# CD Changer Robot: rebuilding a Nistec ALW-501 controller

> CD Changer Robot reconstructs control of a Nistec ALW-501 disc robot after tracing its motor-driver board. The repository supplies a pin map, circuit drawing, Arduino replacement firmware, Python control and imaging scripts, and mechanical parts for bulk CD transfer.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Firmware
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-08
- Original resource: <https://github.com/busyDuckman/cd_changer_robot>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/busyDuckman/cd_changer_robot/blob/755f033bc8f5276eb13fd8f45879ac9cf1e16469/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/cd-changer-robot-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/cd-changer-robot-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/cd-changer-robot-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** A Nistec ALW-501, Arduino Mega-class replacement controller and associated wiring are required.
- **Prerequisites:** The Python CD imaging path uses Windows-only imaging software.
- **Limits:** Pins 22 and 46 remain unidentified; the author reports about 80% pickup reliability.
- **License:** MIT license.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/busyDuckman/cd_changer_robot/blob/755f033bc8f5276eb13fd8f45879ac9cf1e16469/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/busyDuckman/cd_changer_robot/blob/755f033bc8f5276eb13fd8f45879ac9cf1e16469/runner/README.md>
3. <https://github.com/busyDuckman/cd_changer_robot/blob/755f033bc8f5276eb13fd8f45879ac9cf1e16469/LICENSE.txt>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.