Sony Walkman MZ-N910 User manual

SERVICE MANUAL
MZ-N910
Ver. 1.5 2006.05
AEP Model
UK Model
E Model
Australian Model
Chinese Model
Tourist Model
PORTABLE MINIDISC RECORDER
9-877-146-06 Sony Corporation
2006E16-1 Personal Audio Division
C2006.05 Published by Sony Techno Create Corporation
– Continued on next page –
US and foreign patents licensed from Dolby
Laboratories. Model Name Using Similar Mechanism NEW
Mechanism Type MT-MZN910-181
Optical Pick-up Name ABX-1R
SPECIFICATIONS
Audio playing system
MiniDisc digital audio system
Laser diode properties
Material: GaAlAs
Wavelength: λ= 790 nm
Emission duration: continuous
Laser output: less than 44.6 µW
(This output is the value measured at a distance
of 200 mm from the lens surface on the optical
pick-up block with 7 mm aperture.)
Recording and playback time (when
using MDW-80)
Maximum 160 min. in monaural
Maximum 320 min. in LP4 stereo
Revolutions
350 rpm to 3,600 rpm (CLV)
Error correction
ACIRC (Advanced Cross Interleave Reed
Solomon Code)
Sampling frequency
44.1 kHz
Sampling rate converter
Input: 32 kHz/44.1 kHz/48 kHz
Coding
ATRAC (Adaptive TRansform Acoustic
Coding)
ATRAC3 — LP2/LP4
Modulation system
EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation)
Frequency response
20 to 20,000 Hz ±3 dB
When recording
(Unit: approx.hours)(JEITA
4)
)
Batteries SP
Stereo LP2 Stereo LP4 Stereo
NH-14WM
nickel metal
hydride
rechargeable
battery
NH-14WM
nickel metal
hydride
rechargeable
battery
NH-14WM
nickel metal
hydride
rechargeable
battery + One
NH-14WM
nickel metal
hydride
rechargeable
battery + One
11 16 20
11 16 21
LR6 (SG)
Sony alkaline
dry battery
LR6 (SG)
LR6 (SG)
29 38 50
When playing
Batteries SP
Stereo LP2 Stereo LP4 Stereo
31 38 45
LR6 (SG)
Sony alkaline
dry battery
47 57 69
80 95 114
Battery operation time
3)
Inputs1)
MIC: stereo mini-jack
(minimum input level 0.25 mV)
Line in: stereo mini-jack for analog input
(minimum input level 49 mV)
optical (digital) mini-jack for optical
(digital) input
Outputs
i/LINE OUT2): stereo mini-jack (dedicated
remote control jack)/194 mV (10 kΩ)
Maximum output (DC)
2)
Headphones:
4 mW + 4 mW (16 Ω)(AEP,UK models)
5 mW + 5 mW (16 Ω)(other models)
Power requirements
Sony AC Power Adaptor connected at the DC
IN 3V jack:
120 V AC, 60 Hz (Models for USA, Canada,
Mexico and Taiwan)
230 - V AC, 50/60 Hz (Models for continental
Europe)
240 V AC, 50 Hz (Model for Australia)
220 V AC, 50 Hz (Model for China)
230 - V AC, 50 Hz (Models for U.K. and
Hong Kong)
100 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (Other models)
The recorder:
Nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery
NH-14WM, 1.2V, 1350mAh (MIN), Ni-MH
LR6 (size AA) alkaline battery
Battery charging stand:
AC power adaptor DC 3V
SILVER MODEL

