Sega Saturn possible laser issue

[nodtveidt]

I bought my Saturn used at a Play N Trade down here in PR. From the day I brought it home, it has always required me to set a disc multiple times before it finally read. Today, I couldn't get it to read no matter how many times I reset the disc. I surmise it's an uncalibrated laser. Anyone know how to tweak this, or have any other idea as to what the problem might be? The system powers up just fine, the CD interface comes up without issue, the laser sled moves, and the disc spins...it just can't read the disc for some reason.

[guyjin]

Well, since you apparently can watch the disc spin as-is, try watching the lens withgout a disc in - it should move up and down a little while it tries to focus on a disc that isn't there. if the lens isn't moving, there's your problem.

By the way, don't look directly into the lens when you're doing this.

[nodtveidt]

I had moved the sled up the track a bit, and it had moved back down after I tried to load the disc again. So I know the sled at least moves. Also, it has, in the past, worked after reseating the disc a number of times. And the reason I know the disc spins is because I had opened the door right as the interface was saying "Drive empty" and saw the disc spinning down. The machine isn't modified in any way.

[termis]

If you open up the system, there's a small white screw below the laser that you can try adjusting in small increments.  Try that out.

edit: the color of the screw could be orange... (can't remember exactly) Anyway, it's a small plastic screw right below the lens.

[nodtveidt]

Okay cool, thanks. I'll give it a go.

[nodtveidt]

That was the problem...the laser was too weak. I adjusted it about 20 degrees and it recognized the disc immediately. Thanks guys.

[termis]

Awesome.