Replacing the laser on the GameCube

[edwinbradford]

On a different subject, I recently ordered a couple of GameCube laser replacements from here. I was really hopeful that I could have an "as good as new" GameCube again but both units failed to even register in the GameCube and all I got was a "No disc" message. I tried the one and when it failed sent it back, it then got lost in the post and impatiently I ordered another which also failed. On both occasions, reinstalling the original laser worked fine so they were clearly faulty.

I've just contacted the company for a second RMA but I'd recommend anyone else that comes across this offer to forget it and just get another cube instead, they're offering a refund for anyone dissatisfied so I should be covered apart from the time and trouble of fitting them.

[kernow]

I probably would have just went for another gamecube too, as they are only £15 or so nowadays. Mine is used and still trucking. Man I used to love that console but I seem to use the wii more for GC games.

[edwinbradford]

Problem is mine is a Japan cube so a bit trickier to replace, also with a second hand cube I wouldn't know how much use it had already but I share your love for the console, its a fiiiiiiine machine, mm, mm.

I'd be happy moving to the Wii too but I still play Phantasy Star Online which only works online with the GameCube not the Wii so I'm stuffed in that sense.

[smouty]

I'm pretty sure the laser unit can be transferred between different region consoles.

[edwinbradford]

STOP PRESS - On the retailer site I posted there was a small line that stated the blob of solder on the lens must be removed prior to installation. I contacted them and told them I couldn't see one a couple of weeks ago and they didn't say anything but I've just worked out the solder isn't "on the lens", its on the ribbon cable attached to the lens, I think I know what they're referring to, its tiny. I'll contact them and confirm then retry an installation... third time lucky.

[Pavey]

Thats the anti static point mate, all lasers ship with it so not to get ****ed during transit. You have to remove it before it will work.

[edwinbradford]

OK cheers, I figured that out but its good to have confirmation.

[gordon]

Is it working now?

[edwinbradford]

Hi, yep I just de-soldered it 20 mins. ago and its working great. Be warned that the solder point on the ribbon cable only requires a tiny amount of heat, fortunately I had some solder tools from my old mod installs so I was able to do it. Only thing is I took the Cube apart so many times in varying attempts that one of the screws holding the laser in place won't tighten any more and I need to replace the heatsink thermal pad too as that got damaged. But overall it seems to be the best solution, my cube laser is as good as new at least.

[gordon]

Good stuff.