2
MZ-N910
CAUTION
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures
other than those specified herein may result in hazardous ra-
diation exposure.
Notes on chip component replacement
•Never reuse a disconnected chip component.
•Notice that the minus side of a tantalum capacitor may be dam-
aged by heat.
Flexible Circuit Board Repairing
•Keep the temperature of the soldering iron around 270 ˚C dur-
ing repairing.
•Do not touch the soldering iron on the same conductor of the
circuit board (within 3 times).
•Be careful not to apply force on the conductor when soldering
or unsoldering.
UNLEADED SOLDER
Boards requiring use of unleaded solder are printed with the lead-
free mark (LF) indicating the solder contains no lead.
(Caution: Some printed circuit boards may not come printed with
the lead free mark due to their particular size)
: LEAD FREE MARK
Unleaded solder has the following characteristics.
•Unleaded solder melts at a temperature about 40 ˚C higher than
ordinary solder.
Ordinary soldering irons can be used but the iron tip has to be
applied to the solder joint for a slightly longer time.
Soldering irons using a temperature regulator should be set to
about 350 ˚C .
Caution: The printed pattern (copper foil) may peel away if the
heated tip is applied for too long, so be careful!
•Strong viscosity
Unleaded solder is more viscous (sticky, less prone to flow) than
ordinary solder so use caution not to let solder bridges occur
such as on IC pins, etc.
•Usable with ordinary solder
It is best to use only unleaded solder but unleaded solder may
also be added to ordinary solder.
•For use in your house: For the supplied battery charging
stand, use the AC power adaptor supplied with this recorder.
Do not use any other AC power adaptor since it may cause
the recorder to malfunction
Polarity of the
plug
SAFETY-RELATED COMPONENT WARNING!!
COMPONENTS IDENTIFIED BY MARK 0OR DOTTED LINE
WITH MARK 0ON THE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS AND IN
THE PARTS LIST ARE CRITICAL TO SAFE OPERATION.
REPLACE THESE COMPONENTS WITH SONY PARTS WHOSE
PART NUMBERS APPEAR AS SHOWN IN THIS MANUAL
OR IN SUPPLEMENTS PUBLISHED BY SONY.
Optical cable (1)
CD-ROM (SonicStage Ver. 1.5) (1)*
Carrying pouch/carrying case with a belt clip (1)
∗Do not play a CD-ROM on an audio CD player.
Headphones/earphones with a remote control (1)
Dimensions
Approx. 78.9 ×72.2 ×15.9 mm (w/h/d)
(31/87/832×2 ×21
/ in.) (excluding projecting parts
and controls)
Mass
Approx. 93 g (3.3 oz)
1) The LINE IN (OPT) jack is used to connect
either a digital (optical) cable or a line
(analog) cable.
2) The i/LINE OUT jack connects either
headphones/earphones or a line cable.
3) Measured in accordance with JEITA.
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
4) Measured in accordance with the JEITA
(Japan Electronics and Information
Technology Industries Association) standard.
Supplied accessories
AC power adaptor (1)
Battery charging stand (1)
NH-14WM Nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery (1)
Dry battery case (1)
Battery carrying case (1)

3
MZ-N910
1. SERVICING NOTES ................................................... 4
2. GENERAL ...................................................................... 5
3. DISASSEMBLY
3-1. Bottom Panel Block Assy........................................... 7
3-2. Upper Lid Block Assy ................................................ 7
3-3. LCD Module ............................................................... 8
3-4. MAIN Board, Case (battery) ...................................... 8
3-5. MD Mechanism Deck (MT-MZN910-181),
Set Chassis .................................................................. 9
3-6. Case (battery) ............................................................. 9
3-7. Gear (BSA), Gear (SB) ............................................ 10
3-8. OP Service Assy (ABX-1R) ..................................... 10
3-9. DC Motor SSM22A (sled) (M602), DC Motor
SSM18D (spindle) (M601), DC Motor Unit
(over write head up/down) (M603) .......................... 11
3-10. Holder Assy ............................................................ 11
4. TEST MODE ................................................................ 12
5. ELECTRICAL ADJUSTMENTS ........................... 18
6. DIAGRAMS
6-1. Block Diagram ......................................................... 37
6-2. Note for Printed Wiring Board and
Schematic Diagrams ................................................. 38
6-3. Printed Wiring Board
– MAIN Board (Side A) – ........................................ 39
– MAIN Board (Side B) – ........................................ 40
6-4. Schematic Diagrams
– MAIN Board (1/4) –.............................................. 41
– MAIN Board (2/4) –.............................................. 42
– MAIN Board (3/4) –.............................................. 43
– MAIN Board (4/4) –.............................................. 44
6-5. IC Pin Function Description .................................... 50
7. EXPLODED VIEWS
7-1. Case Section ............................................................. 56
7-2. Chassis Section ......................................................... 57
7-3. MAIN Board Section ............................................... 58
7-4. MD Mechanism Deck Section (MT-MZN910-181) . 59
8. ELECTRICAL PARTS LIST ................................... 60
TABLE OF CONTENTS

