Saturn mod chip.

[Xelyx]

I'm thinking about installing a mod chip in my Saturn. My question is, if I do, what will it allow me to do? Will I be able to download and burn Saturn games? Play Japanese games? Both? Basically, what are the benefits of installing one? Thanks for the help.

[xan_racketBOY_fan]

You will be able to play backups of games in your region. For example, I can play US titles but not JPN ones.

[lwcook]

You will be able to play backups of games in your region. For example, I can play US titles but not JPN ones.

Except if you simply patch the region of the game before you burn it, you can play any SS game.

[Ziggy]

Check out this guide I wrote:

http://www.racketboy.com/retro/hacks/20 ... tware.html

It has all the info you need on burning Saturn images, as well as how to use the program Saturn Region Patcher.

As already said, the chip wont allow you to boot original imports. All the chip will do is allow you to play CD-Rs of games that are the same region as your console. If you have any original imports there's two things you can do. If you have a chip, you can rip the import to your computer (as a BIN/CUE), change the region, then burn it to a CD-R (my guide will show you how to rip). If you have a chip or not and want to play an original import (and not a burn) you can use a Pro Action Replay or a GameShark. I highly suggest NOT using a GameShark though, it will ruin the cart slot. I recommend getting a PAR 4M "3-in-1" anyway because all of its functions are useful.



It will allow you to play original imports, give you the 1M or 4M extra memory that some games require in order to play, allow you to use AR cheat codes, and you can store game saves to it (but you can't save to it from in game - doesn't function as a memory card - you can only transfer saves to and from it from the system memory).

I like using the chip to play burns of my imports for a few reasons. For one example, I have the JPN Saturn port of Symphony of the Night. When I first got it, I was using a GameShark to play it. With this method, I was only able to save to the system memory (while I have an official Sega memory card) because the GameShark is in the cart slot. You can't save directly to a GameShark or PAR (as I already mentioned). This was pretty annoying for me. After I got a chip, I ripped SotN, changed the region, and burned it. Now I play the burn with my memory card. Also, my original can remain safe in the case which is great because that game isn't too cheap.

[xan_racketBOY_fan]

You will be able to play backups of games in your region. For example, I can play US titles but not JPN ones.

Except if you simply patch the region of the game before you burn it, you can play any SS game.

True, forgot to mention that. Here's a great guide that you may find useful.

Edit: LOL, ziggy beat me to it. Typing this on my cell ;P

[Xelyx]

Wow, that was very helpful information. I'll definitely be getting a mod chip now. Are they easy to install or should I think about having it done for me? Thanks to everyone for the help.

[Ziggy]

If you have the model 2 Saturn the chips were designed for, they're very simple to install. A novice at soldering should be able to do it without much of a problem. I don't recommend a solder beginner make an attempt at it. You should know basics before trying. The difficulties of installing the chip will vary on all other model Saturns. If you tell us what model you have, and your soldering skills (if any), we can make a better suggestion how you should proceed.

[Xelyx]

I have zero soldering skills. Can you explain to me how to tell what model I have?

[Ziggy]

Oh, sorry. I was gonna say, but got distracted mid post.

First and foremost, are we talking about a NTSC-U (North America) Saturn? I'm not sure of the differences in other regions. But basically, oval buttons means model 1, round buttons means model 2. Check out this link:

http://www.segastyle.com/saturnmod.html

That goes over the different models, and what's involved with installing the chip. As far as I know, the chip was designed for a model 2 Saturn with the 32-pin IC. Some model 2 Saturns have a 64-pin IC, though they look identical (as far as I know) on the outside. The chip will work on the 64-pin as well. The link above says the "success rate" is lower on these 64-pin IC models, but I take that with a grain of salt.

Then there's the model 1 (oval buttons). The model 1 is a little different inside, most notably the 20-pin drive cable versus the model 2's 21-pin cable. But for all intents and purposes, the model 1 and 2's have all the same function, so the chip will work with a little modification. You have to cut off a pin on the mod chip (so it will fit in the socket) and reroute some traces on the PCB. Of course, doing this isn't definitely NOT for a beginner.

And then there's the model 2 with the Sanyo board inside. I don't know much about the Sanyo boards. Just that the mod chip installation difficulty falls some where between the model 1 (hard) and model 2 (easy).

But if you have a 32 or 64-pin model 2, you should be able to install it yourself. Of course, you might wanna practice at soldering a little before you attempt installing the chip. There's the "A+B" method. Normally, for the model 2, you would have to plug the chip in and solder 2 wires: 5v and Signal. If you use the A+B method, you only have to solder the 5v wire. This makes it a lot easier for a novice. Not only is it just one wire, but soldering to an IC leg can be very hard (they're very small). You can't always use the A+B method. The link above will explain.

Check out this video:


If it isn't something you feel comfortable doing, then I don't suggest you try. If you have a model 2, I'm sure some one would be willing to install it for you for cheap (if you don't mind paying shipping to and from). If you have a model 1, and you would need to pay some one to do it for you, you might consider selling/trading the model 1 for a model 2.

[Xelyx]

Yes, it's a North American system. It's a model 2, though I don't know which one. I might know a guy close that can install it for me. Thank you very much for all of the help.