Fixing Up a Neglected MiniDisc Recorder

[@MayorRitzia]

I've made this comment once before: your video is so much crisper and cleaner than 99.99% of other videos on KZbin. The close up shots... wow.

[@JessicaFEREM]

As someone who watches youtube at 4k with my computer connected to a 50" 4K TV, I can also agree with this comment.

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

Maybe it's on a laserdisc

[@StumblrNoE]

Love the attitude of “it’s not perfect, but it’s better than it was and that’s okay.” So often if things aren’t perfect we just replace them with something new, but having something fully functional that shows it’s both used and cared for is definitely better.

[@DonovanChilders]

This was my first MiniDisc recorder when I got one new in 2000. I likely put thousands of hours on that thing and recall having to send it into repair at least once. Unfortunately, it didn't last me more than 3 years even though I took immaculate care of the thing. Thanks for the memories! :)

[@phonatic]

To my own surprise, mine has never failed me and it's still working to this very day as it did when it was new. I had this particular one as well, bought it also in 2000, used it many times for decent live recordings as well and carried it with me every day.

[@QUIZFILTER]

Me too... had the same thing... after having numerous cassette "walkmans" throughout my childhood & teen years, this thing was like Heaven!!!... got it towards the end of my high school years & used it EVERYDAY... I don't remember why, but it eventually died... I'd still be using it today if it hadn't... eventually got my 1st iPod & that kinda filled the hole for then...

[@VOByRobbins]

I'll never forget going to the ces show in 1993 and listening to this format... I've been in love ever since and use it to this day... I've been obsessed with the revitalized vaporware released on MD lately and have been buying the releases!! so much fun!!! the web md site and platinum md have also helped to breathe new life into my old hardware!!!! keep it up and you have great content on my favorite format!!!!!❤

[@BavarianM]

I have the first MD Walkman The MZ1 It's a lovely device with great sound

[@QUIZFILTER]

Ooh that's the 1 & only minidisc player/recorder I ever had... I LOVED THAT THING!!!!

[@TheBasementChannel]

You might want to grab a toothbrush and include that as part of your cleaning kit. Super useful to clean raised text and small grooves.

[@primtones]

Patina just makes an object more interesting IMO. Gives it character and a life.

[@graealex]

A 50:50 mix of ethanol and water with a few drops of dish soap works well with plastics. For polishing plastics, I use a polishing compound from 3M, but really most automotive polishing compounds will work great. There is really no need for off-label use of Brasso, tooth paste or backing soda when special polishing compounds are readily available.

[@Hotpack7279]

I own 3 Sony portable MD recorders. 2 x MZ-R37 & 1 x MZ-R30 and all 3 run on 2 x 3.6V rechargeable "14500" Lipos... and yes you counted correctly, they run on 7.2 volts total. They sound louder without any distortion, richer, warmer and sound much more powerful overall. It starts/reads TOC amazingly fast, the laser moves to the desired track in a flash. One of my R37s didn't always read the TOC or jumped on the track, but with the newly achieved lipo power it also runs perfectly. It seems to be exactly the 1 missing thing in the life of these machines. I've also checked for any hot or warm spots on the player due to "overvolting" but nothing seems to be out of spec. I make no guarantees that your unit will burn out, but my 3 recorders seem to love the 7.2v treatment. I haven't tested how long it lasts on a full set of Lipos, but calculated in difference from NiCD with a total of 2.4V it should last at least 3 times as long. 36 hours instead of 12. It almost seems as if the time of the NiCd batteries and the MD recorder didn't fit together. Now with Lipo power, these devices are a dream.

[@vitorviana_ES]

😯😯😯😯 Do the devices work at 7.2v without any component modification or anything like that? How can this be? Intriguing, because even their power supply only has 4.5v, which is already above the battery voltage... To this day, do they all work well with Li-Po?

