Laser Tuning - Revision history

Lumina33: /* Diagnosing */ linkify Swiss

2024-07-21T11:19:55Z

Diagnosing: linkify Swiss

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:19, 21 July 2024
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	First you need to identify what is wrong with your GameCube DVD drive laser lens.		First you need to identify what is wrong with your GameCube DVD drive laser lens.

	A process of elimination should be used to identify what is wrong. This guide assumes you have a modchip or are using Swiss or something to read DVD-R when talking about backups. The definition of "able to read" below simply means, if the game is able to start up or display the banner in the GameCube IPL.		A process of elimination should be used to identify what is wrong. This guide assumes you have a modchip or are using [[Swiss]] or something to read DVD-R when talking about backups. The definition of "able to read" below simply means, if the game is able to start up or display the banner in the GameCube IPL.

	Make sure the disc you are about to try and read can be read. Make sure it's an original disc and make sure it looks clean/scratch free. If it looks really clean, check its thickness against another disc in case it has been buffed.		Make sure the disc you are about to try and read can be read. Make sure it's an original disc and make sure it looks clean/scratch free. If it looks really clean, check its thickness against another disc in case it has been buffed.
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	* Is your GameCube able to read media but you get DRE in the game?		* Is your GameCube able to read media but you get DRE in the game?
	** If the DRE is always at an exact spot in the game and it's a backup, verify if it's a clean rip (use redump.org) or burn again with verify on. If it's an original, it's likely that there is a deep scratch or issue with the disc, this may not be evident by the naked eye if the disc has been re-buffed at a video store/etc. If it's an Audio streaming backup, it could mean that the modchip or set of drive patches (for example, older Swiss or GCoS) in use does not support audio streaming from backups - if so, get a more compatible modchip/software.		** If the DRE is always at an exact spot in the game and it's a backup, verify if it's a clean rip (use redump.org) or burn again with verify on. If it's an original, it's likely that there is a deep scratch or issue with the disc, this may not be evident by the naked eye if the disc has been re-buffed at a video store/etc. If it's an Audio streaming backup, it could mean that the modchip or set of drive patches (for example, older Swiss or GCoS) in use does not support audio streaming from backups - if so, get a more compatible modchip/software.
	** If the DRE is random perform the same steps depending on DVD-R or original media above, perhaps lowering the potentiometer even further or buying a new laser.		** If the DRE is random perform the same steps depending on DVD-R or original media above, perhaps lowering the potentiometer even further or buying a new laser.

	==Potentiometer Adjustment==		==Potentiometer Adjustment==

Lumina33: /* Overview */ bolded kind-of-title

2024-07-20T23:10:34Z

Overview: bolded kind-of-title

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:10, 20 July 2024
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	==Overview==		==Overview==

	There's a few things that may lead you to wanting to tune the laser of your GameCube DVD Drive. The main one is a Disc Read Error, also referred to as a "DRE". A disc read error can occur many ways but they are all the same thing - the laser has lost focus of the disc and cannot read data back. This can be from:		There's a few things that may lead you to wanting to '''tune the laser''' of your GameCube DVD Drive. The main one is a Disc Read Error, also referred to as a "DRE". A disc read error can occur many ways but they are all the same thing - the laser has lost focus of the disc and cannot read data back. This can be from:
	* A dirty or scratched disc		* A dirty or scratched disc
	* A dirty lens		* A dirty lens

ExtraordinaryBen: Added psyko_chewbacca's photo of ribbon cable with anti-static blob

2017-08-02T22:36:39Z

Added psyko_chewbacca's photo of ribbon cable with anti-static blob

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:36, 2 August 2017
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	* De-solder the cables from the DVD drive board and remove the board completely		* De-solder the cables from the DVD drive board and remove the board completely
	* Remove laser block		* Remove laser block
	* De-solder the blob on the new laser flex cable (be careful not to burn it)		* [[File:Laser-De-Solder-Point.jpg\|350px\|thumb\|none\|De-solder the blob on the new laser flex cable (be careful not to burn it) [http://www.gc-forever.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=690#p8752 Picture credit: psyko_chewbacca]]]
	* Install the laser block		* Install the laser block
	* Perform potentiometer adjustment from sane values at first (start at 450 ohms)		* Perform potentiometer adjustment from sane values at first (start at 450 ohms)

Emu kidid at 23:39, 20 February 2014

2014-02-20T23:39:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:39, 20 February 2014
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	==Overview==		==Overview==

