Modded Saturn refuses to read CDs as anything but audio.

Post by **eohjay** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 5:17 pm

Hey there.

I recently picked up a Model 2 Sega Saturn (32-pin), and a modchip from this site as a Christmas present for my girlfriend. I planned on having the system modded, and her favorite games burnt to CDs before Christmas Day so I could surprise her with it all. I've been having nothing but trouble with this modchip, though.

I'm not new to soldering whatsoever. I've modded plenty of systems, and dealt with soldering on many other occasions. When I seen the instructions for the chip I was surprised to see that it was such an easy install. Unfortunately for me, the looks were deceiving. I've tinkered with the chip for around 8 hours total now, including just plain reinstalling it multiple times. I've tried the A+B method, and the Pin 14 method. Neither worked. I've soldered down the chip so it would fit more snug in the socket. I've checked for solder trails that could be messing me up. Nothing. I've browsed the forums looking for help, and I've checked the guides.

Basically, all the Saturn does now (with the modchip in) is read all game discs (both legit and burnt) as audio CDs. With the modchip out it'll play legit games fine. I'm at wit's end here. Does anyone have any suggestions that can help me out here? Has anyone else encountered and fixed this problem?

Post by **lordofduct** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 6:30 pm

I can't really deduce the issue that could be causing this right now.

But keep this in mind. The mod chip isn't a guarantee work. Not all consoles are modable, even if they are model 2 with the 32 pin chip. It's just that your version has the highest success rate (around like 95% some site said... stupid statistics). So anyway, there is a chance (just a chance) you may have the 1 of 20 that is not moddable under that model. (in actuality, model 2 is very incorrect title for the system, as the Saturn went through TONS of model change overs. Some changes are so small that its hard to visually see which one it is).

There is ALSO the chance the chip is a broken one. In that case you should talk to Racketboy.

If I can take what you say as completely honest. And you really are good with a solder iron, I'm gonna guess from statistics it is MOST LIKELY a broken chip and not an installer error. As the job of doing it is a fairly simple process. Maybe some pictures could help shed light on the issue though.

Post by **eohjay** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 6:34 pm

lordofduct wrote:I can't really deduce the issue that could be causing this right now.

But keep this in mind. The mod chip isn't a guarantee work. Not all consoles are modable, even if they are model 2 with the 32 pin chip. It's just that your version has the highest success rate (around like 95% some site said... stupid statistics). So anyway, there is a chance (just a chance) you may have the 1 of 20 that is not moddable under that model. (in actuality, model 2 is very incorrect title for the system, as the Saturn went through TONS of model change overs. Some changes are so small that its hard to visually see which one it is).

There is ALSO the chance the chip is a broken one. In that case you should talk to Racketboy.

If I can take what you say as completely honest. And you really are good with a solder iron, I'm gonna guess from statistics it is MOST LIKELY a broken chip and not an installer error. As the job of doing it is a fairly simple process. Maybe some pictures could help shed light on the issue though.

I've got it apart again. I've going to try and replace the wires with a thicker sized wire. I read in another topic about a user having the same issue as I am, and he tried a larger wire, and it worked afterwards. Just going to hope that for some odd reason it's true.

As far as asking for a replacement, I'd prefer to just keep trying until it works (if it ever does). I've read people had to try numerous times to get it working. Seeing as how this is an X-mas present, I don't really have the time to send back a chip and wait for another

Post by **lordofduct** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 6:40 pm

that is true...

and a Sega nerd for a girlfriend? Why does everyone else have all the luck!?

...
oh wait, there is one with a crush on me... but meh, she scares me a lot!

Post by **eohjay** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:26 pm

Unfortunately, after switching the wires out for thicker ones, it's still reading the discs as audio CDs.

Post by **racketboy** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 9:52 pm

Email me if you want to exchange it....
And lordofduct is better at troubleshooting than I am...

Post by **Adderall** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 10:46 pm

dumb question, but just to make sure.... when you switched from the AB method to the 14 pin... you still remembered to UN-solder the bridge or take off the connector between the AB area, right??? I have 1 working AB and one regular chip that I use to test before I make any permanent mods.... can you give us any pictures or evidence of how you have your setup? it might be easier to troubleshoot this way.