Got my first ever Saturn... what mods are worth doing on it?

I've recently picked up my first ever Model 2 Saturn and was wondering what modifications were worth doing, as I intend to install a modchip, so am not sure whether the various region/BIOS mods are worth carrying out (I'm assuming a modchip will allow me to play different region games, but I've no real idea to be honest). Any opinions on what the best mods to do would be appreciated.

 

Mod chip only allows playing backups. You need a universal BIOS to run different region games, and also a 50/60Hz+region switch to make best use of that function.

 

Modchip will not bypass region. You'll need either Action Replay 4-in-1 cartridge or install region free bios.

 

OK, so a modchip and Seb's ultimate Saturn mod should be enough? Also thinking about doing an access LED for the CD drive...

 

If you only want to play backups, esp from other regions, you'll just need the modchip and a region patcher program. If you hunger actually collecting the real games, you'll need to get a region free bios, especially since you're across the pond. Since I'm in the US, all I need to do is install a switch to play Japanese games.

 

i'd recommend modchip + unibios + 50/60hz switch

 

No, you still need a region-free BIOS, unless you want to re-burn disks with a region changing utility.

 

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Are you saying there are EU games that should be started in 50Hz and then switched to 60 when the game has started? I have never tried this on the Saturn, as I assumed booting in 60Hz would be sufficient. Can you remember which titles need this?

As for mods, I have region free bios, switchless 50/60 mod, digital output (optical toslink) and a modchip in mine. I only use the modchip for the few unreleased games available and fan translations. I don't like backups it's just not kewl I really hope more fan translations will be released for the Saturn in the near future as it has an amazing library of RPGs that only were released in Japan

 

How do you flash the Saturn Bios? it would be nice if could use back up carts and load my saves off those rather than backing all my saves up to my action replay then loading them before booting the game up.

 

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Of course. I was just curious if any games needed it to play in 60Hz properly

 

incase you dont already have one, get an RGB scart cable for it! saturn looks great via RGB.

the reasoning behind having a 50/60hz switch and not just staying 60 all the time is that some pal games were optimised for 50hz and when switched to 60hz will run too fast, also for compatibility on TVs only supporting 50hz(handy just in casey)

 

I own a decent amount of EU games for my Saturn and I have gotten rid of most of those that doesn't run well in 60Hz. Druid's post gave me hope that switching from 50 to 60Hz in-game would make a few more titles 60Hz compatible. I have tried switching in-game, but it didn't work with the titles I tried back then.

 

I would recommend a switchless mod and a modchip or timer/switch for the door mechanism, that's all you need really. It might be possible to control the door using the 50/60 Hz switch function on the switchless mod somehow, but I haven't tested it yet.

What do you mean? If you press the reset button for like a second it changes between 50/60 Hz without resetting the system. The only annoying thing about the switchless mod is that it changes back to 50 Hz when you change the region to PAL, other than that it's excellent.

 

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Modchip + Region Free Bios = If you live in a NTSC Region
Modchip + Region Free Bios + 50hz/60hz Swtch = If you live in PAL Regions

I would say these setups because if your in the NTSC Region, I don't see the need of playing games in 50hz.

 

Go wrong when you install it or use it? It's much safer to install than to change the BIOS. Much cheaper than other mods also, you can do ten machines for $1-2 in materials as the PIC is available as a free sample. And no drilling in the shell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf8kXiFLF6M A demonstration for those interested in how it works.

 

you dont need to drill for a 50/60hz switch it can be mounted in the expansion bay for example. And the PIC still needs to be programmed does it? which will cost more of you lack a PIC programmer

i find the bios mod the easiest and cleanest option if you can buy a pre programmed bios chip, also great for lazyness no need for manual region switching or messing with the reset button

 

I've installed a modchip from consolegoods.co.uk, but haven't been able to boot backups yet, although genuine discs still boot. I've been using Maxell (not Pro) CD-Rs. The 5V is properly connected and I've soldered and cut the traces I need to on the modchip (I've got an old v.0014 motherboard). The BIN/CUE files I've been using to test it are PAL Darkwater ones, which I've tried burning with Nero and ImgBurn, but the Saturn only spins them briefly on boot and then clearly recognises them as non-legitimate and says there's nothing in the console. I've read Saturn discs can be a pain to burn, so could there be something there which I could do or is it possibly just down to the media I'm using? Would these Taiyo Yuden discs be preferable (i.e. actually make a difference)?