[@Hotpack7279]

I used the Lipo's first time (for a try) on my "not so good" working R37 and from then on it worked like a Dream. *BUT FOR DISCLAIMER dont try to CHARGE the LIPOS inside the Player because the Charging Technology is completely different to NiCd and the Lipos will explode within Seconds inside the Player* It wasnt the Case for me but i learned it on a Battery-Drill years ago. So after some Tracks runtime, waiting and watching how the Player behaved with such huge amount of Voltage i put some Headphones in it and the Sound was for shure never that "Present". After a few Hours of failure free Runtime i decided to put the 2 LiPos in the Second "good One" R37 Player and it also runs immediately like a Charm identical to the first one. After that when i was shure the 37's handles it without any Problems i also put them also in my R50 and like i thought .. it also worked perfectly. All of my Players are OEM Stock unopened. But like i said before. It works for me and for my three Players abolutely fine. Only for second Thought.. dont charge Lipo inside a NiCd Charger/Player. @@vitorviana_ES

[@air_]

@@Hotpack7279Some real tech macgyvering. Reminds me of iPods springing to life with higher power FireWire juice.

[@friktionrc]

This is the first video that popped up in my feed when I searched Minidisk. I had one laying around that was an ex-display that I bought from an electrical retail shop I used to work at as a student at uni. ( college to you I think?). They were going out of fashion as Archos had launched their ‘juke box’ MP3 player and Sony was just coming out with their pebble - cant remember the exact order of things but this was def pre Apple IPod. Anyway - recently found my one along with some old minidiscs (blank and recorded ones) which your vid has helped me make up my mind to start using again. Can’t wait to see the look on peoples faces when I bust this out. Also inspired me to search the loft of other tech (from 80s and 70s) I might have laying around but in need of a re-fresh so I can start using them again. Def agree about the whole museum/vs uses look - I’d rather have something that works, albeit a bit of a used look and feel than something that is factory fresh and hardly been used. To me it’s like classic race cars, or old war birds - every bump and scrape tells a story and is part of it’s history. …..damn am getting all emotional now 😂 Great video, well edited - got yourself a new subscribe mate 👍 Cheers from across the pond

[@jarthurs]

My Wife bought me one of these in 1999, it was a great little recorder and I converted a lot of CDs to Minidisc (via optical) to play on the Sony Minidisc player in my car. It even played the music at our wedding.

[@emibondo]

Dang, the more I watch your MiniDisc videos, the more I want a player of my own

[@SirKenchalot]

I bought one of those in 1999 for radio interviews and was a little surprised when I got into the pro industry to find they were really popular with reporters, sometimes coupled with better preamps and batteries in a separate device but essentially the heart of it was one of these.

[@Agri458]

when I saw the title, I thought it was a techmoan video but then I realised it was you!

[@DAN_CLERGYMAN]

Same here!

[@ytinhd5787]

@@DAN_CLERGYMAN of Dik suk explain

[@poble]

@@ytinhd5787 what?

[@ElisandroDeLeon]

same

[@MrTarmonbarry]

@@ytinhd5787 '' Techmoan'' does a lot of videos about the mini disc , he has heaps of them both from the u.k and Japan , thats why the commenter thought it was a ''Techmoan'' video

[@Omegapork]

This one's fresh! I haven't seen many repairs done on Minidisk devices. I'm excited to see the final product!

[@lawrence.porter]

I notice how you turn the screws the opposite way first so that you feel that little 'click' before driving them in. I've always done this as it prevents cutting another thread. Good job!

[@ericfreitas8884]

Nice work Colin! I have a collection of about 50 MD portables, many that were bought as "not working", but returned to service with some basic maintenance.

[@ianz9916]

I feel inadequate now, I only have 19. I do have two decks and a Sony Minidisc, cassette, tuner, cd cube as well.

[@semectual]

Nice Restoration! I bought this MZ R37 new 21 years ago! My unit is still kicking strong and I use it sometimes.

[@Djoodibooti]

I'd love to see a full polish/ repaint.

[@bondspy]

Let's bring back Mini Discs.

[@dulceb1100]

When you revealed the damage those batteries had caused, I started checking remotes on my obsolete electronics, and sure enough! Thanks!

[@IggyM]

Got one of these a couple of months after they came out. Mine got a very similar dent on the top too. Nice work bringing this one back.

[@elvinlawcc]

This is my second mini disc recorder. Bought this in the early 2000. It’s still functions well. Only lcd display a bit darken.

