I am attempting to replace the laser diode in the optical pickup of an X0.

Does anyone know the properties of the diode or where I might find a datasheet on it? I know the wavelength is 670nm but need to know the power rating and current/voltage properties of the LD and PD.

Has anyone ever had success replacing the laser diode in the optical block of an laserdisc player? Or CD player?

The laser pick up is available from a guy in Germany but he asks like $1,000 for it. The replacement part might have some datasheet along with it but I don't know if the seller would be willing to share that info. I would find someone who speaks Japanese and have him contact Pioneer Japan for such info.

This is possible in principle but very difficult, as you would need to get the alignment of the new component exactly correct to assure proper functioning of the optical block.
I actually succeeded in buying a couple of space HIL-C2EX optical blocks for a reasonable price the other day.

Optical head for other players isn't too bad, even X9 is like $99. X0 optics are rare and expensive

Alignment is key but so are the diode specifications. Would be really useful to know if anyone has tried this before. I have found limited info online of success replacing diodes in CD players. Laserdisc players aren't too dissimilar.

Replacing the diode is not something that's usually done. I've tried before on a CD player and even though I had the right spec'd part I couldn't get it to work. I ended up replacing the while pickup assembly, which is the preferred method of replacing a laser if at all possible.

Unfortunately the pickup assembly is not easy to come by.

I am extremely sorry to hear your pickup assembly issue could not be fixed That's why I don't care about fixing my DAC issue as
long as everythign else is working. Too afraid of opening it.

Good luck.

I have successfully replaced the diode and have it playing discs again! Now it will require lining up properly but I'm pleased to have made it this far.

Way to go (utinni!!!) kencol. It would be great if you document and post instructions, eventually all of the X0 lasers will fail:(

Thanks substance! I'm still not out of the woods yet as it won't currently play hi-vision discs. I'm fairly certain this can be resolved with a lineup however.

What I have observed is the detail/clarity of the picture on my standard test disc of Fifth Element is improved over my other unit. The light output from the diode is much greater too and I'm wondering if this has improved the RF signal. I need to test this more after calibration as i am probably over emphasising the picture quality in light of getting it to work again.

Once I have got everything working correctly I will try and post my process. It shows that the diodes are certainly replaceable and will ensure the longevity of these players.

This I must see.

Iirc bahr worked on something like this for another member here. He doesn't post much anymore. His unit didn't read muse or it had crosstalk, I can't remember.

Kencol, this is excellent news. Please let us know how you managed to replace the diode. Please
And how much did you end up spending ? God bless you

How did this end up ? Any updates ?

Unfortunately this project got benched but is still on my to do list. I got to the stage where the player would play both Muse and NTSC but there was trouble with playback of a couple of CAV muse discs. When I tried to rectify by performing yet another lineup I ended up blowing the diode. House moves and other circumstances meant I shelved it.