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Post by liannejaguar64 on Apr 8, 2018 18:42:22 GMT
I'm sorry if I'm posting something that crops up often or is pretty common knowledge, but I'm pretty desperate and not massively tech minded, but I'm having problems with my Saturn  I have a Model 2 version (with the round buttons), but it keeps on freezing whenever I try to load up a game, or even an audio CD. I've been trying it for the last half an hour or so, and have managed to make some progress, as it now gets as far as completing the boot sequence before refusing to do very much else (This is often after hitting reset after it freezes the first time round). I can hear the disc spinning and the drive accessing, I can even see it squiggling (very technical I know) on the screen as my Saturn always seems to do when it is accessing a disc during bootup. Only in the last year or so has it ever given me problems in the three or four years I've owned it, but now I really do need some help! I hope I can get it fixed!  |
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bring
Novice
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 37 
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Post by bring on Apr 9, 2018 1:33:22 GMT
If you keep the cd lid open and turn on the console does the console stay active longer?
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Post by zyrobs on Apr 9, 2018 1:50:50 GMT
It happens often in model 2s. Recapping has helped with the problem for me.
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Post by liannejaguar64 on Apr 9, 2018 15:18:32 GMT
Ooh what's recapping? |
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Post by zyrobs on Apr 9, 2018 20:52:46 GMT
Ooh what's recapping? Replacing the aged electrolytic capacitors on the board with new ones. The aged ones may not be able to function to their specification due to various age related factors (the fluid inside that keeps the electric charge dries up). The ICs inside may not function correctly as a result, which manifests in random hangs in a game system, or a worse video/audio signal, etc. |
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Post by liannejaguar64 on Apr 9, 2018 20:58:05 GMT
If you keep the cd lid open and turn on the console does the console stay active longer? Yeah usually, it tends to boot to the main menu and then blink up with the 'Disc tray open' message, although sometimes it still freezes here... |
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Post by liannejaguar64 on Apr 9, 2018 20:59:40 GMT
Replacing the aged electrolytic capacitors on the board with new ones. The aged ones may not be able to function to their specification due to various age related factors (the fluid inside that keeps the electric charge dries up). The ICs inside may not function correctly as a result, which manifests in random hangs in a game system, or a worse video/audio signal, etc. Umm ok... That sounds pretty technical, I've never really done much like that... Will it be difficult to do? |
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Post by davyk on Apr 10, 2018 8:43:52 GMT
This would require someone with electronics skills. The capacitors need to be identified and replacements sourced. Then you need someone with solder/desoldering skills to remove the old components and replace them with the new ones. You would probably be better off just replacing all caps in the console. They won't be expensive.
Sometimes you can buy "cap kits" that have all the correct replacement components - though those kits tend to be sold to people who repair classic arcade machines - but there may be console equivalents. This might be complicated by the fact that there are different versions of Saturn consoles that might require different components. There are people here though who probably know which components are required.
A local electrical repair shop could probably do the actual replacing of the components for you if you were able to identify and buy the correct components.
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Post by liannejaguar64 on Apr 10, 2018 15:28:55 GMT
This would require someone with electronics skills. The capacitors need to be identified and replacements sourced. Then you need someone with solder/desoldering skills to remove the old components and replace them with the new ones. You would probably be better off just replacing all caps in the console. They won't be expensive. Sometimes you can buy "cap kits" that have all the correct replacement components - though those kits tend to be sold to people who repair classic arcade machines - but there may be console equivalents. This might be complicated by the fact that there are different versions of Saturn consoles that might require different components. There are people here though who probably know which components are required. A local electrical repair shop could probably do the actual replacing of the components for you if you were able to identify and buy the correct components. Hmm, ok... I mean, I've nothing to lose by trying it, I suppose... Thanks! <3 Now I just need to find out about capacitors then XD |
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Post by davyk on Apr 10, 2018 16:16:28 GMT
Might be handier to get a replacement console if you get one cheap - that will allow you time to get your "spare" console repaired.
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Post by buckoa51 on Apr 10, 2018 16:28:47 GMT
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Post by zyrobs on Apr 10, 2018 21:44:00 GMT
Their wiki only lists caps for model 1 units (VA0 to 3). OPs console is most likely a VA6+ single board unit (if it's a PAL one, then I'm guessing it is VA9), as those are the ones that often start freezing, and the ones where recapping will help with that issue. Note that recapping won't outright fix it but it'll make the issue go away much faster once you start running the console for a while. The site also doesn't list the type of caps they include, only their values. This is important because the Saturn needs very low profile caps, anything else will not fit under the RF shield plate. Someone should ask them about that. I can recap the console (board and power supply), but the shipping price would be way too expensive. And it's not a guarantee that it'll start working, it may have other issues. edit: and to do recapping you need the right tools. With a vacuum desoldering gun, it can be done very quickly and cleanly. Anything else, you are in for long and fun times. |
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Post by liannejaguar64 on Apr 12, 2018 16:38:21 GMT
Might be handier to get a replacement console if you get one cheap - that will allow you time to get your "spare" console repaired. I did consider purchasing another Saturn, but I didn't really want to buy another one when I have one that may be repairable... But at this point I can't see any other solution really :'/ Guess I'll have to learn how to solder |
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I have a Model 2 version (with the round buttons), but it keeps on freezing whenever I try to load up a game, or even an audio CD. I've been trying it for the last half an hour or so, and have managed to make some progress, as it now gets as far as completing the boot sequence before refusing to do very much else (This is often after hitting reset after it freezes the first time round). I can hear the disc spinning and the drive accessing, I can even see it squiggling (very technical I know) on the screen as my Saturn always seems to do when it is accessing a disc during bootup. Only in the last year or so has it ever given me problems in the three or four years I've owned it, but now I really do need some help! I hope I can get it fixed! 
