Japanese Dreamcast. Possible repair, or just leave it?

Picked up a Japanese Dreamcast a few years back. Didn't work, but I had a US system to play. Just decided to open it up and have a look at it and found the following. The large tubular 'componant' on the PSU looks like it fried, as it has left a corresponding scorch on the upper plastic. Also on the PSU board there is a small chip next to the large one. The board underneath it is blackened, and the chip above looks like it's cracked. I think I know the answer....just get another system. But I was just wondering if it was actually repairable.....just as a little project. I have attached some pictures so you can see what I mean. Any advice will be gratefully received.

 

Hi.
Seems to be your PSU is fried.

The cheapest solution is:
- The tubular component is a capacitor, you can easily replace it.
- The S1NB is a rectifier, you can replace it http://www.diotec-usa.com/01s1nb.PDF
Eventually you'll have to change the fuse.


But the safest is to buy another PSU, if possible a 110/200v to avoid another blowup.

 

Thanks for the reply sir. I hear that it may be possible to fit in a PAL PSU. Will that have any effect on the other componants of the system? I just wanted to repair it, as I have Japanese games and just wanted to pop them in and play. I may just have a go with the parts you recommend and see what happens.

 

You can exchange PSU.
I have a Japanese DC with a euro PSU to avoid the use of a converter. Works perfectly, no issue ever. I even got a spare euro PSU in case the first one dies on me. ^^

 

So forgive my thickness, but does that mean it will still just be an NTSC system? I mean, changing the PSU just means I don't need a step-down, correct? The system will still be a Japanese system, but you just plug it straight into out power supply?

 

Yes

 

I have a spare 100V PSU from an Asian Dreamcast you're welcome to. Sold that machine with a PAL PSU in it.

 

Yes, it's just plug and play.
And yes, the DC will remain the same. The PSU just acts as an electricity converter between the plug in your wall and the internals of your DC.

 

Fantastic. Thanks for all the replies chaps. Appreciated.

 

You're welcome! Happy gaming.