[@kevinh96]

Been into most formats over the years and still use minidisc to this day (as well as the humble cassette and DAT). I have a couple of Yamaha full size HIFI decks and three Sony portables, including a HiMD model that all still work fine. I am also one of those who still buys physical media mainly CD and Vinyl for artists I really like and want to support but I do stream most other music as well. Hell I even still have a couple of 4 hour VHS tapes containing just music I recorded way back in the 80s for use at parties so I didn't have to keep changing tapes, records or discs. I dread to think how much money I have spent on AV gear over the years, I could probably buy a small house with the money spent.

[@svenschwingel8632]

Last week, I got an MZ-R50 off ebay. Not a single scratch, dent or any other sign of wear on it. Almost 25 years old and looks like it's fresh out of the box. Insane.

[@jack8407]

ah the minidisk. an forgotten disk media, aged in the hand of time

[@itmessenger77]

As a member of modelling community i can recommend to you Future - Pledge floor gloss for clear parts... after it clear parts become more then just new!

[@bombslab]

What a coincidence... I just found a MZ-R55 at my GF parents house as we were cleaning up. Mint condition but bad battery and no remote. she let me keep it and I have been playing with it for the past week. I was actually holding it in my hand as the image of yours popped up on my screen. I had to pause to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. Anyway, love the channel. I'm always excited to see a new vid from you. Thumbs up to everything you do!

[@kittopersonal744]

More please and thanks. good video, can't wait to see more.

[@takeshifukugawa8180]

Like others, this was my first minidisc device (didn't pay $300 for it), fortunately mine still works, though I upgraded to a NET MD model a few years later. While using two AA batteries made the unit larger, today it makes it nicer to use than my NET MD model which uses a (now dead) gumstick battery an/or a single external AA, which by itself doesn't last long.

[@MPMaikGame]

I own one, bought it last year. The design is so great, this 80s look and the display in front reminds of a discman, like a D-99 for example.

[@503stick]

Still got mine and running perfect.🙂 Good stuff Sony.

[@dontthrowbeau]

I've used Novus for plastic polishing before, it's pretty similar to Brasso in that it's small abrasive particles suspended in a liquid

[@69uremum]

Alot of dirt and other gunk is not soluble in IPA but is in water, water and simple green or plain dawn works good. IPA is good for circuit boards and components covered in petroleum products or chemicals/adhesives.

[@Lillfot]

I love the idea of the MiniDisc, but I could never afford one back in the day. In any case, I appreciate your calm and loving videos. Keep it up!

[@arghjayem]

I have several of this model minidisc recorder/players. One of the best imho. Takes AA batteries whilst still being relatively slim in design and can record! Perfect audio format for me, far better than the iPod/iPhone nonsense.

[@MichaelGisiger]

IPA on plastic/acrylic parts is usually not a good idea, as you have experienced. Especially not in a ultra sonic cleaner (flammable!). Just use plain or distilled water with dish washer liquid in it, that does the trick for most of my cleaning jobs. For greasy, oily watchparts, I use the pro-grade solutions. Also always remove any acrylic display covers with printing on the backside and clean those by hand.

[@sfranz5413]

I really dig your use of rolling focus. Good production values! 🎥

[@NickBouwhuis]

I really dig your video style. Please never stop making video’s.

[@ConnerBurns]

Thank you for sharing your mistakes. It serves as a learning point for everyone watching!

[@Jbrese58]

I have that exact same model.Got it for Y2K Christmas. Still play it and still have the box .I am transferring all of my CD s as the players keep breaking down. A great format and we also have the Deck model J E 320.Love your videos. Thanks

[@BleakVision]

I remember oogling this exact model behind the store glass for years. Never could afford it and settled for a Sharp model with the money from my first summer job.

[@prouddaddyofdos]

I still have this MD player! I love minidisc! Thanks for this video!

[@thetruthfornow6045]

What brand is your MD player? I have a Sony MD player. It works well. Am looking for a replacement player just in case.

[@prouddaddyofdos]

@@thetruthfornow6045 it’s also a Sony! All my MD players are Sony’s except for one…and that would my Tascam 501!

[@nickthaskater]

Want to get into MiniDisc so badly but the prices are just silly. Love to see some tips like this on fixing them up.

