Sharp MD units are designed to shatter when dropped

[Fernando Olmos]

I don't know about any other brand, but I do know that Sharp units (especially since the MT80 onwards) have a specifically designed spring system inside the spin-shaft (the track on which the magnetic head moves back and forth over the disc), where if the unit is dropped on a corner (90% of cases MD units that are dropped, are hit on the corners and not on the flat surface!), the spring detaches itself and basically lets the shaft fall off its support holes! This in effect makes the unit useless, as it won't properly write the TOC and record! Mind you, it will allow you to play an MD, which is the strange bit.

So beware people.... if you buy a 2nd hand unit, make sure the corners are not scratched or indented.... and if you do drop it, take it to a repairer IMMEDIATELY because in due time, your unit will fail.

It happened to mine.

But there is hope!

I opened one of my units, when this happened (MT899) and I was able to restore the spring back into place. AND IT NOW WORKS PERFECTLY!

So don't believe this crap from repairers (especially the Sharp authorised ones) that say you need to spend hundreds on spare parts and labour when all they do is prop this spring back into place and presto!