Fixing a Sega Dreamcast Controller Port Fuse, plus LED Colour Change & Battery Mod

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Thanks for watching my Dreamcast LED colour change, clock battery replacement and controller port fuse mod video! If you would like to become a supporter and help fund future content, get ad free early access to new videos and be a part of the exclusive discord channel, take a look at www.patreon.com/markfixesstuff My supporters are the lifeblood of the channel and make these videos possible. Thanks!

[@delsarcade]

Parts list in description? Please?

[@spentoomuchonpremium]

Please add your soldering iron too please

[@SirVG]

You're the first person I've seen that's mentioned about the new batteries needing to be charged for at least an hour when you first set them up. NOBODY has ever mentioned that before. That fixed an issue I was having getting a bunch of Dreamcasts up and running. Thanks!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Ah. No worries! Well done!

[@NoxianSoulHarvester]

Basically I need to leave the console turned on for 1 hour to charge the battery while plugged in and all and I'll have no led and it won't start at first I assume til it's charged?

[@ghoulboards]

@@NoxianSoulHarvestersince no one followed up with you, I’m checking to see if you experimented with this, and did it work?

[@NoxianSoulHarvester]

cant tell you because i really suck at soldering @@ghoulboards

[@bobbus_74]

Very nicely done Mark. I think this is pretty much a necessity for any Dreamcast owner these days.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Totally agree

[@Ostnizdasht206]

That green LED lookin real nice.

[@BulldogBadger]

I just picked up a cheap dreamcast because of the controller fuse so came here to see the fix for it, nice and easy thank you so much!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@BulldogBadger brilliant 🤩!

[@osirisblaster]

Thanks buddy. This got my controller ports working again. I appreciate it.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Well done!

[@dragons_hook]

It's pretty cool that the capacitor was actually still working after 2 decades!

[@GrahamWatson1987]

Thank you so much for posting this. It super helped me replace the parts on my dc. I haven’t soldered anything since high school, and watching this made it super easy and not nerve racking!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Ah! Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave such a kind comment Graham!

[@retropulse03]

Major props btw for the little educational tidbits. Like, I learned more than I expected from just little nods of facts.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Excellent! Glad to hear my waffling on helped :)

[@Kaido_928]

Good guide. Followed all the steps except for the one at 4:36

[@AloneRaptor5332]

This has been the greatest learning experience I've ever had. Cant wait to do my dreamcast next. Thank you sir

[@Colin_Ames]

Great instructional video, as always. Even though I will probably never get around to owning a Dreamcast , it is good to be aware of potential issues and how to fix them. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Glad you enjoyed it! Merry xmas to you and your lot as well!

[@MrDman21]

I actually found one a few weeks ago. I'm also having problems with the controller port. I think I might have to take it to an electronics place in my city.

[@MoTheBlackCat]

Great work, a friend"s Dreamcast had the exact same problem (and soon certainly the laser failure too). At lease this one is fixed thanks!

[@hhectorlector]

loved this vid.. especially the music

[@SegaDreamcast]

Great Video! It definitely helped me with my project. This was my first time soldering and I followed along with your video step for step and was able to do it with ease!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

That’s absolutely amazing! Well done mate and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@benderman1157]

this will be my first souldering project wish me luck haha

[@DouglasTitchmarsh]

Great to see more love for the Dreamcast. 👍

[@MarkFixesStuff]

It's still an awesome machine mate.

[@honestfigurereviews]

I Love mine

[@Daduelist]

Loving this video, not just one fix, u did the whole thing instead!!!. 10/10 mate!!!!

[@SEGAGuys]

Wow! I’ve found someone else with the rare VA1 Dreamcast with metal fan. I’ve done a mod walkthrough of my system on our channel, but that metal fan is a little more involved to get out to install the Noctua fan (you need to unscrew it from beneath, and saw off the metal plate it’s attached to).

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Oh lol! I think I’ll leave it in place then mate!

