Saturn Mod Problem. Model 2 no boot. Yes, I Googled/searched

[fluffy]

I got a modchip from Racketboy last week. I installed it, and it worked intermittently for a day. It seemed stable-ish after that, since it worked for a couple hours of Panzer Dragoon Saga, but it hasn't worked at all since.

I'm having the problem where the system doesn't spin the disc and displays "checking disc format". It'll do this for either originals or for burns. If I remove the modchip the system will play originals perfectly. I have a region mod switch for Jpn-USA, which works perfectly (tested with both USA and Jpn games), and I can get burns running with the swap trick.

I'll post a picture or two later, if anyone thinks it'll help, but so far I've tried filing the edges, soldering directly to pin 14 (continuity checked with a DMM), the A-B method, ensuring it's all the way in, pulling it slightly out, with the 4mb ram cart and without... Unfortunately I can't test it on another Saturn since my Model 1 has a 20-pin cable, and I'd rather not mess with that.

I found many posts here and on Segaxtreme, none of which got me much closer. I found this post at Segaxtreme, which matches me up to these errors:

no power to mod (either bridge):
-no boot up animation
-two green cubes at the CD player screen
-no CD rotation
-displays "checking disc format"

signal wire not attached (0014 bridge):
-no boot up animation
-two green cubes at the CD player screen
-no CD rotation
-displays "checking disc format"

I've tested the chip, and it's receiving +5v fine, and I've tested continuity between pin 14 and A, and that also seems to be fine.

Also, FWIW, my mod chip seems slightly bent at the bottom, where it plugs into the Saturn board. It's angled to the right by about 15 degrees. Normal?

Thanks!

*EDIT* grammar fix

[racketboy]

So with the bend, is the chip tilted or something?
Pictures might be helpful....

[fluffy]

Sorry for delay... Too much homework...

Anyway, DURR the chip is tilted sideways, but only because it's PUSHED by the ribbon cable! Eye R SMRT!

Anyway, here are some pictures... I haven't been able to make the chip work since my last post...

[mrb2004]

Any news on this? Mine, unsurprisingly, still doesn't work. I've checked everything I can -- it looks to be fitting properly, gets 5V and seems to be powered properly, but still doesn't work.

[fluffy]

Mine still doesn't work either. Unfortunately, I don't think I'd be able to send it back anymore, since I attempted to fix a couple bad looking solder joints on the thing and that probably voids any warranty... Guess I just wait until I can afford to order a second one.

[racketboy]

Nah, you can send it back. I'm pretty accommodating
Just email me and we will arrange the details.
mrb2004, you can contact me as well.

[aaron]

mine's doing the same thing, detailed here.

i haven't tried soldering directly to pin 14 because frankly i don't trust my soldering skills. i'll borrow a multimeter from work tomorrow and see if the chip is getting power with the a/b bridge setup i've got going now but other than going the pin 14 method does anyone have any other suggestions/troubleshooting tips?

[fluffy]

aaron: when you get the multimeter, check for continuity (or resistance) between a/b and pin 14. If it's low resistance, like near zero, then the A/B trick will work. If not, you might have to solder to 14. Apparently that's required on Japanese Saturn's...

That being said, soldering to pin 14 is not that hard. I can't remember where I saw this, but I found a site (maybe racketboy's?) that suggested getting some thin cardboard (cutting a toilet paper roll works) and wedging a piece on either side of pin 14. That'll prevent almost any solder bridging. For a better idea of what I mean, look at this picture:



Worked for me, though being good at soldering helps (got an A+ in my High Reliability Soldering course).

Try it, it's honestly not that hard.



racketboy: You rule! I'll email you tonight, when I'm less busy.

[mrb2004]

I'd appreciate that! I'll email you as you advise.

Thanks!

[aaron]

okay, so i finally screwed with this.

the resistance between pin 14 and a/b is 0.4-0.5 so i think i am okay and my a/b solder should work. i don't have my digital camera so i can't take any pics right now...

is there something else i should check to ensure the mod chip is getting power and thus powering the cd board? right now the disc is not spinning and it's sending me straight to the cd player with the "checking disc format" message. when i unplug the chip and plug the cd board back to the mb it works fine and boots up commercial games.

haaaaalp.