What Mod Chip for a Model 2 Saturn?

[Yart]

Lately I've been on a shameful downloading spree of Saturn games (Hey! Not my fault those ROM sites have them But I WILL buy the games eventually when I get a job) but when I went to try out these newly acquired games on my Saturn, I began to tire of the swap trick. Over and over again, long process, Success/Failure ratio of 1:10, and probably more annoying than playing imports with an Action Replay and swapping through menus. Plus I can't even play multi-CD games because it registers as the tray always being closed. Also, with how much I fail, I don't want to ruin my beloved Sega Saturn. (It's NOW that I'm starting to find the REALLY sweet stuff!)

I have a North American Model 2 Sega Saturn (the one with the round buttons) and I want to buy a mod chip for it so I don't have to wreck my Saturn trying to boot up a game. I don't want to choose the wrong chip though.

Do you guys know if this one will work?
www.racketboy.com/saturn-modchip/
If not, any suggestions?
Heck! Even if you know of another chip that works just as well for my model at a cheaper price, please let me know.

Oh, and I have no soldering experience whatsoever. I think my dad does have a bit but the simpler to install, the better.

[superdeadite]

Yes that chip will work with a NA Model 2 Saturn. I installed one for a friend several years ago. Simple to install but usually the pcb is too wide around the pins. File off some of the extra silicone on both sides of the pins and it will go much eaiser.

Price used to be about $15 USD, but its getting difficult to find them these days. There are nicer chips out there that work with all versions of the Saturn and don't require soldering, but I haven't seen one for sale in about ten years now.

[Yart]

Ah aight. Thanks for the information.

I just ordered mine not too long ago. Can't wait for it to come in now!

I heard there is a method to connect it to the motherboard without solder, like by using some test clips or something like that. You think it'd be a good idea? I'd just be afraid of them coming loose during transportation of my Saturn and making a real mess inside though... do you know if they hold together nicely?

[superdeadite]

That chip should have two wires attached to it. One for power, one for the mother board. On US Model 2 Saturns the motherboard wire isn't needed and can be removed. But instead you must create a small solder bridge between the "A" and "B" solder pads on the chip. This connection does the same thing as the motherboard wire would.

The power wire is needed though. You could just hook it to the power connector, but it will probably shake loose with time. Soldering this one is the best way, and its quite easy to do.

[hungsolo]

You're gonna want to solder the power wire in place, like superdeadite said. I'm a few days late to the game here, but if you haven't done this project yet and need soldering tips, there's a couple of good tutorial videos on YouTube:

youtube.com/watch?v=0cl5QI4pqKc
youtube.com/watch?v=BLfXXRfRIzY

Practice with some spare wire and circuit board -- both are pretty cheap. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

[Yart]

Ah yeah my mod chip hasn't come in the mail yet so you ain't late at all.

Aight. Thanks for the tips guys.


UPDATE: Mod chip came in and with the AB method, we got it installed successfully. (Also we (being me and my dad) did end up soldering the power cable instead of jamming it in place)