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	* Is your GameCube able to read any DVD+R or DVD-RW?		* Is your GameCube able to read any DVD+R or DVD-RW?
	** These are only supported on certain drive patches, XenoGC should support both but may require a very low value to be set on the potentiometer, go through the steps for DVD-R once you've confirmed your patch code can read them.		** These are only supported on certain drive patches, XenoGC should support both but may require a very low value to be set on the potentiometer, go through the steps for DVD-R once you've confirmed your patch code can read them.
	** Is your GameCube able to read media but you get DRE in the game?		* Is your GameCube able to read media but you get DRE in the game?
	** If the DRE is always at an exact spot in the game and it's a backup, verify if it's a clean rip (use redump.org) or burn again with verify on. If it's an original, it's likely that there is a deep scratch or issue with the disc, this may not be evident by the naked eye if the disc has been re-buffed at a video store/etc. If it's an Audio streaming backup, it could mean that the modchip or set of drive patches (for example, older Swiss or GCoS) in use does not support audio streaming from backups - if so, get a more compatible modchip/software.		** If the DRE is always at an exact spot in the game and it's a backup, verify if it's a clean rip (use redump.org) or burn again with verify on. If it's an original, it's likely that there is a deep scratch or issue with the disc, this may not be evident by the naked eye if the disc has been re-buffed at a video store/etc. If it's an Audio streaming backup, it could mean that the modchip or set of drive patches (for example, older Swiss or GCoS) in use does not support audio streaming from backups - if so, get a more compatible modchip/software.
	** If the DRE is random perform the same steps depending on DVD-R or original media above, perhaps lowering the potentiometer even further or buying a new laser.		** If the DRE is random perform the same steps depending on DVD-R or original media above, perhaps lowering the potentiometer even further or buying a new laser.
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	==Cleaning==		==Cleaning==

	~~TODO~~		* Clean the laser by removing any dust and using a q-tip with some Isopropyl alcohol. Do not touch the laser directly with your hands, use only the q-tip to do it.
			* Make sure discs are clean from any dust or particles too (do not buff the discs unless absolutely necessary)

	==Installing a new laser==		==Installing a new laser==

Emu kidid at 04:26, 17 February 2014

2014-02-17T04:26:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:26, 17 February 2014
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	Overview
			==Overview==

	There's a few things that may lead you to wanting to tune the laser of your GameCube DVD Drive. The main one is a Disc Read Error, also referred to as a "DRE". A disc read error can occur many ways but they are all the same thing - the laser has lost focus of the disc and cannot read data back. This can be from:		There's a few things that may lead you to wanting to tune the laser of your GameCube DVD Drive. The main one is a Disc Read Error, also referred to as a "DRE". A disc read error can occur many ways but they are all the same thing - the laser has lost focus of the disc and cannot read data back. This can be from:
			* A dirty or scratched disc
	A dirty or scratched disc		* A dirty lens
	A dirty lens		* A failing laser (where by after sitting idle for too long it has lost focus and shut down, or due to very high demands on the laser via quick seeking and reading)
	A failing laser (where by after sitting idle for too long it has lost focus and shut down, or due to very high demands on the laser via quick seeking and reading)

	It is also possible to have a really bad case of the above and the laser won't even be able to sense the disc (it will spin up, click a few times then stop).		It is also possible to have a really bad case of the above and the laser won't even be able to sense the disc (it will spin up, click a few times then stop).

	To see what is actually causing your DRE or the inability to read a disc entirely, see the section below on Diagnosing.		To see what is actually causing your DRE or the inability to read a disc entirely, see the section below on Diagnosing.
	Diagnosing
			==Diagnosing==

	First you need to identify what is wrong with your GameCube DVD drive laser lens.		First you need to identify what is wrong with your GameCube DVD drive laser lens.
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	A process of elimination should be used to identify what is wrong. This guide assumes you have a modchip or are using Swiss or something to read DVD-R when talking about backups. The definition of "able to read" below simply means, if the game is able to start up or display the banner in the GameCube IPL.		A process of elimination should be used to identify what is wrong. This guide assumes you have a modchip or are using Swiss or something to read DVD-R when talking about backups. The definition of "able to read" below simply means, if the game is able to start up or display the banner in the GameCube IPL.

