Dreamcast console issue

[shaggy]

I recently bought a Dreamcast with no power cord. I ordered one from Ebay but instead of the circle/square connector it was circle/circle. I'm guessing this does not relate to the issue I have at all but I'm throwing this out there in case it does. The Dreamcast itself is flaky. Some games don't play, other games play one time but than another time they don't.  I'm guessing a laser issue?  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[Shadow Kisuragi]

It means that the cord you have isn't polarized. Pretty sure that you just need something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/C2G...ed-IEC320C7/dp/B0002J26LA

Sounds like a laser seek issue, like your laser either is getting stuck or can't read the discs.
Or, you know, stop buying Sega consoles. Seems like you have bad luck with them.

[mumboking]

Try gently cleaning the lens with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud.

[shaggy]

Try gently cleaning the lens with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud.

Tried that already.  I tried calibrating the Dreamcast with the pot on the laser but to no avail.  I couldn't get it to work consistently.  I think I need a new GD-ROM assembly.

[shaggy]

It means that the cord you have isn't polarized. Pretty sure that you just need something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/C2G...ed-IEC320C7/dp/B0002J26LA

Does it matter if it is polarized?

Sounds like a laser seek issue, like your laser either is getting stuck or can't read the discs.
Or, you know, stop buying Sega consoles. Seems like you have bad luck with them.

Why so mean?

[sydpinkfloyd]

My friend has had a similar problem with his Dreamcast. I haven't tried mine in years, but I hear that the laser wears out quicker if you use burned games often (as I have for years).

Not sure how easy it is to find a replacement laser, but that may be your best option. Best of luck!

[Duke.Togo]

With the odd GD-ROM format, looking for a parts console is probably the only way to go. You could always mod to play from SD.

[shaggy]

With the odd GD-ROM format, looking for a parts console is probably the only way to go. You could always mod to play from SD.

Yeah, I've read about modding to play from SD but it's not the same.  It's not original!!!  Just like my SMS power supply issue,  3rd party just isn't the same.

[shaggy]

So I blew out the laser with canned air and cleaned it with alcohol.  It worked 95% with next 7-10 games but after this it quit working at all.  I think I'm calling this one "dead' unless someone else has any suggestions.

[Duke.Togo]

There is probably a pot on the laser that you can try to adjust. Tiny turns and retest. I think I have a spare Dreamcast I'd let go if you're looking for another.

[shaggy]

There is probably a pot on the laser that you can try to adjust. Tiny turns and retest. I think I have a spare Dreamcast I'd let go if you're looking for another.

I've tried the pot, I didn't try too long, though.  I still have my original Dreamcast, this is the one I got in the lot I posted about a week or two ago so it isn't too bad considering what I payed.  It would have been nice to have a backup or trad bait, though, instead of a paper weight.