[@lawrence.porter]

I have a few portable ones and a couple of full systems. I got them dirt cheap on ebay and luckily they were almost pristine and fully working. I regret however selling my hi-md player when they were becoming less popular. I have another one but its not the same. You should get into them ASAP as prices will only climb thanks to videos like this, haha.

[@thewrongopinion7811]

Check eBay

[@ianz9916]

@@lawrence.porter I picked up an MZ-NH700 HiMd recorder for £70 in January and it is in pristine condition. It's a bit chunkier than some of the series and possibly a bit more plasticky but it runs on one AA battery as opposed to a lot of the high end machines that use gumstick batteries. I liked it so much I bought another one in February for my wife.

[@hunterdavis3003]

Damn I want a minidisc player/recorder. Did t even give them a second thought in there hey day but now I think they’re the coolest!

[@ChindoCaine]

Depending on the kind of "gunk" you want to remove, I found that a lot of times water with a bit of dish soap (along with a bit of toothbrush scrubbing action) works much better than IPA. Not everything is soluble in alcohol. As for the ultrasonic cleaner, there are special (non-foaming) detergents to use with it. I had some good results using these (in water) for something like case parts, and save the IPA to clean PCBs etc.

[@erniesdeck7550]

As far as restoring clear plastic parts I've had really good results using a headlight restoration kit for cars. They usually incorporate two formulas one removes oxidation with a bit of like sandpaper built into the cream. And then it also includes some kind of clear coat. I actually used it on a PS Vita screen that had turned foggy. And the results were absolutely great.

[@TaberBucknell]

For clear plastics go to an aviation supply store / website and get a bottle of canopy cleaner (may be called windshield cleaner). Apply with a soft cloth , let nearly dry, and wipe off with a dry soft cloth. Some types of canopy cleaner have a very mild abrasive in them, like a rubbing compound, to remove scratches.

[@Blehstor]

Nice video and reflections man, really enjoyed it

[@jim_bocho]

Man, loved these things back in the day. Actually switched from my first (and THE first) MP3 player Rio PMP-300 to Mini Disc.

[@capitalj1987]

I still have this that I bought brand new and just listed it on eBay for 55 bucks. Got a bid within two minutes apparently it’s still very popular in 2024. Hopefully the next donor will appreciate it as much as I did and take care of it as good as I did.

[@Chris-techgamesfood]

I never had one of these but a mate did and he swore by it, I was kind of jealous really.

[@soffes]

Before cleaning, it looks like a Star Wars prop

[@JTD121]

For battery corrosion, you want to use white vinegar and let it sit for 10 seconds to a few minutes. It should sizzle and bubble if it's doing its job. Also plastic polish (like Meguiars' PlastiX) will work as well. I also have two R37s; one Silver and the blue-purple.

[@DEVILJAW]

i had this exact same minidisc unit, i got a deck recorder and portable player/recorder unit from sears! my dad bought for maybe $500 at the time, makes me miss my dad a lot.

[@danandkiko]

I love that model! Great recorder. My friend used to have it.

[@danmiller1701]

I love the Sony MZ -R37 in my opinion the best portable minidisk recorder ever made I would love them to make a 25th anniversary edition

[@Madness832]

Around 1999, I can remember tryin' out that model. But I didn't like the tiny display. Opted for the MZ-R50, instead. Still have it; still works fine!

[@maximumtechchannel]

There are special polish pastes for acrylic glass. I used it recently to shine up a scratched turntable cover. The result is really good. I nearly made the same mistake with the alcohol, but fortunately I somehow read the Wikipedia article about acrylic glass a day before.

[@Graciashauf]

Beautiful work!

[@TheResistorNetwork]

A great alternative to Brasso is Novus 123. I have used it to polish CDs and small plastic case pieces like this with excellent results. Nice video.

[@yanks1fan09]

Great video Colin. I recently bought Sony MZR-70 to carry around as an extra but learned that the disks I recorded on my Net MD MZR 707 aren't compatible with this unit. I was sent a test disk and that worked fine.

[@ThisDoesNotCompute]

Assuming you recorded your NetMD discs through USB, SonicStage defaults to LP2 mode, which isn’t compatible with the R70 (it doesn’t support MDLP). However, you can switch SonicStage to SP mode and then the discs will work in any player.