	Make sure the disc you are about to try and read can be read. Make sure it's an original disc and make sure it looks clean/scratch free. If it looks really clean, check its thickness against another disc in case it has been buffed.		Make sure the disc you are about to try and read can be read. Make sure it's an original disc and make sure it looks clean/scratch free. If it looks really clean, check its thickness against another disc in case it has been buffed.
	Is your GameCube able to read any original discs?		* Is your GameCube able to read any original discs?
	No? Clean the Lens		** No? Clean the Lens
	Still No? Adjust the Potentiometer		** Still No? Adjust the Potentiometer
	Still No? Time for a new laser		** Still No? Time for a new laser
	Is your GameCube able to read any DVD-R?		* Is your GameCube able to read any DVD-R?
	If it's a Game you're trying - make sure it's a verified dump, and burn the disc again and this time using the verify feature of your drive		** If it's a Game you're trying - make sure it's a verified dump, and burn the disc again and this time using the verify feature of your drive
	No? Clean the Lens		** No? Clean the Lens
	No? Try better DVD-R media (Ritek G04/G05, Verbatim dark dye)		** No? Try better DVD-R media (Ritek G04/G05, Verbatim dark dye)
	Still No? Adjust the Potentiometer		** Still No? Adjust the Potentiometer
	Still No? Time for a new laser		** Still No? Time for a new laser
	Is your GameCube able to read any DVD+R or DVD-RW?		* Is your GameCube able to read any DVD+R or DVD-RW?
	These are only supported on certain drive patches, XenoGC should support both but may require a very low value to be set on the potentiometer, go through the steps for DVD-R once you've confirmed your patch code can read them.		** These are only supported on certain drive patches, XenoGC should support both but may require a very low value to be set on the potentiometer, go through the steps for DVD-R once you've confirmed your patch code can read them.
	Is your GameCube able to read media but you get DRE in the game?		** Is your GameCube able to read media but you get DRE in the game?
	If the DRE is always at an exact spot in the game and it's a backup, verify if it's a clean rip (use redump.org) or burn again with verify on. If it's an original, it's likely that there is a deep scratch or issue with the disc, this may not be evident by the naked eye if the disc has been re-buffed at a video store/etc. If it's an Audio streaming backup, it could mean that the modchip or set of drive patches (for example, older Swiss or GCoS) in use does not support audio streaming from backups - if so, get a more compatible modchip/software.		** If the DRE is always at an exact spot in the game and it's a backup, verify if it's a clean rip (use redump.org) or burn again with verify on. If it's an original, it's likely that there is a deep scratch or issue with the disc, this may not be evident by the naked eye if the disc has been re-buffed at a video store/etc. If it's an Audio streaming backup, it could mean that the modchip or set of drive patches (for example, older Swiss or GCoS) in use does not support audio streaming from backups - if so, get a more compatible modchip/software.
	If the DRE is random perform the same steps depending on DVD-R or original media above, perhaps lowering the potentiometer even further or buying a new laser.		** If the DRE is random perform the same steps depending on DVD-R or original media above, perhaps lowering the potentiometer even further or buying a new laser.

	Potentiometer Adjustment		==Potentiometer Adjustment==

	Also known as laser pot adjustment, laser tweak, pot tweak, pot adjustment, and other names, is the process of fine tuning the value of an adjustable resistor (known as a potentiometer) to allow improved performance with reading of DVD+/-R discs. The factory settings of the potentiometer varied from DOL-001 with a value range of 450 ohm - 600 ohm while the DOL-101 had a value range of 150 ohm - 250 ohm. Some lasers require adjustment to eliminate DRE or to read DVD+/-R. There is no magic value which allows a certain type of disc to be read, however performance improvements can only be expected when lowering the laser's impedance (resistance) value. There are two resistors on the DVD drive board which affect the impedance. One is the adjustable potentiometer, the other is a fixed resistor at 150ohm. The lowest value possible seen by the laser from the DVD drive board will be 150 ohm. With this in mind adjust the pot as necessary to go as low as required to achieve desired result.		Also known as laser pot adjustment, laser tweak, pot tweak, pot adjustment, and other names, is the process of fine tuning the value of an adjustable resistor (known as a potentiometer) to allow improved performance with reading of DVD+/-R discs. The factory settings of the potentiometer varied from DOL-001 with a value range of 450 ohm - 600 ohm while the DOL-101 had a value range of 150 ohm - 250 ohm. Some lasers require adjustment to eliminate DRE or to read DVD+/-R. There is no magic value which allows a certain type of disc to be read, however performance improvements can only be expected when lowering the laser's impedance (resistance) value. There are two resistors on the DVD drive board which affect the impedance. One is the adjustable potentiometer, the other is a fixed resistor at 150ohm. The lowest value possible seen by the laser from the DVD drive board will be 150 ohm. With this in mind adjust the pot as necessary to go as low as required to achieve desired result.
	Cleaning
			==Cleaning==

	TODO		TODO
	Installing a new laser
			==Installing a new laser==

	TODO pictures, expand.		TODO pictures, expand.

