I need some info on a Sega CDX

[understatement]

I got a CDX in a load of stuff but the wrong PSU was used on it so it didn’t power on. I replaced the fuse on the power board now it comes on and plays Genesis games but not Sega CD games but what I noticed when plugging in my working CDX (after testing the nonworking CDX) that even with the power off as soon as you plug it in, the CD (if there is a CD in it) will do one full rotation (it even works when putting batteries in) but the nonworking CDX does nothing when plugged in or batteries are put in. So what I need to know, is that a common thing when the laser goes out? Does the CD not spin at all or does it spin and just not read the CD?

To me it just seems more like the motor or no power is getting to that section of the board like another fuse is out.

[staxx]

I have a CDX that has the same symptoms. I have held off but will order a new laser soon since it acts like my Sega CD model 1 when the laser is dead. In a normal mechanism, the laser will focus then move on the tracks. The CD will then begin to spin, if the laser can't even detect with the CD is there due to a busted laser, then the track and the CD motors won't spin. If you can wait a few weeks then I will tell you what I find when I attempt my repair.

[Dreamstate]

I have one similar, but if I manually spin it then quick close it, sometimes it will work. I do plan to replace the laser, but WOW, be ready for quite the disassembly job. Google for a CDX step by step. It was not always correct, but was helpful.

[FABombjoy]

if the laser can't even detect with the CD is there due to a busted laser
Failure to detect the disc can be a lot of things. It's a lot to digest, but this link is very comprehensive:

http://repairfaq.org/sam/cdfaq.htm#cdsup

[understatement]

Okay, so I found the lid close switch (it's where the tab that locks the lid down goes in) and did a quick test with the CD lid open the working CDX laser will start trying to focus and with the nonworking CDX I get nothing no movement from the laser at all. Some how I don't think that's the case with Dreamstate as it will play sometimes when you manually spin the CD. So I'm thinking that either there's a power problem (be it fuse, cable, or trace) or my whole laser assembly is bad. I'll start jacking around in it to see if anything jumps out at me maybe get a multimeter in there.

[FABombjoy]

I've seen Turbo CD drives act the same way when the sled gears are stuck. In the Turbo CD case, it won't go through a focus cycle until it's positive the laser has been reset to the inside, but since the gears are frozen, it's unable to trip the limit switch, and simply appears to be dead.

[understatement]

I've seen Turbo CD drives act the same way when the sled gears are stuck. In the Turbo CD case, it won't go through a focus cycle until it's positive the laser has been reset to the inside, but since the gears are frozen, it's unable to trip the limit switch, and simply appears to be dead.

Yea, I’ve seen something similar so I manually moved the laser back to the base setting and tested it (everything moved smoothly it didn’t feel like the gears were grinding) before I took the whole thing apart. The only thing that jumped out at me was this…

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3402&stc=1&d=1299599562

… but, I've seen things like this before on Sega systems so I think it factory; unless someone knows of a mod chip for the CDX?
Maybe I’ll grow a pair (but I doubt it) and dismantle my working CDX and switch the lasers to see if that is what’s wrong.

Staxx let me know where you plan to get your laser from or if anyone has a suggestion I’m open to them.

[staxx]

I will most likely buy the laser from this seller:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SANYO-CAR-CD-LASER-LENS-model-SF-C93-/360315591222?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e47b9a36#ht_2092wt_754

[understatement]

I did some more tinkering and got the laser to show a beam but it still won’t focus. Now that I know it’s getting power to it I’ll probably order a laser and see what happens. :/ it’s the last thing I wanted to do but I’m all out of ideas.

[onetunafish]

Hey!

were you able to fix it? I have a cdx here that will need some reapair love too.

Let me know how it goes :)

ED

[onetunafish]

Hey!

were you able to fix it? I have a cdx here that will need some reapair love too.

Let me know how it goes :)

ED

[staxx]

Sorry due to funding this month, I haven't purchased the laser yet. You can blame the 3DS and Amazon having crazy deals as of late. Hopefully soon I will order the laser.

[understatement]

I haven’t been able to get on the forums at home for sometime.

I did get a new laser but it didn’t fix my problem :( I’m back to square one and I haven’t had time to troubleshoot it.

