Sega CDX laser calibration without opening the console

[ifkz]

After a long wait I finally got my auction Sega CDX in the mail today. Seller described as half working, the Sega CD part did not load games. It was dusty so the first step was to give it a good cleaning. After my cleaning I powered it up for the first time using Van Halen's 1984 and some fresh AAs to see how it performed. I had a little bit of early success, the first track played wonderfully for 33 seconds! Very cool! I am still searching for a $10 or under AC adapter (thread pimping). I have an A/V cable and controller sitting around already along with some known good Sega CD games.

Anyhow, what got me started down this road was a YouTube video by a console repair hobbyist. On one of his videos, he bought a Sega CDX and mentioned how he lifted up the lip of the CD assembly and was able to calibrate the laser using a small screwdriver and a visible pot. This is my next step. Is there a tutorial online somewhere, or is this completely undocumented?

I'll be using legitimate pressed CDs and game discs (no CDR media in my consoles).

[ifkz]

Alright, after some tech work last night, I say this laser is a lost cause, toast, dead and buried. I'm going to order a replacement Sanyo 10 pin laser and see how it goes.

I also found that my knock off slim PS2 was outputting a healthy 9.32V, which is right around spec for this machine. Not sure if it will harm it, but it's at death's door already. If none of this works out, time to fork over the funds for one that is already working 100%....I hate doing that

[raylydiard]

Guys please use 9.5v power pack
and as for the laser replacement take care on replacing that.

and good luck.

[Tokimemofan]

My second one had a shorted spindle motor, check that before trying an expensive laser replacement, BTW the PS2 power supply will work.

[APE992]

Taking apart a CDX is something not to be remotely taken lightly. These things are compact little guys and there are a bunch of parts easily broken or lost in the process.

As for calibrating the laser, twisting the POT is not proper "calibration" anymore than tightening spark plugs in your car's engine without a torque wrench is proper tightening. There are tools to aid the process of calibration and shortcuts typically lead to something dying. But don't take my word for it.

[ifkz]

Thanks for the advice folks! I would like to do some tests on the output voltage once the CDX is under a load, in other words, playing a game. I think I will try this next time I have the bottom metal cover off. My guess is that it isn't drawing many amps, at a max 1.5 versus the 5.65 the PS2 brick is capable of providing. It's all pretty new to me, but that's why they make multimeters to test things like this. But anyhow, simple math says not under load it is outputing 98% of the volts of a stock unit. That seems to be within tolerance to me.

I am going into the laser replacement with a digital camera and the CDX faq, and a lot of time. It is very advanced disassembly. I am going to be drawing from my arcade tech work, certainly. I have all of the tools for it on hand and some good experience.

I think the $13 lens replacement is wise. The old laser seemed to be flooded with dust specs, hair, etc. I did all the cleaning I could, but it wasn't enough. I have done this type of operation before, on my TurboDuo. That seems like a cakewalk compared to what I am about to face with this unit. I figure the poor bugger was worth another $12 to try and get it refurbished properly before I banished it to a dusty box somewhere.