Not a difficult task. Review on Tips on Maintaining CD-RW

Preventive Maintenance of a CD Writer is not that difficult. It’s like maintaining a CD player or like any other electronic equipment.

First step is to read the instruction manual. I know many of us do not go through it. Careful reading will answer many of your questions. At least you will come to know about DOs and DoNots

Preventive maintenance is the second step. We have to take few precautions to maintain the device in good condition. It’s a sensitive electronic device and we have to handle it carefully.

Some suggestions-

Cleanliness:-

1. We have to protect it from dust and it is more important if it is an external device. Keep it in a dust free area.

   
   




2. Let us not use strong detergents and sprays for cleaning. Regular cleaning by a dry cloth is more than enough.

   
   

3.  Tray should be clean and free from any foreign particle. One may use suitable duster to keep the tray clean. Foreign particles on the tray will spoil the CD. A metallic foreign particle may create havoc. It may fall inside the writer through the centre of the tray and may cause electric short circuit. So do not use something like paper clips to take out the CD.

Electrical:- I shall repeat the same thing which I have mentioned in some of my old reviews for few electrical items.

1. Always use 15 amps electrical fittings of reputed company.

   
   




2. Do not use multiple-plug. Connecting too many other types of appliances from one electrical point may be the cause for overload. Overload may spoil the plug and the plug point.

   
   




3. Any electrical appliances must be grounded. In the event of an electrical short circuit, earthing(grounding) reduces the risk of electrical shock by providing an escape route for the electric current.

   
   




4. Electric cable should be fault free. In case of desk top device, cable will be lying on the table. So take care.

   
   




5. I shall recommend using UPS(Uninterrupted Power Supply) for your computer and the writer. This will take care of voltage fluctuation and sudden power failure. For writing a CD uninterrupted power supply is essential.

   
   

Mechanical Parts:-

Almost everything is made out of plastic. So proper handling is important. For example, to eject the tray use the button / knob. Do not push it by hand to place the tray in position. I have seen many friends pushing the tray by hand. This habit will surely reduce the life the device.

Please do not use muscle power if the tray doest not eject. It’s a simple job to eject the tray manually if the gear system is not damage. Consult a skilled person.

Laser:- This is the most expensive part of the device. To keep it clean use reliable lens cleaner of reputed companies.

Laser beam is hazardous to health so we have to ensure that there is leakage of beams. Manufacturers take all care to avoid such incidents. Due to the law in most of the developed countries manufacturer fulfill all safety requirements. Users should use the device carefully.

Laser radiates radio frequency energy. Such radiation will disturb radio / television reception. This can be very easily detected by switching on / off the CD Writer. Change the location of the device if there is any disturbance in reception. I will suggest consulting a knowledgeable person in such case.

USB cable:-

Gentle push is good enough to fix it to the port if the direction is correct. Use it carefully.

Ambient Temperature:-

Please follow the instruction. Normal operating temperature is 35 degree Celsius when in use. So writing a CD during summer in Rajasthan in a non A/C room is not the right atmosphere.

According to instruction manual of my CD Writer, temperature range is as mentioned below-

Operating temperature:(- 10°C to 35° C)

Non-operating temperature:(- 40°C to 70° C)

Humidity:- Do not allow any condensation on the writer. Refer your instruction manual.

Store the installation CD in safe place so that it can be used for reinstallation. Reinstallation is required if there is any problem with the computer.

Any such product from a reputed company will be reasonable sturdy. Maintaining a CD Writer is not a difficult task if we take few precautions.