[@carlosalfredoparramanzanil1774]

I've watched this video many times and am impressed with how easy it is to change these parts. Just one question, in the video image it appears that the acrylic of the led and the gray trapezoid of the disc cover are illuminated with the led, is there any way to remove the gray trapezoid without damaging the plastic of the disc cover? I'm thinking that could cut a same form in transparent acrylic and this way the light could also reflect in that space but I can't find a way to remove it without damaging the disc cover.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I don't know I'm afraid!

[@emerickscott]

thanks! the kit I got had me put a piece in to stop the CR2032 flow, which must have been what charges that ML battery. I kinda wish I'd done a rechargeable now. But I assume it doesn't die too often and it only controls the clock.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

You are correct. They last for years

[@Edman_79]

Very nice :D Never had any of these consoles, but I still like to watch repairing any of them.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Cheers Edman! The Dreamcast is still agreat gaming machine if you are ever tempted to pick one up.

[@Edman_79]

@@MarkFixesStuff Thanks Mark, but being father of two preschoolers, I hardly scrape enough time to watch these videos. I bet, getting into console gaming would greatly please my wife :D

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@Edman_79 hahah. No. She would not be pleased 😀

[@Mike-77-YT]

For the battery, I did replace it, but did a slight bodge job. I used a holder from a motherboard and some short (but pretty thick) wires and soldered it in. I did use a standard cr2032, but it didn't really cause too much problems, since it was separated from the board.

[@H1ZUMI]

Very nice video, I have a second Dreamcast that powers on but the led is not lighting up, do you think the capacitors are to be changed?

[@stephenhargreaves9011]

A definite lack of innuendo, though congratulations on four golden screws in one video.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Maybe your mind is not so dirty this time?

[@stephenhargreaves9011]

@@MarkFixesStuff Damn - gonna have to watch again

[@Kobra31677]

Mark, great video! But does the fuse @ 3:05 need to go in a certain way? Also what is the 16v 47uF capacitor for may I ask? Also I believe you can install a CR 2032 battery, but what I think you have to do is to cut a small section of the long strip on the resistor @ 4:15 and then solder a diode onto it to block the voltage so that the battery doesn't pop. That way you can nip to Poundland and get some CR 2032 batteries that should work! Subbed.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Hi mate! The fuse can go in any way. The capacitor is for decoupling and smoothing the power and yes you can use non rechargeable batteries but this way lasts longer and needs less frequent changing. Of course you need to mod the charging circuit to block the charging current as you so rightly say. Merry Christmas!

[@Kobra31677]

@@MarkFixesStuff Many thanks mate, and Merry Christmas to you sir!

[@buckmazterz]

My controller ports blew out when I confused the ground to 5v on joystick, I can’t find the exact 72 v resettable fuse your talking about in this video, do you have a link or can type what exact fuse I should be looking for? I couldn’t understand when your said it on your video Thanks!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

You want a 0.4a (also described as 400ma) fuse rated for 72v. Here is the part uk.rs-online.com/web/p/resettable-fuses/1740812

[@cantstopbeeboo2055]

Very very nice video. I will have to make time to go thru my consoles to see if I can repair/mod any of them :)

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Thanks so much for watching and good luck with your sifting and sorting :)

I knew my skill at doing this type of thing were non existent when the left port on my PS 2 wasn't working, so I took it apart, broke the cable that went to the power button, and damaged both controller ports, so I gave up. I love emulation! The weird thing is that when I was your age (back in the 80's before you were born,) , I was fixing TV;s and Video Recorders for a living! Haven't touched a soldering iron in over 25 years! I dare not! I don't want to blow myself up!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I’ll take the compliment but I was a teen in the 80s haha! PS2 is a tough system to fix tbf.

[@LordTrent.]

Is there a way to get a link for some to the stuff you use in the videos? Great info!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

What sort of things?

[@LordTrent.]

@@MarkFixesStuff What is the contraption that holds the pcb board called?

