Need help w/ install of mod chip on a Sanyo drive Saturn w/ PC Trap Board

[Icarus Moonsight]

I'm hoping someone can help me out here. I have wanted to get into Modding systems for awhile now and decided to start out with what I WAS TOLD was an easy mod. Unfortunately it's not so easy. I am having one hell of a time getting a mod chip (bought from: racketboy - think it's a Xinga chip not sure though) to work. The installation method I used was the standard one described here: http://www.racketboy.com/saturn-modc...yo-install.htm

Everything looks the same on my Saturn as it does in the pictures on the guide except my power supply board is different. I am still soldering to the post 2nd from the back, but my connection point has 4 posts not 5 (Like the other Model 2 Saturns.). I used the A-B solder bridge method to handle the signal wire duties. No dice.

When the chip is installed this way I can play Golden Axe the Duel (original copy) perfectly fine. Virtual On Netlink Ed (also original) however only reads as an audio CD. The burned copies of these games I have made (both direct copies of the disks and from dl'ed ISO/BIN and ISO/OGG sets. Using Alcohol 120% Trial version at DAO/SAO and 4X max speed) also read as the Virtual On original does (audio CDs).

I tried disconnecting the PC Trap board from the CD-drive board but that was disasterous as the Saturn would no longer play the Golden Axe original anymore. In fact no disk was reading at all. Not even as audio CDs. I've read alot of conflicting reports about the mod chip on a Sanyo Saturn. Everything from it's unmoddable to it works perfectly fine installed as I have done. At this point I am at a loss and I can't find a definative solution to my problem. Please, if you can, help me.

Almost forgot. Also tried to install it on a Model 2 Saturn (not mine) without the PC Trap and a JVC CD-drive I get the same results. Except Golden Axe origianl wont even play. Everything comes up as an audio CD. I did this to test the chip as that type Saturn is supposedly always takes the mod chip. I have no idea what is going on here. Is it possible the chip is no good? It looks decent in quality, but if it was run in China (which I am sure it was) I'm not so confident in the Quality Assurance dept... maybe bad chips are common?

My Sanyo Saturn system info:

Model #: MK-800000A
Serial #: B7B019314
Manufacture Date: 2/97
Code after Man. Date: SY 670-6470A
Sanyo Drive Board Model#: 610-6294-30
Main Board: Haven't disassembled this far so I don't know.

[Imstarryeyed]

When I installed my modchip I did not have any problems, but it might be a good idea to pullout a multimeter if you have one (buy one if you dont they are cheap at WalMart or any electronics store) and just make sure that you are indeed getting +5V from that post you soldered to. I have to wonder if the layout in your Saturn might be a bit different and you might have accidently used a higher voltage post? If so then the chip might be fried which is why it may not work on any other Saturn at this time.

This is just my opinion but I hope it can help you out.

[chaoticjelly]

It cant be done on the Saturn with Sanyo CD drive and PC Trap board.

Whoever wrote that they got it working must of either been lying or did something extra which they didnt mention because I have tried it on about 5 Saturns with Sanyo CD drive and PC Trap board with 0% success rate.

I suggest region modding it, selling it on and then getting one which is much more easily modded i.e. ANY OTHER model 2 Saturn.

[SkiDragon]

When I modded my Saturn, for some odd reason I only got it to work when I put the modchip in backwards.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Thought about asking racketboy for a refund but I'm sure that ship has sailed... still a puzzle. Looks like I'm in the market for a premodded saturn. I don't feel like getting bit twice by the same snake. If you can do it and test it to be sure it works maybe you can help me out and we can work a deal. Otherwise, until it's possible for me to do something with what I got here... I'm gonna shelf the project for now. Thanks for your help guys. If anyone knows just what is going on I'd be glad to hear it. Maybe the chip is fried?

[omnedon]

""It cant be done on the Saturn with Sanyo CD drive and PC Trap board.""

Bingo. The Saturn has many many revisions and sub revisions. Dieffernt laser combinations, etc. I find saturn modding different every time, and some simply cannot be modded.

Those who say it is easy, have unlikely done more than one or two, so they really don't know what is out there. I read a post by racketboy in his own forums, that he has installed a Saturn chip all of once, and some see him as an authority on the subject.

Most round buttoned saturns can be modded, but not all. Oval buttoned ones are not worth it. I've never been able to get the chip to work in a board with a PC trap. Hours and hours and hours spent, and multiple chips tried (so I know it's not the chip).

It is an arcane and poorly documented procedure. the sad fact is that online info for unpopular mods (Saturn, DC) is very poor, and I've seen install diagrams that were flat out WRONG.

Exciting for the DIY'er, and a PITA for the pro.

[jupitersj]

These two guides also show some sanyo install pictures ..one based on racketboy's type chip and the other on consolegood's(green chip).

http://www.angelfire.com/pa/Raluminat/sanyo.html

http://www.robwebb1.plus.com/saturn/...hipguide_2.htm


Apparently US Sanyos are very low success chance compared to some JPN revisions.