ESCIENT MC-201D 200 DVD/CD Changer

SPECS:
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The Powerplay system is made up of two components: a controller and a 200 CD/DVD changer. Escient originally made these changers for the commercial storage market. The product line continues under the Powerfile brand. The MC-201D changer is a relative of the Powerfile C200 changer that is still available today. I have not confirmed if the changers are interchangeable - when I contacted Powerfile, then recommended trying it to see... they did not know.

The MC-201D has a single DVD drive internally and stores 200 discs on a rotating carousel much like a typical CD changer. This changer is industrial, however, in every way. The loading and unloading of discs is fully automated. It weighs a ton and has a very nice aluminum face. The changer is basically a safe for your discs. It puts any Sony or Pioneer changer to shame.

It may be possible to connect this changer to your PC as well. Powerfile has a windows and Mac device driver available on its website that should allow you to access any of the media on the unit. The Escient controller also has the Powerfile device files available in the Powerplay directory.

DRIVE USAGE:
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The Escient controller can connect to multiple changers via a firewire cable. I have used 20ft cables without issue. This allows you to place the changers relatively far from your home theater system. This is preferable since the changers do make noise when searching for a disc to play.

Each disc added or removed from the changer is catalogued automatically by the controller. The controller uses a process called Autobuild to review each new disc and determine if it must call out to the Escient database for title, track and cover art. The controller is pretty well connected. I have never been able to get the two units out of sync unless I add or remove discs when the changer is disconnected. The controller's Autobuild process though will notice the discrepancy and correct it once it runs.

CHANGER STOPS WORKING:
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These changers are rock solid. They will probably last the lifetime of the controller. However there are times when they may need servicing. The primary issue that I have found with these units is that the internal motherboard can become disconnected from its IDE ribbon cable during shipping or transport. This is a problem if you turn on the unit and it continuously spins the carousel, or continuously reboots.

All the electronics for the changer are located on the underside of the unit. Flip the unit on its top and you will see a lid that is fastened to the underside of the changer with about 20 screws. You need to remove all except the ones holding the feet on. Then slowly remove the lid. Now you basically want to press all the ribbon cables into their connectors and make sure that there are no loose connections. Be careful NOT to touch the power supply that is completely unprotected.

If the face of the unit is towards your body, the first board you see towards the front is the main mother board. You will notice that on the left side is an IDE ribbon cable connection. You should also see that there is tape around the board that is supposed to hold it steady. Since most of these units are a couple years old, the tape is no longer sticky. First you want to secure the board. I would recommend that you add electical tape strategically to stabilize the board. I have actually added silicon sealant to the corners to do this as well... making sure that it completely dries before placing the lid on.

The other ribbon connectors may be loose as well.. press them all into place. Before replacing the lid, use an air duster or vacuum cleaner to make sure there are no metal shavings around that worked loose when you unscrewed all those screws... then put the lid back on. Your changer should be back in business.