CD32 troubles streaming data

[dirk_the_daring]

Hi,
I found a forgotten CD32 some days ago in my old room... The console seems to work only with original and "good" burnt CDs (but I'm quite sure before work also with low quality one, as I have tons of copies that remember work before). Anyway I have notice that although a CD loads, if a CDXL stream (Tower Assault intro, Pirates intron) is playing the console seems is not fast enough on reading (also Microcosm seems can't read data so fast), the videos get frozen, noise, heavy glitches... I've tried to adjust lens, but not good results for now, anyway there is not much info what exact position is the best for the 4 potentiometers in the guide at http://www.ianstedman.co.uk/Amiga/Pa...32_Info/index/ , I mean I can get the drive working ok with an audio CD but still I got the same problem after adjust... So maybe is another kind of problem. Any ideas?

[FOL]

Originally Posted by dirk_the_daring

Hi,
I found a forgotten CD32 some days ago in my old room... The console seems to work only with original and "good" burnt CDs (but I'm quite sure before work also with low quality one, as I have tons of copies that remember work before). Anyway I have notice that although a CD loads, if a CDXL stream (Tower Assault intro, Pirates intron) is playing the console seems is not fast enough on reading (also Microcosm seems can't read data so fast), the videos get frozen, noise, heavy glitches... I've tried to adjust lens, but not good results for now, anyway there is not much info what exact position is the best for the 4 potentiometers in the guide at http://www.ianstedman.co.uk/Amiga/Pa...32_Info/index/ , I mean I can get the drive working ok with an audio CD but still I got the same problem after adjust... So maybe is another kind of problem. Any ideas?

You do not need to follow that guide, it could screw your machine up completely if you do not know what your doing.
Are the discs scrtached / marked, as this can cause streaming problems like you described.

Also, dust built up on the lens. First thing to do, is clean lens. Have you checked the two through hole caps, that on some machines were inserted the wrong way. These can cause issues as they allow AC ripple on the DC for 12v and video circuit if I recall.

[dirk_the_daring]

Hi, thanks for the answer.
I've cleant the lens, no effect
About the caps, you mean this 2 I shown on the attached pic? Do you think are wrong placed?

[FOL]

Originally Posted by dirk_the_daring

Hi, thanks for the answer.
I've cleant the lens, no effect
About the caps, you mean this 2 I shown on the attached pic? Do you think are wrong placed?

Those caps look fine.

[dirk_the_daring]

Sad then, again no idea about this problem (cause discs are clean and ok)... Do you think could be the laser head? I found a cheap (reasonably) one on ebay... Is a pitty cause system works, but those "heavy loading games" get loads of problems.

[dirk_the_daring]

Another poss ... Could be the data cable? It seems a little folded and bent for me... but never seen another one...

[FOL]

Originally Posted by dirk_the_daring

Another poss ... Could be the data cable? It seems a little folded and bent for me... but never seen another one...

That cable looks battered. However you already said it plays shop bought discs and audio discs fine, then its ok. Dont destroy it trying to get it to play cd-r's.

At most, you could try replacing the laser. If you have messed with the pots on the cd mech board, then you may have already messed it up.