This is model is the easiest and the most likely to be successfully moded. If you have this model consider youself lucky as this is the most desired Saturn available for modding purposes. This guide assumes that you have already opened up your Saturn and know which model you have. If one or both of these is not true for you and you do not know how to proceed please read the Introduction
Tools needed:
- Philips head screw driver
- Solder and Soldering Iron
- File
Step 1: Identifying the ModchipYour first step should be to identify key points on your Modchip You also need to decide what method you would like to use.
You can use the A+B method or solder to the tiny 14th pin on the 32pin IC. Needless to say the A+B method is far easier and works 99.9% of the time. I have worked on several of these models and its never failed me.
Step 2: A+B method.If you have a Japanese Saturn you cannot use this method, move onto step 3 for instructions. Also, identify the model of your CD Board. If it is "ASSY CD UNIT SAT JVC EXL-P608" then you MUST solder to the 14th pin and the A+B method will not work for you. In this case proceed to step 3.
To do the A+B method you simply solder signal wire A to point B on the Modchip. Alternativly you can completely remove the signal wire and create a solder bridge between the two points. The solder bridge is probably a better way to go because it just eliminates a possible future problems. Once you have connected the two points this step is done.
Step 3: Alternative to A+B method.If you have done the A+B method, then you can skip over this step if you wish or continue reading if you are interested on learning something extra. If you decide to solder to the pin (which is neccessary if you have a Japanese Saturn) solder signal wire A to the 14th pin on the IC. The image shows an arrow pointing to the correct pin.
Step 4: Installing the chipNow that the chip has been prepared, unplug the 21 pin ribbon cable from the Saturn motherboard and plug it into the Modchip, then firmly push the modchip into the slot on the saturn motherboard (with component side facing towards the CD Board). If your chip refuses to go in you can file down the edges of connector to get a better fit. In some instances this is the only way to get the chip to make correct contact in the slot for a successful mod.
Then take the 5v power wire and insert it into the second from the last point on your power board as shown. (Put in the second regaurdless of how many pins your board has)
Just check over everything and insure you have everything connected properly. Examine your installation against the image to see if everything visually checks out. Put the top back on the saturn (dont put the screws back in) and hook everything back up and try out a burned game. If everything works correctly then you can put the 5 screws back in the bottom and go on enjoying your saturn! If its not working right, see the troubleshooting section.
Credits: Image credits for Mike G, other images here have been found from various guides on the net. The point (A) to point (B) connection was discovered by Mal at the Sega Xtreme forums. The information is a combination of following various guides as well as my own experience.
Disclaimer:I take no responsibility for any damages or harm that you may bring to yourself or your Sega Saturn Console by making the above modifications. All laws concerning the use of these chips and the back-up games they allow you to play are to be followed and I take no responsibility for any trouble you could bring upon yourself.