Question about SEGA Satrun MOD Chip (Model 2, NTSC, NA)

[c0dehunter]

Hello all,
This is my very first post on these forums, so I wanted to say hello and ask a few quick questions.

1) OK, I need to know how can I determine what type of MOD Chip I would need for my Sega Saturn Model 2 unit, it is a North American version (black).

2) How easy it is to install this MOD Chip into my Saturn?

3) I have a Action Replay Cartridge (3 in 1). Can I use this, in conjunction with import CD-R backups? (Japanese titles on CD-R)

Any links to tutorials (video preferably), and other helpful info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[theclaw]

Most CD-R import games are OK. The setup's obvious limitation is that your internal region will not be changed.

These are a few scenarios involving a region mod:
50hz switch for optimized European games. (by default PAL games get forced 60hz on NTSC Saturn)
Playing imports with carts who don't region bypass (you won't be able to run King of Fighters 95, or save data in games that require a backup RAM cart)

[c0dehunter]

Most CD-R import games are OK. The setup's obvious limitation is that your internal region will not be changed.

I understand that, but I have my Action Replay for this very purpose:

To be able to play import titles (and import CD-Rs).

Would it do?

[theclaw]

Yes. Just not every game, as I was explaining.

[c0dehunter]

Can you elaborate please? So you are telling me that even if I go through the trouble of installing a MOD Chip, and inserting an AR 3+1 cartridge, I still won't be able to play most import CD-Rs?

[theclaw]

No. It's the opposite, almost all games are alright.

I know of four specific issues:
Dragon Force (suspend file requires backup ram cart)
Dezaemon 2 (game creation requires backup ram cart)
King of Fighters 95 (requires game-specific cart)
Ultraman: Hikari no Kyojin Densetsu (requires game-specific cart)

[SaturnHST]

You can get around that by patching the game to match the console's region so you have the cart slot free.

[pakopako]

I know of four specific issues:
Dragon Force (suspend file requires backup ram cart)

Doesn't the suspend work with the internal battery? IIRC, it requires enough space for a 2nd save file, which if your internal memory was empty, leaves just enough room for that and a regular save file.

[theclaw]

I know of four specific issues:
Dragon Force (suspend file requires backup ram cart)

Doesn't the suspend work with the internal battery? IIRC, it requires enough space for a 2nd save file, which if your internal memory was empty, leaves just enough room for that and a regular save file.

No. The main file uses 284 out of 461 internal blocks.

[Macgyver]

Most CD-R import games are OK. The setup's obvious limitation is that your internal region will not be changed.

I understand that, but I have my Action Replay for this very purpose:

To be able to play import titles (and import CD-Rs).

Would it do?

Hi Codehunter, I think I might be able to clear some stuff up for you as I've just learned about the Saturn world myself.. I posted here last week asking similar questions and this is what I can tell you..

1. There are THREE types of "Model 2" Sega Saturn main boards. The "Hitachi" board is the most difficult to install the modchip on because you have to cut out a square metal plate so that it can fit inside the system properly. There is a full guide including pictures here on this website that you can use to determine which system board you have and what the best process is with installing it.. I currently have 5 Saturns, and the one I bought the modchip for turned out to be a Hitachi model, so I opened up another Model 2 system I had and it was the much easier one, so I used it instead.

2. The modchip for the Saturn that RacketBoy sells here IS a good chip, BUT IT IS VERY DELICATE! You must be extremely careful with it, and at least SOME soldering experience will help. There are various YouTube videos showing you how to install the chip, but I would NOT recommend using them because they aren't entirely accurate and seems like more of a risk of screwing up your Saturn. USE THE RACKETBOY GUIDE! The pictures and instructions are idiot-proof!

3. In terms of your questions about playing backup imports etc.. Here is what I know- I have not ever used the 5in1 cartridge, BUT what I do have is a standard "Sega Saturn Memory Card Plus" .. From what I understand the "Plus" means it has the functionality to play imports (regardless of if it's a backup or original disc). Alternatively, you can use a very easy program called "Sega Saturn Region Patcher".. You just open your import image into the software and patch it to whatever region code you want. Then just reburn the image to a new disc using either Nero or Alcohol 120%. This will keep you from having to worry about getting that expensive 5in1 cartridge, or getting that stupid region switch mod that you may have read or seen something about.

4. My experience with buying off this website was great, and my modchip worked perfectly. The guide gives you 2 options for soldering the 'signal' (blue) wire from the mochip. You can solder it to the 14th pin on a small chip on the system board, or you can simply solder the signal wire right back to the chip in a hole that is clearly labeled "B".. It's basically just an extra hole between the two wire leads. The way I did mine was just unplugged my cd drive cable, plugged in the modchip, then plugged the cable from the cd drive to the modchip itself. BE CAREFUL PUSHING THE CHIP INTO THE BOARD, IT WILL SNAP RIGHT IN HALF IF YOU DON'T! Treat this modchip like a woman, nice and slow

After all that, just solder that signal cable back to "B" and the Power (red) wire goes in the power supply "5v" slot... After I put everything back together I can play ANY game that I burn with absolutely no problems... I originally set out to play the Saturn just for the Castlevania: Nocturne in the Moonlight game, but when I realized I could buy a modchip and play ANY game I wanted V.S. paying the same price for the original copy of the Japanese Castlevania, I decided to go with the chip.. If you can't solder or don't have the right tools, do yourself a favor and get someone to help you. The instructions are too easy to screw up honestly... Hope this helps! Good luck man!