Sega Saturn not working. How to Replace the Laser. Disc not spinning and Drive empty issues

A detailed video tutorial on the SEGA Saturn and all the typical faults that occur.
We cover the Saturn model 1 and model 2.
How to replace the laser with an Optima-6S
How to fix the drive empty issue.
How to fix the disc not spinning issue.
How to calibrate adjust the laser pot.
How to adjust the board pots.
How to fix the start application issue.
Please comment if you have any questions, Share and Like.... and of course Subscribe to see more tutorials.
Find us here www.globalgarage.com.au/
Pseudo Saturn Boot cart - Play backup games from CD-Rs, Region free and auto 4MB
www.retrosales.com.au/collect...
Clock Battery - For the rear compartment. Time & Date save.
www.retrosales.com.au/product...
Replacement Laser - Optima-6S
Coming soon

[@dutch8582]

This was hands down the best guide to fixing Saturn issues that I could find on you tube. Thanks man. 👍

[@dustinfields7030]

Holy crap, thank you so much for this video. It may be 7 years old but it fixed my Japanese model 1 Saturn I got in the mail. The disc slot module needed to be set back to 1 millimeter and bam no more drive empty 😊🎉

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Yep, it’s amazing how simple it is and no need to mess with the laser

[@ErectoSaurus69420]

You made removing the spindle look easy, been trying for half an hour and it still won't budge

[@melleach385]

Dude. You have no idea how happy I was to hear the Daytona USA theme start playing from the Saturn after replacing the laser. Amazing guide, biggest props to you. My Saturn that's been busted since I was 5 years old about 16 years ago is now alive! Can't thank you enough for this extremely useful guide. Hugs and kisses from the United States, brotha! 😙🤗

[@xmg5688]

If you Change your laser or even Open it up for repair don't forget to re-grease the laser rails

[@StartupSound]

So happy to see the CD finally promptly spinning and playing sweet sweet music. Thank you so much for a thorough yet accessible explanation and demonstration. The best video out there to solve these problems, a true public service!

[@havoc010101]

Global Garage, thanks to you I was able to repair a model 2 Sega Saturn. I purchased a new laser, followed the video to the letter and success! Great video, keep the content coming!!

[@johnfirestone8781]

Awesome video. I have been researching how to repair my Saturn for two days now and just came across this video. After making sure I adjusted it to about 720 I had to adjust the disc speed. When I did those two things my Saturn was able to read my discs. Thanks again!

[@Bransfiiiield]

Hey, so this video just helped me fix two Saturns - they now (seem to) work perfectly. Thank you so much (for doing this five years ago)!

[@waynemellors152]

Just wanted to drop by and say thank you. I have a RG JX1 that randomly stopped reading all discs including CDs. The drive ticked up a few times, span the disc then stopped and dropped to menu. I really didn't fancy opening it up, looking at installing a new laser, having to get soldering iron, etc but noted that you mentioned the spindle height. So, with some trepidation off I went. 10 mins later its up and running. The spindle was almost flush to the housing, Reseating it 1mm above, which took a few goes, and I'm golden. Thanks a LOT for the easy explanation and the video. It was perfect.

[@royroy7814]

Your videos are a treasure trove for us who love our systems

[@ThatOldGangOfMine]

I fixed a Saturn using your video. The disc didn't spin at all. I adjusted the resistance pot on the laser, cleaned it, and also had to adjust the height of the spindle several times. Once I saw the laser go to the edge of the disc, I knew I was good. I even put a new battery in for good measure. Thanks again!

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Good work!

[@evasoares7655]

Life saver 🙏🙏 Just a small tweak on the laser and it started working again. Thank you!

[@TheSwartz]

I re-listened to your bumper music 10 times; one of the grooviest I've heard in awhile ;)

[@XylustheFox]

Thank you so much for making this video, very informative. Saved my Saturn! 👍

[@MortimerPlumtree-gd5iw]

My saturn had not worked in 20 years. Thank you for your help. 2023.

