How does an optical drive open its tray?

Skyhawk · 11-19-2006, 11:02 PM

Does anyone on this forum know how the mechanical mechanism actually works to open the tray in a DVD burner drive?

My NEC 2500A burner is having problems opening its disc tray. When I press the button to open the tray, I hear a click and the tray moves but does not come out. If I press the button a 2nd or 3rd time then the tray comes out.

Also previously upon completing a burn, my burning software opened the disc tray. Now it only opens about 30% of the time. I watched it a couple of times when the burn was completing and the drive clicks and the tray moves but does not come out, similar to not coming out manually as described above.

I need some advice before I pull the drive and open it up. What should I be looking for to fix it?

Thanks,
Skyhawk

zapionics<alt> · 11-20-2006, 05:43 AM

There is typically a motor connected either by cogs or by a pulley system to the drive door and it varies by manufacturer and model.

The firmware manages the signals to turn on and off the motor, ejecting the disc, the motor speed, region checking, tracking, etc.

I dont recomend you open up and work on your DVD burner.
Firstly its a precision instrument and very easy to damage it or cause it to go out of callibration and conversely its extremely difficult to fix it without specialised equipment and training.

Secondly, and more importantly, optical drives use a laser to burn and read the disc and this is potentially very dangerous as it can damage your eye sight. Usually the drive will have warning stickers and labels telling you not to open it for this reason.

My advice is either take it to an authorised repairer or junk it, but dont attempt to repair it yourself.

Skyhawk · 11-20-2006, 06:26 AM

Thanks for your info. I would not be attempting repairs with power applied. Only with the drive disconnected and sitting on a table. Happen to know if there is a latch of some sort that has to open to allow the tray to come out?

Drufuss · 11-20-2006, 06:47 AM

If your drive is out of warranty and you want to try to repair it for yourself, open up the drive (very carafully, not to break parts. Remember exactly what you do remove, where you removed it and in what order).
Then start looking for worn out teeth on gear wheels, etc. Maybe some dirt blocking mechanical parts or microswitches, optical sensors etc.

Greetings

Dru

*Bofinn* · 11-20-2006, 09:41 AM

try experimenting with a paper clip. Does it open every single time with it?

GWillakers · 11-20-2006, 09:53 AM

Ditto the paper clip.... there should be a tiny hole in the front where you put the disk in,
unfold the paper clip, and stick it in, thats the right way

FightingChance · 11-20-2006, 02:28 PM

Don't be afraid to futz with it - a brand new top of the line NEC burner is like 25 dollars.

Skyhawk · 11-20-2006, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bofinn

try experimenting with a paper clip. Does it open every single time with it?

Tried it 3 times using a paperclip and it opened fine every time. And guess what? It opens every time now with using the button too. No clue why but I hope it will last.

Thanks Bofinn,
Skyhawk

Skyhawk · 11-20-2006, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FightingChance

Don't be afraid to futz with it - a brand new top of the line NEC burner is like 25 dollars.

The Nec 2500A burns DVDs so well that I hate to replace it for a tray problem. I was looking on the Newegg website reader reviews and the latest NEC burner has mixed reviews. The Liteon burner has all 5 star reviews. Both go for about $29 + shipping.

Anyone with glowing personal experiences with a new burner in case I have to buy one?

Thanks and thanks to all who responded so far!
Skyhawk

*Bofinn* · 11-20-2006, 08:28 PM

maybe you had some dirt/dust/hairs stuck in the gears...?

Skyhawk · 11-20-2006, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bofinn

maybe you had some dirt/dust/hairs stuck in the gears...?

Exactly what I was just wondering. I plan to open the drive up and vaccum/blow it out. The low pressure in the cabinet caused by the 3 exhaust fans in the back of the cabinet just sucks dust in from every possible opening.

Thanks,
Skyhawk

FightingChance · 11-21-2006, 12:16 PM

I can sell you my 2500A.

