Need help with a simple Sega Saturn mod...

[Original_Name]

Hey guys, I just need some really simple advice for a Saturn "mod" I'm doing -- all I'm doing is replacing my Saturn's black US Model 2 casing with a white Japanese Model 2 casing. I have a few questions to ask to make sure that I don't do unnecessary damage to my beloved console's innards, though:

1.) How would I go about changing the US casing's black power button to the Japanese casing's white power button? It's not simply a matter of plucking the black power button from its perch, I don't think. Maybe it is and it just requires a good pull to get it off, but I'm obviously not gonna try that without proper clearance from someone who knows from experience.

2.) Does anyone know of a comprehensive guide for separating the innards of a Saturn from the bottom casing? I'm particularly having trouble with removing the left side - it appears to be held in place by this white piece of plastic. I've tried removing that screw you see, but it made no difference. The red wire is for my modchip -- perhaps that's the problem?

[lwcook]

I'd have to open up one of my Saturns to double check, but I believe the power button has two tabs that fit through two slots in the top casing. You should be able to get a small flat blade and push them in slightly while pushing up.

As far as gutting the Saturn for the "transplant," you shouldn't need a guide. Just take everything apart, make sure you organize or label parts and screws as you go (if it helps,) then reinstall in the Japanese case in reverse order.

[Original_Name]

Hey, I believe you're thinking about the reset button -- the power button is not connected to the top casing. That is indeed how you remove the reset button, though.

And I just updated my post -- the front part of what I believe to be the power board to the left of the console won't lift.

[lwcook]

Hey, I believe you're thinking about the reset button -- the power button is not connected to the top casing. That is indeed how you remove the reset button, though.

And I just updated my post -- the front part of what I believe to be the power board to the left of the console won't lift.

Yeah, I was thinking of the reset button. But I just opened one of my Saturns up, and the power button does pull right off. It attaches to its little 'perch' by ribbed thingies, so just pull up while wiggling back and forth and it should pop off.

Also, the modchip wire is your problem. The four pins (the ones the modchip wire is getting power from, actually push up through the power board from the motherboard underneath.

[Original_Name]

Ah, yes it most certainly does! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! It looked like that would probably be the case, but I was just afraid of being wrong and messing it up permanently, haha. Alright, so step one's out of the way -- any tips on step two?

[lwcook]

Step two...make sure you caught my edit of my last post. Once you remove that wire, it should come right off.

[Original_Name]

Haha, alright, thanks! I'll have to grab a soldering iron from my dad sometime before I do this then, but looks like it should be easy from there on out. Thank you so much, you've been a huge help! I'll be sure to upload pics of my Saturn's new makeover when it's done.

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

I was going to do a mod like that when I was given a couple Japanese Saturns that did not work. Instead, I was able to get one of them working since the problem was with a mod chip that had been installed in it.

JY