Sega Saturn model 1 "Disc tray open"

[BetaWolf47]

I'm having a problem with my model 1 Sega Saturn that I did not experience in my model 2. When I start up the system, it says "disc tray open" although it is closed.

Now, I can get it to work by applying a moderate amount of pressure to the lid. I usually do this by putting a case of CD-R's on top of the lid. However, this shouldn't be happening. It's like the previous owner tried the swap trick too many times.

It's the back right corner that causes it to not work. However, I don't know how to fix it. Here are some illustrations describing my problem.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8466/saturnnotwork.jpg

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/7382/saturnwork.jpg

What to do...?

[RP2A03]

I don't know much about about the Saturn so this is just an educated guess, but it sounds like the switch that tells the status of the lid is not going down all the way when you close it. This switch should be near the area where you have to apply pressure right under the shell (at least that's where it usually is). You'll have to open it up to see what's going on. If I had to guess I would say either part of the switch or lid broke off; or the lid is somehow sitting too high.

[InsaneDavid]

Probably just worn. Put a little something on the tab that sticks down when the lid is closed to make up the difference.

[Icarus Moonsight]

You can also open the case and put some tape around the disk lid monitor post to secure it into "always closed" position. It's a three way switch, I believe. What I mean is all the way open and all the way closed reads: disk lid open. You have to hit the sweet spot in the middle to register "closed".

If you can do a toggle switch open/close on the outside, that would be better, but less ghetto-fabulous of a solution. LOL

[raylydiard]

hi take it apart and the lid switch has metal on the back of it its bendable just bend it back a bit not two much and should work with no probs


You can also open the case and put some tape around the disk lid monitor post to secure it into "always closed" position. It's a three way switch, I believe. What I mean is all the way open and all the way closed reads: disk lid open. You have to hit the sweet spot in the middle to register "closed".

If you can do a toggle switch open/close on the outside, that would be better, but less ghetto-fabulous of a solution. LOL

[BetaWolf47]

I did open the thing up a few days ago. Where is the switch at?

[awbacon]

If you are feeling adventurous, you can remote the shell of your saturn, and permanently glue / tape the microswitch down that indicates if the lid is open or shut. This will permanently fix your issue (if the switch is in fact the issue)

There are a ton of turorials online. Google it

[BetaWolf47]

My technical skills aren't that good yet. Ironic considering this kind of thing (switches and soldering) is part of my college major :shameful:
I'm just going to stick with setting something on top, because it does work after all.

I need help reassembling though. How do I put this spring back in?
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7431/sshelp.jpg

[CaptainProtonX]

Well, after studying this post, I revived my White Jap Saturn.

I found my system was also doing the the "CD tray is open" routine.

I opened the case and found the door sensor in the upper left area internally, near the power supply. The sensor stands like a little tower (a tad odd in design). I poked around it for a short while and by chance initiated the tray to start up.

But it wasn't a quick fix to tape the sensor or bending the metal housing. As soon as I put the shell back together, the f'ing problem returned.

Inside the sensor are the metal contacts that meet to say the tray is open or closed. If I poked the center of the strips hard enough, the CD lens activated and the tray was considered closed. So a test of desperation, I popped off the plastic housing that encapsulated the strips to see what was causing a disconnect. After doing this, one strip was curved forward. I pushed them together and immediately the system tray was closed with CD booting. So, I said "what the hell" and put the system back together.

BAM!

Exposing the wires seemed to give the space needed to have the contacts work. The system tray lid now controls the game booting as normal. I've tested for the last hour without failure.

Hope this helps someone out there.

[BetaWolf47]

It would, but the system isn't worth restoring now. I messed up the disc tray lock. Still works, but now I have to lift the tray open with a small flathead screwdriver.

[gokugohandave]

this, its in the upper left like he said in a black plastic post, it sqeezes together to make contact. :D If its not making contact or the shell isnt aligned properly when putting it back together then it wont work :D Also make sure when your putting the lid on to be gentle becasue you can break the thing (ive done it)