Dreamcast System in need of repair- help.

[Zrooney]

Today my controller came in the mail for the Dreamcast I bought a week ago.  I turn it on, set the Dreamcast Date and put in my CD ( only thing I have to test it), and it does not read it!  I searched around on the internet and started messing with the potentiometer ( the screw nest to the ribbon cable) for an hour and with no results.   This is one of the launch Dreamcast's. The question is should I order a new lens assemble for $20 for a grand total of $37 spent on this Dreamcast, continue screwing around with the old lens assemble, or just get a new Dreamcast?

[GibsonRiddler]

Sometimes if you open and close the lid, it gets the system to start reading the disc. It make take a few tries, otherwise find another used system. You can usually find them cheap.

[Zrooney]

Thanks for the input, as I was on the fence of getting a new one, or replacing the lens assembly.

[madmatt]

I would buy a new used one from a eBay.  It should only cost about $50.  But whatever you do get that sucker up and running.  I love my Dreamcast :

MM

OUT

[ark_ader]

Drop it on a carpeted floor, and give it a good kick.

You will feel better. 


Oh and try a retail game.  CDI backups do not always read first time.

[Zrooney]

Today I had one in my hands, with a controller for $25, but I could not justify the purchase for some reason.  I think i can find one cheaper at a yardsale, and if not.  I know where to go to get one for a whooping $25.

[danny_galaga]

Dam you guys, even broken ones go for more than $50 in Australia 

[ark_ader]

Dam you guys, even broken ones go for more than $50 in Australia 

They sometimes show up in the Pawn shop in my town for £10.

You seem to have the same voltage as the UK....

[Zrooney]

This weekend if I am bored I might attempt ( again) to repair the Dreamcast,  I turned the potentiometer last time, all the way up and down.  Can I still repair it , or would the laser be burned out?

[danny_galaga]

Dam you guys, even broken ones go for more than $50 in Australia 

They sometimes show up in the Pawn shop in my town for £10.

You seem to have the same voltage as the UK....

Yes, I have a broken one, but the power supply should be good. Have been toying around with the idea of buying an NTSC one and swap the power over, but I'm not 100% all the connections are exactly the same for a straight swap. I don't want to use a step down transformer. So my new idea is to spend a bit more for one in the UK. Even with the postage (provided I get a fairly basic deal, not with a dozen games etc) it should come out to less than the nit wits are paying here...

[northerngames]

This weekend if I am bored I might attempt ( again) to repair the Dreamcast,  I turned the potentiometer last time, all the way up and down.  Can I still repair it , or would the laser be burned out?

if it was powered all the way up then more then likely it is shot and cooked the coils for the eye.

[Zrooney]

Ok, thanks.  I think that is what i did     Well now I know....

[crashwg]

Rest in peace. The hours of entertainment you provided will not soon be forgotten.

[Zrooney]

The funny thing is.. this was not even mine, I got it second hand with out a controller ( but everything else) for 10 dollars.  And I never got a chance to even play on a real Dreamcast, I was hoping this one would work.