Today I installed a new laser module in the defective assembly I swapped out yesterday and installed it in the BS2000 and that complete assembly works again. I can't guarantee that a new laser module will fix your problem but I suspect it will.

Good luck getting in up and working!

Thanks Bill!

That may suggest a failed laser precludes the carrying out of the CD tests. Did you replace just the pickup, or the main assembly, with spindle & tracking motor?

I see both the pickups, and the assembly are available for very little money, yet others are multiple times those prices. Does anyone know the difference, given they haven't been manufactured by Philips in years AFAIK?

I have read the new ones are less reliable, and more fussy in terms of media.

Thanks :-)

Although you have stated that the CD drive is linear, and the later Philips type, there are still a couple of model variations, and you will probably only determine the exact type when you dismantle.

Danish Sound Parts offer two laser types for the Century - see here: link

I purchased the CDM12.4 version from Danish Sound parts for my BC2300 (linear tracking) - it didn't cure the faults alone and I had to also replace the capacitors on the servo board.

When I repaired my Beosound 1 (CD/FM radio model), also linear tracking, I had to source a CD Pro 2.  At the time, I don't think Danish Sound Parts offered this so I took a bit of a risk and purchased this one on Amazon:    This cured the fault without any capacitor replacement.

I suggest that you dismantle, have a look at the exact laser pickup module and make a decision from there - Danish Sound Parts will be able to offer advice once you have checked the laser type.

If you want to research further, I found this site very useful for some of the Philips CD mechanism history: 

Thanks!

I've just removed and dismantled the drive again. It's a CDM12 IND (Industrial). Looks to have the correct laser pickup?

BTW - just joined as a 'Silver' 😃

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link

I’ve just removed and dismantled the drive again. It’s a CDM12 IND (Industrial). Looks to have the correct laser pickup?

Useful photos - thanks for sharing. In that case I think you could replace the laser with the Danish Sound Parts CDM-12.4 version.  If this doesn't solve the problem at least you will have a spare laser for future B&O fixes!! 😀  Plus it's always worth saving some P&P by ordering a few other parts (belts etc) from Danish Sound Parts! However, in your last photo the four solder joints on the right look a bit suspect.  I have seen reference in the past to fixing CD problems by re-flowing solder joints so that could be worth a try.  Maybe check for continuity between the 4 contacts on the laser head with the end of the ribbon cable.  Have a check though a microscope (or microscope function on iPhone) to check other solder joints or for breaks in track. EDIT:  Also I think on that servo board there should only be 6 capacitors to replace, if you decide to go down that route.  You can see my experience of changing capacitors here: link

Thanks Guy

I continuity checked those joints, whilst flexing the ribbon, they were all good.

I may well replace the servo capacitors, and I've got a surplus of capacitors for the IR board, so they'll certainly be replaced!

I've got a replacement pickup on the way.

Sorry for hi-jacking the thread. I have the same issue with a Beosound Overture.
This thread incicates that both Ouverture and Century has the same CDM12 IND(ustrial) laser unit (Laser moving in straight line).
can someone confirm this?

My symptoms:
- CD completely dead. Nothing moves. Nothing spins.
- Error 2 in service mode. No other errors
- Everuything else, doors, tape and radio work fine.


A few years ago I replaced the laser pickup with a cheap one from Amazon as the old one couldn´t focus. Disc was spinning, but it would not play most of my CDs.
After replacement it worked fine until recently when it didn't start at all.
Now I got a new laser pickup from Amazon, but it didn´t help this time. Still dead.
Next I tried with the original non-Amazon laser. Now completely dead.

Any ideas?


I´m thinking of getting a donor from ebay to replace the entire CD unit including the large green PCB (servo board?) that sits on the laser unit.


- What machines are potential donors for my Ouverture?
- Can I use the CD unit from a Century? Probably cheaper on ebay than an Overture.
- Is the older CD unit with the curved laser movement plug-and-play compatible with a CDM12?
- Is the entire CD control unit in the PCB mounted on the CDM12 unit, or could  the problem be in som other part deeper in the Overture? The cable from the CDM connects to a PCB behind the right hand glass door...
- I guess there must be some non B&O brands using the CDM12 as well? Looking for a less valuable donor than a B&O.
I belive Marantz used CDM12, but that will not be a cheap spare part.

I´m not afraid of mechanical repairs, but not too keen on soldering. If I see a blackened component I can replace it, but I don´t want to start re-soldering random components.


Any input appreciated.

Thanks,
Alf

I would guess that it's the laser and you can very likely get a proper replacement from Danish Sound Parts.  That's the first thing to try.  You'll want to remove your unit to confirm the model so that you order the correct laser.  I don't recommend going the donor route at this point.

The older unit with a "curved", or radial laser, is not plug and play with a CDM12, it's a CDM4 (most likely a CDM4/19).

Bill

 

Well, that didn't work! On replacing the pickup, and attempting to play a CD, the spindle motor did spin up this time, but my hopes were short lived. After a second or two, the spindle motor stopped, and the CD clamp opened. Placed the unit into Test Mode. It initially gave an error 7 on pressing CD, but now repeatedly gives an error 3. I removed & checked all the connections, but error 3 it is.