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Thread: Dreamcast -- not recognizing games

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    Great Puma (Level 12) slapdash's Avatar
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    Default Dreamcast -- not recognizing games

    I've got a Dreamcast that isn't recognizing game discs -- is this for sure the laser assembly that's gone bad? Or are there things I might look into before trying to find where to get a laser assembly?
    Russ Perry Jr, 2175 S Tonne Dr #114, Arlington Hts IL 60005
    Got any obscure game stuff?

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    ServBot (Level 11) hydr0x's Avatar
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    i have the same problem with my 2nd dreamcast. i suppose your menu loads if no disc is inserted, so i think it's the only possibility is the laser not working

    btw if u find a cheap source for laser assemblys tell me pls
    -Jan

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    Great Puma (Level 12) slapdash's Avatar
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    Sure thing. Got no clue though... Might just pick up a used Dreamcast, but if I bought mine used and it didn't last so long, how am I guaranteed the used one won't flake out? Man, I already miss cartridges...
    Russ Perry Jr, 2175 S Tonne Dr #114, Arlington Hts IL 60005
    Got any obscure game stuff?

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    Pac-Man (Level 10) omnedon's Avatar
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    The best way to get another laser assembly is to buy another broken DC. Ideally one that won't turn on or something.

    Beware the ribbon cable, It's fragile and tricky. Do-able though.

    Good Luck!
    ... for your gaming and iPod service needs http://www.oldschoolgamer.com/ For all your Video Game console and iPod upgrade/repair needs!

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    Kirby (Level 13) zektor's Avatar
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    Funny, I had a first run DC (Sept 1999) and ran that little sucker like crazy with cd-rs of emulators and such. Some of the emu's really beat on the drive and made it make some funky noises, yet I neverhad one single problem. I sold it off and I know the person who has it now is doing pretty much the same stuff with it and it still works perfectly. Anyway, there were some sources for replacement motors. I think Lik Sang was selling them, as well as Success. The transplant would be super easy as I took apart a few DC's to change the casing. To change the casing completely you basically have to take the machine totally apart, motherboard and all...then put it back together in the new case. This took me about 30 minutes, so changing the motor alone should take you 5-10 minutes.

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    Banana (Level 7) dreamcaster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by zektor
    Funny, I had a first run DC (Sept 1999) and ran that little sucker like crazy with cd-rs of emulators and such. Some of the emu's really beat on the drive and made it make some funky noises, yet I neverhad one single problem. I sold it off and I know the person who has it now is doing pretty much the same stuff with it and it still works perfectly. Anyway, there were some sources for replacement motors. I think Lik Sang was selling them, as well as Success. The transplant would be super easy as I took apart a few DC's to change the casing. To change the casing completely you basically have to take the machine totally apart, motherboard and all...then put it back together in the new case. This took me about 30 minutes, so changing the motor alone should take you 5-10 minutes.

    The Dreamcast is an absolute 'dream' to work on. It's one of the few consoles that disassembles and reassembles with ease.

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    Great Puma (Level 12) slapdash's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by zektor
    there were some sources for replacement motors. I think Lik Sang was selling them, as well as Success.
    Motors? I was thinking it was the laser itself. I think the discs spin up for a while, but maybe I should try again?

    The transplant would be super easy as I took apart a few DC's to change the casing. To change the casing completely you basically have to take the machine totally apart, motherboard and all...then put it back together in the new case. This took me about 30 minutes, so changing the motor alone should take you 5-10 minutes.
    Glad to hear it's easy, though goodness knows when I'll actually get to it...
    Russ Perry Jr, 2175 S Tonne Dr #114, Arlington Hts IL 60005
    Got any obscure game stuff?

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    Pretzel (Level 4)
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    Great Puma (Level 12) slapdash's Avatar
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    No assemblies there... Or are you suggesting that I just it in to be repaired?
    Russ Perry Jr, 2175 S Tonne Dr #114, Arlington Hts IL 60005
    Got any obscure game stuff?

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    Insert Coin (Level 0)
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    It's more likely to be the laser jamming up. I've had DCs do that in the past. You can get a new laser assembley, as others have said, but in the long run it's probably better to just get a pre-owned DC. You could pick one up from ebay with a bunch of games for a decent price. EBgames.com sell them for $40 (think Gamestop have them too) - not a bad deal cuz they are refurbished models and you do get a warranty with them but it would be cheaper overall to buy one from ebay.

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    Pac-Man (Level 10) omnedon's Avatar
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    This is the "Restoration Society", not the "it doesn't work so buy another one society"!

    What's the fun in that?
    ... for your gaming and iPod service needs http://www.oldschoolgamer.com/ For all your Video Game console and iPod upgrade/repair needs!

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    Great Puma (Level 12) slapdash's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by grayejectbutton
    You can get a new laser assembley, as others have said, but in the long run it's probably better to just get a pre-owned DC. You could pick one up from ebay with a bunch of games for a decent price.
    I've been looking to find a Sports System anyway, but 1) I can't seem to find one with the box (which I'd prefer), and 2) I have a pretty much complete US games collection, so I don't WANT one with a bunch of games. :-)
    Russ Perry Jr, 2175 S Tonne Dr #114, Arlington Hts IL 60005
    Got any obscure game stuff?

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