	Disassemble the GameCube		* Disassemble the GameCube
	Remove the drive cage from DVD drive		* Remove the drive cage from DVD drive
	De-solder the cables from the DVD drive board and remove the board completely		* De-solder the cables from the DVD drive board and remove the board completely
	Remove laser block		* Remove laser block
	De-solder the blob on the new laser flex cable (be careful not to burn it)		* De-solder the blob on the new laser flex cable (be careful not to burn it)
	Install the laser block		* Install the laser block
	Perform potentiometer adjustment from sane values at first (start at 450 ohms)		* Perform potentiometer adjustment from sane values at first (start at 450 ohms)

Emu kidid: Created page with " Overview There's a few things that may lead you to wanting to tune the laser of your GameCube DVD Drive. The main one is a Disc Read Error, also referred to as a "DRE". A disc ..."

2014-02-15T07:14:02Z

Created page with " Overview There's a few things that may lead you to wanting to tune the laser of your GameCube DVD Drive. The main one is a Disc Read Error, also referred to as a "DRE". A disc ..."

New page

Overview

There's a few things that may lead you to wanting to tune the laser of your GameCube DVD Drive. The main one is a Disc Read Error, also referred to as a "DRE". A disc read error can occur many ways but they are all the same thing - the laser has lost focus of the disc and cannot read data back. This can be from:

A dirty or scratched disc
A dirty lens
A failing laser (where by after sitting idle for too long it has lost focus and shut down, or due to very high demands on the laser via quick seeking and reading)

It is also possible to have a really bad case of the above and the laser won't even be able to sense the disc (it will spin up, click a few times then stop).

To see what is actually causing your DRE or the inability to read a disc entirely, see the section below on Diagnosing.
Diagnosing

First you need to identify what is wrong with your GameCube DVD drive laser lens.

A process of elimination should be used to identify what is wrong. This guide assumes you have a modchip or are using Swiss or something to read DVD-R when talking about backups. The definition of "able to read" below simply means, if the game is able to start up or display the banner in the GameCube IPL.

Make sure the disc you are about to try and read can be read. Make sure it's an original disc and make sure it looks clean/scratch free. If it looks really clean, check its thickness against another disc in case it has been buffed.
Is your GameCube able to read any original discs?
No? Clean the Lens
Still No? Adjust the Potentiometer
Still No? Time for a new laser
Is your GameCube able to read any DVD-R?
If it's a Game you're trying - make sure it's a verified dump, and burn the disc again and this time using the verify feature of your drive
No? Clean the Lens
No? Try better DVD-R media (Ritek G04/G05, Verbatim dark dye)
Still No? Adjust the Potentiometer
Still No? Time for a new laser
Is your GameCube able to read any DVD+R or DVD-RW?
These are only supported on certain drive patches, XenoGC should support both but may require a very low value to be set on the potentiometer, go through the steps for DVD-R once you've confirmed your patch code can read them.
Is your GameCube able to read media but you get DRE in the game?
If the DRE is always at an exact spot in the game and it's a backup, verify if it's a clean rip (use redump.org) or burn again with verify on. If it's an original, it's likely that there is a deep scratch or issue with the disc, this may not be evident by the naked eye if the disc has been re-buffed at a video store/etc. If it's an Audio streaming backup, it could mean that the modchip or set of drive patches (for example, older Swiss or GCoS) in use does not support audio streaming from backups - if so, get a more compatible modchip/software.
If the DRE is random perform the same steps depending on DVD-R or original media above, perhaps lowering the potentiometer even further or buying a new laser.

Potentiometer Adjustment

Also known as laser pot adjustment, laser tweak, pot tweak, pot adjustment, and other names, is the process of fine tuning the value of an adjustable resistor (known as a potentiometer) to allow improved performance with reading of DVD+/-R discs. The factory settings of the potentiometer varied from DOL-001 with a value range of 450 ohm - 600 ohm while the DOL-101 had a value range of 150 ohm - 250 ohm. Some lasers require adjustment to eliminate DRE or to read DVD+/-R. There is no magic value which allows a certain type of disc to be read, however performance improvements can only be expected when lowering the laser's impedance (resistance) value. There are two resistors on the DVD drive board which affect the impedance. One is the adjustable potentiometer, the other is a fixed resistor at 150ohm. The lowest value possible seen by the laser from the DVD drive board will be 150 ohm. With this in mind adjust the pot as necessary to go as low as required to achieve desired result.
Cleaning

TODO
Installing a new laser

TODO pictures, expand.

Disassemble the GameCube
Remove the drive cage from DVD drive
De-solder the cables from the DVD drive board and remove the board completely
Remove laser block
De-solder the blob on the new laser flex cable (be careful not to burn it)
Install the laser block
Perform potentiometer adjustment from sane values at first (start at 450 ohms)