Question about FDS belt?

[Plep]

Hello, I could not find anything to help me with this on google so I registered here just to ask this:

My Famicom Disk System came in the mail 4 days ago.  I took it out of its box, plugged it in to my Famicom and stuck a game in...only to receive a "Now Loading" screen and a continuous buzzing sound from my disk system.  Confused, I looked on google and found it was most likely my belt.  I had gotten the Disk System on eBay claiming the belt was replaced with a new one so I was intrigued to why my game wasn't working.  I opened my system up and got to the belt and found it was not replaced.  This belt was mangled, ripped in half, but most importantly, the belt is stuck to the white gear in the system.  I can remove some parts and then other parts almost seem like they are melted on and when I touch it black marks get on my hand.  My question is what can I do to effectively remove the sticky belt off of the gear? Any household tools I can use or any cleaners I can wipe it off with so when I replace it everything can go smoothly? Also I'm sure I'm going to have to recalibrate the system so any tips on that?

[Frank_fjs]

Who was the seller?

Re cleaning off the melted tar residue, I use lots of cotton tips and isopropyl. It takes a while but it will come clean eventually, just be sure to dry everything off thoroughly before fitting the new belt.

Re calibration, there are a few guides floating around the place that will help get you started. This is a good one: www.famicomdisksystem.com/tutorials/fds-repair-mod/belt-replacement-adjustment/

[Plep]

The seller is yan_0725_japan

I have plenty of cotton tips and I'm sure isopropyl  will be easy to come by as well.  I'll look for it next time I'm out.  I have plenty of common sense so not only will I make sure it's thoroughly clean but I will also make sure it's dry before trying to use it.  As of now I do not have my replacement belts, nor do I know when they are coming in the mail so all I can do is wait until I'm able to replace it.  I will look at the calibration guide so thank you for supplying it 

I'll update on this when I get my belts or when I clean the gear.  Anything else of value or any helpful tips I should know about for the future?

[Frank_fjs]

You will need a variety of disks to ensure the system is properly calibrated. It's not uncommon for the system to read some disks fine but then struggle to read others at all.

Before adjusting anything, test the system first (after fitting the new belt) to see where you're at. I wouldn't adjust the head position screw unless absolutely necessary/or if t's been interfered with by the previous owner.

I've found that the spindle hub and motor speed adjustments to be the most useful. Start with the spindle hub and fine tweak the motor speed until you get it reading at least 4 different disk games.

Don't over tighten screws when reassembling and don't lose the springs that hold the disk carriage down!

It will all make more sense as you perform the task, if you get stuck come back here and ask for help.

[80sFREAK]

I always wondering, why do you have to touch spindle. And motor... Well, if someone "calibrated and lubricated" motor before and failed, that can help.

In this case melted belt shows, that noone put hands inside the disk unit.

[Frank_fjs]

In my experience, if you just fit the new belt and reassemble the FDS seldom reads all disks. It will usually read some games but not all, but if you tweak the spindle and motor you can get it reading all of your disks.

[80sFREAK]

You probably would not believe, but YOU DON'T HAVE TO TOUCH SPINDLE. If you will have look on design of disk drive, you will understand why.

[Frank_fjs]

Well I still can't work it out lol.

I can only do what I know, which is to adjust the spindle when it's not reading disks. Until someone that knows more wants to share the magical solution I will have to stick with tuning the spindle and motor speed.

[80sFREAK]

There is no magic. Spindle is not worn out, why do you have to touch it? Spindle and sleeve bearing is probably most tough part of the disk.

[Frank_fjs]

The position of the spindle seems to matter. I've tested  this by rotating it at different spots, it only reliably reads disks when set at a certain position.

[80sFREAK]

No more than moon phase. How long it took to adjust spindle?

[Frank_fjs]

About 3 seconds to adjust spindle.

So if the spindle doesn't matter, than what does? I.e. what do you need to do if you fit a new belt and it's not reading disks?

[80sFREAK]

Adjust the head. That's all.

[Frank_fjs]

You mean this thing?



That's what I've been referring to.

[80sFREAK]

Yup, and that's only the thing. I don't know, who first brought idea to adjust spindle, but it's kinda weird. Keep in mind FDS was in mass-production.

No, no, magnetic head.