[@Kakeen]

Found this video and this is exactly what I need to do with my DC, I always thought the date and time were linked to the VMU. Guess that means I got a dead battery. Thank for this video. By the way, could someone post the specific fuse and capacitor that was used to replace the old ones? Also is the battery holder specific?

[@CophinRuinz0rKestra]

Hey @Mark Fixes Stuff - where can I buy a replacement power LED from?

[@davidretrogamesplayedbadly3533]

Awesome fix matey 😍

[@RonHelton]

Very clear and precise tutorial. Nice save. Now I must find one to fix. ; )

[@MarkFixesStuff]

It is your sacred mission from this moment onwards!

[@RonHelton]

@@MarkFixesStuff Aye, Aye.

[@theludixblaster]

Hi mark! I have a issue :/ try to do the light on my board but part what is in middle of anode & cathode as been burnt off (green bit) also the silver rings around two connections have gone. I had a look on the internet about repairing this but not sure i am able to? Am i right in saying i could do this with pad strips? Also i am new to all this could you explain why it says for cathode connection on board is a K? the anode goes in A & cathode goes into the K right? ty for the videos a great help ;)

[@irregularmana6216]

This was a great tutorial. I just finished replacing some old coin batteries on my Gameboy games now I know what else I can do 🤣

[@gignetheninj]

Great video, it’s easy to follow. Where can I buy the parts shown in the video? Thanks

[@CortinasAndClassics]

Excellent Mark. I need to do this to mine. I was planning to but I got distracted :)

[@MarkFixesStuff]

You can do it! My problem is also distraction!

[@Dumpzwoah]

Mark, is it necessary to use a ML2032 rechargable battery when using the coin battery holder? CR2032 etc will cause problems? Or did you just happen to have the ML2032 on hand?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

If you use a CR2032 the console will try to charge it and it will pop. You can add a diode to the charging terminal to stop it. That will mean that you’ll need to open the console to replace the single use battery when it’s dead.

[@Dumpzwoah]

@@MarkFixesStuff thanks for your quick response. I have like 40 dreamcasts that I'm fixing and was trying to cut corners on costs, but I'll just go with the ml2032! Thanks again.

[@Callieforniiaa]

Ugh 😣 I tried to follow the LED mod. I tried two different LEDs from the same pack I got from Aliexpress… they didn’t work but when I used a 2032 watch battery to test them. They lit up… but when I power the console on it doesn’t work…. Help please!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

First things first so apologies if I say basic things. Check the voltage going into the LED on the console with a multimeter. Double check you have the LED in the right way around as well. If both of those are correct the LED must be dying when you turn it on (some cannot handle the forward voltage), so check that LED again with your battery. Technically all we are doing is swapping an LED so it should be simple.

[@Callieforniiaa]

@@MarkFixesStuff I bought a new LED and it comes with instructions so we will see. Im a newbie with soldering so maybe I’m doing something wrong. Hopefully I didn’t burn the circuit board or anything… but thank you for the video and advice!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@Callieforniiaa The board it quite tough so you should be OK. We all have to start soldering somewhere and this is a good project for that. I do recommend you pick up a cheap multimeter if you don't have one. They as really useful tools for all kinds of thing. Please do let me know how you get on!

[@charlestaylor2594]

I have controller ports A & D working fine, but not B & C, any ideas whats wrong it can't be the fuse if two ports are working OK.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Try reflowing the solder connections on the affected ports and also cleaning inside the connectors with a good contact cleaner spray.

[@joeshlabotnik5764]

Thank you so much for the step by step here. Was an enormous help in reconditioning my old Dreamcast!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

You're welcome!

[@houseoftheted637]

I'm very tempted to buy a Dreamcast, and replace PSU, battery, fuse etc. Feeling inspired 😎

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Don't wait, do it and also get a GDEMU!

