VW 6-Disc CD Changer: How it Works

'I've been thinking about this for a few days now. How is it possible for a 6-disc CD changer to be built into a size comparable to a car radio, and how can it load 6 CDs through only one slot?'

http://www.gute-fahrt.de/gf/bauplan/Bilder/bau1201a.jpg

Has anyone ever taken one of these things apart before, or perhaps has some pictures of it? I've already considered a few possibilities, but I really can't figure it out.

Hi,

The changer shown is not a VW changer, but it functions in the same way (manufacturer: Fujitsu TEN).

Sure, here's the translation:

"From the beginning:"


From the back:


This 6-disc changer comes from a Cadillac GMX320 (a triple DIN unit with a radio, CD changer, cassette player, and a large display).

Explanation of how the changer works will be provided later (after the meal ).

Thank you, Bertil, I'm excited .
Enjoy your meal.

Okay, let's continue!



The CDs are loaded into slots similar to a magazine cartridge (the black, ring-shaped unit is visible in the "front" view of the image). The pickup unit (red outline) with its drive mechanism (yellow dot) is positioned in front of the loaded CDs.
When a CD is requested, the stack, including the requested CD, is raised, and the pickup is moved by the drive between the CDs (to approximately the blue position). The CD is lowered onto the spindle, and everything else functions as in a normal CD player.

I hope I have expressed myself clearly enough.

:sweat:

So, I understand correctly that the read/write and drive unit is so thin that it can fit between the CDs? Or are all 6 CDs rotated like a hard drive, and only the read arm moves in between?

andi wrote:

So, did I understand correctly that the read/write and drive unit is so flat that it fits between the CDs?

Or are all 6 CDs rotated like in a hard drive, and only the read arm moves in between?}

Not quite. The stack of discs is placed closely together, and the disc at the desired position is raised. For example, if CD 3 is requested: CDs 1 and 2 remain at the bottom, while CDs 3, 4, 5, and 6 are raised, and the reading/drive unit is inserted between them. Only the requested disc (in this case, CD 3) rotates.
By the way, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the counting method, as it is influenced by the software. However, that doesn't really matter. The way it works is the same regardless of whether I count from top to bottom or from bottom to top.

Okay, I think I understand now. So, the distance between the black semicircles at the back isn't fixed, but they can expand outwards at 5 different points?

Thank you for the information.

That's exactly right!

You're welcome! I've saved you hours of speculation.