Sony MZ-NH3D Disc Protection Switch Question.

[Capturing Memories]

Hi folks,

I recently acquired a Sony MZ-NH3D for transferring files to computer, When the seller said it plays back only it doesn't record I was okay with it because my goal was transferring to computer not recording, When I received it I found out that the reason is because the record/erase protection switch is missing, the switch housing is still there except one out of 4 tabs that hold the spring and contact button is broken which could indicate it had snapped off previously.

 

Now my problem with this is that some people do ask for personal recordings to be erased if they don't want the media back after the transfer, But with the switch non functioning I'm no longer able to erase the mini discs.

 

I can go two ways in repairing it, The hard way or the easy almost impossible way, The hard way is to short out the 3 legs of the switch (one ground, one HiMD protect, one MD protect, this is a dual function single switch). It's hard because of the space around the switch which could mean taking it a part to avoid damaging other components with the soldering iron.

 

The easy way (at least I assume) is find a candidate cheap model or broken with a good switch, Remove the top part of the switch and snap it back on in my player, But I have to find out what models used the exact same switch, I'm assuming all HiMD devices used this dual sensing function switch setup but not sure. So my question is, Do you know any model used this switch? or at least look at your model under the disc lid and tell me if it looks like the picture I posted below.

 

Here is some info about the switch from the MZ-NH1 service manual which I know it's a sister model with some extra features, Switch# on the PCB: S891, Switch model: 1-786-672-21, Switch type: Push (2 KEY) (Protect detect).

 

[Capturing Memories]

The third and the easiest solution that just popped in my mind is using an electrically conductive paste, However not sure if it can be removed later on since it's an adhesive.

[sfbp]

On 11/12/2023 at 11:27 AM, Capturing Memories said:

 

Now my problem with this is that some people do ask for personal recordings to be erased if they don't want the media back after the transfer, But with the switch non functioning I'm no longer able to erase the mini discs.

 

 

If my memory serves, it's worse than that. If you cannot establish writeability, transfer FROM a HiMD disk is impossible. One of the reasons a lot of folks abandoned HiMD, because SonicStage doesn't work right in this case. Fortunately Sony came out with a bunch of HiMD play-only machines which removes the possibility of making a disk completely unusable because of a 1-bit error (unless you sent it into Sony). Of course none of THEM had USB connectivity at all.

 

This unusability usually happened when someone ran out of battery, or tried to open a locked drive, or (.... add list of weird scenarios). If everything is read-only, I am not sure anything very much works. Why? Because Sony had to update the (stupid) transfer count to "check in" the song from the MD and thereby preserve rights for the music owners. Lost cause. It may well be that WebMinidiscPro and other software have magically eliminated that problem. I have no idea.

 

With everything you describe including the fact that this a first-gen unit, I would highly recommend sourcing an RH1. For transfer purposes only, not to use as a player.

 

Good luck!

[Capturing Memories]

I will make the switch work whether the transfer requires it or not, I ordered a conductive paste, I will update the thread when I apply it. I have to admit that I have no clue about the technical stuff you were talking about. But I don't use Sonic Stage so I'm assuming that all netMD HiMD devices work the same way with Web MD Pro and homebrew mode option can remove copy protection.

[Capturing Memories]

I applied the conductive paste and it did not do the trick, Still getting write protected message and wipe disc is grayed out. It's either very high resistance or needs to solidify first. Before applying it, I cleaned the copper pads with cotton swabs and alcohol, then scratched them for better adhesion, Filled the switch cavity with the paste using a supplied needle, It's still wet now, hoping that it will work, but I'll give it another shot when it dries up, Not keeping my hopes up.

[Capturing Memories]

Definitely the paste fix doesn't work, Had to clean it all up and go the solder way, I had a hard time getting the solder to stick to the copper pads, Tried two different flux, still no go, it just creates a giant ball of soldier, Put a piece of de-soldering wire mesh and it held it together, Now I was able to wipe a disc, Still not sure about the HiMD protect switch, but that's not a big concern to me right now.