Sega CD doesn't power on, need help

[tsunamikitsune]

I've had my Sega CD for years now, but just recently have I started to buy some new games for it even though it hasn't worked for a while. When I first got it, it worked great, but at some point, it stopped powering on.

I'm not exactly sure what the problem is, but some quick searching leads me to believe it's a blown fuse. I'm ready to crack the thing open and fix it, but I need to find the parts first. Does anyone know where I can find the fuse and fuse holder online? I already tried my local Radioshack and they weren't really helpful at all.

[Hatta]

Yeah, Radio Shack absolutely sucks for components. Try an online shop like Jameco, DigiKey, or Mouser. You might want to open up the fuse and inspect it first. If it doesn't look blown, use a multimeter to check continuity through the fuse. Also, look at the capacitors while you're in there and make sure none have any bulging tops or material leaking from them.

[tsunamikitsune]

Everything looks fine, although I admittedly don't know a lot about fuses and what they look like when blown:



(Click for a closer picture of the fuse)

[Hatta]

Oh, it's a fusible resistor, so there's not much to look at. You can still check it for continuity with a multimeter. If you find that it's broken, you can jump it with a piece of wire just to check whether it'll work with a new fuse. If it works after that, you'll want to replace the fuse as the jumper doesn't protect your unit from power spikes.

Also, the caps I can see in the picture look good so far.

[Ziggy]

Agreed, but if you power it on with a wire jumper I would only leave it on for a few seconds. Just enough to confirm it powers up.

If you have it opened up, and have a multimeter handy, you might as well check that battery and see if it's good. Should be slightly over 3v. Anything less than 3.02v and I would change it, since you already have it opened up. Unless you have a save cart and never plan on actually using the battery.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

If you have it opened up, and have a multimeter handy, you might as well check that battery and see if it's good. Should be slightly over 3v. Anything less than 3.02v and I would change it, since you already have it opened up. Unless you have a save cart and never plan on actually using the battery.

Whoa whoa whoa, hold on there.

Some Sega CD's have a rechargeable button cell like inside the Dreamcast. If his cell says rechargeable on it replacing it with anything other than the same rechargeable battery spells disaster for that machine.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

I've had my Sega CD for years now, but just recently have I started to buy some new games for it even though it hasn't worked for a while. When I first got it, it worked great, but at some point, it stopped powering on.

I'm not exactly sure what the problem is, but some quick searching leads me to believe it's a blown fuse. I'm ready to crack the thing open and fix it, but I need to find the parts first. Does anyone know where I can find the fuse and fuse holder online? I already tried my local Radioshack and they weren't really helpful at all.

Honestly just go to your local RadioShack.

When me and a buddy fixed his Sega CD with a standard fuse and a fuse holder last year we just walked right in and went straight to the parts drawers in the back. Ten minutes later we were already back and soldering it to the board. Also, remember to remove or at least cut off the old fuse with some snips or pliers before placing the new one in it's place.

Or just get a new one of the matching fuse which is also available at most RadioShack stores. Bring the system with you so you can pop it open and show them the fuse if you don't know the value of the one in your particular unit.

[terrybogard]

when this happened to me i just ripped the fuse out and soldered a wire to it. once i saw it powered on i knew it was a fuse then ordered the correct fuse replacement from somewhere online. its not the best route to take but if its not the fuse then youll know and sega cds are so cheap who cares either way

[tsunamikitsune]

Oh, it's a fusible resistor, so there's not much to look at. You can still check it for continuity with a multimeter. If you find that it's broken, you can jump it with a piece of wire just to check whether it'll work with a new fuse. If it works after that, you'll want to replace the fuse as the jumper doesn't protect your unit from power spikes.

Also, the caps I can see in the picture look good so far.

I checked with the multimeter and it had no continuity. I jumped it and I saw the light come on my Sega CD. I am extremely happy knowing that it's not gone for good.

Just need to get a replacement fuse now. If you could point me to exactly what I need, I would really appreciate it. I tried going to some of the suggested sites, but simply searching "850mA fuse" doesn't seem to narrow it down enough.

[Ziggy]

Whoa whoa whoa, hold on there.

Some Sega CD's have a rechargeable button cell like inside the Dreamcast. If his cell says rechargeable on it replacing it with anything other than the same rechargeable battery spells disaster for that machine.

Whoa, that's crazy! I had no idea that some Sega CD's had a rechargeable battery.