Proceed CDD - repair or not?


I have a Proceed CDD (transport) which has had intermittent skipping which is getting worse - a skip or two on just about every disk. From what I have been reading, this indicates that the laser is getting weak and the entire Philips CD module needs to be replaced.

Can anyone confirm what Philips CD module is used? I believe it is the CD-PRO, but in conversation with a local service tech here in Atlanta, he thinks the CD-PRO is only about 8 years old and the CDD's were produced from 1995 to 2002. I guess opening up the chassis is in order.

A second question, when I get a power flicker, my unit displays an F3 error code and will not operate again unless I pull the power cord for an hour or so. Does anyone know what this code means?

I guess the bottom line question would be if it is worth it to get this repaired? A repair cost in the $500 range seems worthwhile to me.

Any Proceed peeps out there??

Thank you
timjclark
Thank you for the replies. I talked with a local (Atlanta) service dude who said he can get replacement Philips CD-PRO's for $350 + $90 for installation. I have also found a company that sells the CD-PRO2LF model for $385. Once I open my CDD up and get the exact model number and probably take some pics, I'll check to see if the CD-PRO2LF will drop in there.

After reading that thread on audioasylum (thanks Mcfarland) it sounds like Madrigal modified the module to tweak it up so even putting in the latest version, may not yield the same results.

Face - what was the repair cost that you were quoted?

IF the CD-PRO2LF is compatible, $450 to repair it, if that solved all of my unit's ills, seems like something worthwhile.

What is your opinion of having a non-Proceed "authorized" person work on your transport?

Thank you!

Tim
I opened up my CDD last night and it has a CDM12-IND transport. Supposedly the CD-PRO2LF is backward compatible with it. I have a few calls to make before I pull the trigger on dropping my CDD off with a local service guy to get his opinion. Thank you Google!
A friend of mine tried to substitute the CDM-12Ind in his No.31 with the new supposedly "backwards compatible" CD-Pro2 drive, without success.

My guess is that ML modified sth in those drives.
Hi Elberoth, I was afraid that is the case.

I wonder if I can simply replace the optical pickup portion of the existing transport? Something like this:
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/32-18255

I'm not certain that the one I have linked would be the appropriate one. Might anyone have any input on this?

Thank you,