Just modchipped a 64-pin model 2 Saturn, Problems, Help!

[Hiryu76]

Hi everyone, I searched for a remedy to this and googled a bit but can't seem to find anything. I installed a chip via the solder A+B method today, and I get the boot up, I can still load my NTSC US games (original copies) with no issues, but when I put a Japanese backup in, immediately it dings and says "Drive Empty". I've tested the image with an emulator via PC and it was fine, I also burned a second disc and switched the region to "U" and got the same result. I read in various places that the A+B method may not work on 64 pin consoles? Will I have to solder the blue wire directly onto the 8th pin as if the other method doesn't work? I want to know if there is something I am missing before I do this!

Also, the disc was burned with Imgburn, 2x speed and the discs are Verbatim CD-R's, if any of that is even pertinent at this point.

[Hiryu76]

Well, I have now tried soldering directly to the 8th pin on the IC, Same result. I also tried the 0014 to 0019 soldering joint to see if that worked. It only made my original discs load as Music CDs, still gave me 'Drive Empty" for the burned discs though. I went back and changed the joint back to its original state and I'm still sitting here wondering if it's my Saturn, my chip or my burns??? Anyone?

EDIT; Alright, well after some more messing around today, I decided to try to tweak the orange laser screw slightly to see if that would do the trick. IT DID! I am running the backup I burned flawlessly as well as the original games, I know this is a stop gap from what Ive read as it can cause the laser to wear out quicker, but I would rather take my chances at this point. Hope this info might help someone else down the road...

[Hobie-wan]

CDRs reflect less light than real pressed discs. Do perhaps you just needed to juice it a bit so it would be able to read them. It could mean that your laser is on the way out or it might just have been adjusted on the lighter side from the factory to begin with.

[SnowKitty]

It could mean that your laser is on the way out or it might just have been adjusted on the lighter side from the factory to begin with.

i'm going to go with the latter. when properly adjusted saturn drives will read damn near ANYTHING. my saturn even read shitty verbatim CDR that would load slow and skip in other consoles (yes, verbatim is garbage now, they switched from mitsubishi dye to some cheap low grade crap) though if the laser is dying, there are replacements that can be found easily. i forget what that one laser was that can be used to replace a JVC optima6, but i'm sure you can find it by googling around. should probably buy a new laser anyway, never hurts to have a spare.

[Hiryu76]

I ordered a replacement laser this weekend from this seller: http://www.ebay.com/itm/360421084803?ss ... 1423.l2649

Seemed like the only ones available. Too bad about verbatim discs as I just bought a spindle this weekend. What would you suggest as an alternative?

[s8n]

hi Hiryu , i use and recommend Taiyo Yuden if your going to get whatever CD-R's make sure they are from a reputable source. eBay ones 9 times out of 10 will be counterfeit , also you want a decent burner for example a Optiarc or Liteon .........Pioneer are rubbish.

Different burners burn discs better than others a way to find out what is a decent burner is to go to ClubMyCE forums and ask there.

Also burning at X2 is not always the best choice , for example the slower the better. Back in the old days that was the case but not anymore.

With my Liteon i burn at X16 for CD-R and ive found from doing ' scans ' that this is the best my burner will produce.

Grab a copy of NeroCDSpeed burn at X2 , X4 , X8 , X16 , X24 , X32 etc and do scans on each CD-R.

All the info on how to scan is over at ClubMyCE.............

When you hit the lowest PI Error and PI Failure rate thats the best burn speed you should use.


imo burning CD-R and DVD-R's is an art



s8n

[SnowKitty]

I ordered a replacement laser this weekend from this seller: http://www.ebay.com/itm/360421084803?ss ... 1423.l2649

Seemed like the only ones available. Too bad about verbatim discs as I just bought a spindle this weekend. What would you suggest as an alternative?

taiyo yuden. supermediastore.com is a reliable seller of genuine taiyo yuden media
this is what i ordered: http://www.supermediastore.com/product/ ... ntable-100

[Hiryu76]

Well thanks for the info and links But now I have a new issue, I received my new laser today and installed it, but I just tested it with a retail disc and it took a moment to read it then told me it was a music cd!!

Just needed to reseat the laser engine cover better :/ Everything seems fine now!