Sega CDX disc drive doesn't spin at all

[Satoshi_Matrix]

I own a rare Sega CDX which I haven't used in many years. I recently unboxed it and wanted to play a quick game of Sonic CD when I discovered the system now has a problem.

The Genesis portion of the system works perfectly, but the CD drive doesn't seem to work at all, the drive won't even spin. I know it used to work, back in the 90's but I have no idea what's wrong with it now.

Any help is appreciated.

[CRTGAMER]

Does the laser try to kick up and down when you power on? You may have to fool it bypassing the lid open switch to check that. Maybe clean the laser eye and game disc?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

late reply, but yeah. I haven't been able to do anything with it.

I'm not too technically knowledged about the inner workings of CD drives, but it seems to me that the motor is most likely dead.

My question is does anyone know where I might be able to take it/send it to get it repaired? Maybe someone here would be able to repair it even?

Also, once the drive does work, is the CDX capable of running backup SCD games from a CD-R or CD+R? Some of my original SCD games are deeply, deeply scratched.

[MrPopo]

Here's something you can try; get a can of compressed air and blow a bit around the CD spindle (use the tube to get in there). I purchased a CDX for cheap in the same condition as yours and was able to get it working with that method. There's no worry about harming the system doing so and compressed air is cheap.

[Assman]

Also, once the drive does work, is the CDX capable of running backup SCD games from a CD-R or CD+R? Some of my original SCD games are deeply, deeply scratched.

Theoretically, yes. Unfortunately, it seems like CDXs are prone to problems with them (supposedly the laser is weaker than that of a normal Sega CD). My CDX, for example, will generally boot up a CD-R without issue when the system is cold. However, once it warms up to a certain point (about an hour in or so), a disc stops being read.

Others have claimed that their CDXs won't boot CD-Rs at all, that they'll only boot on occasion but run fine once they do, or that they'll occasionally boot but eventually crash. I've even seen a case where someone played CD-Rs fine with no problem for a period of time, and after that their CDX wouldn't play any disc, original or not. Basically, you won't know until you try it.

[RetroVision]

I know this is an old thread, but I am having the same issue. I just bought a used CDX and it is in great shape. The guy at the used DVD store claimed he tested every aspect and that the CD and Cart portion worked. The cart works fine, but the CD wont even spin. I tried pushing down the door lever to trick it into thinking it was down, but that didnt work either. I have read other places that it may be the power supply, says to make sure it is a genuine CDX supply and not just a standard Sega model. I think I may not have a genuine CDX supply, does anyone thing this is why it isnt spinning. Either way I have the receipt and can return...but I was excited cause I got it for $100 with 6 good Sega CD games included. If I return the CDX, the games go back with it...the games were worth well over $100 by themselves, so I am thinking of keeping everything and trying to repair the CD portion. Anyone have experience with this...or anyone have any input as to if this is a good idea or not?

Thanks,
John

[Hobie-wan]

It would be helpful for you to let us know what PS you have.

[RetroVision]

It would be helpful for you to let us know what PS you have.

Hobie, I think that is the issue. It is not 9.5v 1.5a...I am trying to find one that will provide correct specs. You think if I use a non-Sega PS (if it matches the spec), it will work? I think that is why the CD portion spins, but skips and it needs to be plugged in for a while (to charge up) before it will even spin. I feel like if it had proper power it would spin properly.

[Hobie-wan]

As long as you match voltage and polarity, then have the same or higher amperage on the brick it should be fine. The system will only pull as much amperage as it needs so more is fine for that spec only on the brick. Hopefully that's the only issue.

[RetroVision]

Found this site, he should have more in stock Feb 1st. Now I just hope this is why my games were skipping and not loading all the way.

http://www.retrogamecave.com/sega-ac_adapter.html