I have a techinical issue with the Sega Dreamcast console. I purchased a USED Dreamcast back in late 2000, and I played the system regularly for many years and it never gave me any issues whatsoever. However, about a year ago, when I would load a game, it would power up and get to the swirling Dreamcast logo screen, and it never would get to the "sega" screen to start loading up the game. I tried cleaning and everything I could think of, but finally just decided it must have worn out on me, so I bought another USED Dreamcast console at that time.
So I used that used Dreamcast for about 6 months, and then all of a sudden I had another problem occur. This time, I would load a game, and when I pressed the power button, the bright orange light on the front of the console would only BARELY light up, almost as if the system wasn't getting a full power. I tried using a different cord and different outlet, but nothing ever could get it to work ever again. So all of a sudden I had went through two broken Dreamcast systems in a 7 month period.
Now I'll give you a few more details. This may or may not have something to do with why these systems screwed up on me. I would play my Dreamcast using a 3rd parter (not official Sega) VGA adaptor to hook it up to my computer monitor and speakers. It always worked great and I loved how much better it makes the games. I also set the console on top of my very large subwoofer, which is basically big enough to be a small flat table. Also, during the past few months, I had been simulating an NBA playoffs on the system, and I would just let the computer play the game itself, so sometimes the system would run for 2 or 3 straight hours without interruption.
Now I don't know if any of that would have anything to do with these problems, but I thought I should give you all the details.
I have recently purchased a brand new never touched Dreamcast console, but I wanted to check in and see if I've been doing anything wrong with my previous systems before I try this one. I would hate to buy this and have it break down on me in a few months again.
I would appreciate any help or information you can provide on this issue. Thanks so much!
Daniel Caudle
Fairfield, Illinois
Dreamcast disc reading error can be fixed . Just search YouTube for full instructions but basically you re calibrate the laser by turning a little dial . It's so simple . Just fix two i thought were dead. Please don't bin them.
Hi with your new dream cast dont put it on the sub woofer as the magnetic field it gives of can cause havoc with the chips and resistors this would be the reason why the orange light problem occured.
The vga adaptor would cause no problems.
Also the computer needs to be on flat hard surface and not boxed into a confined place or put ontop of anything else electrical like dvd plater or video as these give off heat and would cause the dreamcast to stop working over heating problems are just to expensive to repair as you might need to replace the whole board alot of people now are playnig their ps3 on carpet and then wonder why it stops working ok so remember that it needs to get air to it and not ontop of heat source.
As for leaving it on for 2 or 3 hours now they dont advise you to play it for that long but from my experiance as long as the unit is able to get air around it ie no vents blocked and not ontop of anything warm or on carpet then their should be no problems as i have played alot of my consoles for most of the day without turning off so dont worry to much about that.
Now the problem with the first console is as you probably guessed is the laser failing to read the game data this is common in all console based computers that work of cd.
But what you could do is take the laser out of the one that has the light problem and put this laser into the first console then that way it should work then you will have 2 consoles if anything goes wrong with one.
Now the one with the light problem the only parts that will be any good from the inside would be the laser things like the lid casing most of the board is now probably no good so its not worht keeping.
But if you put the laser into the first one then you could use that untill it packs up then you have the new one to fall back on so before you chuck the other two out give it a try you cant do any more damge than is already done anyway can you.
The laser will be held in buy couple of screws then their will be a wire coming from it that goes to the board the wire is just a clip in wire and should pull out of the board easily and the same putting it back in the other one.
If you need further assistance let me know ok i wish you all the best with the new one
SOURCE: Dreamcast Loading problem
you can get disks relayered at game stores.
there was a long period where this happened to me.
some games worked for a while, some didnt.
its the dreamcast.
you might wanna get anew power cable or just clear out the dust because that is the main problem with the dreamcast.
try playing with the console upside down
it sounds crazy but it worked for me.
SOURCE: Sega Dreamcast console problem
suggestions:
clean out dust.
get disks relayered
clean the drive with a special disk
get a new power lead
store DC upside down when IN USE. (actually worked for me)
dreamcasts are known for their faultiness.
if you dont have a wii, i reccomend buying one.
dc games may also be available soon on the wii virual console
SOURCE: sega dreamcast wont play games
Clean the laser using a dry q-tip with a circular motion.
If that doesn't work then watch this video.
SOURCE: Sega Dreamcast console problem
First off, NEVER store a game console on top of a subwoofer. It is like a giant magnet, and electronic devices do not handle magnetics. I don't think i've ever heard of a VGA box, Sega brand or not, killing a console. Millions use aftermarket AV cables and adaptors on all consoles without problem. I think it likely died from being on top of the sub. Relocate it and you should be fine. Running it for a few hours isnt likely either unless you had the vents entirely blocked.
To the guest who's drive isnt spinning, I would say your drive motor has burnt out. This doesn't indicate a defect in Dreamcasts, per se, it just means bad luck or excessive dust which killed it. Either buy a different Dreamcast or see if you can find a drive replacement.
Hope this helps.
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Thank you so much for your response. Looking back on it now, I had a feeling that subwoofer was part of the problem, but I just wanted to ask the experts view on that. So again I appreciate all your input. I do have the console on a different table now with nothing electrical nearby, so I should be good to go this time. Thanks again for your help!!!
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