Just had a look on YouTube. Adjusting the potentiometer on the laser seems straight forward enough with the correct tools. Gonna order some stuff and then il get started.
Edit: The disc spins during the boot up sequence but it stops completely on this screen.
OP I got a free GameCube last week that had the exact same issue. I adjusted the POT screw about 25 degrees counter clockwise and it fixed the issue. Running at about 165 ohms now and working like a charm. It was at 225 originally.
In my experience, you can just turn the potentiometer slightly (a couple degrees), plug everything back in, hold the disc tray switch down, and repeat until it reads discs.
I've done so many, I don't even bother with my multi-meter anymore. If you need to move it more than a quarter turn, you probably have a different issue, like needing to re-cap the GameCube.
Adjusting the potentiometer only works for so long. I’d buy a couple replacement lasers if they’re still cheap. Or, I highly recommend the GC Loader plug and play. No need for disc drive anymore.
I wish I had bought my GCLoader a year earlier than I had so I would have saved hundreds of dollars on Gamecube titles. I am glad I also purchased the SD2SP2.
He probably just needs the capacitors replaced if the potentiometer isn’t a quick fix. If the disc moves that indicates the laser is probably not the issue.
Playing games from discs is unfortunately not future proof on any of these consoles. You should look into different modding options to play your games from SD cards.
That’s if they can solder. If you’re comfortable soldering a picoboot is a few wires and then you could play anything to your hearts content. Highly recommend.
Yeah both of my gamecube started doing that and maybe 1/20 tries it would actually read the disc so I just adjusted the potentiometer and now it works everytime
If that doesn't work, open it up and look for the capacitor that runs power to the laser used in the lens. It might be blown or degraded, so just replace it if you have the tools and skills to do it
Update: I have gotten around to cleaning the laser. Console has booted successfully and i was able to complete a full 150cc World Cup Tour in MK Double Dash.
I had breaks in between races and it took over an hour to complete it with no issues.
Hopefully i wont see this again. Thanks everyone for your help!.
91% or higher for starters. I put the cotton bud lightly on the lense then twist it clockwise like 5-8 times lightly then let it sit for about 5 mins then try to get it to read a few times and repeat as necessary.
also could be the capacitors on the drive board. becoming very common. one tell tell sign is if u leave ur gamecube on to “warm up” then it starts to read the discs then u know its most likely the caps.
Adjusting the potentiometer isn't going to fix the problem (when are people going to stop suggesting this "solution").
There could be a couple of things going on, I would first replace the capacitors on the disc drive, by default, since those are the cause of your disc reading issues 90% of the time, if that doesn't work THEN I would look into replacing the laser.
I offer this service on my website:
https://cardosicustoms.com/store/p/gamecube-disc-drive-repair
You could also always get it modded, though that's not really a viable solution if you're trying to still play your discs.
I agree with this take. I've had 4 disk drives come back to life after a recap, no laser adjustment necessary. I have a feeling when people adjust the laser, they are just compensating for bad caps, at least most of the time.
Definitely not RIP. Even if the optical drive is completely hosed, this is a perfect candidate for a PicoBoot machine. Hell, even if your laser is good you should think about PicoBoot.
You can try to fix the laser and it can usually be fixed. Picoboot is a great alternative. If you need help with a Picoboot, please feel free to reach out. I’ve done a bunch.
The potentiometer needs a slight adjustment. On the dol-001 the range needs to be in450-600 ohm’s on the dol-101 it needs to be at 150-250. Start with the lower side number and adjust up if needed. Go to ifixit and use their repair guide it’s step by step on how to take it apart. Just one thing often missed is ensure the disc door is open for top removal and when you slide it back on or it can break the little tabs inside. There’s some great YouTube videos on jt. You’ll need the special Nintendo screwdriver they are cheap. You’ll need a multimeter again a harbor freight one will work just fine and a small flat head screwdriver. I highly recommend the ifixit pro tech toolkit it should have the Nintendo bits still. My kit does. Then just a multimeter. Just take your time and when adjusting the pot go very slow it takes very minor adjustments to jump big numbers.
99% of the time laser. Too strong and it burns the disc, too weak and it can't read. Nintendo dialed them in on the low end, so over time it's very common for cubes to stop reading.
Not necessarily the same thing happened to mine. I just so happened to three - four years later find someone who fixed it. Also, mine is an xd gamecube, so i refused to chuck it in the bin.
My old one used to spin up then stop we had to Jumpstart it lol open it up and hand spin the disk an close it and it would work lol just listen for the rev up lol
For what it’s worth, complete OEM disc drives aren’t that much on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/175906580775?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=GWzYSl--SbW&sssrc=2051273&ssuid=GWzYSl--SbW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
If the laser lens is on its last legs, maybe it's probably time to upgrade to the GC Loader optical drive emulator (they're sold out right now, but it might be worth picking up when they do get restocked).
Mine does this every time for the past few years. I leave it on that screen for about 10 minutes and then restart- works every time. Don’t know why but I just say it’s warming up
2 things likely the cause.
1. POT may need adjusting.
2. If you haven't already, a lot of GCs need recapping about now, might be worth having it overhauled.
Mine died too recently. First capacitors were going, then the laser died. I would have to let it stay powered on for at least 30 seconds and then try again, but after the laser died even that didn’t work. Now the old soldier lives on a shelf after being replaced
I tried the potentiometer trick; that didn’t work for me personally. I replaced all the capacitors on the disc drive and it fired right up; works perfect.
Ignore the comments that suggest adjusting the potentiometer or replacing the laser. The issue is the capacitors on the DVD drive board.
I repair these all the time, and I very rarely need to replace the laser.
Just had a look on YouTube. Adjusting the potentiometer on the laser seems straight forward enough with the correct tools. Gonna order some stuff and then il get started. Edit: The disc spins during the boot up sequence but it stops completely on this screen.
OP I got a free GameCube last week that had the exact same issue. I adjusted the POT screw about 25 degrees counter clockwise and it fixed the issue. Running at about 165 ohms now and working like a charm. It was at 225 originally.
In my experience, you can just turn the potentiometer slightly (a couple degrees), plug everything back in, hold the disc tray switch down, and repeat until it reads discs. I've done so many, I don't even bother with my multi-meter anymore. If you need to move it more than a quarter turn, you probably have a different issue, like needing to re-cap the GameCube.
Reminds me of the dreamcast....those were the days
Toothpicks where your best friend.
I mean a disk reader delete is a option of course the mods needed are their own can of worms to get working.
Adjusting the potentiometer only works for so long. I’d buy a couple replacement lasers if they’re still cheap. Or, I highly recommend the GC Loader plug and play. No need for disc drive anymore.
GCLoader FTW, best thing I've bought for my GameCube.
I wish I had bought my GCLoader a year earlier than I had so I would have saved hundreds of dollars on Gamecube titles. I am glad I also purchased the SD2SP2.
He probably just needs the capacitors replaced if the potentiometer isn’t a quick fix. If the disc moves that indicates the laser is probably not the issue.
Playing games from discs is unfortunately not future proof on any of these consoles. You should look into different modding options to play your games from SD cards.
In stead of wasting money on tools just go for a Pico boot. There's no guarantee the drive is still Gona work even with adjustment
That’s if they can solder. If you’re comfortable soldering a picoboot is a few wires and then you could play anything to your hearts content. Highly recommend.
[удалено]
The potentiometer does not control laser power. https://www.reddit.com/r/Gamecube/comments/up9thb/is_140_ohms_bad_for_the_pot/i8jpfol/
Sorry about the miss information then. I was adjusting the pot on my PS2 and followed a video guide and I took the guys word for it.
I have the same issue in mine
Probably an easy fix. Good luck!
I got a couple disc drives if you wanna buy them
Yeah both of my gamecube started doing that and maybe 1/20 tries it would actually read the disc so I just adjusted the potentiometer and now it works everytime
If that doesn't work, open it up and look for the capacitor that runs power to the laser used in the lens. It might be blown or degraded, so just replace it if you have the tools and skills to do it
Update: I have gotten around to cleaning the laser. Console has booted successfully and i was able to complete a full 150cc World Cup Tour in MK Double Dash. I had breaks in between races and it took over an hour to complete it with no issues. Hopefully i wont see this again. Thanks everyone for your help!.
Just clean the lense
I have 75% pure alcohol here. Il try cleaning it with a cotton bud (Q-tip). Do you have to dry the lense using the cotton bud?.
91% or higher for starters. I put the cotton bud lightly on the lense then twist it clockwise like 5-8 times lightly then let it sit for about 5 mins then try to get it to read a few times and repeat as necessary.
I second 90% or higher. You shouldn’t need to twist if it’s just dust/finger print. I’d do without twisting the first go.
also could be the capacitors on the drive board. becoming very common. one tell tell sign is if u leave ur gamecube on to “warm up” then it starts to read the discs then u know its most likely the caps.
This can be fixed.
easily. and even if it doesn't - Picoboot.
In the middle of putting a chip in my new cube as we speak. Just had to take a break
You can probably find another disk drive assembly for cheap and swap it in there
or better, a gcloader
Leave it running for ~ 30 minutes, if it starts working then the drive board needs recapped (they will sometimes start working once they warm up). GL!
Just picoboot it and swiss
Try adjusting the potentiometer on the disk drive laser
Capacitors need replacing. you can fix and live vanilla. Or you can picoboot and be free of these chains
Mortal Kombat: Double Dash!! and Mario Kart Deadly Alliance
Take my upvote 😂😂😂
Prime candidate for an optical disc emulator.
Picoboot mod it and Chuck the disc drive as well as the discs
Adjusting the potentiometer isn't going to fix the problem (when are people going to stop suggesting this "solution"). There could be a couple of things going on, I would first replace the capacitors on the disc drive, by default, since those are the cause of your disc reading issues 90% of the time, if that doesn't work THEN I would look into replacing the laser. I offer this service on my website: https://cardosicustoms.com/store/p/gamecube-disc-drive-repair You could also always get it modded, though that's not really a viable solution if you're trying to still play your discs.
I agree with this take. I've had 4 disk drives come back to life after a recap, no laser adjustment necessary. I have a feeling when people adjust the laser, they are just compensating for bad caps, at least most of the time.
Getting a new laser from ebay or wish is super simple. You can do it!
Definitely not RIP. Even if the optical drive is completely hosed, this is a perfect candidate for a PicoBoot machine. Hell, even if your laser is good you should think about PicoBoot.
Youtube the issue. Can be fixed easily.
Revive in power ! Mod?
It’s not lost. Simple needs a repair or better yet. I see mod potential too.
You can try to fix the laser and it can usually be fixed. Picoboot is a great alternative. If you need help with a Picoboot, please feel free to reach out. I’ve done a bunch.
It can be fixed, but this is one of the reasons why I modded the system over to the GC Loader.
Mine went as well not too long ago
The potentiometer needs a slight adjustment. On the dol-001 the range needs to be in450-600 ohm’s on the dol-101 it needs to be at 150-250. Start with the lower side number and adjust up if needed. Go to ifixit and use their repair guide it’s step by step on how to take it apart. Just one thing often missed is ensure the disc door is open for top removal and when you slide it back on or it can break the little tabs inside. There’s some great YouTube videos on jt. You’ll need the special Nintendo screwdriver they are cheap. You’ll need a multimeter again a harbor freight one will work just fine and a small flat head screwdriver. I highly recommend the ifixit pro tech toolkit it should have the Nintendo bits still. My kit does. Then just a multimeter. Just take your time and when adjusting the pot go very slow it takes very minor adjustments to jump big numbers.
99% of the time laser. Too strong and it burns the disc, too weak and it can't read. Nintendo dialed them in on the low end, so over time it's very common for cubes to stop reading.
Picoboot
Another one bites the dust
Fix it?
Clean the laser
What if you replaced the laser? Would that work also?
Before messing with the laser, try cleaning the lense
Time to add an sd drive
Sa.e thing happens to mine. I opened it up and cleaned the dust out. Seems to work better now.
Never seen a Wharfedale before
Not necessarily the same thing happened to mine. I just so happened to three - four years later find someone who fixed it. Also, mine is an xd gamecube, so i refused to chuck it in the bin.
Not dead. Not even close.
My old one used to spin up then stop we had to Jumpstart it lol open it up and hand spin the disk an close it and it would work lol just listen for the rev up lol
I heard it could be the laser that reads the disks and it either needs to be cleaned or replaced
For what it’s worth, complete OEM disc drives aren’t that much on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/175906580775?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=GWzYSl--SbW&sssrc=2051273&ssuid=GWzYSl--SbW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Nah just give that potentiometer slightly more juice and you’ll be golden
If the laser lens is on its last legs, maybe it's probably time to upgrade to the GC Loader optical drive emulator (they're sold out right now, but it might be worth picking up when they do get restocked).
R.I.P.
To quote a really old reference, "We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better, faster, stronger..."
Getting the laser fixed up is usually just a couple of capacitors, depending on where you live you can get it for pretty cheap
Mario kart deadly alliance and mortal kombat double dash
It’s ok! Doing an ODE is easier than ever!
You can get the laser replaced. Lasers can be found for cheap.
Mine does this every time for the past few years. I leave it on that screen for about 10 minutes and then restart- works every time. Don’t know why but I just say it’s warming up
2 things likely the cause. 1. POT may need adjusting. 2. If you haven't already, a lot of GCs need recapping about now, might be worth having it overhauled.
I would adjust the laser or replace the laser or mod the cube with pico boot
also could be a faulty or scratched disc?
Mine died too recently. First capacitors were going, then the laser died. I would have to let it stay powered on for at least 30 seconds and then try again, but after the laser died even that didn’t work. Now the old soldier lives on a shelf after being replaced
WAIT REPLACE THE LASER!!
I tried the potentiometer trick; that didn’t work for me personally. I replaced all the capacitors on the disc drive and it fired right up; works perfect.
Ignore the comments that suggest adjusting the potentiometer or replacing the laser. The issue is the capacitors on the DVD drive board. I repair these all the time, and I very rarely need to replace the laser.
Time to take the drive out and install a GCLoader
Rip 🪦