Sega CDX issues

[ScoreAddict]

So, I got me a CDX for a good (eBay) price. (I sure as hell won't pay 300$+ to some greedy reseller or "collector".) Faulty, what else. The description said it would play modules but cds would not work.

Well, let's get straight to the issues:

- With a module inserted in the cartridge slot, the console will play any (Genesis-)game just fine. No problems, no hang-ups, sound and picture are perfect.

- Pressing the power-button without a module but with (or without) a cd in the drive, the console will start (lcd-display lights up showing GAME) and show the start picture onscreen and then... just stay there. No sounds, no music, no animation. Crash, hang-up?
Controller buttons do not work, same goes for the controls on the console itself - except reset! If you press reset, there will only be a black screen after "reboot". If you press power once again and the console off, same story - frozen screen.

- Things get interesting if you power the unit down and insert an audio cd! If you press play now the drive will start playing it! Controls on the console work properly too. So it's definitely NOT the laser assembly!

Now the big question, what could it be? Faulty firmware-ROM on the console, capacitators, system battery (which I have taken out already)?

Please help! If pictures are required, just say!

Thank you!

[Jmustang1968]

What power supply are you using?

[ScoreAddict]

What power supply are you using?

The original one for the Model 2.

Yeah, I know it's only 850mA. Should that be an issue for (short) testing?

[Jmustang1968]

That is your problem.

You are starving the system of current, so it doesnt have enough power for it to function.

[ScoreAddict]

That is your problem.
You are starving the system of current, so it doesnt have enough power for it to function.

Sounds plausible. At first sight. Problem is, the previous owner had the very same problems - with the original CDx-power supply.

Besides, even with a multi-voltage 2000mA-power supply (with adapter) there's no difference.

[Jmustang1968]

Hmm the seller didnt see you the original ac adapter?

I know the CDX act up, especially when playing SCD games, when using an underpowered ac adapter.

Not many on here know the inside workings of the cdx because it is very tightly crammed in there.

[flojocabron]

Yes, the original ac adapter is best.

Lots of websites and people say you should use the original plug.

But a sad thing is that after all these years, cdx's get temperamental. I have one that takes time to make it play cds. I've spent up to an hour coaxing it to play cd games. Oh, but it plays genesis games just fine.

Like in that gamesack episode from a week ago; it might need new caps. But I know nothing about how to fix them. And everything is super crammed in there. I dont want to break it.

[nightrnr]

I had got a CDX several years ago which had corroded batteries in it (I received it that way) and it rotted a lot of the power leads to the CD board. It is technically fixable, and I may get to it some day (hopefully my younger, more naive, self did not destroy anything in the attempt to figure out what was wrong).

Anyways, I remember having the same issue; Sega CD screen would come up with no animation or sound or anything, just frozen. And like yours, mine played Genesis games fine.

It does sound like a power issue one way or another.

[ScoreAddict]

Hmm the seller didnt see you the original ac adapter?

Nope, she didn't have it anymore.

I know the CDX act up, especially when playing SCD games, when using an underpowered ac adapter.

I have never seen any proof that you can't even test a console or handheld just because the wattage is at 60% of the required value. Even if it draws that much juice, the only thing happening would be the power supply getting hot. And of that I am VERY aware.

Not many on here know the inside workings of the cdx because it is very tightly crammed in there.

Unfortunately, those with a service manual are seemingly unwilling to put scans of it online.

[ScoreAddict]

I had got a CDX several years ago which had corroded batteries in it (I received it that way) and it rotted a lot of the power leads to the CD board.

Now that could really be an issue! I have discovered some acid-marks in my CDx too! Looks like the lady forgot to take the batteries out at some point.

BUT there is no visible damage on any of the electronic components or pcb! I have seen my fair share of acid/electrolyte damage over the years. Nasty stuff! The console must have been stored in a very dry place I'd say.

It is technically fixable, and I may get to it some day (hopefully my younger, more naive, self did not destroy anything in the attempt to figure out what was wrong).

Have you opened it and checked it? The CDx-FAQ offers a nice set of instructions (though no photos). It's actually not THAT much of a hassle - at least when compared to a Wii- or PS3-disassembly.

Anyways, I remember having the same issue; Sega CD screen would come up with no animation or sound or anything, just frozen. And like yours, mine played Genesis games fine.

With the service manual for the CDx it should be possible to locate such an error much easier. Unfortunately...

It does sound like a power issue one way or another.

Though the freezing is something that doesn't make sense in this regard. Because it feels more like a software crash of the firmware.

I have tested Sega CD-units with the drive (partly) disconnected or dead motors and the unit would still play the animations and not freeze/crash!