11-19-2006, 11:02 PM	#1
Skyhawk Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 404	How does an optical drive open its tray? Does anyone on this forum know how the mechanical mechanism actually works to open the tray in a DVD burner drive? My NEC 2500A burner is having problems opening its disc tray. When I press the button to open the tray, I hear a click and the tray moves but does not come out. If I press the button a 2nd or 3rd time then the tray comes out. Also previously upon completing a burn, my burning software opened the disc tray. Now it only opens about 30% of the time. I watched it a couple of times when the burn was completing and the drive clicks and the tray moves but does not come out, similar to not coming out manually as described above. I need some advice before I pull the drive and open it up. What should I be looking for to fix it? Thanks, Skyhawk
(Offline)

11-20-2006, 05:43 AM	#2
zapionics<alt> <unknown level> Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AUSTRALIA Posts: 2,985	There is typically a motor connected either by cogs or by a pulley system to the drive door and it varies by manufacturer and model. The firmware manages the signals to turn on and off the motor, ejecting the disc, the motor speed, region checking, tracking, etc. I dont recomend you open up and work on your DVD burner. Firstly its a precision instrument and very easy to damage it or cause it to go out of callibration and conversely its extremely difficult to fix it without specialised equipment and training. Secondly, and more importantly, optical drives use a laser to burn and read the disc and this is potentially very dangerous as it can damage your eye sight. Usually the drive will have warning stickers and labels telling you not to open it for this reason. My advice is either take it to an authorised repairer or junk it, but dont attempt to repair it yourself. __________________ * Please note: any advertising within this post has been placed there by the site owner and NOT by me! * "To Boldly Go..."
(Offline)

11-20-2006, 06:26 AM	#3
Skyhawk Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 404	Thanks for your info. I would not be attempting repairs with power applied. Only with the drive disconnected and sitting on a table. Happen to know if there is a latch of some sort that has to open to allow the tray to come out?
(Offline)

11-20-2006, 06:47 AM	#4
Drufuss CUSL2-C -> P5Q ? Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Österreich Posts: 2,796	If your drive is out of warranty and you want to try to repair it for yourself, open up the drive (very carafully, not to break parts. Remember exactly what you do remove, where you removed it and in what order). Then start looking for worn out teeth on gear wheels, etc. Maybe some dirt blocking mechanical parts or microswitches, optical sensors etc. Greetings Dru __________________ System specs: Asus P5Q Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83 GHz @ 3.42 GHz 4 x 2GB DDR2-Ram PC2-1066 Corsair Dominator @ 800MHz 3 x Seagate 7200.ESII 500GB SATA Sapphire HD4870X2 2048MB Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS, Hauppauge HVR4000 DVB-S/S2/T, Dlink DWL-G510, Logitech Z-5450 5.1 THX Wireless Enermax Modu82+ 625W Win XP MCE 2005, openSuse Linux 11 64bit, Vista Home Premium 64bit CUSL2-C ruled! ..äh... RulEd! Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.
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11-20-2006, 09:41 AM	#5
Bofinn I'm gettin' dizzy! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 11,035	try experimenting with a paper clip. Does it open every single time with it? __________________ ---------- JimBo ----------- When in doubt, smack it!
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11-20-2006, 09:53 AM	#6
GWillakers Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 176	Ditto the paper clip.... there should be a tiny hole in the front where you put the disk in, unfold the paper clip, and stick it in, thats the right way
(Offline)

11-20-2006, 02:28 PM	#7
FightingChance Yes, I am better than you Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Winter Park, FL Posts: 4,068	Don't be afraid to futz with it - a brand new top of the line NEC burner is like 25 dollars.
(Offline)

11-20-2006, 08:28 PM	#10
Bofinn I'm gettin' dizzy! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 11,035	maybe you had some dirt/dust/hairs stuck in the gears...? __________________ ---------- JimBo ----------- When in doubt, smack it!
(Offline)

11-21-2006, 12:16 PM	#12
FightingChance Yes, I am better than you Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Winter Park, FL Posts: 4,068	I can sell you my 2500A.
(Offline)

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