[@KhalilOUAFTOUH]

Thank you so much! my pal sega saturn was not working due to the blown fuse, after replacing it i noticed that the disc was not spinning although the laser was moving and trying to focus on the disc. So i measured the orange pot resistance (and the grey one mentioned in your video) from a working saturn then i adjusted the same values to the faulty one accordingly and to my surprise the disc start spinning. Thanks again .. All Hail SEGA

[@lukey110685]

What value did you use?

[@ivantasovski6327]

Had no idea about adjusting the pot on the laser assembly itself - thanks a lot!

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Yep it's a common issue and easy fix

[@johnnyfletcher1961]

Thanks bro. Out of all the videos uploaded on KZbin, this one is the best. Regarding laser lens replacement. IMO.

[@karlsansom9781]

Thank you for the video. Just replaced my laser in my first console repair.

[@d05music17]

Great video very informative man, useful details on each step thanks :]

[@kemy6775]

I was just gifted a model 2 I can’t wait to fix it up and get it going

[@chrisw8069]

Thanks for this. Definitely put me on the right path. Will recap the entire system before adjusting that pot on the cd board. I will use that as a last resort.

[@heikobobrich981]

Thanx a lot for that great help video! Now my Saturn is up and running again! My problem was maybe a dirty lense and the distance between laser and disc!

[@fourmthree]

This is some hidden magic. Excellently useful!

[@jenslorbeer5307]

Thank you soooo much! With your help i was able to fix a japanese Model 1. The PSU was fried because someone Must have plugged it into our german 220v wallplugs. After replacing the psu the Disc Drive appeared to be dead, but going through all of your steps i could now completely fix it. These Saturns seem to be very hard to kill... thanks again.

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Nice!

[@jenslorbeer5307]

Global Garage one Minor issue that i still have: when i power the console on, only every third or fourth Time it actually reads the Disc and starts spinning. Now when it had been Running, it works every time flawlessly but if it stays off for a few hours it takes several tries again. Maybe a dead cap?

[@zacharani674]

I have the exact same issue! Did you ever find a fix?

[@DarthSamuraiRyuu]

excellent video! i didnt knew about the side pots on the board! thanks

[@PhantomLord24]

Thanks, works perfect for my saturn, greetings from Peru

[@Sytrok]

First off, THANK YOU! My problem unexpectedly solved at 8:40 Imported an NTSC-J Saturn, worked for a while by turning up the potentiometer. Bought & installed a replacement after it died. Tried everything I could think of to get it to work. Even bought a new ribbon cable. At one point I built an oscilloscope using an Arduino. Thought maybe I could try to dial in the pots better. Glad this video just happened to show up as a recommendation. I can't believe it was an oversight this simple. My Saturn had been apart, collecting dust, for the last three months.

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Thoric Ivarsson Glad this was helpful for you. Was it just the anti static solder blob?

[@Sytrok]

Yeah, was just the blob. Would be helpful if manufacturers made any mention of that at all. Funny thing is I noticed the difference. But it didn't even look like a bridged connection. The contacts are so small I thought it was a single point. Model number wasn't a perfect match, so I thought it a simple revision. Thanks again, the ol' girl's working great now.

[@MINI_91]

I got a Saturn today, it worked once and then died. I just bought a laser and praying that it will fix my machine.

[@nurfuermist]

awesome video, thanks! trying to make my nstc-j model 2 saturn to work, wish me luck :D

[@propositoretro]

30' F.0F Works for my Model 1 Gray Saturn. Just clockwise 3 ~ 5 degrees. Tks so much!

[@LuRuello]

Many thanks for your help to get my Sega back up and running after 23 years! I don't have a memery expansion cartridge, so the graphics are pretty bad.

[@TheBexterity]

Great advice.....My sega 1model would play music CDs but not sega rally...It was the hight of the disc holder that was the problem....Many thanks...

[@SteveWellsNZ]

Very helpful guide - thank you!

[@TheChronoGamer]

I've had no luck with the Saturn in the past (both consoles I tried to repair had faulty controller ports) Great video though, glad to see your channel growing!

[@GlobalGarageAus]

+Keyshen Thanks for your feedback. Faulty controller ports? I haven't come across that issue. Did you check each solder point on the controller port?