4
MZ-N910
NOTES ON HANDLING THE OPTICAL PICK-UP
BLOCK OR BASE UNIT
The laser diode in the optical pick-up block may suffer electro-
static break-down because of the potential difference generated
by the charged electrostatic load, etc. on clothing and the human
body.
During repair, pay attention to electrostatic break-down and also
use the procedure in the printed matter which is included in the
repair parts.
The flexible board is easily damaged and should be handled with
care.
NOTES ON LASER DIODE EMISSION CHECK
Never look into the laser diode emission from right above when
checking it for adjustment. It is feared that you will lose your sight.
NOTES ON HANDLING THE OPTICAL PICK-UP BLOCK
(ABX-1R)
The laser diode in the optical pick-up block may suffer electro-
static break-down easily. When handling it, perform soldering
bridge to the laser-tap on the flexible board. Also perform mea-
sures against electrostatic break-down sufficiently before the op-
eration. The flexible board is easily damaged and should be handled
with care.
SECTION 1
SERVICING NOTES
•In performing the repair the power supplied to the set, remov-
ing the MAIN board causes the set to be disabled.
In such a case, perform soldering bridge to SL802 on MAIN
board.
laser-tap
OPTICAL PICK-UP FLEXIBLE BOAR
D
MAIN board
FLEXIBLE board
(over write head)
•Handle the FLEXIBLE board (over write head) with care, as it
has been soldered directly to the MAIN board.
In repairing the component side of MAIN board, connect the
FLEXIBLE board (over write head) and the MAIN board with
the lead wires in advance.
System requirements
The following hardware and software are required in order to use the
SonicStage software for the Net MD.
This software is not supported by the following
environments:
•Macintosh
•Windows XP versions other than Home Edition or Professional
•Windows 2000 versions other than Professional
•Windows 98 versions other than Second Edition
•Windows NT
•Windows 95
•Personally constructed PCs or operating systems
•An environment that is an upgrade of the original manufacturer-installed
•Multi-boot environment
•Multi-monitor environment
Notes
•We do not ensure trouble-free operation on all computers that satisfy the
•We do not ensure trouble-free operation of the system suspend, sleep, or
hibernation function on all computers.
Computer IBM PC/AT or Compatible
•CPU: Pentium II 400 MHz or higher
(Pentium III 450 MHz or higher is recommended.)
•Hard disk drive space1): 120 MB or more
•
1)
Others
•CD-ROM drive (capable of digital playback by WDM)
•Sound Board
•
Operating
System Factory installed:
Windows XP Home Edition/Windows XP Professional/
Windows Millennium Edition/Windows 2000 Professional/
Windows 98 Second Edition
Display High Color (16bit) or greater, 800 ×480 dots or more
Others • Internet access: for Web registration and EMD services
•
Note on hard disk drive space
120 MB or more free space on the hard disk drive is required. If your
computer does not have enough space, the software will not be properly
installed. The required free space differs according to the version of
your Windows OS, or the amount of audio files that you handle.
USB port (supports USB 2.0 Full Speed
(previously USB 1.1))
(800 × 600 dots or more is recommended)
Windows Media Player (version 7.0 or higher) installed for
playing WMA files
RAM: 64 MB or higher
(128 MB or higher is recommended)
operating system
system requirements.
MAIN BOARD (SIDE A)
SL802
•Replacement of SN761058AZQLR (IC501), CXD2680-205GA
(IC801) used in this set requires a special tool
•The shipment data will be cleared when the NV is reset. There-
fore, change the NV adjusted values following the Change of
NV Adjusted Values immediately after the NV was reset. (See
page 18)
•This set requires the patch data in the nonvolatile memory
(IC851) to be rewritten using the application, when the MAIN
board was replaced. (See page 29)

