Marantz CD63 loading discs off-centre and wobbly

[dwjames]

Hi All,
I've just got a fairly special modded Marantz CD63 CD player, but it's not playing some discs unless I mount them off to one side in the tray.
With the case off I can see that evne if the discs do work and read ok, they're really wobbling around as they spin.
It's as though the disc isn't sat onto the central cone properly I guess.
I'm not sure if it's had a bash in the post or if the mechanism's faulty.

Are there any alignment adjustments I can have a play with or is there anything I should check?

Here's a quick video that shows the wobble
https://www.dropbox.com/s/np3nizqybu56o67/2012-06-11 21.38.48.mp4
And here's one that shows how sometimes it works, sometimes not
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m74nciex3z8ipxt/2012-06-11 21.57.14.mp4

Any ideas?
cheers,
James

 

[dwjames]

I've just checked back and it seems this player has just had a new Philips VAIM 1201 laser unit fitted.
I guess maybe the original M12.1 top clamp is still in place and isn't compatible?

If that's the case, can I just buy one of these and swap them over?
VAM1201 Disc Clamp (CD Loader/CD Short Loader) Philips

cheers,
James

 

[dwjames]

This appears to be down to a faulty mechanism with the CD cone seat not sitting square onto the spindle. I'm changing it out for a new one.

 

[nuryev]

Did you manage to do the cone seat project on your cdp? Do you have any pics to post of the process you followed?

 

[dwjames]

Did you manage to do the cone seat project on your cdp? Do you have any pics to post of the process you followed?

Cone seat project?
No, I found the plastic cone was sat at a slight angle on the spindle so it was never going to run true. It was supposed to be new, so presumable a sign of cheap and crappy manufacturing. I just swapped it all out and all is well now.

 

[nuryev]

I am having similar issues with my cd player are you able to instruct how to change the the plastic cone?

 

[powerflux]

This appears to be down to a faulty mechanism with the CD cone seat not sitting square onto the spindle. I'm changing it out for a new one.

There are a lot of fake/low quality/factory rejects on the market nowadays. The VAM and VAU assemblies are not in production anymore, and NOS supply is doubtfull.

 

[nuryev]

Thanks for the reply. I am currently testing a plastic cone taken from an old assembly. dwjames's observation of the angle of the spindle alerted me to shift my attention and rightly so. The cone was at an angle causing the disc to wobble. Will update when tests confirm that this is the fault.

 

[powerflux]

What i used to do is keep the old motor+spindle+assembly and just transplant the laser/lense-unit.

 

[nuryev]

Yes. I do the same but have experienced so many fakes that I sometimes try to avoid the tricky laser/lense transplant.

 

[tiefbassuebertr]

I've just checked back and it seems this player has just had a new Philips VAIM 1201 laser unit fitted.
I guess maybe the original M12.1 top clamp is still in place and isn't compatible?

If that's the case, can I just buy one of these and swap them over?
VAM1201 Disc Clamp (CD Loader/CD Short Loader) Philips

cheers,
James

The used loader is the model L1210 together with mechanism CDM12.1 - ask daisylaser for parts:
http://www.daisy-laser.com/products/cd/modules/L121065/val1210_65_68v1.0daisy2.pdf
and you need additional service manuals from follow Philips models include the associated service bulletins for the sucessor mechanism VAM1202:
CD-751, CD-910 or CD920.
This service bulletins therefore I have uploaded anywhere here on diyaudio.
To avoid unexpected trouble I would change only the laser head in case of a muddy hologram laser diode.
The videos from post #1 shows the consequence of a deformed pulley (turntable) from the spindle motor. unfortunately this device is factory-pressed and no shaft screw is present for height adjustment. Both parts (motor and pulley) are extremly low cost class.