My Doomed Saturn

[paulwall]

Looking for some advice! Found a Saturn with the original packaging and everything at a local shop and bought it with some games. After doing some research, I realized I wanted to mod the system. So I got the racket boy mod chip and tried to install it. It didn't work. I was unsure if it was the chip or myself, so I turned to the internet.

I found a website offering to do mod chip installs. I had just gotten Dragon Force and it was tough to put it down and send the system away, but I did. I received it in really short order, which was really great. But when I got it back this morning, it didn't power on. I popped it open and this is what I've got:




It appears to me that the power supply board is cracked? It doesn't run all the way through, but...
Anyhow, I do not know what to do.

What are my options? I could replace the board but would have to reinstall the mod chip. I don't even know if I have the technical wherewithal to replace it myself. Could I repair this board? I just took the photos and am sending them to the installer to see his response.

I'm pretty frustrated! I knew I wanted to get a Saturn but so far it's been a pretty dismal experience.

[Hobie-wan]

Looks like the install place went nuts pushing the board back in and cracked it. Since it is a single layer board with all the traces on the bottom, it would be carefully repaired by installing some nice thick jumper wires in place of any traces that are broken. Maybe some epoxy on that top edge to hold the rest together. But that's what I would do if I had broken it. If your system was working when you sent it off and they didn't mention it arrived to them broken, then either they broke it or the post office was drop kicking your package on the way back. If nothing else is damaged on the outside of the system and the box wasn't beat to snot, I'd say it was the installer.

[marurun]

If you have to get a new Saturn, you should try convincing the install place that they need to transfer the chip for you for free.

[paulwall]

Thanks for the replies.

I received a response from the installer who told me that the system worked when he sent it out and that it must've either been caused by or exacerbated by the Post Office. The box isn't in pristine condition, but nothing on the outside of the console seems to be affected. He also suggested I could harvest one from a Saturn. But that would obviate the whole reason why I even contacted him in the first place - to get my Saturn modded. If I installed a new power board, I would have to reinstall the mod chip.

I've spoken to a local store who advised me just to buy another Saturn. I would do that, but then I would have to order another mod chip (my third!) or remove it from this broken Saturn and install it.

What do you suggest? Should I buy a new one? And if so, what do I do with this one? I'm so annoyed. Thanks for all your suggestions.

[marurun]

The mod chip should only be connected to the power board by a single wire and it's the easier solder joint of the entire install. If you can find a similar model Saturn you could get away with swapping the power board and just re-soldering that single, relatively easy joint. Or finding someone else locally to help you, someone who maybe wouldn't be willing to tackle a whole project like that but would be just fine with a single, obvious wire.

[paulwall]

Thank you, Marurun!

I went to a local game store and got a working Saturn for fairly cheap. It is the 64 Bit Model 2 Saturn. The 64 pin model power supply board is actually longer than the other one I have. I am going to keep this one for playing, and will focus on finding a new power supply for the modded Saturn which is in much better condition. Maybe the modder would be willing to replace it for me?

Hobie, do you still refurb systems? This new Saturn could use it pretty badly as it smells like an ashtray...

[Hobie-wan]

Yeah, I disassemble and clean. As long as this isn't a 64 pin chip install I could swap it too, though sending 2 Saturns both directions is gonna be pricey. Heck, I could attempt a repair on the power board as long as it is just the board and traced broken, not any actual components.

[jinn]

If you are willing to pay return shipping, I can try and repair the PSU for you.

[Breetai]

Anyone in Japan want to buy a cheapie Saturn and send him just the PSU via small packet? That would not be too difficult or expensive.

[paulwall]

Jinn, thank you for the offer. I might have to take you up on it depending on what the installer says. I asked him if he would be willing to repair or replace the board at cost.

Hobie, can I send you some pics of the inside of the newer Saturn? If I keep this as an un-modded console, I definitely am going to want to get it cleaned.

Thanks for all your help everyone.