Cleaning the cd drive

[Ian Barber]

Hi,

I use a cd cleaning disk every 100-200 cd uploads, which cleans the laser lens on my B2. Does anyone else do this ?

Cheers

Ian

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Hi Ian,

I loaded all my collection via the B2,  and never did this at all. 

I don't see that it can hurt to do it though, the lens must be capable of becoming dirty!

My only concern is what exactly does the "cleaning disk" actually do!

Fred

[Daniel Taylor]

I have a cleaning disc that I use on rare occasions.  When I've felt the need to use it, I didn't think it made any difference.  I would be afraid to use it with the frequency that Ian describes, for fear of putting physical wear on the top surface of the laser.  (Maybe I'm paranoid.)  I suspect that those cleaning discs were invented solely for the purpose of being sold, and don't really do much of any value.  That's just my impression, and I'd be glad to learn more from a reliable source.

[Ian Barber]

Hi Guys,

For reference the disc I use is the Allsop Carbon.Edge  patented.Anti-static8 carbon brush laser lens cleaner.

I have an Audiolab 6000CDT cd transport which was 'missing' some of the music  drop-outs etc etc. I used this lens cleaner on it, and do so every now and again, and it has not missed a beat since. I can only conclude that it does actually work though, granted , I may be over using it on the B2, but my cd's have been in their racks for a long time and there is a build-up of dust in the area.

Cheers

Ian

[harlond57]

I had a CD that I cleaned to within an inch of its life* that still wouldn't rip.  After I used an Allsop CD lens cleaner, it ripped no problem.  So I can testify that the lens cleaner does something.  This was probably after I had ripped 450-500 CDs.  My view of the tiny brushes the cleaner uses is that for the few minutes the cleaner is in operation, they could do little or no harm to the lens.  Even so, I probably wouldn't use the cleaner disc as often as 100-200 CDs.

*(1) Wiped it with Maxell CD-305 cloths, (2)  soaked the cloth with a vinegar-water solution and wiped it, (3) soaked it in soapy water and rinsed, and (4) buffed it with toothpaste using my finger. 

[Ian Barber]

A lens is a lens, whether it be attached to your camera , your phone or your cd player /computer player drive it will get dirty whether it is used or not as the dust will build-up over time. It makes sense, at least to me, to keep lenses clean and ,in this case, the cd lens cleaner does the job well. Whether,or not, the Brennan B2 needs to be cleaned as often as I do it, is down to personal choice in my opinion.