Famicom Disk System Belts?

[RetroGamerTMD]

Hi there guys, there's a store around me that has offered to sell me  some broken Famicom Disk Systems for really cheap if I am able to fix them.

I've looked some guides and it seems like something I should be able to do (if I can mod my Genesis with S-video/stereo I should be able to replace belts and whatnot right?).

The thing that I am wondering is if the Disk System Belts have to be specifically made for the FDS. Can I use other types of belts for the FDS? If not, where's the best place to buy them? I found some on the Tototek website for 6$ a piece, is that a good deal?

Thanks guys.

[jpx72]

I wondered about that too, I found many pretty similar rubber belts, but many of them keep slipping off the mechanism, others are too strong so the motor is burdened more. I'm getting errors 02 (low battery, although I run it on Adapter) all the time and I suspect the non-original belt is responsible.
Anyway, I've done some search and tototek is so far the cheapest. But I'm sure somebody knows better.

[Xious]

Using a non-specific belt is the surest method of wasting your time and energy. The drive specifications are not in any way flexible, and there is almost no tolerance or margin given for error. The belt dynamics are also important, as the physical shape of the belt as well as the material are paramount to successful, long-term operation. In other words, don't get frugal on an integral component.

I would opt for the ToToTek belts; don't waste time on NOS factory belts, as they will be dry and essentially ready to die. (They're useful only for measuring to make reproductions.)

Other than that, good luck. This isn't a simple procedure in any light and it takes time, practice and patience to become good at it and thus equalize the time against your profit margin if you are going to do this commercially (unless you enjoy low wages). I would also advise against teaching anyone your techniques Ias you develop any), as you only widen competition, and thus lower your margins. 

[RetroGamerTMD]

Right now without a job I've got a lot of time on my hands, and well I just want to make enough money to cover this AV Famicom that I've purchased recently. Thanks for the info Xious, it sounds like this might be more difficult than I had thought, but I'm hoping that it will be rewarding at the end of it all.

[jpx72]

Thanks for the explanation, I will wait for my Tototek belt then!

[petik1]

Xious, you're a FDS god.