I’m going to be late for work because of this Aiwa Mega-CD. But never mind, we’ve got more important things to investigate!

This time I’m working on the other CSD-GM1, the one without the spectacular cracks running through its mainboard. Unfortunately, this machine has recently lost power, and the original transformer arrangement is looking rather questionable.

I started wondering whether the battery connections might provide another way of powering the machine. Rather than running out and buying eight C-cell batteries, I’ve decided to experiment with an external 12 V power supply connected through the battery circuit.

And would you believe it? We’re getting somewhere!

Tape mode is working, the radio is playing, and the CD mode is responding well enough to display a zero on the front panel. The CD mechanism itself still isn’t working properly, but at least some of the Aiwa’s functions are alive again.

Mega Drive mode, however, is another story. Nothing!

I’m beginning to suspect the regulator supplying the game hardware might be causing trouble, although I haven’t proved that yet. The original transformer arrangement also appears to supply higher voltages than the battery connection, so perhaps the game section simply isn’t receiving everything it needs.

Naturally, I can’t leave it alone. I decide to connect the other Game Unit and see whether that makes any difference. I’m already late for work anyway, so another few minutes won’t hurt. Probably!

And… nothing. Still no Mega Drive.

Oh well! At least the tape and radio are working, and we’ve learnt a little more about how this rather complicated machine behaves with an alternative power source. The game hardware is going to require some more investigation.

Further testing required!