[GUIDE/INFO] Flash Carts, ODE, and more!

[nightrnr]

I really do want at least one of everything. I'm greedy and maybe a little crazy, but this is just an amazing time to have old CD systems lying around.

Still going to wait on the Satiator though.

Was looking at my MODE and online manual for it. It's pretty nifty. You can load up games on both an SD card and either a Sata drive or USB stick. Not to mention downloading menu graphics for all the games. It looks like there's a some nice loading speed options as well.
I am totally going to use an old PS3 Sata HDD for it on my Dreamcast. I run into the odd issue with my GDEMU (official, not clone) and USB-gdrom.

I still want to do a dreamshell bios mod on one other Dreamcast some day, just for kicks. But better options have forced that to a low priority. I should at least try out my serial SD port, for emulators and such. An ISO of dreamshell would do, I think.

I am getting my Neo SD Loader later this week. That ought to be fun (and a slightly scary install; I need to practice lifting pins. Nothing I can't handle, but I only have one shot at this. My PS1 PSIO install, I had several PS1 systems to fall back on if I botched it (pretty well nailed it 1st time though).

So anyone know when the Xstation will be available for order? Castlemania has it listed as soon, but won't let you preorder. I decided I need at least one, but will anticipate Cybdyn's actual ODE as well.

[Jagosaurus]

@nightrnr, pre-orders up. Estimated ship is next month.

https://castlemaniagames.com/products/xstation

[nightrnr]

@nightrnr, pre-orders up. Estimated ship is next month.

https://castlemaniagames.com/products/xstation

Yep, got a pre-order in 1st thing this morning.
Actually just found out last night from a random search. I think that stands to show how obsessed I am with these.
Still appreciate the heads up.
Preorders are still open as of right now.

Also just got my Neo SD Loader (making giddy sqeals)!
Probably can't install that until Monday, but I'll let you guys know how it goes. I've never used that system, so it feels new to me.

I don't think I'm bending that chip leg all the way back though. Just gonna straighten it and isolate with electrical tape after soldering the wires. That's the worst part of the operation.

[Ziggy]

I just pre-ordered one. $100 is the right price point for an ODE, in my opinion.

[Anapan]

Bob from RetroRGB just did a comparison review of the PSIO vs the XStation.
https://www.retrorgb.com/ps1_xstation_and_psio.html
Prof. Abrasive now has variable discounts based on how much and how long people have supported his Satiator development on Patreon. I'm #80 with a $50 rebate applied when I order.

[bmoc]

I'm getting $17.10 off my Satiator lol. Like I said, I didn't contribute a lot. I ordered an SD card for it on Friday. Between that and the 1MB RAM cart, I should be set. Now...back to checking my inbox and junk mail folder every 5 minutes.

[bmoc]

Professor Abrasive posted an FAQ last night. https://www.patreon.com/posts/faq-40787196

He also posted the current compatibility list (some titles may be fixed already in newer firmware) - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing

The question I had about Action Reply carts was answered. You have to modify Action Reply carts in order for them to work with the Satiator. This can be done with "empty" firmware. There are plans to make custom firmware for Action Replay carts that could enable new features for the Satiator.

The only thing that really surprised me was that multi-disc games don't appear to be supported just yet. That should be coming soon though.

[nightrnr]

Whelp, I installed my Neo SD Loader but it's mostly a bust. I can sort of get it working when the system is still open, guys out and everything. But ANY minor touch on that loader board and it stops making connection to the chip it covers. By the time I get it back together it stops working and takes a while fiddling with it apart to (maybe) make it work again.
My analysis is that the connector on my loader has a defect and doesn't align with the chip properly.

Sometimes I can only get it to work applying pressure directly to the loader board while it's on.

I'm sure it's a good product when It's fitting correctly, but I'm sure having trouble with mine.

I'll let you guys know if I get it figured out (on my own or with the seller).

[Ziggy]

I just ordered the Fenrir! Total was $123.80, including VAT and shipping to NY.

I'm kinda not looking forward to installing the XStation because I hate having to bend up pins. Bending up 1 pin is one thing, but this requires you to bend up several. I'm seriously considering if it might be easier to remove the entire QFP so I can carefully bend those pins up, then resolder the chip.

[nightrnr]

I don't know, PS1 systems are common enough I would cringe too much of someone just cut the traces (but not recommending that at all).
I know I would do more damage trying to remove the whole chip though.

Lifting the pin on my Neo Geo CD SD Loader install was pretty simple.

Eventually, I do need to learn that skill of chip removal (I've watched videos and I lack the tools, setup, luck, and sorcery to master it). But how else am I going to transplant my Dragons Revenge (Genesis) into my Menacer PCB (the only way to save that cart)?