[@TheChronoGamer]

Global Garage It was the casing of the port itself. It is a model 1 so there is no real way to fix this issue. The model 2 is repairable, it is just a faulty ribbon cable for the controller port, but I have yet to find the correct one. They both also need new lasers so I am pretty sure I am just gonna use them as parts.

[@bensloman5996]

Good vid mate, I've also found over the years another solution to the laser not moving and discs not being recognized. On model 1 saturns the cd rom ribbon cable doesn't connect straight into the motherboard, but plugs into the VCD slot board which sits in a connector on the motherboard.The VCD slot board can pop out of the plastic tabs holding it in place and it looses contact on a couple of pins. Carefully push it back down, its poorly designed and needs a bit pressure. Hope this can help someone.

[@jschipmann]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! Picked up a Saturn not working locally for $8 USD.... The 720 was the magic number for me and got the Saturn working and reading games!!! Now On to the dreamcast that has the same not working issue lol

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Good to hear. 720ohms seems to be about right, but I really need to make a follow up video and show another method of adjustment where we actually measure the laser voltage. It's more accurate and leads to better reading.

[@jschipmann]

one I have been having a lot of issues with here lately is the Panasonic 3DO cant find much info on it. I'm surprised there isn't more info readily available out there such as what voltages this system should be at and etc.... Glad to find videos like this to provide some insight

[@GlobalGarageAus]

I've never had a 3DO but if I do I'll pull it apart and go over all of the basics.

[@mibkonoha]

please please Global Garage made that video explaining how to adjust laser voltage! have 5 lasers here and actually just one working ;( hope your method can help

[@RobertAmine]

Great guide

[@guilhermephsor]

on model 2 that pot is the Tracking Error. There was a VA13 board service manual on the forums some time ago, it was a brazillian tectoy schematic, featuring everything (JVC cd unit, power supply and mainboard). It connects between pin 14 (A+) of IC301 (M56754SP) and pin 25 of IC101 (AN8809SB). IC301 is the driver and IC101 is a head amplifier. AFAIK IC101 does all the controlling the pots on the model 1 used to do automatically.

[@ecco222]

I replaced my laser 4 years ago and it stopped reading game discs today. Needed to do these adjustments to get it working again. I feel like I spend more time maintaining this Saturn than playing it. Next task is to install a rechargeable battery.

[@merlingt1]

Subscribed. Great videos and funny dog! He doesn't seem to be a Sega fan.

[@GlobalGarageAus]

My dog (Nello) didn't like the CD spinning noise very much. He was protesting and wants to see consoles go back to using cartridges! I tend to agree :)

[@chochanga]

the replacement lens is the same one for both models? JVC Optima 6 ?

[@fixorbricks]

I recapped my system including the cd drive and it stopped spinning the disc. I followed your guide (fantastic btw!) and no success. I’m gonna try to get a new laser, hopefully I’ll a fully working system with my fenrir and Saturn switcher mod letting me use my cd drive once again!

[@user-qn7en6vf5b]

Hi, can you make a list of all materials needed to fix a model 1?

[@pedrogmiller]

Hi! Thks for the video. It reads the disc but only the soundtrack has you state in minute 25.. however, adjusting the F.OF does not work with mine. Any suggestions?

[@georgesiv2082]

Do you think it would be a good idea to use locktite on the spindle to fix the height?

[@Viper-jr4sp]

Hey so I’m planning on getting a JP Sega Saturn and I’m wondering if the spindle issue does occur do I do it by hand like you did or use. Something else like a screwdriver

[@elizabethl.8485]

For the POTs on the Model 1, I think (don't write this in stone because I might be off on placement here) But EF=eye focus FG=focus gain TG=tracking gain and the last one I think off the top of my head is F.OF. I honestly am not entirely sure what that one is.. maybe you'll know. I always assumed it was Optical Focus pr something along those lines.

