Twin Famicom Hangs when I load a disk

[JohnnyBlaze]

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110725

I have the same problem but with a Twin Famicom. I load a disk and it hangs at the loading screen but doesn't give an error message. Can anyone tell me what to do so my $192 isn't wasted on this. The seller claimed that this has a brand new belt. But, if it does, why won't it load any games? I know it's not the disks. They are brand new! HELP! BTW, pics would be appreciated.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Can't just replace the belt, you need to re-time the head as well.

It's not rocket science, but you'll need to get in there with a micro hex wrench and do a few things. You'll probably have to take the new belt off to complete the process. BE CAREFUL!! (Especially with those drive eject tray springs those suckers can FLY when being removed!!!)

http://www.pinkgodzillagames.com/retro_reviews/simply_ness_guide_to_famicom_d.php

Yeah ... there's no head timing tutorial there, but I'm pretty sure I have a hard copy at home. I'll send it over when I get back.

[JohnnyBlaze]

How would I go about doing that on a Twin Famicom? Where is the head that I need to re-time? I want to make sure I'm doing this right. The only system I've worked on is the Xbox and that is because it's made up of all PC components.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I believe that inside a Twin Fami you'll find the same disk drive apparatus as a standard Famicom Disk System.

Getting the actual unit open may be a bit different but the drive and method of adjusting the timing is the same as the steps detailed on the link I posted.

InsaneDavid or any of the other Twin Fami owners on the forums can likely confirm this.

*edit* whoops, just realized that that link didn't show how to do the head timing ... hang on, finding the step-by-step instructions ...

*edit 2* ... looks like the older guides that were up are now gone. I'm sure I have a hard copy somewhere, worse comes to worse I'll scan them and send them your way.

[ooXxXoo]

Hey Johnny go to the famicomworld.com forums, there is good info regarding these systems....Infact, as I have learned quite well, the screw doesn't really need to be adjusted, and it shouldn't be even touched....Although messing with the screw does works at times, is not the proper way to do it, and definitely not the way the techs over Nintendo used to do it....I spent a good amount of time researching the actual process, found an old service manual, but now is long gone too...
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[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Hey Johnny go to the famicomworld.com forums, there is good info regarding these systems....Infact, as I have learned quite well, the screw doesn't really need to be adjusted, and it shouldn't be even touched....Although messing with the screw does works at times, is not the proper way to do it, and definitely not the way the techs over Nintendo used to do it....I spent a good amount of time researching the actual process, found an old service manual, but now is long gone too...
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Yeah, I didn't touch the potentiometer screw (mentioned on the Pink Godzilla link) on mine either (if that's what you're referring to).

The head "timing" adjustment that I'm referring to is the disk head reader and large/small gear mech settings.

My Fami Disk System didn't read anything when I replaced the belt, but when I reset the timing position on the head and gears it read/loaded everything perfect in less than 2-3 seconds per load cycle.

[JohnnyBlaze]

Just opened it up. Belt WAS removed but because it melted. Seller is going to hopefully ship me a new belt to put in it.

[ooXxXoo]

Yeah, I didn't touch the potentiometer screw (mentioned on the Pink Godzilla link) on mine either (if that's what you're referring to).

The head "timing" adjustment that I'm referring to is the disk head reader and large/small gear mech settings.

My Fami Disk System didn't read anything when I replaced the belt, but when I reset the timing position on the head and gears it read/loaded everything perfect in less than 2-3 seconds per load cycle.

I was actually referring to the actual header hex screw....But if anyone move it, and are happy with it, so be it....Like I said, it works at times but definitely not the proper way to do it...
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[JohnnyBlaze]

Update: Opened the unit. Took it apart. Cleaned the melted rubber from it. Put it back together. Same problem as before(good, so this way I know I put it back together right). Just waiting on the seller to give me the belt.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Just opened it up. Belt WAS removed but because it melted. Seller is going to hopefully ship me a new belt to put in it.

Yeah, mine was melted too.

Go pick up some lighter fluid if you don't already have some.

You'll need it to get the residue completely off the mecahanism.


I was actually referring to the actual header hex screw....But if anyone move it, and are happy with it, so be it....Like I said, it works at times but definitely not the proper way to do it...
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Ah, didn't know that wasn't the way to go, as it totally worked for me (and others that I've spoken to who used that method of resetting the head and gears)...I think that I do recall the author of that guide saying that it was a trial/error self-developed technique.

I'd love to know how Nintendo did the adjustments in the event that I ever need to re-adjust mine in the future.

[JohnnyBlaze]

I used alcohol to remove the gunk. It's cleaned and ready for the new belt. I figured that everything had to be removed or else the new belt will stick and that belt would break too. Otherwise, the unit is in GREAT shape. The seller got back to me and he said that he's shipping the new belt tomorrow. Just have to wait....

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Scanned my printout of the apparently now defunct JFGOODS.NET instructions on resetting the Disk Head/Gears timing.

Glad that I printed those out when I was fixing my Fami Disk System.

If anybody wants a copy just PM me with your email address.