Dreamcast woes

[crashdmj]

So my recently bought Dreamcast dies...or rather the controller ports do (i think) and a week after the return policy is up. The thing turns on but it doesnt register any VMUs or controllers. So about 30 min. ago I go buy a new one and it does the same thing. Is something up or am I having bad luck.
Derek
PS. I know this is off topic for these boards but  

[jakejake28]

sounds like a prob with you controllers. have you tried different controllers?

[crashdmj]

Yeah sadly I tries each of my 4 controllers.  

[SNAAAKE]

Did you connect any controls while the system was on??
never EVER do that.
That blows out the ports..you might be able to fix it if you replace the blown fuse but I dont have any detailed info...
Dave_k might come in handy.
PM the guy about replacing the blown fuse !

[crashdmj]

Is that the same as the article on gamefaqs.
http://db.gamefaqs.com/console/dreamcast/file/dreamcast_controller_port_repair.txt
Derek

[armad1ll0]

Yes, the delicate dreamcast controller daughter board uses a  resistor as a fuse. It's a simple fix to replace.

4 screws for the case.
4 screws for the controller board.
1 ribbon cable
1 wire to remove.

Matching the resistor is the trick. I found it hard to find a match for.

[saltypenguin]

Are any of your controllers offbrand?  I work at Game Crazy and we've had some problems with this one brand of controller blowing out ports on the Dreamcast.  Of course I can't remember what brand it is, that would be too easy.    I know it has six buttons on the face instead of the usual four though.

[crashdmj]

Yeah I have an Astropad and a Nyko Dreamaster?? I think the dream one is the one with 6 buttons.
Derek

[Dave_K.]

Well one of your joysticks is bad and is causing the problem.  I'd suggest trashing both the Astropad and Nyko pad, and buy real Sega pads (they are what $4.99)?

The problem is one of your pads is grounding out the +5 (I've seen this happen with cheap 3rd party pads used in conjunction with rumble packs).

The fix is as armad stated....its supposed to be a .39 ohm, 1/4 Watt, 10% tolerance pico resistor (but acts as a fuse and simply burns up when the current is to high).  I replaced mine with the smallest real fuse I could find (0.5a I believe) and it works.  Just one note, this will not work for you unless you get rid of your bad controllers.