[@07nfred]

I am having an issue with my sega Saturn model one. I got svideo cables for it to connect to a converter to HDMI and when I did that the picture is like black and white and its scrambled. I thought it was the converter box. So I plugged my GameCube on it and it displayed fine. So I thought, cables or the connection. So I plugged it into the tv through the composite cable part of the combination and it worked. So I'm kinda scratching my head here. I was hoping you had a solution, or maybe you've seen it before?

[@williamhall2386]

I have a scope, do you have any data on what needs to be adjusted?

[@sergeatar]

Great vid mate, I recently got a model 2 but it showing in black and white don't know why. It's not a faulty AV cable because it works on my model 1.

[@mastakilla6246]

I own a model 2 Sega Saturn, it seems to work fine, but what are the chances of having CD spindle issues?

[@elizabethl.8485]

Great video Darren! Extremely informative and explained clearly and concisely. Question: Where do you find your Optima 6s lasers?

[@GlobalGarageAus]

+Elizabeth L. Thanks again Elizabeth! The audio quality was off in this video, but Im working on it. I buy my Optima-6S lasers direct from the manufacturer in China. I'll offer them on my website soon with worldwide shipping. www.retrosales.com.au

[@elizabethl.8485]

+Global Garage Always a pleasure Darren! You'll probably get sick of Mr commenting on every video after awhile LOL! I do this for a living and it's so awesome to see quality videos on the same thing I do. Can't wait til you get some in stock. I've found Aliexpress is really hit or miss with the lasers.

[@GlobalGarageAus]

+Elizabeth L. You do electronic repairs for a living? Sounds interesting

[@elizabethl.8485]

+Global Garage I thoroughly enjoy it. I have a game store. I sell the new games and retro ones. As well as the consoles, accessories etc. Always refurbish all the older consoles I come across as well as replate the pcb's that need it. I love doing it and I hope it helps keep these systems out there longer.

[@GlobalGarageAus]

+Elizabeth L. Ahh wow that's even cooler! Just quietly Im jealous. :) Go ahead and post a link so others can come in and check your store out. When I'm back over in the US I'll drop in and say hi.

[@admonstirrup]

Hi mate, thanks for the excellent video, it's really helpful. I've removed the laser and done the 720 test and fitted it back to my saturn. Unfortunately it's now not moving at all and making a strange clicking sound?

[@summerishere2868]

Did you remove the solder blob?

[@horokeusensei]

I have a model-2 ntsc saturn and setting the resistance to 720 ohm didn't help for me, I still got the "drive empty" message. And I don't really recommend messing with the side controller (the thing that controls the speed of the cd drive). If something's wrong, its usually the resistance switch beneath the lens or the flat cable that connects the motherboard to the cd drive.

[@johnd5307]

Very cool video😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@euroretrogamer204]

Man, I’v been harrassing that spindle for a good two days now, trying everything but it won’t come of. It seems low, butthe is no movement at all. Also my spindle has a black shiney piece on top, while yours is open (you can see the top of the shaft). I do have the model 1 version 2 with the version 1 body but version two layout and psu placement. Should I just try to adjust the laser instead?

[@patrickhawthorneLS]

I have a used saturn with a rust issue which has been sorted but the cd lid open/close peg is damaged,it thinks the lid is closed (cd spins) when the lid is open and (no disc) with the lid is closed. Tried cleaning with ipa and a brush but I think there is a small internal wire and tiny button within the peg Can these be desoildered and replaced ?

[@kevinyoung7294]

I need to try this. my only non working grey spins but doesnt load. not the laser. it also loads the menu very dark for maybe 2 seconds before looking normal. Maybe a bad psu but i'll try the pot.

[@htos]

I have an issue with my SS it will load the game and read it as a music CD, but if I have my action replay cartridge in it will load the game. I assume this is a disk spin issue. shoud I touch the orange screw or just fiddle with the disk spin one

[@nebnosneh]

When adjusting the pot on the side of the CD-ROM how small increments do you adjust? What behavior would you expect if you go too far?

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Ben Henson It's only a tiny amount, like 1mm movement. It's used to help the disc read like in the video. Measure the pot value before moving so you know how to put it back. If your disc isn't even spinning then try the other steps first. The spindle height is the most common issue.

[@fudman124]

I love you.