[@houseoftheted637]

@@MarkFixesStuff I'm thinking of getting a MODE from terraonion 😎

[@markt1547]

What were those scissor / clipper tools called? Thanks

[@MarkFixesStuff]

"Flush side cutters", Mark. You can get really expensive ones, but this four pack is cheap and will cover your needs. amzn.to/3oDofJt

[@zombiekohhi3586]

Where did you get that little clamp to hold the pcb so you can work on it with both hands?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

amzn.to/48xFiOz

[@Krushernl]

Always interesting to see. Never had any console. I started withj a Philips P2000t - VC20 -C64 - Various Amigas and I ended up now with a nice Lenovo/IBM. I don't even have a handheld. Guess it was way back then in the Netherlands not a thing to have? I'm not shure.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

You guys had a weird market. You seemed to have a lot of MSX stuff that we never saw in the UK. Maybe the same market oddness was the cause of your console and handheld starvation?

[@maddog2437]

Mark loving the Dreamcast mod - seen lots of channels talk about DCHDMI/GDEMU but how about going the full way and getting your DC back online and playing some games with the DreamPi in 2021.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I have considered it as a video, but funds are low and parts are expensive. I'll have a look at it later in '21

[@TheSwartz]

What is this rollable, holder-thingy? It appears to be a marvelous contraption needing addition to my bench.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

It's just a cheap Helping Hands that I use as a roll dispenser. I took off the rubbish magnifier and use the gaps in the clips to feed the solder. amzn.to/3scISJY

[@BenRattigan]

Do Gummy Bears have polarity or can I eat either leg first?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Did you spot them?

[@BenRattigan]

@@MarkFixesStuff yes, but I won't give it away.

[@VintageLizard486]

For the LED: Does A (on the circuit board) take the longer leg or the shorter one?

[@liam28rowe]

Great video! Would you mind telling me what equipment you're using please? I want to start soldering basics like this but it's an absolute minefield! Thank you :)

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I’m thinking of doing a video on this subject. I get asked a lot. Basically you need a temperature controlled iron, flux and a few other small bits

[@coachbennett10s]

could you add links to the parts you used in this video?

[@Levin_Pilot_246]

Very well detail instructions about parts' specs! Most sellers who sell the controller port fix kit, only provide the parts without any specs at all, anyway, Mark, I need that aluminium fan you ahve in that dreamcast, since my dreamcast assembly structure, only fits the aluminium fan with the 3 pin (not the 2 pin version, which it is supplied with the VA0 motherboard), and not the plastic version, since the housing doesn't fit the plastic brace that it is hooked with your fan, do you sell it?, I can give you the same fan, but the plastic version, that it fits well on your housing structure!. I will be glad, and satisfied to ressurect my dreamcast!

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Sorry Levin but that console was destroyed when my house was gutted by fire.

[@Levin_Pilot_246]

@@MarkFixesStuff R.I.P. Sega Dreamcast, *sniff* hope you get a replacement soon, dreamcast consoles now-in-days are very limited in production, and expensive. Thanks for letting me know... take care yourself, and your families

[@sparkster7744]

3:15 Hey, it seems to me that the solder for your fan header is broken! ¦B

[@MarkFixesStuff]

For sure now, because all these things were destroyed when my house burned down!

[@BlueNinjaXX]

I had just finished replacing all the fuses and did the new battery attachment and the clock stays adjusted now, but, my controller ports are still having an issue. I followed exactly how you did it on your video. Idk what the issue is. :( I have four controllers but only one works better. I still have to wiggle the controller from the port just to make it work but the other controllers just don't work. Maybe I have bad controllers?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Take the controller board out and reflow the the controller ports. Put some contact cleaner in the controller ports and check any solder joints and connections to the controller board itself. Good luck!

[@BlueNinjaXX]

Thanks man!

[@arcusma]

Did you use lead wire to solder? If so could I use a lead-free wire?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Yes I did use leaded. You can use lead free.

[@FrankensteinsCastle]

Thank you for the helpful video!! Any chance of linking the parts used?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I'll need to try and find them!

[@kikoremacha5722]

Podrias poner la lista de componentes? Gracias.