Does anyone know of another problem with the CDX that could make the laser not read?

[liliputatithi]

Sega CDX is a 16-bit video game console, released in 1994, combining the Sega Drive and one of its accessories, the Sega-CD in the compact, as a last attempt by Sega to promote the interest of customers for its fledgling Sega-CD format.

[APE992]

I haven’t been able to get on the forums at home for sometime.

I did get a new laser but it didn’t fix my problem :( I’m back to square one and I haven’t had time to troubleshoot it.

Does anyone know of another problem with the CDX that could make the laser not read?

Kinda obvious but sometimes overlooked: could be the lid switch doesn't work anymore.

[understatement]

Kinda obvious but sometimes overlooked: could be the lid switch doesn't work anymore.

Yea, but that and the one on the laser assembly were the first things I checked they both work fine.

I have a feeling that it’s going to come down to a full cap replacement, I just got to find the time to do it.

[CraZyP]

hey understatement have you had any luck with your cdx? I have one that I bought from Funcoland years ago for 20 bucks but the cd doesn't even spin up. I have manually pressed in the door lock and watched the laser move to the center and try to focus but all i get with the spindle is a little twitch and no spinning.

[omegasc]

Hi!
I'm curious about it, as my CDX is behaving exactly like that.
I also tried a new laser, but didn't work.

I was about to buy a new motor and try it out when I found this thread, but if you already tested it and/or fixed the problem, please let us know!

[APE992]

Yea, I’ve seen something similar so I manually moved the laser back to the base setting and tested it (everything moved smoothly it didn’t feel like the gears were grinding) before I took the whole thing apart. The only thing that jumped out at me was this…

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=3402&stc=1&d=1299599562

… but, I've seen things like this before on Sega systems so I think it factory; unless someone knows of a mod chip for the CDX?
Maybe I’ll grow a pair (but I doubt it) and dismantle my working CDX and switch the lasers to see if that is what’s wrong.

Staxx let me know where you plan to get your laser from or if anyone has a suggestion I’m open to them.

Ya know in that picture its pretty clear there are a few SMD components there with what looks like rust on them. Might be something to them particularly if they happen to provide power to the motor.

[omegasc]

well I guess I'll have to get some help to check if there's something wrong with the power supply. When I changed the lens I didn't notice anything that looked rusty, but you never know. Also, mine did not have anything looking like what's in that picture understatement posted (seems it was factory refurbished?). All ICs were looking good.

[APE992]

Looks like rust, but given lead and SMD components typically don't rust I can venture a few ideas about what it actually is but the thought of doing so isn't exactly a pleasing one.

The pictured CDX probably just needed some components replaced and traces checked for damage.

[omegasc]

off topic: hey ape992, I just realized you are "APE" from the everdrive forums hehe. I was reading the thread of the guy that was asking for the EDMD circuit board. Hilarious lol

[weaponepsilon]

Does the hub/spindle spin freely? I once did a repair on a PSX that had been left in a basement and had rust under the spindle. It couldn't spin up. I took some isopropyl and a paper towel and wedged it under to clean it out.

[omegasc]

yes, I've taken it apart and it looks good, no rust.
Also, I tried spinning the disc and it is easily moved. I don't think that my unit has this problem.
thanks for trying to help

[understatement]

Sorry I haven’t had much time to do any troubleshooting or repair work so I haven’t been checking this section.

@ CraZyP, have you replaced the laser? My working CDX gives that little twitch when it’s first plugged in but the nonworking doesn’t. Yours might just need a new laser.

@ omegasc, I have not fixed this problem yet, and I don’t know if I mentioned this above but I thought it might be the motor as well but I pulled it out and tested it with a battery and it spun up just fine so for me it’s something with the board.

@ APE992, it old Flux not rust I didn’t think it would be a problem but IDK I could try cleaning it off.

[APE992]

Nah most flux doesn't pose a problem. I have some stuff intended more for use on pipes that I've seen corrode copper rather nicely over the course of a few years but I've never seen it sold for use on electronics.

If it was intended for electronics usage it shouldn't corrode anything unless it specifically stated that you need to clean it off after using it.