[@blackheartgamingonline]

Question, where did you buy the replacement Laser lens? Could you leave a link? Thanks

[@GlobalGarageAus]

eBay has them

[@JDVHS]

Great video mate, wondered what those other pots did. Be sure to not feed your Mogwhy "Nelly" sega saturn games...it will only turn into a Gremlin!! Haven't you seen the movie man!!

[@marakarthegreat]

where do I buy the replacement laser?

[@seganutt]

Hi darren i just replaced a new laser in a Japanese sega Saturn hst 3210 laser work's fine disc spins but the laser is not finding my game going back and forth look for it any idea's it a brand new laser ive replaced the laser in my pal model 1 no problems and my Japanese model 1 v Saturn so im at a loss on why this is happening the laser just keep's trying too go backwards

[@natgrant1364]

About the spindle height, I take it that the margin for error is at least a couple hundred microns, correct? It seems that "eyeballing" it worked just fine in the video. Also, I have a Saturn but no controller, so I can't get any further than the language selection. Should I expect the disc to spin at this point or does it only start after you've selected a language? Appreciate if you can answer this question, but understand if you can't!

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Nat Grant No, you’ll need to have the menu all set and the CD lid closed (or switch tripped). The CD will only try to spin when all that is ok AND it can focus on the disc. The tolerance for spindle height is pretty slack, so aim for 1 to 3 mm from the shroud. I can feel it with experience.

[@natgrant1364]

Thank you very much for the response! I'll just have to wait 'til I get a controller to see if the drive is working. It's nice to know what sort of things to try in case it doesn't work.

[@ddarko08]

I love your videos, always so fascinating. Had a question on that Action Replay mod. I have that same model of Action Replay, is it possible to flash the cart myself for that PseudoSaturn mod?

[@GlobalGarageAus]

+Bryan Bowen Thanks! Yes it is possible. Just search for the Pseudo saturn software, burn to CD, do the disk swap trick, flash your card and enjoy. It can be tricky to get right. Or just buy one ready made. :)

[@Adek88]

Hello there, nicely done tutorial how to fix it, im also interested in to try with pseudo saturn software- where i can buy redy one action repaly mod? I've model 1 satrun probably with more problematic lid sensor: imgur.com/sAkN8iB

[@GlobalGarageAus]

+Adam Kül You can buy ready made ones from me here www.retrosales.com.au/products/sega-saturn-pseudo-saturn-bootloader-cart-action-replay

[@Adek88]

Wow Thanks a lot, shiping to Poland? 

[@GlobalGarageAus]

+Adam Kül Yes international. Just add to cart and go to checkout for a postage quote

[@kellalizard]

I have a black sega Saturn and my laser doesn't have a yellow or orange screw to tighten! It has all original parts and has never been fixed before. I wonder why?

[@EightbitAdam]

I have a question: If I were to buy a replacement laser for my Model 1 Saturn, would I HAVE to take that little bit of solder off, like you did in the video. What would happen if I left it as it was?

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Yes you would. That small blob of solder protects the laser from static electricity during shipping. You must remove it for the later to work. It will simply not operate if it's left in place.

[@EightbitAdam]

Global Garage I see. Thanks for the reply. Also, one other thing, I noticed that you were using the Optima 6S laser. Would a standard Optima 6 work just as well?

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Yes I think the 6 and 6S and even the 150 are all the same... but don't quote me on that. The main thing is to just adjust the RF bias voltage to about 0.7 - 0.95v for the best reading of copied discs. 0.7v is stock, but copied disks need more power. I like to set mine to 0.9v. The old method of measuring the resistance alone is not enough. @GadgetUK164 has a great video on the topic and you can do it with a standard digital multimeter. I really should make a new video on that topic as a lot of people ask.

[@raycarey21]

My copy of virtua cop 2 gets an empty tray error. It's scratch free. All my other games work fine though. Any ideas?

