The Usual Sega CD (model 1) not reading discs

So I got a couple of non-working model 1 Sega CDs from ebay. After frying one with 9v AC power and resserecting it, it's time to move onto the final hurdle. Short and sweet, it won't read discs. This particular unit has 4 orange dials (similar to the one found on the Sega Saturn laser) mounted on the back of the board and nothing on the laser. My question is which one of these dials needs to be messed around with before I start seeing signs of life. The console does not read any discs (music or games).

And if I do end up needing to replace the laser, how hard is that to do?

 

Jvc laser? Good luck finding a replacement (for a price that doesn't take the piss). I do have a guide on sega-16 in tech aid (see sega cd repair thread) on how to replace said laser.

 

Yep, it's a JVC. Would the OPTIMA-6S work as a replacement?

 

Messing around with the POTs is a fools errand.

 

Heavens no, optima 6 uses a ribbon, whereas optima 5 uses 2 small wire connectors.

Liberty electronics did (may still have) optima 5s, i bought 2 and they were both full of fail. Another forum member bought 2 and had 1 work. A shame as previous to this liberty had been good to me (& i would still buy from).

I did find another optima 5 listed as NOS we'll see when it gets here.

Oh i should add the drives are interchangeable between the sony and jvc setup (i mean the whole drive). So if you have a sony drive'ed sega/mega cd with other issues you can do a swap over.

Oh (part 2) replace the capacitors....

Actually replace all the capacitors first and do a retest before buying a replacement laser.

 

This, x1000

Even quality electrolytic capacitor will dry out and fail after several years and often time they don't show sign of going bad (ie no bulging top, leaks, etc) so if you're good with soldering iron, have good desoldering tool, and have the time you can buy new caps and recap the system. Just about anything over 20 years are prime target for recaps. If it'd be just one or 2 systems, there is a web site somewhere that offers kit that contains all the caps you need for a system. If you plan to recap a lot, consider buying in bulk from major electronics supplier.

The web site with various cap kits I know of: http://console5.com/store/kits.html?cat=4 (I don't have any connection with them and don't get paid for this, it is not spam!!)