Denon 2900 Exemplar worth it to fix

[musicfile]

Hi Guys
I have a modified John Tucker Exemplar 2900 with siltech wiring
When I insert a cd the display reads 00h00m00s is this the laser that has stopped working
Does it make sense to have this fixed or is the cdp problematic going forward ?
Any ideas what the cost to fix something like this

Replies appreciated
Pat

[richidoo]

http://wikhifi.wikispaces.com/Denon+DVD-2900+-+Laser+pickup+replacement
http://cgi.ebay.es/DENON-DVD-OPTICAL-LASER-Head-DVD-A1-A11-2800-2900-/350413565440

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/63838-denon-2900-a-5.html
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/106378-problem-solved-dvd-player-cannot-start-all-dvds.html#post1271160

Definitely worth fixing if you can get hold of the parts. $50 on Spanish Ebay

[musicfile]

Thanks Rich
I would buy the drive system but not sure if this is the problem
I will ask my local tech to have a look at it
I'm hesistant as I've been told that once the laser goes the cdp becomes problematic to a point where it doesn't make sense to keep it
Is this an accurate statement ??

[richidoo]

Each part has its own failure modes. You have to look at the overall value against the cost to fix each part as they break. Generally electronic repair parts are very cheap compared to the retail price of the player. If you have the knowhow or someone you trust does, then keep it running forever. Seems like a Exemplar modded CDP would be worth throwing a couple hundred at it for a known repair on a common problem.

I am very risk tolerant, and would just give it a try, especially with those diy instuctions and low parts cost. It looks like a match, but only you can know for sure.  I don't know about other problems lurking in old Denons or how that affects your decision to fix. But if they are the usual power supply issues from junk Chinese filter caps, that is common and easy to fix. But if it's issues with the control circuit requiring replacement of proprietary and obsolete Denon parts, or anything replacing the whole PCB, then you would probably bail. You should be able to size all that up after searching for signs of trouble on the diy boards. Usually they have solutions, or very vocal frustration for unfixable problems.

[musicfile]

good news i was able to source a optical laser head for the Denon 2900 for a good price and will try to install it myself
I've read that it's a drop in part and does not require any alignment
Anybody familar with replacing a laser head on a Denon 2900 ?

I decided to not go for the entire traverse assembly as the laser head replacement is almost always the problem ..I hope i'm right

[richidoo]

Awesome!!

One of my links has directions to replace it. Get a good night sleep before doing it, to avoid dummy mistakes. I am still trying to learn that lesson. Good luck!!

[mgalusha]

good news i was able to source a optical laser head for the Denon 2900 for a good price and will try to install it myself
I've read that it's a drop in part and does not require any alignment
Anybody familar with replacing a laser head on a Denon 2900 ?

I decided to not go for the entire traverse assembly as the laser head replacement is almost always the problem ..I hope i'm right

I know some Denon's have solder blobs across pads for shipping, they need to be removed or it won't work. I know this was true on my 3910. Just looked at the service manual for the 2900, it talks about adding solder to short the laser before removing and to reverse the steps for assembly. If you need the service manual I have it as a PDF. Email me if you need a copy.

mike

[mgalusha]

Forgot I had a PDF with an image of the laser showing the pads. Hope this helps.

[musicfile]

Thanks Guys
I will have a go at it and report back

Cheers
Pat

[musicfile]

I was able to snag some directions on how to fix
Does this make sense



-Remove the unit cover
-Eject the disc tray and turn power off
-Remove the top of the transport box
-Undo the rail securing plate (two screws) at the rear of the laser slide mechanism
-Lift the lock for the ribbon cable to the laser head and remove it from the laser head.
-Lift both rails (tilting them upwards) and slide the laser head (including the white gear rack) off - DO NOT LOSE ANY SPRINGS!
-While holding the white gear rack - DO NOT LOSE THE SPRING! - to the NEW laser head, slide the laser head back on the rails.
-Screw down the rails under the rail securing plate again,
-Plug the ribbon cable back into the laser mechanism and lock it
-Using solder wick, and a 15w soldering iron, desolder the two (or one in the case of HOP-1200W) solder blobs towards the rear right of the laser head (a gentle touch works fine)
-Screw the top of the transport box back on
-Put the cover back on
-Plug in, power on, go

Did I miss anything ??

[richidoo]

Sounds like the putting together is opposite of taking apart, so it must be right! 

My only advice is:
Put small parts into a small bowl so they don't roll away or get lost if you have to stop before completing.
Don't stop before completing. Plan uninterrupted time so you can concentrate.
Don't do it at night when tired.
Have the right tools.

Good luck!

[eleazar]

Sounds like the putting together is opposite of taking apart, so it must be right! 

My only advice is:
Put small parts into a small bowl so they don't roll away or get lost if you have to stop before completing.
Don't stop before completing. Plan uninterrupted time so you can concentrate.
Don't do it at night when tired.
Have the right tools.

Good luck!

When I do a project I like to take pics of the process so if I get confused (that never happens) I can always refer back to my snaps

[musicfile]

Thanks Again boys
I appreciate all the helpful tips ..now it's time to get in there and slay the dragon

[mgalusha]

I too would suggest lots of photos. Hope this brings it back to life. 

[tmazz]

Pat,

How did the surgery go?