After Hours

Cracking open an external DVD burner

By // July 25, 2007, 5:29 AM PST // erikeckel

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  • The LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter

    External USB-connected CD and DVD burners present a simple method for expanding PCs and adding valuable functionality. Just what's inside those black and beige boxes so many users have added to their systems, though? Check out this Cracking Open image gallery for a glimpse inside an LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter GSA-2166D.

    Model number GSA-2166D, this LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter served its purpose well, at least for 18 months or so before failing.

  • The LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter: Bottom View

    The LG's model and serial numbers, manufacturing date and other information are all affixed to a single label placed on the underside of the external LG case.

  • The LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter: Rear View

    The rear panel of the LG Super Multi ReWriter features simply two ports. One accommodates a USB 2.0 cable, whereas the second accepts the required 12-volt DC power supply.

  • The LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter Adapter

    The LG's power adapter converts 120-volt AC wall current to the 12-volt DC electrical supply the external DVD burner requires.

  • Inside The LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter Adapter

    Manufactured in China, this power adapter's purpose is to convert AC current to DC and provide electricity at a lower voltage than that supplied by wall outlets.

    The copper windings, visible at the bottom right, serve to help convert (or reduce) electrical current.

    The transformer, meanwhile, assists by transfering electricity through magnetic fields. The transformer is the component wrapped in the protective sheath (with the "APD" lettering atop).

  • Opening The Case

    Removing the LG drive's rubberized fee reveals Phillips head screws that can be removed to open the exterior case.

  • Inside The Case

    Once all four rubberized feet and the Phillips head screws are removed, the lid slides away to reveal the CD/DVD burner inside.

  • Retaining Screws

    Extracting the retaining screws at the rear compartment enables removal of the drive's outer casing.

  • The Outer Case Removed

    Once the LG drive's outer shell is removed, the drive is fully revealed. The exterior plastic shell, meanwhile, mostly serves cosmetic purposes (although it does help guard the drive's metal skeleton from accidental shocks and static electricity discharges).

  • The LG Super Multi DVD Drive

    Removing four Philips head screws (two on each side) and protective tape allows separation of the drive's rear compartment (which contains connections for the data and power ports) from the main drive body.

  • Rear Compartment Cover Removed

    Once the rear compartment's cover is removed, the circuit board that manages transferring data communications and power delivery is revealed. Here you can see a standard ribbon cable and Molex plug complete the data and electricity paths to the internal drive from the external case.

    The lid, meanwhile, sits at the bottom of the frame.

  • Circuit Board Close Up

    Here's a closeup view of the circuit board that transfers the data and electrical signals from the exterior case to the internal LG drive.

    The USB port is the silver port toward the bottom center slightly to the left, while the power adapter plugs into the round black port slight to the right of center on the bottom.

  • The Bottom Of The Case

    Turning attention to the case's bottom reveals four Phillips head screws that require removal.

  • The LG Drive's Underside Revealed

    Once the four Philips head screws are removed, the LG drive's bottom-side is revealed.

    Here two circuit boards can be seen. The large one (on the bottom) is responsible for managing drive operation, while the small board above assists in powering and opening the drive.

    Also visible is the underside of the LG Innotek-manufactured mechanical motor's main body (the silver plate with a gray ribbon cable and the W009A lettering.

  • The Main Circuit Board

    Here's a closeup of the main circuit board. Powered by a Panasonic chipset, the board powers the DVD burner's operation.

    The ribbon (data) and Molex (electrical) cables from the rear compartment attach to the data port (toward the top left-center of this image) and the Molex port (top left corner). These ports help complete the chain that connects the exterior USB cable and power supply to the LG drive itself.

  • The Internal Drive

    This view is looking at the drive's internals from its underside. Once the main circuit board is eliminated, the drive's main motor (and the slides upon which it travels) are clearly visible.

  • The LG Drive's Mechanical Motor

    Here's a close up of the LG drive's mechanical motor (and ribbon cable) after being removed from the drive.

  • The Drive's Internals - Top Side View

    Here's the view peering down into the LG DVD burner from the top side.

    In addition to being able to see the actual laser head (the assembly that's positioned upon the two slide bars), you can see the blue easement into which the mechanical motor used to sit before it was removed from the drive.

  • The Laser Head

    Here's a closeup of the LG drive's laser head. This is the device that handled all the heavy lifting, from reading CDs and DVDs to writing and rewriting CDs and DVDs.

  • The Complete LG Drive

    A myriad number of components, plates, casings and circuits all go into building a simple external USB-powered CD/DVD burner.

The LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter

External USB-connected CD and DVD burners present a simple method for expanding PCs and adding valuable functionality. Just what's inside those black and beige boxes so many users have added to their systems, though? Check out this Cracking Open image gallery for a glimpse inside an LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter GSA-2166D.

Model number GSA-2166D, this LG Super Multi DVD ReWriter served its purpose well, at least for 18 months or so before failing.

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By Erik Eckel

Erik Eckel owns and operates two technology companies. As a managing partner with Louisville Geek, he works daily as an IT consultant to assist small businesses in overcoming technology challenges and maximizing IT investments. He is also president o...