ribbon cables attached to the Digital PCB VEP79132 mounted on its platform, the ribbon cable shield and the underside of the DVD drive lid:

 

[DigaDo]

Here is a report of my project swapping three VEP79132 Digital PCBs into my DMR-ES35V "6490" (parts machine #2) in an attempt to bring that parts machine into a functional condition. I am attaching a sampling of photos snapped before and during the third phase of that project.


1-The VEP79132 Digital PCB original to DMR-ES35V "6490" gave a momentary U61 error on the machine's display and output a pink picture with narrow but indistinct blue/black lines running top to bottom as viewed on a RCA CRT TV connected to the DMR-ES35V's "common" composite output. Behind the pink screen and vertical lines could be seen a faint error box, probably the "failed self check" message. None of the machine's front panel buttons responded after the first power on. None of the remote buttons, after the first power on, provided control of the machine.


2-A VEP79132 Digital PCB from DMR-ES15 "9739" (parts machine #3) was mounted on a DMR-ES35V Digital PCB platform and installed in DMR-ES35V "6490." With that Digital PCB in place the DMR-ES35V powered on normally and provided a good blue screen to the TV. The DMR-ES35V output transitioned to the initial setup menu(s). An antenna was attached and antenna reception was selected and an automatic channel scan was run. No channels were found. Next, a Comcast cable-ready RF feed was connected, the setup menu was changed to cable reception and the automatic channel scan was run. No channels were found. A Zenith DTT900 CECB was connected through the DMR-ES35V composite Input 1 but no programming was accessible through that input.


3-A VEP79132 Digital PCB from DMR-ES35V "4755" (parts machine #1) was swapped in. In its original DMR-ES35V this Digital PCB had given many of the same results as described in test #1 above. Installed in DMR-ES35V "6490" this Digital PCB gave a momentary U61 on the machine's display and produced a good blue picture with the "failed self check" box. The machine was responsive to the remote. Pressing ENTER caused the machine to power off. Powering up repeated the very same U61 and "failed self check" routine followed by powering off. The machine remained responsive to its own POWER button and the remote control's POWER button but was unresponsive to other front panel buttons and other remote control buttons.


Conclusions:


1-Neither DMR-ES35V parts machines' original VEP79132 Digital PCBs approached normal functionality in DMR-ES35V "6490." Both DMR-ES35V Digital PCBs utilized in this experiment are probably defective, perhaps the reason these are parts machines.


2-The DMR-ES15 VEP79132 Digital PCB approached functionality in DMR-ES35V "6490" but fell short due to possible incompatibility with a DMR-ES35V or some other unknown problem(s) present in DMR-ES35V "6490."


Additional Observations:


Photo #1 provides a side-by-side view of the original VEP79132 Digital PCB from DMR-ES35V “6490” on the left and that from DMR-ES35V “4755” on the right. Notice the extra ribbon cable connector (seen near the top just to the left of center in photo #1 and closer up in photo #3) on the “4755” Digital PCB at the right. That ribbon cable connector is not present on the “6490” Digital PCB at the left. Another ribbon cable connector (seen just above the DVI PCB ribbon cable in photo #1 and also in photo #3) is black on the "4755" and brown on the "6490" Digital PCBs. In post #12 (above) a comparison was made between the original VEP79132 Digital PCB from DMR-ES15 “9739” and that from DMR-ES35V “4755.” The first photo in that post points out differences between those versions of the VEP79132 Digital PCBs. These “extra” connectors accommodate ribbon cables for a hard drive and a HDMI PCB found on various other Panasonic models. Photo #5 shows the VEP79132 Digital PCB from DMR-ES15 "9739" that returned better (but not good enough) results when swapped into DMR-ES35V "6490." (That Digital PCB is shown two days earlier mounted on its original platform.) When attempting to "swap" a Digital PCB keep in mind that these boards come from the factory configured for the model in which they are installed. One would think that a functional Digital PCB might be reconfigured in somewhat the same manner as running a firmware update but that information is missing from model-specific DVD Recorder Service Manuals.

 

[DigaDo]

If a Panasonic 2006 or newer DVD Drive disc tray needs realignment/reinstallation or the roller/slider has become dislodged from its platform see this post for instructions and photos:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post15745506

 

[tystyx]

Hi everyone.