[@yanks1fan09]

@@ThisDoesNotCompute I did record them through USB in MDLP. I will try your advice. Thank you. It really is a nice unit.

[@kenkobra]

I loved the MD format and wish it would have lasted. I remember having an MD head unit (MDX-C670) in my car and a CD changer in the trunk. Best of both worlds.

[@kevinallen9106]

Quality material and production. Subscribed.

[@MegaTrolleybus]

Thanks for taking care of this piece of hardware. I still use MD to this day (it's a hobby, mainly NetMD's) and a leaking battery is a sure-fire way to ruin these little machines. Did you know there's music transfer software made for MD even today? It might be vintage but let me tell you, when people see an MD player, it makes a good conversation piece.

[@ElisandroDeLeon]

As soon as I see a minidisc or MiniDisc player, I have to watch.

[@wybuchowyukomendant]

Most of the the time for the plastic display covers I use flannel polishing wheels mounted on a drill and some light pastes or creams, it does the job really well even for deep scratches, tho I use it for bigger screen covers.

[@davidflorey]

I like that this model appears to have a lit LCD (even if side lit), there were a number of them that simply didn't - you'd have to use the LCD remote to see in the dark...

[@FlabberQuestion]

It does not

[@DONK8008]

For plastics I find that using high grit sandpaper then finishing off with metal polish gives the best results. Very time consuming though depending on the size.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Ah, my first Mini Disc Walkman and STILL my favorite because it so perfect. Sure, the battery consumption is a little higher than on later models but i always loved how relatively quiet this model is. Got it back in April of 2009 and still love it a lot. Did a LOT of field recordings with this thing and a little t.bone ST40 binaural stereo electret microphone. It was m first ever digital recorder. The MD Walkman was in terrible shape. Dents and the front controls were broken. I took of the front plate, hot-glued the broken plastic skeleton of the buttons together, so it remained flexible and boom, it worked again. Served me well for many years. :) The MZ-R37 is really one of the greatest MiniDisc Recorder Walkmen ever!! 💽

[@ianz9916]

The battery consumption is less of an issue now with the advances in NiMh batteries. I use two 2500 MAh Duracells in mine now where, back in the day they were probably only 500 MAh.

[@user_romanport]

I actually own one of these, and it has an interesting story too. I was graciously given it by one of my teachers around the time I was in middle school. I think it had been obsoleted at that point, probably replaced by an MP3 recorder, and they gave it to me because I was interested in that kind of stuff. Despite being in pretty decent cosmetic condition, the disc loading tray has some problems and it rarely (but not always) fails to read discs. It's a problem similar to the one you faced with the inner disc holder. I looked into trying to fix it last year, but gave up pretty quickly. I'll have to look into fixing it up at some point

[@SylvesterAshcroft88]

I used fairy liquid on plastic before, and that seems to do the job, fairy platinum with a lean microfibre cloth is normally really good, as i had to clean a particularly filthy gba case.

[@noahderrington5156]

It’s a great portable MiniDisc machine. I still have one.

[@catalin-constantin4197]

Awesome video as always 👍👍👍👍👍❤️

[@computerjlt]

Heck ya, I had one of those in middle school lol. Man I miss it

[@wimwiddershins]

The first one has a style and patina that for some reason reminds me of Star Wars.

[@zavulon00]

Love the minidisk videos 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@fm00078]

Brasso on clear plastic, who'da thunk. Normally it take several steps of finer materials to get see-through. GREAT you found 2 to make one, less tedious repairs.

[@teshm2731]

Very nice project...I have this player with the included fiber optic cable in mint condition that i have baught from the Sony employees store when i was working there...

[@XPLRgaming]

I had this exact recorder. Was my first MD Recorder / Player. Eventually, it would get replaced by the iPod Photo a few years later.

[@kevinhickman50]

I'm very impressed you have the ATH-DT700 headphones. I've had a pair for at least 15 years - they sound great and look horrible!

[@freedom4sweden58]

I bought a MZ-R37 MiniDisc recorder from ebay a few years ago, and it feels like mint condition, I intend to take care of it like the previous owner did

[@beauslim]

I've never had IPA cause problems with plastic. Good to know that it can sometimes.

