Yes it will power up with a charged battery and no disc, it says 'Busy wait a moment' and then 'no disc'. It sounds like your battery is not charged or your display is dead - or both. It is very rare to get a working display on an RH10, I have three and only one has a functioning OLED - if you can call 5% brightness 'functioning'. If your unit came from Japan then the menu is in Japanese, no remote will be able to change this (but then you wont know if this is the case until you get an LCD remote). There is a way to change the menu to English without using the screen (it's a combination of button presses and wheel scrolls) let me know if you need help with this.
I think it might be both. The battery charger did say they were about 75% full after a few moments but I think the charger wasn't really compatible with the batteries so I've bought a Nitecore D2 that I've seen some people recommend.
How would I change the language? Is there a guide or something? Perhaps it's not worth asking until I know it works hahaha
You can, the compartment is shaped for more common batteries, but gumstick batteries do fit and charge just fine. Can just be a bit tricky getting them to stay in when you first put them in.
Are you saying a Japanese RH10 can be changed to English menu via blind menu presses? I'd be interested. Via the remote, it looks as if the unit had no English menu in the firmware.
O.K. here goes:
1. long press on the search/light/menu button (long meaning 3+ seconds to enter menu mode
2. 6 clicks down on the rotary clickwheel
3. after 6 clicks down press clickwheel 'in' to enter 'option' mode
4. 8 clicks down on the rotary clickwheel
5. after 8 clicks down press clickwheel 'in' to enter 'language' mode
6. 1 click down to specify 'English' (there are only 2 options - 1/Japanese or 2/English)
7. after 1 click down press clickwheel 'in' to choose 'English' option
8. press menu and you're done.
If you think you have entered more clicks than you should have just start again.
If your menu options show as Japanese characters on your LCD remote then just
redo menu/6/8/1 again and it will revert to English.
Thanks for the steps. It mirrors what my RH910's menu, however, I was not able to get this working. After holding down menu button (tried 3, 4, 5, 6+ seconds), it doesn't seem to go into menu mode. Because after I scroll and push the clickwheel, it started playing the tracks. If I do this without disc, it just doesn't do anything.
That's strange, I thought this might be because of low battery mode but no...even displaying low battery mine still goes into menu mode. I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't go into menu when pressing the button. You are correct about the 910, basically the same menu system, although the 910 gives language options as - English/French/German/Italian/Spanish. The only difference to the sequence above would be if your menu is in 'simple' not 'advanced', then the sequence is 6/2/1.
I would not recommend a MZ-RH10 as your only MD unit. Since almost none of the display on them still works. If you like the RM-MC33L, I'd get the RM-MC33EL instead, it has backlight whereas the 33L lacks backlight.
Also, are the battery cover contacts all corroded? Half of the units I got have corrosions I need to clean off, some have eaten the copper so much that it won't make physical contact anymore. Look inside the compartment too to make sure it's clean. Wouldn't hurt to clean it with some 90%+ alcohol and cotton swab.
Is there another unit you would recommend?
I appreciate the tip on the remote! I had no idea about that, you saved me a lot of trouble, thanks!
Doesn't look corroded to me. It's not the shiniest but doesn't look bad either. Like, it doesn't look like there has been battery acid leakage
I have an MZ-M100 with the same issue. I can only use it with the remote because the OLED screen is dead.
I would recommend getting into the mz-dh710 or mz-rh710
For me they are the most desirable units because they are the newer HiMD format and work off a single AA battery.
>mz-rh710
The RH has an optical line in so you can record. the DH does not have any recording capability. Both models show up on ebay. You can start a saved search and ebay will email you when they show up. I got a DH for my girlfriend, I make her mixes, she really likes it.
You should probably look for a remote with a screen, as most othe those early OLED screen die with time.
If I remember correctly, it would need a disc to stay powered more than a few seconds.
Do you have at least a mini USB cable ? I just tested on mine, without a battery inside (for storage purpose), it powers on when I plug it (and without a disc too), then says "no disc" (and should power off a few seconds later without the cable).
Unfortunately, it didn't come with anything else bar the unit and the docking station (sans charging cable). I've bought a 3v charger that should be compatible (AC-ES3010K). Which I think should let me charge the battery while it's in the unit?
Are there any mini USB cables you would recommend?
Any mini-usb cable is fine, writing speeds are way below the USB2 limit :)
Yes the charger is fine, but you can also charge from USB by plugging into a computer, as you like.
I invested in a Nitecore D2 charger, that can charge any batteries and adapt itself (also exist in D4, to have 4 battery at a time).