[@abdelatifpalestine7190]

super

[@adilator]

Very nice video my friend. The saturn is a really fun console to work on. I have a fully modded model2 with modchip and 60hz mod. I also picked up a broken US model 1 that some idiot plugged to a 220v outlet. Couldn't find a replacement power supply for it so I built one and it was a ton of fun to get it back to shape (the idiot probably burned it decades ago so it stayed in mint condition). I also picked up a new action replay to play the 4 and 1mb RAM games but unfortunately I have a problem with that. the 4mb games crash after a few minutes. did you ever encounter a defective action replay? EDIT: Just finished watching the video and saw your 60hz switch, exactly the same position as mine mounted with zip ties.

[@GlobalGarageAus]

+adilator Tghank you so much! I enjoyed making this one. Hi, yep I agree. Gotta love the Saturn. So you made your own power supply for the Saturn! Well done sir! I'm looking into that myself to convert Japanese 100V consoles into a DC only setup where I can power the board directly off a common supply. Yes the AR cart sometimes has 4MB ram issues. This is something else Im looking into as I believe there is a mod that can be done to improve this. Yep that's the best place to mount the 60hz switch IMO. :)

[@adilator]

+Global Garage I built a power supply with the exact same shape and mounts as the original. I didn't want an external power supply. Looking forward to your solution for the AR :)

[@DecibelAlex]

where can i get working lasers? I've bought "new" saturn and dc lasers off ebay in the past but they all had issues

[@summerishere2868]

You can order in aliexpress. Don't forget to remove the solder blob or they will not work.

[@AnarickTheDevil]

Any idea on a site i can buy a 21 pin ribbon for the lens to motherboard?

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Not sure, but if anyone else knows please post here

[@EOHRyan]

Hello mate, I have this issue with it only reading audio data on a couple of my games, while others work fine. The games read fine and were previously working fine in the Saturn, but now I have about 5 games suddenly not working.

[@EOHRyan]

To add more info here, I just put my Sega Rally CD and had it running directly on SSF emulator on my PC.. But Sega Rally is one of the games that won't run on the Saturn. Virtua Fighter 2 is one of my most abused CD's but it runs fine on the Saturn... I'm lost.

[@cd4playa1245]

I was able to replace the laser on my gen 1 Saturn but now it keeps saying the disc tray is empty after I close the tray. The laser assembly I bought was from a reputable seller on eBay. Any thoughts? Edit: I may have bought a gen 2 laser assembly for my gen 1 Saturn. Would that be the issue?

[@GlobalGarageAus]

You need to remove the anti static solder point to expose two points. This blob of solder disables the laser in shipping to protect it from static. It’s on the underside.

[@johnboydojo]

I have a pal model 1 machine and my power supply isn't in the lid like that?

[@SonicBoone56]

They still make brand new lasers? If only somebody brand new Dreamcast lasers.

[@GlobalGarageAus]

They do - It's an Optima-6S for Saturn. The Dreamcast ones are either SPU-3200 for the round top type and R48G for the square top type.

[@_l3m35_]

Thank you for the tips. Sadly for me, the pot adjustment to 720 wasn't enough, my Saturn keeps not spinning...

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Daniel Lemes Check the spindle height. That is the main cause. It should be about 1-2mm off the shroud.

[@_l3m35_]

I've tried, no luck. Maybe dead laser, I guess?

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Daniel Lemes Yep that's probably the case. They are cheap so just grab an new one and know that it'll be reliable

[@NiGHTS1980]

Where do you get the replacement laser from?

[@ecco222]

ebay

[@michaelb9422]

Great help! I had your video going step-by-step as I replaced my laser. Problem solved. Time to whoop the wife at some Baku Baku

[@indistructi-bill9770]

I bought one and I think I'll have to do this to fix it before I can even play it.

[@timsnyder8431]

What if it says disc is unsuitable ?

[@andrewmdk9038]

My model 2 has a Sanyo laser and I don't really see the potentiometer. It looks nothing like this laser and board :(

[@Mullerology]

Does anyone know the default position of the pot on the CD drive itself? There is no information about this.

[@DamnDealDone]

There is no such thing as a default position on any of these.

