Brendan Gillatt
Minidisc Recorder

Description

When my MP3 player died I decided to get a minidisc player because of their excellent reviews on sound quality and the fact that they also record.

It worked great for a long time, until it started not recording that is. I could play back all my old minidiscs, though I couldn't make any more or record my bass any longer.

The Images

A photo of the still intact product.

The hold switch is popped out to allow the cover to be removed.

The bottom case is prised away from the internal workings.

Both shells are removed revealing the minidisc carrier.

The main circuit board is folded back to reveal the drive train

A wierd additional connector is visible to the side of the mini-USB
socket. I wonder what it did?

Another view of the hidden connector, from the rear this time.

The magnetic head and disk drive spindle.

A view of the removed magnetic head.

The laser assembly.

The drive train and mechanics for moving the optical head.

The optical head

A view from the bottom of the optical head

The tiny laser regulation circuitry

The optical head with the focusing lens removed.

Another view of the destructioned optical head

A motor designed to keep the case shut when critical write operations are
taking place (FAT writes, etc)

An assortment of small motors

The top case of the minidisc recorder showing the interface board

The controlling board

The LCD is lifted from the circuit board

Disclaimer

These images are for educational purposes only. Opening your goods will certainly void your warrenty. Circuit board designs may be copyrighted and patented - be responsible for your own actions.