Mega cd Model 1 - Curious problem

Hello every one.

I recently buy a Japanese Mega CD Model 1, witch was not enable to read audio discs and game discs.

I tried to fix the problem, but nothing, the system refuse to read any disc.


I finally bought a Brand New Lens, receive it yesterday, and install it imediatly.


Results : the Mega CD read audio discs, but refuse to read game discs!

The red led starts to Blinking faster than when the system think the CD Drive is open.... Like on the video below.



Weired...

I tried to use Official MD Power Supply 10 1.2A and a another non official 9V 1A, but nothing change.


Does someone have a theory?

Capacitors?

 

There's nothing bridged on the laser itself is there? I know some laser pickups may have bridged areas on the board. I'm no expert on this though, just reading about new lasers this can be the case. I think the Saturn has similar issues when the new laser pickup has a bridged connection.
Bad_Ad84, RJ might have the correct answer, they are more better with this stuff

 

yup i read that too. some new lasers are dispatched purposefully as bridged. though i guess it would have trouble reading audio cds too.

 

Yep solder bridge is usually in place to prevent static discharge killing the laser prematurely.
If it was still in place, I would assume there'd be no life at all on the laser.
Out of curiosity, what model of laser were you blessed with?
I'm guessing not a stranded JVC type since you were able to source a laser at all!

I'd pull one of my units out to see what they do but I'm away from home at the moment.

 

I haven't take a look yet, but if there is a bridge to desolder to make it work, why does it perfectly read audio disc?

This is a sony lens

also I just try with the old lens, and it read the audio disc now. the audio disc I used in my first tests was dead.

so, I am now sure that there is not a problem with the lens.

 

Could be a bad spindle motor or the laser is configured wrong, Audio CDs have no error correction (the ability to calculate the missing data from the remaining good data) but have strong error recovery (ability to read after a scratch or other data disruption) and error compensation (ability to handle uncorrectable errors). Game CDs have moderate error correction but very little error recovery and NO error compensation. Usually that means that even on a barely functioning drive it'll still read the Audio CD. If you can't even get the games to boot it is likely that the spindle motor is toast, something that is common on the PlayStation and on most Sega systems. It is rather common to have both die around the same time but most people just fix the laser.

 

Recapping is also an option

 

Thanks everyboby, I will try this. :friendly_wink:

 

I bought a replacement sony laser for my sega cd (spare really as the original one works) it will only read original games and audio cd's. It won't read burned audio cd's (i copy my cds and keep the copy in my car incase some smart arse breaks into it). The original laser read everything no worries. But i must say the build quality of the replacement laser is shit house and so it should for $13 delivered.

 

I use original discs only, so it is not a problem to me. But thanks for these interesting informations.

 

It's amazing how cheap the lasers can be but you are right, it can certainly be hit and miss with build quality.
On my Model 2 Mega-CD I've had no issues with a cheap KSS-240 laser, commercial games, burnt, it just doesn't care!

 

Because it's loved by it's owner

 

For my model 1 i will be grabbing a new original kss-240 as they can be had for around $60. Just like to keep spares for my retro consoles. Got a few jvc optima 6's laying around since they are used in few consoles. Unfortunately i went overboard with a scd2 i have (that i will be selling) as it has a new laser (samsung) and spare new laser, so i might have to sell that laser seperately.

Trying to find a jvc optima5 for my son's mcd model 1 now that was fun....

Yes cool story....

 

Wait? You found a JVC Optima5 laser?
All three of my model 1 Mega-CDs use that damn laser - including the dev unit...
It never hurts to have spares, I have a few lasers and an entire deck spare for my Mega-CD 2.
I've got a few Optima6 lasers for the Saturn, although I used one in Sophia on the weekend.
Do tell more about the Optima5 (Stranded, right?) laser! :smile-new:

 

There is a seller on ebay, from canada. Seller id is "stereoparts". They had a NOS optima 5 for $65 + $15(ish) delivery. I made an enquiry about it (delivery cost as it wasn't shown). Umm'ed and ahh'ed about it, random browse a day or 2 later and they had it for sale 50% off. Bought it quicker than i could type lol!

Worked and was genuine and was NOS. Prior to this i bought one, returned it as it had a gouge on top and didn't work, replacement didn't work either. So to say i was happy......

Yes has the plug and sockets not ribbon.

 

Wow! Lucky man! I am very jealous but will keep an eye out! Thanks! :smile-new:

 

Link to seller

http://www.ebay.com/sch/stereoparts/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

You could always ask the question?

 

You know I'm shy around the ladies, but yes I have now asked the question, danke! :smile-new:

Edit: But I am still jealous because you physically have one! :wink-new:

 

Strawberry Jelly?






Did they reply?

 

They did, and they do have them for $60-odd plus shipping!
Someone else must have snapped it up! Bah! :suspicion: