Get Dreamcast to read CDR and CDRW Disks
 

I have came accross this article that shows how to EASILY modify your Dreamcast console to enable it to read CDRW disks just as well as CDR's .

The link to the article was posted in the DC FAQ at megagames.com ,section 6.6

It's a relatively easy to do procedure... you just need a philips head screwdriver, a steady hand, and a little patience.

Here are some tips though for those who wanna give it a shot. These are not found in the FAQ or in the article link above, but i found it easier to do it my way so here it is:

1. There are only four screws you need to take off to remove the cover of the DC

2. Slide the black red and yellow wires (they power the motor that position the laser on the disk) out of the 2 black plastic holders, so you can take the reading mechanism assembly out.

3. Next simply pop the entire reading mechanism out of the rubber holders, but be gentil and notice the ribbon cable attached to it

4. The article shows the ribbon cable disconnected from the laser reading mechanism. Don't do it! Don't pull on it ! Instead use your index finger under the laser assembly and roll the reading laser head to the position closest to the center of the disk by turning a little plastic wheel with many teeth (you'll feel it and possibly see it if you look under the assembly once you pulled it out.

5. Next you now have enough of the ribbon cable showing so that you can simply flip the entire mechanism over , thus obtaining full access to the tiny gain pot (the one you need to turn 1/4 turn clockwise)

6. Before you do anything else mark the edge of the gain pot to be able to return it to its initial position if things don't work out. Use a screwdriver with a very sharp philips head to turn the gain pot 1/4 turn clockwise

7. Place the mechanism back on the rubber feet to try it out. (Notice after each try ,the DC will reposition the laser reading head back away from the center of the disk, so you have to roll it back everytime you need to try a new adjustment of the gain pot).

8. You can just place the dc cover back on (slides in easy) with no screws in order to pop in a CDRW with the Utopia Boot Disk (or any other small DC compatible and self bootable application) to see if it worked

9. If the DC can't read the CDRW, can it still read a CDR?

10. You turned too much if a CDR can't be read.

11. You turned too little (or your DC just can't) if a CDRW can't be read

12. Keep trying making minuscule adjustments each time.

13. If you've been workin on it since yesterday with no sleep, no food, and no TV then chances are your Dreamcast just can't read CDRW's and it never will. So just return it to the original position (if you marked it like i told you) put everythin back and buy a new DC

14. If you are technical and have the tools , adjust the gain pot to have a resistance of 544 ohms

15. Good luck, mine didn't work!

Don't forget to post here and gimme props if you were successfull !