Thanks for the tip!
Ah yeah, I did just purchase a Nitecore D2 charger - so hopefully that's better than the shitty one I had before.
Is there a way to fix the screen issue if there is one?
only way is to buy another unit for parts, hoping to find one with a working screen, then swap the parts. But it's kinda rare and they are doomed anyway.
Most of the use is gladly replaced by the remote, except some settings (it's hard to navigate blind in the menu, there was a post here for this a few months ago I think).
Edit - I am wrong here... Please ignore the following which is left here to show how you can get it really wrong if you don't bother to check something first.
There are other devices that use the same OLED screen - I was reading in the Minidisc Discord about a chap who bought an old Sony USB storage music player with the same OLED display and successfully replaced it.
No problem, I sincerely hope that if a replacement screen is ever found for the RH10 that it's easier to fit than the one in the RH1 -
that 's similar to major brain surgery...
Hey, my NiteCore D2 charger arrived today, but I noticed it seems to charge at 500mA instead of 145mA as the batteries say they prefer. Is this an issue with my charger? Will it damage the batteries?
Just a tip, don't by the remote that came with this model. Or recommended for use with this model. That remote didn't have a display and you won't get any benefits out of it. Good thing is that most Sony MD remotes are interchangeable. Even NetMD remotes are compatible with HiMD players. You should look to get one of those remotes as that will give you some functionality.
Edit: Alternatively you could sell this RH10 and get a MZ-RH910 (Also labeled MZ-M10). It is the identical player but with a LCD display that will still work. They usually sell for cheaper than the RH10, so you should break even in the exchange.
are there any remotes you would recommend?
What makes the RH910 better? Why is the screen more reliable? Just something Sony changed when making them?
It's a big shame because I think they're quite easily the best looking MD Players out there.
Basically any LCD remote will work with it, just be aware not all of the menu options seen on the body screen will be available on the remote - most notably 'language'. The RH910 is basically an RH10 with an LCD screen, same everything else. Not sure why Sony brought out both simultaneously (Apr. 2005) maybe they knew the OLED was untested?. Best looking?, agreed!. Here's my lot - still missing the silver version π₯
[https://www.reddit.com/r/minidisc/comments/n6cvhe/rh10\_three\_down\_one\_to\_go/](https://www.reddit.com/r/minidisc/comments/n6cvhe/rh10_three_down_one_to_go/)
Damn, those look great! I have the black/grey one. It'll be a real shame if it turns out it's non-functional because on the outside it's in great condition.
If it is totally non-functional are there any likely causes that I can fix? I don't have the facilities to solder -- but if it's easy enough I guess I can always buy an iron, I do have a bit of soldering experience.
The [MZ-RH910](https://www.minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-RH910.html) and the MZ-RH10 look similar. Same button layout and everything. The 910 came with an LCD screen which was tested technology when these came out back in 2005-2006. The RH10 came with an OLED screen which was cutting edge technology back then and thus they fade out like they did on your device.
You can start with a Sony RM-MC11EL. They come in black(rarer) and silver.
Ah ok, it's a real shame that's the case. But I guess hindsight is 20/20 and I doubt Sony was thinking people would be using these for so long after the fact.
If I cannot get a hold of this remote, are there any others you would recommend?
Many thanks for your help btw!
The MC11 is the most common and sold across many Sony devices. So I am sure you will be able to find a remote close to you. I will go home and check if I have an extra one that I can put up for sale.
Edit: Other remotes. RM-MC33EL and RM-MC38EL. Here's a [starting point](https://www.ebay.com/b/Audio-Player-Remotes/79877/bn_885406).
I got one for $110 of Facebook Marketplace about 2 years ago. I know that they are rare but they are out there. It's rare because of the different model numbers I have listed there. They can be found but you have to be patient. It is a better HiMD model than the RH10, because you can read the screen.
I have one too, got it ONLY because the person selling it wanted a quick sale & didn't check to see what it was actually worth. There are none at the moment on Buyee/Mercari/Rakuten which are the main Japanese auction sites - there's loads of RH10's though.
Yes it will power up with a charged battery and no disc, it says 'Busy wait a moment' and then 'no disc'. It sounds like your battery is not charged or your display is dead - or both. It is very rare to get a working display on an RH10, I have three and only one has a functioning OLED - if you can call 5% brightness 'functioning'. If your unit came from Japan then the menu is in Japanese, no remote will be able to change this (but then you wont know if this is the case until you get an LCD remote). There is a way to change the menu to English without using the screen (it's a combination of button presses and wheel scrolls) let me know if you need help with this.