[@richmassamuchi3127]

If you have a pal dreamcast Changing g this battery will be a pain due to the positioning of the pins for the battery

[@RailRidersUnited]

Where can I get those exact parts to replace?

[@degeneratecollector9950]

I’m about to do this how hot do I hear the soldering iron for this exact job ?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I just used my standard 330 degrees celcius JB.

[@degeneratecollector9950]

@@MarkFixesStuff thank you much for the reply this vid was a great help !

[@ctg8563]

For the battery replacement can you just install the battery holder or do you have to replace all the other parts too?

[@albey1816]

No you can just do the battery if you want.

[@elz42]

Mark why didn’t you fix the resistor and the diode?

[@HornHeaDD]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks for the help. Sincerely - a shitty solderer.

[@TychiBalls]

My kit came with a CR2032. Not a ML2032. Is this ok? Everything else looks identical. Even the battery holder.

[@colincurrie9151]

I would have picked a blue led to match the blue dreamcast swirl. Great vid

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Good call! I did a Blue LED mod on the Dreamcast I did with RMC, but loads of people moaned that blue was too distracting.

[@Wil_Dsense]

It’s all about the Bluetooth LED mod that lets you choose any colour via app and change it to whatever colour, whenever you like.

[@frankowalker4662]

I'd be lost without my sucking de-solderer. Happy Christmas Mark.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Life would be bad without it, yes! Merry Xmas Franko!

[@pcphoenix123]

If I connect the controller in port A, it works, If I connect the controller in any other ports, it doesn't work. Does that mean that those ports (B-C-D) are broken, or the console requires that if there's only one controller that it be connected to port A?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Do you have a VMU? See if that works in those ports

[@pcphoenix123]

@@MarkFixesStuff No I don't

[@kareemfarrag9713]

Remove flat ribbon cable and check if it has blue color

[@kareemfarrag9713]

My flat ribbon cable had corrosion but I don't know how to fix it

[@sashaZ523]

sturmwind brings back flashbacks to redspotgames

[@MarkFixesStuff]

A super game!!!!

[@sashaZ523]

@@MarkFixesStuffit was a wild ride!

[@bmel86]

so for the fuse, is there a positive and negateive side to it? Or can this fuse be inserted in either direction?

[@RailRidersUnited]

Polarity on the fuse doesn't matter. So either way will work👍

[@NemeZisUK]

I have an issue with my controller board, I have replaced to fuse but its still not registering the controllers. The VMU beeps on power up. If anyone knows what this could be I would be eternally grateful.

[@IanRomanick]

Will a 72V 200mA fuse also work or is it too wimpy?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Needs to be 400ma really or you’re going to be resetting it a lot.

[@canalcontroledirecionado6425]

What is the value of the original fuse in ohms? we need to know. Making crazy substitutions doesn't work.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Fuses aren’t measured in ohms I’m afraid. You need to get one rated for the correct breaking current. In case you can’t get a kit vendor where you are, you can purchase a 0.4amp (not ohm!!) fuse. I really recommend a F1 type self resetting part, because if you cause an issue plugging in a controller you can power off to reset it without further soldering. Digital Delights will post their mod kit worldwide: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264837829928 or Console5 might be a better option for your region. Hope this helps.

[@retropulse03]

As an 11 year old, I was put through hell because of the controller ports. My Dreamcast that I worked so hard for just died, and my mom helped me replace it... and then that one died. So we returned it and got another... and that one died too. In the end my dad blamed me for it and I was not allowed to get another one. I called Sega's official support and got no help at all... My dreamcast days were just done. ALL BECAUSE OF JUST SOME BASTARD LITTLE FUSE!?!?!? If only I had known back then, I would have learned to solder right then and there.

[@Kaido_928]

Blame sega for their shitty design.

[@retropulse03]

@@Kaido_928 I blame everyone for everything lol I'm just stoked I can fix it now at least, so if mine goes out I am not screwed like back then.

[@DoobyShoo]

I can’t even get the LED out how did you do that???