5
MZ-N910
SECTION 2
GENERAL This section is extracted from
instruction manual.
Looking at controls
The recorder
AEND SEARCH button
BT MARK button
CBattery compartment
DDisplay window
EGROUP button
Fx• CHG button
GHOLD switch
Slide the switch in the direction of the
arrow to disable the buttons on the
recorder. To prevent the buttons from
being accidentally operated when you
carry the recorder, use this function.
HTerminals for attaching a battery
charging stand
ITerminals for attaching a dry battery
case
JDC IN 3V jack
KXbutton
L5-way control key
∗The N and VOL + button has a tactile dot.
MOPEN switch
qf
1
4
5
8
6
7
9
q;
qa
qd
qs
qh
qg
qj
qk
w;
ql
2
3
Operation Function
Press N*play
Press .rewind
Press >fast forward
Press VOL +*, – volume
NJog dial (MENU/ENTER)
OHandstrap hole
Use the hole to attach your own strap.
PDedicated USB cable connecting jack
QLINE IN (OPT) jack
RMIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack
There is a tactile dot beside the MIC
(PLUG IN POWER) jack.
SREC (record) switch
Ti(headphones/earphones)/LINE
OUT jack
The display window of the recorder
APlay mode indication
Shows the play mode (shuffle play,
program play, repeat play, etc.) of the
MD.
BGroup indication
CCharacter information display
Displays the disc and track names,
date, error messages, track numbers,
etc.
DREC indication
Lights up while recording. When
flashing, the recorder is in record
standby mode.
ESYNC (synchro-recording) indication
FBookmark indication
Lights up when playing a bookmarked
track.
GLevel meter
HBattery indication
Shows the approximate remaining
battery condition.
ILP2, LP4, MONO (monaural)
indication
JMelody timer indication
KDisc indication
Shows that the disc is rotating for
recording or playing.
Turn to select Push to enter
1 2 3 5
89 0qa
4 6
7
The headphones/earphones with a remote control
AVolu m e c o ntrol (VOL+, –)
Turn to adjust the volume.
Bx(stop) button
CJog lever (NX/ENT, ., >)
NX/ENT (to press): play, pause,
enter
.(to slide towards): REW
>(to slide towards): FF
DDisplay window
E(group) +, –
FClip
GHOLD switch
Slide the switch in the direction of the
arrow (a yellow mark appears) to
disable the buttons on the remote
control. To prevent the buttons from
being accidentally operated when you
carry the recorder, use this function.
HDISPLAY button
IP MODE/ button
JSOUND button
B
C
D
E
AF
G
H
I
J
The display window of the remote control
ADisc indication
BTrack number display
CCharacter information display
DPlay mode indication
ESOUND indication
FBattery level indication
GGroup indication
HBookmark indication
IMelody timer indication
1
2
Using the clip for the remote control
It may be hard for you to read the indications in the display if the remote control is attached
upside down with the clip in its current position. In this case, attach the clip in the opposite
direction as shown below.
1Remove the clip. 2Attach the clip in the opposite direction.
FGHI
BACDE

6
MZ-N910 SECTION 3
DISASSEMBLY
Note: This set can be disassemble according to the following sequence.
BOTTOM PANEL BLOCK ASSY
UPPER LID BLOCK ASSY
LCD MODULE
SET
MAIN BOARD
CASE (BATTERY)
GEAR (BSA), GEAR (SB)
OP SERVICE ASSY (ABX-1R)
DC MOTOR SSM22A (SLED) (M602),
DC MOTOR SSM18D (SPINDLE) (M601),
DC MOTOR UNIT (OVER WRITE HEAD
UP/DOWN) (M603)
HOLDER ASSY
MD MECHANISM DECK
(MT-MZN910-181),
SET CHASSIS

7
MZ-N910
3-1. Bottom Panel Block Assy
3-2. Upper Lid Block Assy
S802
6 three screws
(M1.4)
5 two screws
(M1.4)
knob (hold)
3 Remove the
battery case lid.
1 Open the
battery case lid.
4 Close the
battery terminal (plus) assy.
2 claw
Notes: On installation, adjust the position of both switch (S802) and knob (hold).
7 Remove the bottom panel block assy
in the direction of the arrow.
2 Slide the knob (open) in the direction of the arrow,
and open the upper lid block assy.
3 two screws
(M1.4)
4 two screws
(M1.4)
1 flexible board (CN891)
5 upper lid block ass
y

8
MZ-N910
3-3. LCD Module
3-4. MAIN Board, Case (battery)
2 LCD module
4 button assy
5 window (LED)
6 spring (REC)
3 complession spring
1 five screws
(1.7)
4 flexible board (CN501)
6 MAIN board
3 flexible board (CN701)
1 Remove two solders of the
main board.
2 Remove the solder.
5 three screws
(M1.4)

9
MZ-N910
3-5. MD Mechanism Deck (MT-MZN910-181), Set Chassis
1 two step screws
(MD)
3 boss
5 spring (L)
6 spring (R)
7 ornamental strip
8 knob (open)
2 boss
4 MD mechanism deck
(MT-MZN910-181)
9 set chassis assy
3-6. Case (battery)
1 boss
2 boss
4 set chassis assy
3 case (battery)

10
MZ-N910
3-8. OP Service Assy (ABX-1R)
3-7. Gear (BSA), Gear (SB)
3 self tap screw
4 thrust retainer spring
2 gear (BSA)
1 washer (0.8-2.5)
5 gear (SB)
5 OP service assy (ABX-1R)
3 Pull off lead screw.
1 precision pan screw (M1.4)(EG)
2 rack spring
4 Opening the over write head
toward the direction A , remove the OP service assy
(ABX-1R) toward the direction B .
A
B
Note: Do not the entire assy forcibly,
when opening the over write head.