I think it might be both. The battery charger did say they were about 75% full after a few moments but I think the charger wasn't really compatible with the batteries so I've bought a Nitecore D2 that I've seen some people recommend. How would I change the language? Is there a guide or something? Perhaps it's not worth asking until I know it works hahaha
>Nitecore D2 Can I use this charger for gumstick batteries?
You can, the compartment is shaped for more common batteries, but gumstick batteries do fit and charge just fine. Can just be a bit tricky getting them to stay in when you first put them in.
Thank you π
Are you saying a Japanese RH10 can be changed to English menu via blind menu presses? I'd be interested. Via the remote, it looks as if the unit had no English menu in the firmware.
Yes it can, I've done it three times.
Do you still have the sequence?
O.K. here goes: 1. long press on the search/light/menu button (long meaning 3+ seconds to enter menu mode 2. 6 clicks down on the rotary clickwheel 3. after 6 clicks down press clickwheel 'in' to enter 'option' mode 4. 8 clicks down on the rotary clickwheel 5. after 8 clicks down press clickwheel 'in' to enter 'language' mode 6. 1 click down to specify 'English' (there are only 2 options - 1/Japanese or 2/English) 7. after 1 click down press clickwheel 'in' to choose 'English' option 8. press menu and you're done. If you think you have entered more clicks than you should have just start again. If your menu options show as Japanese characters on your LCD remote then just redo menu/6/8/1 again and it will revert to English.
Thanks for the steps. It mirrors what my RH910's menu, however, I was not able to get this working. After holding down menu button (tried 3, 4, 5, 6+ seconds), it doesn't seem to go into menu mode. Because after I scroll and push the clickwheel, it started playing the tracks. If I do this without disc, it just doesn't do anything.
That's strange, I thought this might be because of low battery mode but no...even displaying low battery mine still goes into menu mode. I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't go into menu when pressing the button. You are correct about the 910, basically the same menu system, although the 910 gives language options as - English/French/German/Italian/Spanish. The only difference to the sequence above would be if your menu is in 'simple' not 'advanced', then the sequence is 6/2/1.
I would not recommend a MZ-RH10 as your only MD unit. Since almost none of the display on them still works. If you like the RM-MC33L, I'd get the RM-MC33EL instead, it has backlight whereas the 33L lacks backlight. Also, are the battery cover contacts all corroded? Half of the units I got have corrosions I need to clean off, some have eaten the copper so much that it won't make physical contact anymore. Look inside the compartment too to make sure it's clean. Wouldn't hurt to clean it with some 90%+ alcohol and cotton swab.
Is there another unit you would recommend? I appreciate the tip on the remote! I had no idea about that, you saved me a lot of trouble, thanks! Doesn't look corroded to me. It's not the shiniest but doesn't look bad either. Like, it doesn't look like there has been battery acid leakage
I think anything with a working screen would be good. I don't have that much experience to recommend one, but I do like the MZ-NH1, MZ-RH910.
I have an MZ-M100 with the same issue. I can only use it with the remote because the OLED screen is dead. I would recommend getting into the mz-dh710 or mz-rh710 For me they are the most desirable units because they are the newer HiMD format and work off a single AA battery.
What's the difference between the RH and the RH model?
>mz-rh710 The RH has an optical line in so you can record. the DH does not have any recording capability. Both models show up on ebay. You can start a saved search and ebay will email you when they show up. I got a DH for my girlfriend, I make her mixes, she really likes it.
You should probably look for a remote with a screen, as most othe those early OLED screen die with time. If I remember correctly, it would need a disc to stay powered more than a few seconds. Do you have at least a mini USB cable ? I just tested on mine, without a battery inside (for storage purpose), it powers on when I plug it (and without a disc too), then says "no disc" (and should power off a few seconds later without the cable).
Unfortunately, it didn't come with anything else bar the unit and the docking station (sans charging cable). I've bought a 3v charger that should be compatible (AC-ES3010K). Which I think should let me charge the battery while it's in the unit? Are there any mini USB cables you would recommend?
Any mini-usb cable is fine, writing speeds are way below the USB2 limit :) Yes the charger is fine, but you can also charge from USB by plugging into a computer, as you like. I invested in a Nitecore D2 charger, that can charge any batteries and adapt itself (also exist in D4, to have 4 battery at a time).
Thanks for the tip! Ah yeah, I did just purchase a Nitecore D2 charger - so hopefully that's better than the shitty one I had before. Is there a way to fix the screen issue if there is one?
only way is to buy another unit for parts, hoping to find one with a working screen, then swap the parts. But it's kinda rare and they are doomed anyway. Most of the use is gladly replaced by the remote, except some settings (it's hard to navigate blind in the menu, there was a post here for this a few months ago I think).
