First time Famicom/FDS Owner. FDS Issues.

[Ruru]

Hiya folks  First time poster so be easy on me. I actually just purchased a Famicom and a disk system for about $110 off of a website called Buyee. I've just received it today and to my excitement the Famicom itself actually worked. The disk system also works but after testing disk games that my friend owns onto it. I can't seem to get it to read.

I took it apart and looked for any irregularities. the 'belt' that most people refer to was broken so i've ordered a new one off of Console5. I've also taken notice that it's missing one of 3 small little 'springs' that hold the disk holder down. it doesn't seem be restricting or causing any irregular motions to the disk drive or ejection. Is that something important or should i just chill out a bit and wait for the belt?

[Ruru]

Oh also. This is more a question of ignorance. but is it okay to be using the original japanese power adapters/cords for the famicom in a canadian/american wall socket? they're the same plug standard but i know our voltages are 110-120 while japans is 100... it's not going to like. fry anything is it?

[Skawo]

The spring could be important, as they make the disk make a better connection with the reading head. You could get intermittent reading errors if they're not there. Missing one shouldn't matter that much, though - just make sure the two springs are on opposite sides of the holder.

You can probably also make a decent replacement for the third spring using a pen spring, as well.

As for the AC Adapter, well, if the socket voltage actually was a constant 110-120, I'd say the Japanese 100V adapter would be marginally fine. Unfortunately, socket voltage in the US can vary by a few percent every day and go as high as 130V - and then the difference is significant enough that getting a US-voltage-rated supply might be a good idea, especially considering the age of the original Famicom wall adapter.

[Ruru]

The spring could be important, as they make the disk make a better connection with the reading head. You could get intermittent reading errors if they're not there. Missing one shouldn't matter that much, though - just make sure the two springs are on opposite sides of the holder.

You can probably also make a decent replacement for the third spring using a pen spring, as well.

As for the AC Adapter, well, if the socket voltage actually was a constant 110-120, I'd say the Japanese 100V adapter would be marginally fine. Unfortunately, socket voltage in the US can vary by a few percent every day and go as high as 130V - and then the difference is significant enough that getting a US-voltage-rated supply might be a good idea, especially considering the age of the original Famicom wall adapter.

Thanks for the reply! I did manually change the springs so there is one on each side. it doesn't seem to be negatively affecting it though. I'll keep that in mind incase the belt doesn't work.

As for the AC adapter. i'm currently in canada. I took the time to measure the voltage going from the wall socket into the surge protector into the famicom. It rests a little under 120v but i'll be sure to keep a eye on it as the day goes by.

[famiac]

The famicom ac adapter is unregulated. No special electronics. You can use it in the US no problem.

You'll have a slightly higher output voltage. the 7805 in your famicom might get a little hotter as a result.

[Ruru]

So my famicom belt came in. watched a youtube video and replaced it and...... still no luck... The best i've gotten is error 22 consecutively. and one time error 21....  Any idea's?

[Skawo]

Which video was this?

Did you calibrate the spindle?

[Ruru]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOY1G3Sg11Q&t=1481s

I did everything that video showed... i'm getting quite stressed out now.

[Skawo]

Yeah, as far as calibrating the spindle, that video is nonsense. That technique only works on *some* drives to get it *close* to correct.

Follow the tutorial here - the "Spindle hub alignment" section:
https://www.famicomdisksystem.com/tutorials/fds-repair-mod/belt-replacement-adjustment/

[Ruru]

No luck. in my infinite wisdom one of the other springs got sent flying to the stratosphere.. seems like there's no point in trying now.

[Skawo]

Well, as I said; you can craft a replacement with a pen spring.
It should still work if you hold the caddy down, as well.

Could you record a video of it in motion?

[Ruru]

I can totally try. Just gotta grab my phone. if it's any easier too i have discord. Ruru#7599

For the moment let me plug it back in and i'll take a video

[Ruru]

https://youtu.be/ZXoSblZEYvM

[Ruru]

 it's been favouring error 22. and sprinkles in error 21 sometimes. such as in the video. i've taken notice that belt also seems to move upwards against the top of the metal part holding the gear.

[Skawo]

Hmm, that actually seems to be moving a bit too fast.

Sent a FR on Discord