sega saturn 20pin modchip info

Discussion in 'Sega Saturn Programming and Development' started by qabbalist, Jan 2, 2012.

  1. Calpis

    Calpis Champion of the Forum

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    Only one MUX of the '157 is used so that's the minute difference with 22V10 types. The normal 16V8 logic isn't very complicated (but it is secure too), I've determined (logically, not empirically) that it implements a 4 bit parallel-load SR and 2 bit counter for seamless reloading, I forget what the other two outputs are for... The PIC controlled (IIRC) MUX just selects between the PIC and drive data. A parallel interface is required since the PIC isn't nearly fast enough to serialize the data, it can barely keep up as is.

    Decapping the PIC really isn't necessary, plus the decapping is only the start of that process, it needs to be doped and photographed, transcribed and reverified, then you need someone smart to figure out the decoding scheme from the rest of the layout. It's quite a process even when things go smoothly. Since basically all that's needed is the data stream and timing, the only real requirement is a clever person, their computer and some parallel I/O (parallel port, Arduino or whatever) to coax the data out of the modchip.
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2012
  2. neomili

    neomili Member

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    Sorry for my english but... this is a mod chip for sega saturn model 1 20 pins??? :O
     
  3. Bad_Ad84

    Bad_Ad84 Keyboard Error: Press F1 to Continue

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    Chip arrived.

    Will look into converting a "rob webb" chip soon and post information as I have it.
     
  4. Mystical

    Mystical Resolute Member

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    cool, let us know how you get on
     
  5. fasman

    fasman Enthusiastic Member

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    Glad it finally arrived, my post office has been full of @@#$@#$ the last few weeks.
     
  6. Vyothric

    Vyothric Active Member

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    Any update on this?
     
  7. Bad_Ad84

    Bad_Ad84 Keyboard Error: Press F1 to Continue

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    Its sitting in my "to do pile"

    I currently have a lot of work on from various people/forums. I have some model 1's to look at soon and I have no chips for them (but do have the console goods style). So when I look at those, I will test the theory then.
     
  8. APE

    APE Site Supporter 2015

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    I recently converted the SSIC8A for someone - took something like 3 hours due to complications from ribbons (gotta be a better way to interface it). PITA with that cheap, flexing PCB but I could probably tackle the 7Bs I've got on hand if someone were to offer a price worth my time.
     
  9. Bad_Ad84

    Bad_Ad84 Keyboard Error: Press F1 to Continue

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    My plan is to not mod the chip itself, but to just swap the signals on the 2 ribbon cables.
     
  10. chandler_455

    chandler_455 Spirited Member

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    I have the same chip that Ape has I was wondering if I could get some install help, It was installed in the console and only works half way (console was finicky about discs) I took it out It now boots originals and cd-r through swap trick. With the chip in it boots originals most of the time and hardly ever boots cd-rs, The console also has US/JP switch. The chip only has 5v wire no signal wire. Does that chip need a signal wire thanks :)
     
  11. DarkSynbios

    DarkSynbios Active Member

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    Hello guys!

    I am looking for ribbon cable 20 pin for sega saturn model 1. Its any store can sell of them or any solution can help me?

    Thank you ^^
     

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    Last edited: May 29, 2012
  12. Druid II

    Druid II Officer at Arms

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    Use a 21 pin one and cut off one of its legs. That's what I did.
     
  13. bart_simpson

    bart_simpson Intrepid Member

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    Where would you buy the sockets for the ribbion cable? if you can build these mod chips?
     
    Last edited: May 31, 2012
  14. DarkSynbios

    DarkSynbios Active Member

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    Thank you my friend! I will do this too! ;)
     
    Last edited: May 31, 2012
  15. Druid II

    Druid II Officer at Arms

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    This is something I'm wondering too, I've been looking but only found them for stupid prices due to lack of availability, and I had to end up cannibalizing broken chips for parts.
    They are called 20/21pin THT vertical FFC connectors by the way - maybe someone has more luck finding them.
     
  16. qabbalist

    qabbalist Member

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    http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_n...tt_encode=raw&keyword=ffc+20+pin&geo_id=32101

    pricing sux but if you need them 20pin connectors and theres the 20pin ribbon cables
     
  17. Druid II

    Druid II Officer at Arms

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    Those use SMD contacts, not THT. You'd have to bend the pins on it so they fit through the holes.
     
  18. cybdyn

    cybdyn Embedded developer (MCU & FPGA)

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    very interesting if someone discover how this mod chip works...
     
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2012
  19. bart_simpson

    bart_simpson Intrepid Member

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    Would hopefully make cheap chips? i hope.
     
  20. APE

    APE Site Supporter 2015

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    Its known. Just don't think anyone in a position to put all the pieces of the puzzle together finds the return on the investment worth their time. Hell, I'd do it if I had the cash but I like doing things for the sake of doing them. The chips would probably have to cost more than $40 a pop as well making them less cost effective than existing sources. Then again if one could make a chip with dual 20/21 pin support as well as "dummy proof" 64pin support AND improved Sanyo support (I've found all chips support the Sanyo Saturns but they have odd behaviors to get the damn things to run discs) you might get away with $50-60 chips until scale can bring the price down.

    Not at first.
     
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2012

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