Head on DVD player hunts but can't lock on. Fix?

I have an Apex 3201 DVD player. It has been a champ and was modified
right after purchase via hidden menu options to have no region blocking
and no copypro. That's why I want to keep it even though it has a
problem.

Recently it began having trouble getting past the menu's and initial
parts of DVD's. I can load the DVD select options from menu's, look at
episode guides, etc. But when I try to play the actual program, or go to
a specific scene (via scene select), the head on the player seems unable
to locate the proper place. I hear it going back & forth hitting the
stops.

I opened up the unit as I thought maybe there was a rubber band or
something that had broken (I replaced the one that opens/closes the
tray a couple years ago). But I can see that the read head moves via
servo, not band, and appears to have full range capability. I lightly
brushed the "eye" using a lens cleaning cloth, before reassembling.
Still have the same problem. Initial menus and options menus play ok,
but when going for main content or direct scene selections the head
hunts and is unable to lock on.

I'd like to keep this unit. Any suggestions on what may be the problem,
and how to fix?

TIA

On Wed, 9 Jan 2008 05:42:43 +0100 (CET), Trek@nonono.net (124032) put
finger to keyboard and composed:

>I have an Apex 3201 DVD player. It has been a champ and was modified
>right after purchase via hidden menu options to have no region blocking
>and no copypro. That's why I want to keep it even though it has a
>problem.
>
>Recently it began having trouble getting past the menu's and initial
>parts of DVD's. I can load the DVD select options from menu's, look at
>episode guides, etc. But when I try to play the actual program, or go to
>a specific scene (via scene select), the head on the player seems unable
>to locate the proper place. I hear it going back & forth hitting the
>stops.
>
>I opened up the unit as I thought maybe there was a rubber band or
>something that had broken (I replaced the one that opens/closes the
>tray a couple years ago). But I can see that the read head moves via
>servo, not band, and appears to have full range capability. I lightly
>brushed the "eye" using a lens cleaning cloth, before reassembling.
>Still have the same problem. Initial menus and options menus play ok,
>but when going for main content or direct scene selections the head
>hunts and is unable to lock on.
>
>I'd like to keep this unit. Any suggestions on what may be the problem,
>and how to fix?
>
>TIA

There may be an intermittent break in the flex cable that connects to
the optical pickup, or a broken tooth in one of the gears. Drive the
sled motor pinion manually and check for any resistance.

Otherwise, if your player has an IDE DVD loader, then you may be able
to replace it with a PC type DVD-ROM drive.

See the bottom section of this page:
http://www.nerd-out.com/darrenk/index_old.htm

- Franc Zabkar
--
Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.

> See the bottom section of this page:
> http://www.nerd-out.com/darrenk/index_old.htm

Wonderful! Thank you very much!

In article <00080009150324.OUI14.Trek@nonono.net>, Trek@nonono.net wrote:
>> See the bottom section of this page:
>> http://www.nerd-out.com/darrenk/index_old.htm
>
>Wonderful! Thank you very much!
>
Silicone glue is next in line right behind duct tape for the most usefull
thing ever invented!!!!

In article <00080009150324.OUI14.Trek@nonono.net>, Trek@nonono.net wrote:
>> See the bottom section of this page:
>> http://www.nerd-out.com/darrenk/index_old.htm
>
>Wonderful! Thank you very much!
>
I see that model at Salvation Army thrift stores and other local thrift stores
all the time for like $5. You could go to one of these places, buy one and use
the drive out of the cheap one to fix yours.