New Saturn Laser Not Reading Discs

The original laser was showing signs that it was starting to die, so I replaced it with a new one. Problem is, it won't read any disc. I de-soldered the anti-static point on it and tried adjusting the POT (only the original position keept the disc spinning while attempting to read). I also tried re-seating the ribbon cable. I can see it emit a light, but it isn't reading any disc. Any ideas?

 

You might have to ask for an exchange.

 

I hope not. I had this thing sitting around for about a year. When it tries to read a game, it sometimes shows 1 track with 999:59 on time. Is that an indication on what to look at?

EDIT: I may have overdone taking off the anti-static point
Here is the original laser:


Here is the new one:


Looks like some of the trace was also damage. Guessing this is the culprit?

 

BUMP!

EDIT: It seems to have the problem after the system warms up. While the system is "cool" it works fine. It warms up after about 10 minutes and then the system can't read discs anymore. Ideas?

 

Why don't you buy another laser just in case? You said you bought the last one over a year ago.
If then it's not the laser and it's because your console is hot, it might be the motherboard as suggested on another thread.

 

Woops, I accidentally deleted the part saying I got a second replacement laser. It's the second laser that is crapping out after about 10 minutes of use. The first replacement I have given up on since it's most likely damaged. I don't remember the original dying after the system warmed up. So I'm guessing this one is no good too?

EDIT: When I play a game and it get to it's "warm state" the next screen it loads is garbled graphics and doesn't go past it. If I restart the system and it loads to to the bios it can play back music from other discs just fine. Saturn music from the bios screen is inconsistent. So I'm guessing the laser is fine and it is some other component? Is it possible the new laser caused something to overheat?

EDIT 2: Looking like it's the replacement replacement laser. The original works when the system is warm. Problem is it's almost dead and has a lot of difficulties reading discs. Anyone know a reliable place to get a good laser?

 

sounds like a psu fault.

 

How can I be sure? I tried putting the original laser in and letting the system warm up. It was able to boot the game. Then I quickly swapped it to the replacement while it was still warm and it worked for a few minutes (the usual amount of time for it until it stopped). If it is the psu, then surely either laser shouldn't work while the system is warm?