Rotel RCD-855 CD Player "ERR" Message

[dtm1962]

I picked up a Rotel RCD-855 that had a display & keypad that was non-functional. This was a result of the 15V Zener that failed. So I replaced all the Power Supply parts (diodes/regulators/zeners & capacitors) & electroylitic capacitors throughout the board. At the time prior to repairing the display/keyboard, the player worked intermittenly when using the remote control. The top clamp "washer' was loose and caused the disc to spin rough and as result the disc could not be read. I secured the clamp 'washer" and the player worked.
So after all the new parts were added the display was repaired and all the PS voltages are correct at all of the circuits that it was supplying.

So the player now goes into "ERR" (error mode) anytime I start up.

The following is what I have done since this initial "ERR" condition arose:

I soldered all of the joints throughout the player
I cleaned the laser lens outside & inside (removed the exterior lens cover).
I used a Philips CD-582 service manual and performed all the tests I could without the special service CD that it talks about. The results testing it in the "service Mode are:
The disc motor spins correctly, the radial arm back n forth and the laser focus mechanism moves up and down as required & the Laser LED emits a red light.
I measure the laser supply going to the laser (at 3.5VDC)
I soldered carefully all the solder joints on the laser wiring (foil interconnect)
I see the laser light ids functional. Not extemely bright - looking from an anle carefully.
I adjusted the 2 pots to see if there is any difference and no change for the better. The pots did affect operation accordingly but not any improvement to eliminate the error message.

What can I do next to diagnose the problem.....

Any input would be helpful...

Thanks in advance,

[dtm1962]

Forgot to mention:

Press PLAY button.... Disc will spin....... Display flashes with Play arrow and then within 3 seconds the "ERR" message displays....

[amc184]

It sounds like the laser is focusing, but can't read the table of contents. What error code did the player display in service mode?

I adjusted the 2 pots to see if there is any difference and no change for the better

Did you adjust them while monitoring the correct voltages? I know it a bit of a pig to do on this player, but if you don't your just feeling around in the dark.

[dtm1962]

It wouldn't give me an error code as I did not have the proper Service CD. I could only go so far for testing the drive "without the proper test CD".

So that is the problem... It won't read the TOC (Table of Contents).

So what causes this....

[amc184]

Just put in a good condition audio CD and try the branch 'C' tests.

[dtm1962]

I will try this tonight. Thanks for the tip as I thought you had to have a special SERVICE CD. I will let you know

Thanks,

[dtm1962]

Test Results:

I went into Test Service Mode "C" and went to Service Position 3 which will give you either "Music" or the other Path of Error Codes (by pressing Track Forward).

What happened is that extremely distorted unrecognizable "music" can be heard in a "CH -CH -CH -CH like almost like a "comb effect sound". The "music" goes up in volume and down accordingly & totally silent between tracks.

It won't allow me to go to next Service Position "E" (by pressing track forward), so I can't get any ERROR Codes.

So I don't know what I can do to get any more information.

So what would cause the music to be completely distorted....

One other note is that the foil interconnect from laser to circuit board is worn where the pins (on the board female connector) touch. So to eliminate this variable I did not insert the ribbon foil as far as I could normally inorder to get a better connection. Initially pushing on it when fully inserted caused the tracking (laser assembly to bang against each end and speed up). So ultimately to avoid this future condition, I may trim the foil ribbon to avoid this worn pin connection or solder pins to the ribbon and (remove female connection) and solder directly to the circuit board.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

[amc184]

Put a disc in, start the player in service mode and press play. I think this should give you an error code.

It sounds to me like it is focusing and reading, but not tracking correctly. With the player off, how free is the movement of the radial arm when you bump it? Does it move freely right to either end of it's track?

[dtm1962]

It gives me ERROR CODE 7 which is "Subcoding Error during Play (Check HF).

So how do I check HF? I will check service manual as well.....

[amc184]

Did you check the other stuff I said?