Replacement laser for Sega CD Model 2 not working

[Tigerpaw28]

I have a Sega CD Model 2 with the Optima 6 laser. It works fine with the exception of not being able to read some games. Sewer Shark and most other Sony Imagesoft games will read but others like Sonic CD will not. My guess is that the laser is worn out, so I purchased a new one to replace it with. After removing the solder blob and installing the new laser, the disc isn't spinning up. The laser moves into position, but then the disc never spins and I end up getting a 'No Disc' message.

I've actually made two passes at removing the solder from the blob area, the second time after acquiring soldering wick. But it still won't spin up with the replacement laser. I'm wondering if I might've damaged the board trying to remove the solder, as it does look scorched but the traces appear to be intact.

https://flic.kr/p/KwQXuK
https://flic.kr/p/2993UgL

Is this laser salvageable?

[jb143]

The traces may have been broken. It's hard to tell from the picture but with as thin as they look it's a good possibility. Do you have a meter with continuity checker? The fix would be to solder a jumper wire from the solder pads to complete the trace. And is that soldered directly to the flex board?

Would a bad connection on the laser keep the disc from spinning? Or is it possible something else came lose in the process? I'm not too familiar with these. It's been years since I've been inside a Sega CD.

[Tigerpaw28]

I don't have a multimeter at the moment, but I have been thinking about getting one. I guess I'll have to do that.

I don't think there's any loose connections because I can reconnect the original laser and it still works like it did before I first attempted the replacement (can read some discs but not all). I'll double check though.

[jb143]

Sounds like maybe it's just not focusing. I'm sure if you look up info for adjusting the laser of a Sega CD you'll find plenty of helpful info. Or if you don't mind waiting long enough, there's people who pop onto this site from time to time that I'm sure could walk you through exactly what to do.