Panasonic Q - Possible internal fan problem?

[dan2172]

Mark Jullion (NTSC-uk webmaster) has pointed me in your direction, and I wonder if you can help.

I see that a lot of you seem to own Panasonic Qs. I have just imported one (modded) through Lik-Sang. I've had it a couple of weeks but have only used it twice to test on different TVs. Basically it's still in the box because I am about to buy a TV with component and S-Video inputs (which I don't currently own - just a crummy little portable!)

I just wondered whether anyone has had any problems with the fan on your Q? There is a noise from the fan just as it comes to a halt. It sounds a lot like rifling a plastic comb if that makes any sense.

This noise only occurs when I switch the machine off. The noise is the same whether I have been playing DVDs or games. It lasts for around a second and stops as soon as the fan stops. It is almost certainly the fan. I would like to find out if this is a usual occurance, or whether I should try and send it back given that I've only just received it.

Any responses would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks
Dan

[Pavey]

My one doesn't. As you say it sounds like something is catching somewhere.
Why dont you try opening it up,as its been done before and that could be when it occured.
Best of luck
Nick

[bowser123]

When I switch my Q off it makes a "farting" type noise and then clicks, has done it for the entire time I've had it (nearly a year know) and it works perfectly.
My friends does it and I've heard it's nothing unusual.
BTW my Q is modded for JPN and US, as well as all region DVD's.

Is my eloquent description similar to your noise?

[dreamylittledream]

Yeah mine makes that odd noise on switching off too.

I think it might be linked to the mod...

[dan2172]

Eloquent and yes, mine definitely sounds as if it's been at the hot sauce. My Q is modded so it defaults in Jap/region2 mode with US/region1 mode if you hold down the power button for 5 seconds. I use the freeloader for my PAL games.

Seems as if some make this noise and some don't. I've considered that this may be because of the modification, and perhaps when it was closed up again after modding it was screwed too tight so that the side panel presses against the fan. I was thinking about untightening the screws to see what effect that might have - I've rather not open it up fully just yet. I also thought about spraying some air in through the grill next to the fan. Perhaps latent dust might be to blame.

Either way, from the response I've been getting it seems as though this may not be a fatal problem. Thank you and if anyone else has had a similar experience it'd be good to hear from you.

[bowser123]

I can remember that when I 1st bought mine I was worried about the same noise and asked Tokuda (Japanese guy who visits these boards) about it. He reported that his unmodded Q made the same noise and was nothing to worry about.

Before you take anything apart I'd also recommend sending Saurian a PM from here, he's the master of modding and fixing stuff.

[007]

Hey man.

I wouldn't worry about it, mines modded and it makes that exact noise when turning off.

No problems this end either.

[dan2172]

Thank you for the advice and I've PM-ed Saurian.

I'll let you know what he says.

Thank you so much
Dan

[?pint]

I'm pretty sure that's normal; mine does it when playing GC games (but not DVDs, because DVD's don't use the fan) .

[Saurian]

The Panasonic Q is like 2 machines - the Gamecube and DVD player operate separate, the fan is only for the Gamecube's motherboard.

[dan2172]

Yeah, I might be mistaken when I say it does it after playing DVDs. Definitely does it with games. My understanding of the machine is exactly tha - it is effectively two separate boards in one box which I assume is why it doesn't do progressive scan and component out for DVDs, only for games.

[Papercut]

My Q has made that noise a couple times, caused by a build up of dust.

Its slightly worrying for a brand new machine. As they open the Q up to mod it, its always possible they left a cable trapped by the fan.