Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Replacement laser for Sega CD Model 2 not working

  1. #1
    Insert Coin (Level 0)
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Posts
    2
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default Replacement laser for Sega CD Model 2 not working

    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?

  2. #2
    Great Puma (Level 12) jb143's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,246
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    5
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    69
    Thanked in
    62 Posts

    Default

    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.
    "Game programmers are generally lazy individuals. That's right. It's true. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Since the dawn of computer games, game programmers have looked for shortcuts to coolness." Kurt Arnlund - Game programmer for Activision, Accolade...

  3. #3
    Insert Coin (Level 0)
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Posts
    2
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    0
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    0
    Thanked in
    0 Posts

    Default

    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.

  4. #4
    Great Puma (Level 12) jb143's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,246
    Thanks Thanks Given 
    5
    Thanks Thanks Received 
    69
    Thanked in
    62 Posts

    Default

    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.
    "Game programmers are generally lazy individuals. That's right. It's true. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Since the dawn of computer games, game programmers have looked for shortcuts to coolness." Kurt Arnlund - Game programmer for Activision, Accolade...

Similar Threads

  1. Sega Nomad - not working + replacement parts needed!
    By ScoreAddict in forum Technical and Restoration Society
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-08-2014, 02:45 PM
  2. WTB: Sega cd model 2 laser replacement service
    By Razo00 in forum Buying and Selling
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-27-2013, 08:43 AM
  3. Sega CDX laser replacement
    By staxx in forum Technical and Restoration Society
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 02-24-2011, 07:52 AM
  4. WTB Sega CD model 2, Samsung laser assembly
    By Compute in forum Buying and Selling
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-24-2010, 10:15 AM
  5. Wanted: Working Sega cd laser
    By Kevin Listwan in forum Buying and Selling
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11-21-2003, 08:18 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •