Audio Systems: m-error message, electronic code, error management

Question
i  have a fisher 24 cd changer that is reading a m-error message,the door will not open on its own to load a cd once you take your finger and open it it says m-error.i sure hope you can help me with this i am a huge music buff and sure miss this as the 24 cds that it holds.the model number is tad993.thank-you,terry.

Answer
This would be an electronic code error.  Meaning that something has triggered the error management system to show a failure of some kind.  It could be a servo motor not functioning properly, the disc handling mechanism out of synchronization, the control IC or software malfunctioning, etc.  In other words, there are many possibilities and it will need to be evaluated or diagnosed to determine the exact problem area.

This is a very old unit and it may not be a good investment to have it repaired.

But, it could be just a corruption of the op-codes in the control system.  Try a hard reset and see if that helps. Merely unplug the power cord for 1/2 hour, then repower it.  Doing so will clear any internal code problems.  If the reset does not help it means the problem is more sinister.

Here is my thought. If the reset does not solve the problem and the player is as old as I think it is (around 15 years) then it is very, very obsolete and needs to be replaced with a more uptodate and modern player.  You have three options, though:

ONE:  Go ahead and get it repaired.  If you can find a shop that will work on it.  Minimum repair charge would be, my guess, around $80 - $150.

TWO:  Buy a new changer.  Pioneer has one that holds 24 discs and is available at various places for around $99 or so.  Sony has a 300 disc changer and it is available for around $159 if you shop it online.

THREE:  Most people nowdays are using mp3 files.  In a little hand held unit you can store much more than 25 cds; maybe 2,000 or 3,000 tunes.  It can be used in the car, at home or on the road.  Just an alternative.  In fact, these devices have made it impossible for the changer manufacturers to keep producing the mechanical disc changers and as such they will just gradually disappear from the market.

Hope these ideas help.  Let me know if there is more.
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