davewithabeard Posted August 18, 2016 Report Share Posted August 18, 2016 Can somebody please explain the difference between a Lens Cleaner and a Head Cleaner? I understand that the lens is basically the laser but what is the head in a minidisc recprder deck? Many thanks for any explanations...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NGY Posted August 18, 2016 Report Share Posted August 18, 2016 8 hours ago, davewithabeard said: the difference between a Lens Cleaner and a Head Cleaner? They are essentially the same. But using a cleaning disc is probably not the best idea. More thoughts here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewithabeard Posted August 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2016 I had an interesting experience recently. I bought a very well used MDS-JE640. It was filthy after use in a theatre and covered in all sorts. I cleaned the laser first with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud and then wiped with the clean dry end. After this it played back but no record!! Then I used a Sony Lens Cleaner and sure enough it now records. But I have no explanation for this, also no TDK Head Cleaner..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddyjollo Posted August 19, 2016 Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 hmm not sure a head cleaner and the lens cleaner are the same. Minidisc uses 2 heads one for playback/record and one only for record. The record only one is in contact with the disc and is a magnetic head( just like tape!) ( I think the top surface? as i see they have lubricant on them, one reason why you should NEVER clean minidisc with Fairy liquid, also question does this ever dry out so old discs will damage the recorder?) - the playback/record head is the laser - in record it heats up the disc locally so the magnetic properties can be changed, in play back just reads the surface. I think the laser head reads from the bottom? so possibly 2 types of action and 2 types of cleaner. I do have 3 - 2 described as lens cleaners ( Sony & Ross ) and 1 head cleaner ( TDK ) I very rarely use them. Looking at mine - the lens cleaners can only be played back but the headcleaner can be recorded on, I dont have the instructions any more ( :( ) but I think had to record some thing to get it to do its work, I just played mine back and yep I recorded some thing on it - the top surface is not the normal shiney but a blue dull matt I assume the cleaning surface for the record head. I would have thought that since the record head is a contact head is the one most need of cleaning if you record a lot. id you only have playback issues then the laser head needs cleaning eg http://www.totalblankmedia.com/product_info.php/tdk-minidisc-head-cleaner-p-941 or cheaper https://www.amazon.co.uk/TDK-CLMDL-MD-Lens-Cleaner/dp/B000CM677G glad this brought up as time to get a new one when i do ill report back the how-to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.