Panasonic Headaches

[Another MD fanatic]

Two actually. MR220 won't recognise disc in machine. Spins and spins..... and spins, then eventually stops. Sometimes display shows "no disc" but a couple of times "system error" has come up in display. I'm assuming laser has bit the dust so no point in messing around with it.

2nd one. MR230 won't recognise battery in player, even a fully charged one. Works fine with external AA case. Have examined battery contacts (with a magnifier) and can't see any grotty green stuff or other corrosion. I've come across this before, also suspiciously on a Panasonic so beginning to wonder, is it a common problem?

Must admit I'm a bit sick about the MR220 as I bought it new about 11 years ago and paid £180 for it! And I've still got the box and all the accessories!

Any comments or suggestions regarding either of above greatly appreciated. Wonder if Jim's reading this?

Thanks

[PhilippeC]

Your MD repair master live in UK... Jim Hoggarth !

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/jim.hoggarth/

[jim.hoggarth]

I have not has many Panasonic units through the workshop, but in most cases it has been the main board at fault. I do recognise the battery detect problem too, I am sure. Shame they are not the same model, otherwise you could try swapping the board across, as I also suspect the optical pickup on the read/toc error unit.

Jim

[Another MD fanatic]

Thanks for your comment Jim, I suspected the MR220 may have shot it completely. I suppose wouldn't be massive problem to replace, seen plenty go for around £20-£25 mark, even less sometimes. MR230 lot less common so I might have a further poke around with that.

Always baffled me how things can "go faulty" while sat in the box! Both of these worked perfectly last time I used them, about 2 or 3 months ago, then bingo, they're both faulty for no apparent reason. And I never leave the batteries in while not in use.

[jim.hoggarth]

Electronic units can be odd. Failures tend to be quite common on newly manufactured equipment, and on much older gear - the so-called 'bath-tub' effect. Perhaps long term storage 'resets the clock' to some extent, meaning that powering up after a long period is just like first applying power to a new unit - with the stress of being electrified giving exactly the same problems? I know I feel like shit when first 'plugged in' after a long sleep!

Jim

[Another MD fanatic]

Electronic units can be odd. Failures tend to be quite common on newly manufactured equipment, and on much older gear - the so-called 'bath-tub' effect. Perhaps long term storage 'resets the clock' to some extent, meaning that powering up after a long period is just like first applying power to a new unit - with the stress of being electrified giving exactly the same problems? I know I feel like shit when first 'plugged in' after a long sleep!

Jim

Yes Jim, I know exactly what you mean, me too!

By the way, nice to see you're currently listening to Led Zep. I thought it was just me that spends most of their time listening to stuff 30, 40 or 50 years old (or older). Still, I guess people will still be listening to Zep in another 100 years from now.

[jim.hoggarth]

Yes Jim, I know exactly what you mean, me too!

By the way, nice to see you're currently listening to Led Zep. I thought it was just me that spends most of their time listening to stuff 30, 40 or 50 years old (or older). Still, I guess people will still be listening to Zep in another 100 years from now.

I have recently rediscovered the joy of listening to #5 - Houses of the Holy. I wore my original copy out playing it. All the more because of the front cover - it really got up my father's nose as he thought it pornographic, the silly old b*****d. Funnily enough, I never bought Physical Graffiti and kind of ignored all subsequent releases. But I still love the first five albums.

Jim