Sega Saturn not switched on for 15 years !

[tomberyx]

I haven't switched on my Sega Saturn for 15 years. Now I am playing with the question of whether it is safe to turn it on or not. Would like to hear your opinions on this. The whole thing is a special moment for Sega Saturn, me, and some of you how the whole thing turns out.

- please stay serious-

 

[hippy dave]

The button battery would definitely need replacing if you wanted that working anyway (keeps the real time clock running, I don't think it effects internal saves IIRC - edit: whoops it does), but tbh I'd check on the battery to make sure it hasn't leaked or anything. IDK if that type of battery is known for that. The battery is accessible from under the flap on the back, you don't need to open the case up.

Besides that I wouldn't expect any obvious issues, you can make sure nothing's blocked up with too much dust etc if you want.

Enjoy! Saturns are awesome.

 

[zfreeman]

If the power supply dies, replace it with a picoPSU.
If the disc drive dies, replace it with an ODE.
If the battery dies and loses the saves, replace CR2032, and SRAM with FRAM.
If the disc dies, replace it with a CD-R and Pseudo Saturn Kai.

 

[tomberyx]

Thanks for the hint I will get this battery. I'll let you know when I'm ready to hit the "power button"

 

[hippy dave]

Ok I was wrong about the internal saves, you do need the battery working for that, but if you have a cartridge for saves or if you just want to test temporarily and don't mind losing saves until you get a battery, the console will still work without it (you'll also be asked to set the clock every time you start up if there's no battery).

 

[tomberyx]

If the power supply dies, replace it with a picoPSU.
If the disc drive dies, replace it with an ODE.
If the battery dies and loses the saves, replace SRAM with FRAM.
If the disc dies, replace it with a CD-R and Pseudo Saturn Kai.

Very helpfull ! Thanks a lot

 

[rmorris003]

You want a cookie? In all seriousness get a MODE and you will not regret it.

 

[tomberyx]

You want a cookie? In all seriousness get a MODE and you will not regret it.

(Multi Optical Disc Emulator ) for SEGA !
Sounds nice! Thx

 

[zfreeman]

The Fenrir is also a decent ODE. https://shop.fenrir-ode.fr/

There is an added benefit of backing up saves to the SD card.
https://www.retrorgb.com/fenrir-firmware-update-adds-save-ram-backup-feature.html

https://www.retrorgb.com/mode-saturn-save-restore-backup.html

 

[tech3475]

I would still open it up to check for corrosion, leaking caps, etc.

Make sure to also get a decent AV cable if you don't have one.

If you want to retain the Original Disc Drive, there's the Satiator:
https://www.satiator.net/

I've got one but I've been unable to fully test it due to other issues with my Saturn.

 

[godreborn]

I hadn't turned on my turbo grafx w/ cd attachment for quite some time a while back. it was definitely over 10 years, maybe 15 or more. disc drive had issues playing games unless I warmed it up, but eventually it played them like a champ. I was thinking of buying one of those pc engine systems by I think analogue that can play actual turbo grafx cd discs. however, it's like $200, I think, which is kinda expensive for a 30 year old console.