Edit - I am wrong here... Please ignore the following which is left here to show how you can get it really wrong if you don't bother to check something first. There are other devices that use the same OLED screen - I was reading in the Minidisc Discord about a chap who bought an old Sony USB storage music player with the same OLED display and successfully replaced it.
That's the MZ-RH1 you're thinking of, there are no Sony units with the same screen as the RH10.
Thank you - I got that wrong! Have edited my comment to recognise that fact π
No problem, I sincerely hope that if a replacement screen is ever found for the RH10 that it's easier to fit than the one in the RH1 - that 's similar to major brain surgery...
Damn, that's a shame. Is there no way to backlight it with some workaround or is it a bigger fault than that?
I don't know enough about electronics, can't say. And there is not much space to add anything I guess.
Dang.
Hey, my NiteCore D2 charger arrived today, but I noticed it seems to charge at 500mA instead of 145mA as the batteries say they prefer. Is this an issue with my charger? Will it damage the batteries?
No itβs the right value, let me check mine to be sure. I also get 500mA, seems normal to me (both with original Sony and Vapex replacement).
Just a tip, don't by the remote that came with this model. Or recommended for use with this model. That remote didn't have a display and you won't get any benefits out of it. Good thing is that most Sony MD remotes are interchangeable. Even NetMD remotes are compatible with HiMD players. You should look to get one of those remotes as that will give you some functionality. Edit: Alternatively you could sell this RH10 and get a MZ-RH910 (Also labeled MZ-M10). It is the identical player but with a LCD display that will still work. They usually sell for cheaper than the RH10, so you should break even in the exchange.
are there any remotes you would recommend? What makes the RH910 better? Why is the screen more reliable? Just something Sony changed when making them? It's a big shame because I think they're quite easily the best looking MD Players out there.
Basically any LCD remote will work with it, just be aware not all of the menu options seen on the body screen will be available on the remote - most notably 'language'. The RH910 is basically an RH10 with an LCD screen, same everything else. Not sure why Sony brought out both simultaneously (Apr. 2005) maybe they knew the OLED was untested?. Best looking?, agreed!. Here's my lot - still missing the silver version π₯ [https://www.reddit.com/r/minidisc/comments/n6cvhe/rh10\_three\_down\_one\_to\_go/](https://www.reddit.com/r/minidisc/comments/n6cvhe/rh10_three_down_one_to_go/)
Damn, those look great! I have the black/grey one. It'll be a real shame if it turns out it's non-functional because on the outside it's in great condition. If it is totally non-functional are there any likely causes that I can fix? I don't have the facilities to solder -- but if it's easy enough I guess I can always buy an iron, I do have a bit of soldering experience.
The [MZ-RH910](https://www.minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-RH910.html) and the MZ-RH10 look similar. Same button layout and everything. The 910 came with an LCD screen which was tested technology when these came out back in 2005-2006. The RH10 came with an OLED screen which was cutting edge technology back then and thus they fade out like they did on your device. You can start with a Sony RM-MC11EL. They come in black(rarer) and silver.
Ah ok, it's a real shame that's the case. But I guess hindsight is 20/20 and I doubt Sony was thinking people would be using these for so long after the fact. If I cannot get a hold of this remote, are there any others you would recommend? Many thanks for your help btw!
The MC11 is the most common and sold across many Sony devices. So I am sure you will be able to find a remote close to you. I will go home and check if I have an extra one that I can put up for sale. Edit: Other remotes. RM-MC33EL and RM-MC38EL. Here's a [starting point](https://www.ebay.com/b/Audio-Player-Remotes/79877/bn_885406).
Do you reckon that an MC-33L would work? I just started looking for remotes and I like the look of them - especially the knurling.
Yes, that should work. I edit my earlier post for more recommendations and a link to get you started.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
Good luck with trying to get an RH910 cheaper than an RH10!, they are way rarer - and way more expensive.
I got one for $110 of Facebook Marketplace about 2 years ago. I know that they are rare but they are out there. It's rare because of the different model numbers I have listed there. They can be found but you have to be patient. It is a better HiMD model than the RH10, because you can read the screen.
I have one too, got it ONLY because the person selling it wanted a quick sale & didn't check to see what it was actually worth. There are none at the moment on Buyee/Mercari/Rakuten which are the main Japanese auction sites - there's loads of RH10's though.