Famicom Disk System not working

[SplashChick]

Okay, so I just imported a Famicom Disk System for my collection, but when I loaded the disk, it gave me an error #2. I know this means that the unit isn't receiving power, so it's not the typical broken belt issue. Switching between AC and batteries didn't solve the problem either. I opened it up but didn't see any immediate damage, other than it looks like someone squeezed the cord connecting the drive to the board a little hard with pliers. I'm guessing that the issue is in the wiring somewhere, but without a multimeter on hand I can't be sure. Tips?

[gokugohandave]

Without a multimeter you cant check for broke components. You dont need an expensive multimeter either, your radioshack should have em for cheap. PM sent.

[SplashChick]

Okay, I just got a message from the seller, he claims that the device wont power if any kind of conflict arises, such as a broken belt, is this true?

[gokugohandave]

If something is binding or not being moved it may cause it, though id think it would at least light up. Smell anything burning or trying to move at all?

[SplashChick]

Okay, I replaced the belt and it fixed that problem, but now whenever I enter a disk it stays on the "Now loading" screen. The drive works and the disk spins, but it never loads. The drive head and disk both look very clean, what else could I have done wrong?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

In addition to replacing the belt, you need to "calibrate" the head.

In my experience with fixing FDS units, this isn't a 100% effective technique (when something else is wrong, no matter how much you calibrate the head it won't fix the problem) but when it works you'll have your games booting in less than 2 seconds.

PM me your email address and I'll send you over calibration instructions with photos.

[SplashChick]

I still can't get any disks to load. I've adjusted the head and motor speed over and over, but either I'm doing it wrong or something else is the problem. What else can I do?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

:(

Well, belt replacement and calibration is the maximum level of expertise that I can provide.

It may be electrical/electronic beyond adjustments.

[SplashChick]

I just don't get what's causing this. What would make a disk spin, but never load or give an error message?

[gokugohandave]

Is the disc any good? Does it have damage or dirt or whatever? Maybe its been damaged data wise by a magnet or something else, heat, sun whatever.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Is the disc any good? Does it have damage or dirt or whatever? Maybe its been damaged data wise by a magnet or something else, heat, sun whatever.

Good question/point.

Do you have more than one Famicom Disk?

If you have more than one try them all, if you only have one, try both sides of the disk you have.

[SplashChick]

I only have the one disk, but it's in almost new condition and I got it from a reliable retailer.

[phreak97]

did you reallign the spindle? when you pull it apart to change the belt the spindle gets moved out of whack, it's designed so it only clips into the disk in one specific position, so if you put it back together in the wrong place the head will never actually line up with any data. mine gave errors when I had this problem, but it's something to check I guess. if you run it with the cover off can you see the head moving back and forth across the disk?

[SplashChick]

I did notice that the head doesn't seem to move at all, no. Could that be why it's doing that?

[phreak97]

the head and the spindle are geared together, they run via the belt. if one moves and not the other then you didnt put it back together properly, if neither move then its either all jammed up or you really arent getting power..

[SplashChick]

Well the head will move towards the center but not away. I'm not sure how to fix it.

[phreak97]

Well the head will move towards the center but not away. I'm not sure how to fix it.

how does that work? it has to move away before it can move t the centre..

[SplashChick]

If I forcibly move it from the center it will when I put a disk in.

[SplashChick]

It IS supposed to move away from the center when it's trying to read, right?

[InsaneDavid]

Just for the record, the FDS head alignment tutorials I've seen set the head position up completely different from how I set mine. I tried a few different positions (including the ones in the tutorials) but it essentially boiled down to some trial and error until I found an ideal spot, which ended up being...

http://www.classicplastic.net/junk/TwinFami02.jpg

Not to say that's where it should rest on all drives (quite the opposite, as I found out from the tutorials) but it's something to try. I get one second seek times and no rereads on my Twin Famicom with it set like that.

[SplashChick]

I think I've figured out the problem. The head doesn't move back on its own because there's too much friction somewhere along the device; the spring isn't strong enough to pull it back like it's supposed to. I'm not sure exactly where all the friction is coming from, but I'm going to try to find out.

[phreak97]

best you pull it apart again and have a look, probably something didnt go back together properly.

That spindle allignment picture, you have to do the allignment relative to the gears on the back, the home position for the head has a fair area on the gears I'm pretty sure.. mine worked first go lining it up from someones photo of the gear position with the spindle at centre.

[SplashChick]

No, one of the rail guides was slightly bent, causing just enough friction to make it not move. I fixed that and now the head moves properly. Now the challenge is making the right adjustments.

[phreak97]

I spent 6 hours working on mine to get it working properly.
"Tested and working perfectly" for you..

[SplashChick]

Ugh, I still can't get it to work. I've tried realigning the spindle in two different positions shown in guides, but I still can't get anything but a loading screen. Is it unusual to not be able to get an error code even?

[SplashChick]

Is there any reason why I wouldn't get an error code? I can't seem to get any at all.

[SplashChick]

Is there any reason why I wouldn't get an error code? I can't seem to get any at all.

Okay, update, the seller tells me that a fuse could have been blown. Is this known to happen, and what could I do about it? I don't remember seeing a fuse anywhere, but I probably just wasn't paying attention to it.

[phreak97]

I'm not sure what's in fami generation hardware, but in the snes stuff theres a a small rectangular black fuse with a wire coming out each end. you wouldnt notice it to be a fuse. basically youre looking for an axial style component (leads at each end) with a number on it the snes fuse is labled 1.5 but I'd expect the fds one to be less. it should be one of, if not the very first thing the pcb traces go through after the power socket or battery connectors.