I posted this message as a new thread, but am posting it in reply to here as well because I believe it is relevant. PLEASE forgive me if that is not proper etiquette! I fear I have lost one of my most favorite A/V components!!



I have a Panasonic DMR-EH75V (2006 year model), and today I believe my DVD assembly went out. It's DVD assembly VXY1945. I have read another post that makes me believe it might rather be the PCB controller, too. Here's the rundown:


Today I was recording from the hard drive to DVD. Successfully recorded two discs. Started burning a third, and it stopped mid-burn with an error saying something was wrong with the disc. After that, it would not read ANY disc, whether new (blank), previously burned, store-bought DVD movie, etc.


When I finally closed the DVD tray WITHOUT a DVD in it, it again told me the disc was bad. I noticed it was making some new sounds whether there was a disc in the tray or not. It would make three "bzzt" sounds, then a fourth at a slightly lower pitch. I opened the case and took the cover off the DVD assembly and found that the carriage that holds the laser would jut forward towards the spindle three times (the first three "bzzt" sounds), then drop back. Again, I got the "problem with disc" message.


I have a couple questions: for those schooled in repairing these units, do you think that's a problem with the DVD assembly (possibly just the laser) or the PCB that it is attached to?


My second question is: whatever the problem may be, where can I get these parts (DVD assembly and/or PCB)? The only return I got when searching for my assembly's part number (VXY1945) was this forum.


This is one of my favorite components in my A/V system, and I would REALLY like to get it working again! I am afraid that if I take it to a service center, it will be returned with all my great programs erased from the hard drive.



Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!


--Tyson

 

[DigaDo]



Quote:
Originally Posted by tystyx /forum/post/15772367


I have a Panasonic DMR-EH75V (2006 year model), and today I believe my DVD assembly went out. It's DVD assembly VXY1945 . . .


Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!


--Tyson

You've come to the right place.


An owner of a DMR-ES15 has provided a brief YouTube video of what may be the same situation as yours. See this post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...9#post15110659


The other posts in that thread have more discussion of the problem.


For "no read" situations with "grinding" or "scrubbing" noises the most likely problem is dust, debris or oily residue on the DVD Drive's rubber hub atop the spindle.


For "no read" situations with "clunking" or "chugging" noises the most likely problem is a dirty or failed laser lens.


With these situations I usually suggest cleaning the lens and the rubber hub. This and the posts that follow it have more detailed advice and photos:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...8#post14479898


If cleaning the lens does not resolve the problem with your DMR-EH75 model the most likely problem is a failed laser assembly, a problem with the Digital PCB or a ribbon cable connection, failing power supply capacitors or some combination of those problems.


Do not despair!

 

Send a Private Message to Mickinct for repair information. 

 

[DigaDo]

The attached photo, courtesy of MISPAT, depicts the DMR-EH75 DVD Drive VXY1945.


Why do the 2006 HDD/DVD models use a different DVD Drive than the "standard" models? The "standard" models record to DVD in "real time" (1x) whereas the HDD/DVD models offer the "high-speed dubbing" feature that may require a DVD Drive optimized for high-speed dubbing in addition to "real time" recording. Perhaps therein lies one difference between DVD Drive models in 2006 model year Panasonic recorders.

 

[tystyx]

Wowwww... That's a lot just for a DVD module! Thank God for the Elk Grove folks! I will definitely look into that rather than try to find those parts or spend that kind of cash.


Will also try to clean the lens as well. I can tell you that from an angle, I can see the visible (red) laser come on for a quick moment, then shut off when it starts to "chug" and jut forward towards the spindle. Wondering if that might indicate a ribbon problem. I'll put a continuity meter on the ribbons and move the laser assembly back and forth to see if there's a break. THAT might be something I can fix.



Thank you for such a fast response, DigaDo! And thank you for taking the time to write such a succinct response, too!


Tyson

 

[tystyx]

By the way, the YouTube clip depicts exactly what my laser module is doing. I was wrong in my original post. Just like the YouTube clip, it juts forward with FOUR "chugs" followed by a lower-pitched chug, not three.


Thanks again!

Tyson