JVC X'Eye Laser Replacement

[cityside75]

Well, I've had enough of the weak laser in my X'eye, that struggles to read some of the most pristine discs. I tried adjusting the laser pot, and could only make its performance worse, not better. So I've decided to replace the laser. I found a store online selling the laser for $25 shipped, I expect it to arrive early next week.

So...anyone here done this? Any tips before I get started? I looked over the image on the web of the replacement laser and I think I see what needs to be done to swap them out, but any experiences or advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

[retrospiel]

May I ask for the link to the store ?

[ooXxXoo]

Most new lasers come with anti-static solder points (unless these have been removed prior to shipping)...So, you want to make sure it isn't there when replacing it, and if you don't know for certain, you should definitely ask if yours have it or not...

[cityside75]

May I ask for the link to the store ?

Here you go:

http://www.libertye-online.com/servl...A-LASER/Detail

Most new lasers come with anti-static solder points (unless these have been removed prior to shipping)...So, you want to make sure it isn't there when replacing it, and if you don't know for certain, you should definitely ask if yours have it or not...

Good to know, I'll look into this. I have a decent soldering iron, a solder-sucker and a braid so I should be able to remove the points if they're still on there. Do you know what part of the laser assembly these points are typically close to?

[cityside75]

Well, I contacted the company I purchased the laser from and they basically responded with "I dunno" when I asked them about the anti-static laser point. Great. So, gave the thing a good look and didn't see anything that obviously looked like an anti-static solder point, so I tried installing it.

The laser seeks but does not see discs. As far as I can see, there is no red light emitting from the eye at all. Also the disc does not spin at all. Clearly the laser is not sensing anything. I verified that I didn't break anything by reinstalling the old laser, which still works just as it had previously.

So, now I'm more convinced that I must have missed the solder point. I've looked more closely at the small PCB where the ribbon cable attaches and I do see a small blob of solder that seems different from the original laser, and may be joining two contacts (hard to say for sure). I'm probably going to try removing it but I wanted to double check here just in case anyone knows for sure first.

This is a model JVC Optima-6s laser. Again, the small blob of solder is near the connector for the ribbon cable. I can post a picture if anyone thinks that would help.

[TmEE]

The blob needs to be removed

[l_oliveira]

Funny the original JVC lasers I bought years ago had an L shapped brass sheet inserted on the connector instead of the blob of solder.

[snume]

I have done this both with a new laser that the blob had to be removed (also an Optima-6s) and one taken out of a Saturn and they both worked. You will be fine once you remove the blob.

[cityside75]

Thanks to everyone that responded. Just knowing that there is a blob that needs to be removed is a relief. I tried an exhaustive search for info on the web and the only info I could find that directly related to the Optima-6s talked about the metal sheet that l_oliveira mentioned. There was no metal sheet in my laser's connector.

I'll try to remove the blob and report back, hopefully with success!

[cityside75]

I removed the solder blob last night, and reinstalled the new laser...success!!

Thanks so much to everyone here for your help, I would have been completely stumped without it!

My X'eye is easily reading discs now that always gave it trouble in the past. I see a lot of FMV in my future!

[Shane]

ok, this was the same problem i was having, the laser wasnt lighting up, and the disc wouldnt spin! is this the little blob on the far left hat seems to not have anything connected to it? that would be my guess.. but i wanna make sure before doing this myself!