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Desoldering gun? Why won’t it come out?

[@DoobyShoo]

@@MarkFixesStuff ive removed literally all the solder and its still stuck in there

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@DoobyShoo must still be solder in the via then mate.

[@DoobyShoo]

@@MarkFixesStuff in the via?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@DoobyShoo the middle of the hole

[@PITCHSHIFTER666]

my console works but the LED does not come on? any idea whats up with that

[@MarkFixesStuff]

LEDs can die. If you’ve just installed a new one you might have mistakenly put it in the wrong way.

[@PITCHSHIFTER666]

@@MarkFixesStuff thanks for the reply. Na this is an old Japanese console I had, today I put a modern PSU inside works fine just the original LED does not come on at all. So could just need a new one? It's self powering once soldered ain't it?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@PITCHSHIFTER666 check the resistor next to the LED but yeah, could just be the LED.

[@PITCHSHIFTER666]

@@MarkFixesStuff the longer side of the LED is K? (doing it right now)

[@MarkFixesStuff]

@@PITCHSHIFTER666 longer leg is the positive Anode. Shorter leg is the negative Cathode (K)

[@kareemfarrag9713]

Give us links to buy resistors

[@atomicdetailsoc]

is there a way to just ordere the cap and fuse i dont need the battery or led.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

You can find them for sale generally, yes.

[@jefferson2483]

Muito bom, ganhou 1 inscrito.

[@MrGunzoller]

The fingerprint was left on the battery 🙃so the work is 9 out of 10 on the perfectionism scale

[@MarkFixesStuff]

But a solid 10/10 on the personalisation scale!

[@Robbie_-gu8rd]

Is it essential to replace the R1 (resistor) as all the replacement sets don’t seem to include one

[@Kaido_928]

I didnt change it. Only the battery en the controller port reset resistor.

[@kareemfarrag9713]

I don't have rechargeable battery in egypt What can I do ?

[@Timbolonius]

What kind of fuse is that?

[@stevenchan3822]

My dreamcast controller ports died way back in 2002, I think I’ll try replace the fuse now

[@criixt]

Why isnt there a mod to put the wire at the top of the controller? is this not an original idea? no one has done it. or i just cant find a video on it.

[@MarkFixesStuff]

You can clip the cable into a channel in the underside of the controller already and then the cable is out of the way

[@IvanGarcia-my7sz]

Anyone has the list of the replacements used?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Hi! I lost all the details in the fire, but Digital Delights has supplied me kits before when I have been too busy to order individual parts. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264837829928

[@hanskrug6947]

Wow thx

[@erkphotography4550]

My Dreamcast won't turn on after replacing fan... Orange light and fan comes on but no video

[@MarkFixesStuff]

Have you tried cleaning the pins that the PSU board sits on? It’s a real weak point in the design

[@erkphotography4550]

@@MarkFixesStuff still no signal I notice when I disconnect the yellow wire from the fan it gets a signal

[@rashidbrown345]

Is this different for Japanese dc

[@MarkFixesStuff]

No, it’s the same!

[@JCNY718]

I 100% broke my dreamcast trying to do this :( it just wont turn on now... Definitely my fault and not Mark's, this was my first time trying to solder anything, I must have fried something.

[@Levin_Pilot_246]

Ifixit: difficulty: high Me: difficulty: low (is pretty easy like "1, 2, 3" steps, even if I don't have solder sucker, I use my existing soldering iron while heating the existing solder from the board, and pulling off the components, as I heat the solder)

[@bastianwollandt6638]

What kind of LED do I need? There are sooo much different.

[@8-bitninja122]

5mm

[@TottyRops]

Is it just me, or did anyone else notice dry joints on the Fan socket?

[@MarkFixesStuff]

I can't recall specifically now because I recorded this footage in June, but it's very likely because there were several duff joints. I went over the whole thing to be sure. Sometimes it's just easier than hunting.

[@Sqirmy]

MARK U BETTER FIX MORE STUFF🔪😐