[@jd-py5nm]

remember seeing mini discs for sale at a local gas station back in 2000 and wanting to get a player.

[@SuperAgentman007]

I have the same machine I cleaned mine with an ultrasonic cleaner too I picked up from Amazon but I did not repeat did not use IPA due to the fact that I knew alcohol would have an effect on the plastic. I used dish soap and water and it came out perfectly clean I didn’t have battery corrosion thank goodness and I just needed a laser cleaning in the end.😅

[@DeputatKaktus]

I have a huge soft spot for MD. Shame it never really took off, at least in Germany. It was - and still is - an awesome format.

[@BavarianM]

In Europe we got lucky in conoarasion to the US

[@MrBioniclefan1]

Now I know how to clear up the foggy screen lens on my Philips portable CD player.

[@27GX76R]

@This Does Not Compute, use Meguiars 201 to polish and clean plastic. It's used in automotive to polish clearcoat and plastic. I've used it a ton of times on plastic including toys, tail lights, headlights, etc. It's a non-diminishing polish meaning it won't break down. Use distilled water to moisten it when polishing. Try using it with chunks of an orange pad for car detailing.

[@Evercade_Effect]

Great job man!

[@1blisslife]

Great job restoring the first one... As for the other broken one 🤔 did you try cleaning the lens and perhaps reseating the cable connection a time or two? The one leading to the pcb from the lazer? Just wondering on that because I've done that to old electrónics & has given them life again(cleaning the connectors even). I've even done that to old USB connections with similar results as well. This is just like my second MD player (MZ-R37 which I still own) and still own my first(MZ-R50) as well. Mine is way better than the ones on your video but I definitely agree it that it was built really well. Cheers ;)

[@jochenwuerfel]

_Cool spaceship sounds_ 🤣

[@deanchur]

I still have some blank Hi-MD's in their wrapping, paid AUD$5 for them back in the day, cheapest I just saw on ebay was USD$65 (+ shipping). That's my retirement fund sorted then!

[@Paulo_5002_]

You did a great job.

[@trepanier01]

I would love to see you try and fix the other one

[@TheBasementChannel]

I’ve got the same slippery screwdriver handle. It’s terrible trying to get enough torque for tough screws. Now I use an elcheapo plastic one I can actually grip.

[@mesharyhd7646]

For restoring plastic 3000 grit sand paper with water after the sanding flame polish it will look like new (this work on only clear plastic)

[@Sonic357]

I have one in mint condition from personal use great unit

[@mr.selfimprovement3241]

*@This Does Not Compute* WAIT!?... you used *_Isopropyl Alcohol_* in you're enclosed Ultrasonic Cleaner!!? Please NEVER do that again Collin, as you should not use IPA or any flammable liquid in a Ultrasonic Cleaner, especially with the top on (even a small one). It is dangerous. You can potentially start a small fire, and in a larger USC you could even cause a large combustion explosion from the chemical gas build up. You should ONLY use approved liquids such as Distilled Water (as you mentioned), Soaps, and non-hazardous/non-flammable Cleaning Fluids provided by the manufacturer of you're cleaner (or at least a reputable dealer). A good approved soap or non-flammable/non-conductive detergent solution will cleanse every bit as good as IPA in a USC (and it is gentler on plastics and finer parts). I thought after the Jayztwocents incident last year, people would know this! I'm a engineer during my day job so I use these machines alot - and I have to always remind new folks of this at my work when they get started, because so many intelligent people think it's okay to use IPA in a ultrasonic cleaner because of misinformation on the web, and big reputable tech youtubers mistakenly doing it. It's a lot cheaper than the chemicals we are supposed to use, but there is a reason why we pay extra for the approved solutions made for the industrial USC units we have. I know you used a tiny cleaner and filled it with only about two inches of liquid - but there is still risk. I say all this in concern of you're safety and as a viewer: If I didn't care, I wouldn't say anything. I hope you see this. Otherwise, I loved this video; I always enjoy watching you repair things and take on small projects, as it is very cathartic.

[@BanazirGalpsi1968]

When I had it,and I have misplaced it , this was my minidisc machine.its bottom buttons were a pain.

[@Chimpur]

If only we could see you restore an RH-1 with OLED failure... that would be a challenge!!!