Step 1: Identifying the Modchip

Your 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 8th pin on the 64pin IC. Needless to say the A+B method is far easier.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: A+B method.

If you have a Japanese Saturn you cannot use this method, move onto step 3 for instructions. 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 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 8th pin on the IC. The image shows an arrow pointing to the correct pin.

Step : 4 Checking the 0019 / 0014 Bridge

This step is new in the guide and I just recently figured it out. I noticed a lot more incompatibility issues with the 64 pin model so I decided to compare the newer chips to an older one I found lying around in my garage.Circa 2009 Saturn modchips seem to now come by default with the 0019 point bridged together. For the 32pin IC system this seems to make no difference however it appears to break compatibility with some 64 pin systems. If you have a 64pin system and after the modchip install your system recognizes BOTH CD-R and original games as Audio disks then changing this bridge should help. First check your chip and make sure it is has the 0019 joint bridged, If it does, remove this bridge and create one to the 0014 joint. Now re-install the chip as you normally would for a 64pin system and boot up a CD-R backup game. One of two things may happen:

1. Your system will directly boot the game as if it was an orignal disk. If this happens, put your system back together and get to playing! ?
2. Your system will boot to the CD player screen and recognize the game as an audio disc. If this happens open the lid, then close the lid and the system might then give you the option to "Start Application". If it does, hit a button to accept and your game should boot up. (See image below for graphical explanation.)
3. Neither of the first two option will apply to you. Unfortunatly this most likely means your system will not boot CD-R games.

Step 5: Installing the chip.

Now 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 away from 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. You may also need to cut away some of the metal shielding in order for the modchip to fit into the slot on the motherboard.

 

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)

Step 6: Finalizing Installation

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.