[@indraluap]

These 15 pins ribbons are hard too find.... There are only 14 & 16 pins ribbons. 😢😢😢😢😢

[@dahjord]

my saturn that isnt working has a completely different laser no yellow pot on it or anything i accidentally moved the big metal pot i hope my disc drive is ok i have a mecha drive it says on it

[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

Really is a bad idea to use IPA on that laser lens, they have an AR coating, and IPA will destroy that coating. It may continue to work, it may even make it work again if the lens was dirty, but you are not doing it any favors and will end up killing it prematurely. Go to Spec Savers and get some of their glasses cleaner, it is non-destructive to the AR coating. Those Model 1 Saturns with the power supply in the top half of the case are first production run units, and almost all of them have a DIP BIOS chip in them. The very early units even have that BIOS in a DIP socket (these usually have dual LEDs for power and access, marked HST-3200 for the Japan model, very nice and VERY reliable units). It is very easy to simply swap that chip out with a region free BIOS chip, especially if it is in a socket. That way you can even choose which BIOS start up screen you like, from USA or Euro, and a few different Japan region start ups (Victor and Hitachi as well as Sega) Later model 1 Saturns had the power supply in the same place as model 2 machines.

[@kevinlawson1746]

What if you don't solder the new Laser , what would happen?

[@summerishere2868]

If you don't remove the solder blob the disc will not spin.

[@SonicBoone56]

Your dog is a Nintendo fan

[@gippison]

I was having issues with the laser in my model 2 Saturn not being able to read game discs even after all the adjustments you showed here so I got a replacement. I've found it only spins when the pot on the laser is turned all the way up and it only sometimes reads games. Any ideas?

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Did you adjust the pots on the side of the CD mech? That's a very difficult job and you may have messed up the focus. The laser pot itself doesn't need to be turned right up. You have to measure it.

[@raycarey21]

I bought a new laser. The disc spins but makes a clicking noise. Won't read the disc. Any ideas why it's clicking

[@GlobalGarageAus]

Are the gears all ok on the laser mechanism?

[@raycarey21]

@@GlobalGarageAus yeah 100%. Can't figure it out. My second replacement to buy in two weeks that doesn't work. Very frustrating.

[@DieHardjagged]

I swapped my Laser with a new one and now the new one and old one have the "Tray open" error and i simply cant get it fixed.

[@DieHardjagged]

Nevermind, i did not know this Blob exists and needs to be removed, guess its time to get a Solder Iron.

[@zhukov2116]

Fucking legend!

[@ruthlessc95]

if I tweak to the 0.720 ohms it only spins 3 times and then nothing but at 400ohms it spins corretly and everytime

[@GlobalGarageAus]

It’s not really about the resistance, it’s about the power of the laser. If 400ohms works for you then just use it but I’d suggest buying a new laser while you still can. Model optima 6s. Here’s a newer video I made to set the laser power more accurately kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH3SmIljmdF6npY

[@snoopyfix2]

So I have this Sega Saturn that I got for free and at first it did spin. So I took it apart and adjusted the laser to 718 ohms (I read around 720 is the magic number). Then I tested a music cd because I didn't have a game and it worked. I then tried a different cd just to test consistency and it didn't work. I put the original cd in and it wouldn't work either. Now I have a game and it doesn't work either. I adjusted the variable resistor for the speed of the disk at every possible position and to no avail it still doesn't read the disk. I placed the disk holder to the correct height also. I don't know what to do next. I did notice that the laser gears move freely when off, but when it tries to read a disk it seems like it gets jammed. Any help would be appreciated. I posted a video so you can see what I mean exactly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH7IZ2uGmdh0qNU

[@GlobalGarageAus]

+snoopyfix2 @snoopyfix2 Sorry for the late reply! Your comment was flagged as spam as you had a link in it. I just approved it so all good. I watched your video and I think two things are going on. Your old laser is trying really, really hard to focus. That's the noise you're hearing. So your spindle height could be a tiny bit too high. Drop it 1mm. Yes, it's very fiddly. Most likely you need a new laser. Let me know how it goes.

[@jgames740]

Legend please 24:25🇧🇷

[@Scorpionbe]

I have 3 saturns that still work, but this guide is good when they fail. Hopefully not