Problem with my Sega CD

[Silverspoon]

I have a side mount Sega CD, that has worked since it was new, but now it acts like its not getting power. Its got the AC plugged in, and which I have tried with my 1st gen and 2nd gen Genesis systems plugged into the side of the Sega CD. This has got to be a common problem. Please tell me its not my Sega CD crappin out on me!

[Scooter]

Probably a blown fuse is all. They are hard wired but aren't tough to replace. Did you ever plug the wrong power source into the Sega CD unit? That will blow the fuse most of the time.

[Silverspoon]

Probably a blown fuse is all. They are hard wired but aren't tough to replace. Did you ever plug the wrong power source into the Sega CD unit? That will blow the fuse most of the time.

Its possible. I havent seen the original AC since the 90s.

[Scooter]

Then you need to find one because if you replace the fuse and then plug in the wrong power pack again you'll be right back in the same spot.

[Defolto]

Yeah the ac adapter is pretty easy to find it takes the same one as the model 1 genesis

[kool kitty89]

Make sure it's a 1.2A rated model though, I think some of the later Model 1 power supplies had lower amp ratings. (and the CD needs the power, I think the earliest genesis models do as well -all NMOS chipset)
The official CD adaptor has a higher peak wattage rating, but I don't think that's a huge deal. (though, obviously you'd use that one if you had it)

[Silverspoon]

Thanks for the tips guys. The only thing is, Im a lil worried about taking the system apart to find this blown fuse. Is there a "How To" write up on it anywhere?

[Defolto]

well heres what you have to do its really easy first unplug the genesis from it and unplug the system the take out any cd you may have in the system then flip cover the system and there should be six screws take unscrew all six screws and gently shake it to get the lose screws out then flip it back over and the top should lift right off you will notice a metal shielding plate on the inside of the system (if you live in the US the, but they dont have it on the inside of the sega mega cd) take out all of the screws holding it down and lift it off the fuse inside is a surface mount fuse it may look slightly different depending on the revision on the console but they are green thats the main thing to remeber, now wrap an exposed wire around one of the fuses (this will bypass the fuse) then put the sega cd cover back on and hook it up and turn it on if you still get no response try another fuse (if it has another fuse, once again it all depends on the revision) if this does not help then its probably something else.

[Silverspoon]

Ok guys, I have it opened up, and it doesnt look much like the thumbnail pic above. Can anybody help me out?

[0x15e]

Circled it for you.

[Silverspoon]

Thanks! Now what do I do with it again?

[Scooter]

Do you have a multi-tester? If so, see if that component has any continuity. If it does, that is not your problem. If it does not, it is burned out. To test the system, TEMPORARILY attach a jump wire across the fuse circuit and see if the unit will power up and function. If that fixes the problem, desolder the offending fuse and replace it with an appropriately sized fuse (you can buy them on ebay and other places).

MAKE SURE YOU USE THE APPROPRIATE POWER PACK WHEN TESTING AND USING THE UNIT FOLLOWING THE REPAIR. If you overpower it while testing you could burn out something more serious (which is why the fuse is there in the first place). If you overpower it during use after the repair, you could blow the fuse again.

[Defolto]

yeah and if you want to know what kind of fuse it is its a 1.5 amp pico 2 fuse

[kool kitty89]

It might be preferable to not bother removign the old fuse and just use a new one connected via jumper wires (you could even use th esame wares for testing, just use 2 separate wires twisted together, and add the fuse after testing). Either solder the fuse to the wires or add a fuse holder. MN12bird attached a screw-in type holder mounted on the back of the CD. (going with a simple pop-in one mounted int he extra internal space should be fine though)

[Scooter]

It might be preferable to not bother removign the old fuse and just use a new one connected via jumper wires (you could even use th esame wares for testing, just use 2 separate wires twisted together, and add the fuse after testing). Either solder the fuse to the wires or add a fuse holder. MN12bird attached a screw-in type holder mounted on the back of the CD. (going with a simple pop-in one mounted int he extra internal space should be fine though)

I personally don't like such a solution because any of those connections could get hinky or cross-circuit elsewhere which could really cause problems. If the correct power source is used, blown fuses should never be an issue again. It's also nice to have a solid, permanent solution in place.