Sega Saturn mod chip randomly just stopped working...

[Schizoanalysis]

Hello all,

My modded Sega Saturn has been sitting in the cupboard for a few years -- I recently pulled it out to give it a spin, but I found that the mod chip refused to boot copies (it has always worked in the past) -- curiouser and curiouser, hmmm --

I am not panicking too much, as I do have a spare modded Saturn -- I am just wondering if anoyone knows how it could be fixed? Or would it be beyond recovery... I think it is kinda odd that it just stopped working -- with no outside interference...

I cracked the console open and all wires were intact... no visible signs of soldering failures...

 

[Noitora]

You can do the swap trick, google it.

 

[Schizoanalysis]

No real need -- I have a spare modded Saturn (and swapping busts the CD drive) -- I'm just curious as to why the mod chip would suddenly stop --

 

[roguetrip]

Does it boot original copies? Maybe its been sitting long enough to need the lens cleaned up.

 

[Schizoanalysis]

Yep, it boots origs. I took out the mod chip and the saturn is fully functional... funny... it is just the chip that seems to be the problem...

 

[Devante]

I had the same thing happen. The reason is those mod chips (I know which one you have) are prone to going bad.

Just buy a new one and you'll be fine. They're cheap!

 

[Dr Eggman]

Could you tell me where's a good place to buy one?

I tried to do the Model 1 mod, but it never worked. I might just buy a Model 2 and try it again. If anyone is willing to sell a Model 1 modchip, PM me.

 

[TrolleyDave]

If you don't mind ordering from the UK then Rob Webb sells them still.

http://www.consolegoods.co.uk/

 

[Schizoanalysis]

Hey there!

His site looks cool, thanks for the heads up --

His version of the mod chips looks like the really old one --

I've fitted about 3 different types of SS mod chips in my time... and that looks like the first one I fitted... Mind you, the one that busted on me was the version that sticks directly in the ribbon cable slot... so maybe the earlier mod chip version with the 2 ribbon cable slots is the better version...

 

[TrolleyDave]

Hey there!

His site looks cool, thanks for the heads up --

His version of the mod chips looks like the really old one --

I've fitted about 3 different types of SS mod chips in my time... and that looks like the first one I fitted... Mind you, the one that busted on me was the version that sticks directly in the ribbon cable slot... so maybe the earlier mod chip version with the 2 ribbon cable slots is the better version...

My Japanese Saturn is fitted with one of these and I've never had a problem with it. It's an updated version of the old chip. It works with a few more drives but is still based off the old design as it was so reliable.

 

[Dr Eggman]

If you don't mind ordering from the UK then Rob Webb sells them still.

http://www.consolegoods.co.uk/

Thanks, i looked into it before actually,but shipping and the model is a problem. (i'm trying to mod a model 1, see my WTB thread)

 

[Schizoanalysis]

(i'm trying to mod a model 1, see my WTB thread)

Can you just buy a cheap round button Saturn instead?
It might not be so expensive long run -- if you do manage to find an old Model 1 mod chip -- it might cost you more than 10-13GBP... All other SS mod chips I have seen for sale (but it has been a while since I have seen one) have been around US$60-70.