Thompson Potentiometer (Pot) Adjustment - Microsoft Xbox Repair Manual

Thompson Potentiometer (Pot) Adjustment

This is not for the novice; this tutorial assumes a certain level of knowledge and delicacy while
working with the components. As well as the good sense to not plug it in while opened. Read the
warning on the drive. Do this at your own risk!
Theory: The pot on the laser unit itself tells the laser how bright to shine (think of it like a valve
on a faucet, the further open the more water flows). In the case of the DVD drive, the lower the
number on the pot the brighter the laser shines. The brighter it shines the shorter the life of the
laser. It seems the factory standard number is around 1700 the lowest number recommended to set
the laser to 800. (Remember the lower you set the pot the shorter the life of the laser and beyond
800 can damage the media you put in the drive) There is no one number to set it to for success, it
varies from drive to drive I personally shoot for a number around 1000 and tweak from there.
Necessary tools
Phillips Number #1 screwdriver
2mm standard screw driver (like for glasses) Torx T10
X-acto knife
Digital Multimeter
Start by disassembling your Xbox and removing the DVD drive
Open your DVD drive
Gain Access to the potentiometer by loosening the bottom circuit board enough so you can get a
nearly straight shot at the pot
Page 54 of 87