Set Disc Error

[lisalover1]

I just got a new Duo-R off Ebay, and the console is supposed to be brand new. When I put in a disk and start it up, it gives me an error that says "Please Set Disc!" I tried different games, but it gives me the same error. What should I do? One thing I noticed is that the disk drive makes a high-pitched whining noise, and seems to stutter, and it only seems to spin a little bit, because it always is facing upside-down when I open the cover.

[Platinumfungi]

If you just purchased this, and it's supposed to be brand new, then the first thing I'd do is contact the seller and ask them what they're going to do about it. If it was listed as working and it isn't then they should save you the headache and get it fixed themselves.

If you have to mess around with it yourself, then you're going to have to open your system up (which you need a "hollow torx" screwdriver bit for)

I'd check out the following:

- Check the small plastic button that registers if the disc tray is open. It could be stuck or blocked by dirt and debris among other things. Check the parts that are on the circuit board and the parts that are in the top half of the system's case. Basically one part touches the other so either could be having issues.

- Look and see if the laser is all the way at the edge of the metal rails that it sits on. If so, try repositioning the laser into the middle area of the tracks, and see if that helps.

- It could need a new laser (about $21 shipped)...but that doesn't really make much sense if it's "brand new". So then perhaps adjusting the potentiometer on the laser could help.

But check with the seller first and foremost. Sounds like they falsely described the condition of the system.

If you have to try to repair it, I can post some pics to help you locate the parts I've mentioned if you're not familiar with them.

[lisalover1]

I tried pushing down on the disc cover while loading, and it seems to spin faster if I'm pushing down on it. Also, I got this item from Japan, but am using it in the US. I got the standard 9 volt adapter, but I have a 12 volt adapter for another device; should I try that? I heard power could be a problem. I also tested audio discs, they didn't work.

[Platinumfungi]

So no chance of the seller working with you?

Any work you do will require you to open the system.

Make sure you only use the official ac adapter unless you know a fair amount about power supplies. (if you use one with incorrect ratings you run the risk of frying your system permanently)

The Duo R / RX power supplies have the following ratings:

9V 1000mA with the center positive

So unless your adapter has those ratings I would not recommend trying it.

Do Hucards play ok?

[lisalover1]

The seller hasn't responded yet, but I'm still waiting. I tried moving the laser; it's always at the far left when I open the cover, but it won't move. I can't open the system right now, because I don't have a torx screwdriver, but when I try to pull it, it won't move at all. I heard that removing the plastic of the cd tray might help. What does this mean, and how do I do it? I tried cleaning the lens with alcohol, that didn't work. What kind of torx screwdriver should I look for? Also, can you post those pictures? Also, I have no HuCards to test with.

[lisalover1]

Well, things have gone from bad to worse. I tried holding down the disc cover button and switch to see what the laser does with no disc. It moves up and down, but not sideways. But, that's not the problem. Now, when I close the lid, it gives me an error saying that the disk cover was still open! What should I do now?

[jperryss]

Well, things have gone from bad to worse. I tried holding down the disc cover button and switch to see what the laser does with no disc. It moves up and down, but not sideways. But, that's not the problem. Now, when I close the lid, it gives me an error saying that the disk cover was still open! What should I do now?

I know the anxiety is probably killing you (been there!) but your safest bet right now is probably to sit on it and wait for the seller to respond.

[lisalover1]

Yeah, I sent the seller a message about 13 hours ago, he should respond soon... hopefully.

[Platinumfungi]

I'd agree with jperryss. Your best bet at this point is to wait and see what the seller has to say about this.

In reality, this probably isn't a difficult thing to fix. It sounds like the small button that registers if the disc tray is open is having issues and also your laser needs some readjusting. Perhaps you need a new laser, but as I mentioned, that's about $21 shipped to your door.

The screwdriver bit you need is a "hollow torx". It basically looks like a hollow star shape. Here's a picture: http://chadstoolbox.com/productimages/wera/066901,136220.jpg

Here's a link to a cheap security bit set that includes the bit you'd need among many others: http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/21/cheap-ass-tools-a-100-piece-security-bit-set-for-6/

If you look around any cheap tool store you'll find that kit. Harbor freight among many others sells it. I'd expect to pay $5-$15 depending on where you'd find it.

See what the seller has to say. If no other decent option arises, ask them for a partial refund.

If it was me, I'd calculate up all the potential expenses if I had to get it repaired/repair it and give them my list. Then ask for that amount.

I'd guess:
- $22 for a new laser
- $10 for tools to open the system
- Your time and effort

- AND/OR, any extra cost if you have someone else look at the unit. Remember shipping as well if applicable. That's probably roughly $13 each way, so another $26, plus if they charge you anything tack that on.

If all else fails:
- Buy some bits and we can walk you through this.
- Or, if you wanted to ship it to me, I'd take a look and see if I can find what's causing the problems.



 

[lisalover1]

I got a response from the seller, but he's not asking any questions I haven't already been asked. I'm going to keep talking with the seller, and see what he can do, first. If it doesn't work, I'll probably have it repaired. I don't want to mess up a $200 system even worse by doing it myself.

[lisalover1]

I got a really weird response from the seller. He said that backups and imports don't work on the Duo-R that he sold me. Now, I know for a fact that all Duo-Rs do both of these, so I'm a bit curious about that. Also, the NTSC-J non-backup game he sent me didn't work, either. I only have TurboCD games and backups to test, and none worked. Has anyone heard of a Duo-R rejecting backups and imports?

[Platinumfungi]

Any Duo will play USA and JPN cd games. So that's not an issue luckily. (By default they can only play their native region Hucards though)

Ah. Now there is an important fact that you might not be aware of. Playing backups on any NEC cd-rom based system can get the laser "out of alignment". I'm not sure what the technical answer is, so take this with a grain of salt, but people have said that since the media is different the laser has to try and adjust itself to compensate. Since the NEC cd-rom systems were very early on in the scheme of things they are much more sensitive to what media they'll read. Sometimes when trying to read this media the laser just gets "stuck" at the far edge of it's track.

So, if you've been playing backups on that Duo R that could be your "set disc" problem right there. The laser needs to be realigned.

Unless you're willing to readjust the laser if something goes off track, I would not recommend playing any backups/any CDR media.

However, that doesn't account for the "close disc cover" error. Although chances are slim, if you gently play around with the little button that registers if the disc cover is closed it could be that it is just stuck. Especially if it did not say that from when you immediately turned it on. However, it could easily be that something internal is just out of place.

I totally understand not wanting to open your new expensive system, but I'm afraid either you, or someone else, is probably going to need to do so. Luckily these are usually rather easy problems to fix. If you purchased a hollow torx bit and have a philips head screwdriver you'd be set.

What area are you in? Perhaps there is someone close to you here on the forums.

[lisalover1]

I have never gotten a game to work on the Duo-R, and the seller says he has never run a backup on it. Also, I'm in Michigan, USA. is anyone close to that area that can repair a Duo?

[Platinumfungi]

Hmmm... Have you asked about a partial refund (that you'll find someone to fix it)? If he doesn't offer to budge in any way, then I'd politely say you'll just have to leave negative comments on his feedback about receiving a broken item that the seller was not willing to replace. If he cares about his feedback then that could be a little leverage.

I'm in MA. That's not terribly close, but closer then some states. I can't make any guarantees, but I'd check it out if you'd like. Unless something is really bad I should be able to get it back up and humming 

[lisalover1]

He offered to pay for repairs, but now I have a torx screwdriver. What things should I look for to adjust the laser?