Modded Saturn Skips Playing Video

[CrimsonNugget]

I have two Sega Saturns, I modchipped one and noticed that the FMVs in various games would skip (both burned and real copies). The game itself seems to work fine. I removed the chip and placed it in another Saturn, and that Saturn is doing the same thing, but to a slightly lesser extent. I'm thinking that the modchip (which currently draws from the power supply and has a pass-thru for the drive's ribbon cable) may be adding resistance somewhere and weakening the laser. Anyone think I may be onto something? Would adjusting that laser pot thinger majigger help?

ADD: The original Saturn, now that the chip is removed, doesn't skip. Thought I'd add that. And the chip I'm using is the one described on www.racketboy.com.

[itobandito]

I have the same chip in my model 2 US saturn and have had no such problems

[Imstarryeyed]

I have 2 modded Saturns both a Rev 1 and Rev 2 and they do not exhibit the problem.

I think the problem with your unit however might be a faulty ribbon cable from the chip to the unit.

It is possible the chip is bad but skippiness sounds a lot like a faulty cable to me.

Is it possible to rig the unit where you can play a game and wiggle the cable slightly to see if you get any different results? I realize that might be very hard on a Saturn with the chip, but it would tell if the cable or chip is bad.

If it works intermittantly with the cable jiggle, then get some alchohol and clean those contacts on the cable and chip and unit real good cause it could just be dirt.

Dirty ribbon cables are a huge problem with Virtual Boys not working as well as the Sega 32X unit and often just need a replug and clean.

I hope this helps you out.

[CrimsonNugget]

I also forgot to mention that the Saturns are model 2, and I have to use the A-B trick because there's no 32-pin chip in this particular Saturn that I can see!

Faulty ribbon cables? In both Saturns? The one I removed the chip from now works perfectly as far as I can tell. Also, both cables have been reseated a number of times.

I have a feeling it's the chip's fault, but it never hurts to ask.

[Imstarryeyed]

I forgot the chips did not come with a cable and that you have to park the chip in the middle.

I think your chip is bad unfortunately. I think you can still get them so it might not be too bad, trying to get a 20 pin chip (oval button Saturn) is very very difficult.

In any case I wish you luck with your chip.

[CrimsonNugget]

Thanks. I might get another chip just to see what happens. I dunno, I'll have to overcome my cheapness.

[agbulls]

Anyone know anyone who can mod one of my saturns? I know I have a 21-pin round button model...I just would rather have someone else experienced do it if possible.

[omnedon]

www.oldschoolgamer.com has chips in stock and can mod Saturns, plus does switched and switchless regions mods.

I would test the above Saturn with no chip at all first, to make sure you aren't in the early stages of some laser issue. You need to make sure you've isolated the source of the problem, before you go gangbusters after a single component. Do not test with backups, only originals. You need to remove variables in your tests.