Saturn proof-of-concept bootloader Pseudo Saturn

I have a hard modded saturn, and needed that to run the disc that flashed my carts. I tried running the update disc while the flashed cart was in the slot, but i couldn't get the save transfer program to work in that manner.

 

I just tried flashing an Interact GameShark to no avail, both with the "official" ISO and the Atlus Flash Disc. When I tried to flash it via Atlus it didnt catch the Flash rom IDs or nothing. The Official disc erased the cart fine, got to around 25% and failed afterwords. Is there a way to flash this cart at all either back to stock GS firmware or hopefully with P.Saturn? Or is this cart a hunk of crap and plastic? Thanks fellas!

 

either a serial port or a CD-R booted

you can boot a CD-R in many ways but the un-modded console way is via the oldest trick in the book, the swap trick

for the serial port you also either need a comp with a serial port or a USB kit that you can get for Saturn carts

I just used a swap trick myself, not hard to do, but does require the system to be disassembled to be able to fool the Saturn into thinking the CD drive lid is closed at all times

Youtube will have some guides for the swap trick, that you only need to do the once anyway

 

The Atlus disc included the ARP (Action Replay Pro) firmware but if that can not flash anything I can upload the older version of the installer.iso that does work but obviously has the older version of Pseudo that only works with patched discs

I would try the Atlus disc again though and see if it was just a one off not detecting the card

 

The cart should still be recoverable so I wouldn't toss it. However if you didn't backup the flash as recommended and unless someone else has done a backup you won't be able to return back to stock. You should be able to write other software on it. It may also be possible your cartridge is making a poor connection if Atlas isn't picking up the flash id's.

 

Would have the cart pull up a few CMs from the bottom help? Unless the cart has some odd flashrom make, both discs find there's a cart but doesn't detect the flashrom manufacturer (says flash at your own risk in Atlus). I know Atlus is not the problem..I updated my AR Plus 4in1 from v2.01 to 2.02c, found the SST flash, erased and re-wrote it just fine. I'm just abit miffed on why it wont flash the Interact Gameshark right or whatever. Also on a side question, would an old ST-Key work? My friend has one of those and I was wondering if that too can be erased and re-written with Pseudo Saturn. Thanks!

 

Thank you!

Been using the swap-trick for a year or two.
Used the custom Atlus disc posted here, flashed PseudoSaturn bin (the abbreviated one though) to my Action Replay, my existing collection of Saturn ISO CD-R's worked like a charm.
Would definitely appreciate an included Save Manager, etc, also a "Exit to CD Player" function so I can use my VCD card.

For some reason, I've never gotten a Mortal Kombat II iso to run though, maybe I'll just buy that one, even though I hear its not so great...

 

From my own experience, it helps a lot, but pulling up 2-3 millimeters is enough.
If flasher tools doesn't recognize flash chips, turning off Saturn, trying another position of cartridge in slot, turning on Saturn helps too.

 

Thank you for the suggestions

 

Everything I have tried has worked wonderfully so far except Burning Rangers (U) on .831. Gives me a error with a bunch of 0000 and won't boot.

 

Would this cart work it says its like action replay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultra-Madne...ideo_Game_Cables_Adapters&hash=item1c43f62b17

 

Has anyone tried Daezemon 2 or Game basic for Sega Saturn with the new version yet?

 

Not sure, you could give it a try. I find what's helped for my carts is to stick a thin flat object like a small plastic ruler for example in behind the cartridge so it pushes it forward in a snug way. Also cleaning the cartridge and slot does wonders if you haven't done it in a while. Does Atlas report an ID number at least? Or does it show FFFF, FFFF? Haven't tried an ST-Key to be honest. Not sure if they even have flash or not.

Exit to CD Player should be easy enough to add, though it's currently supposed to load the vcd player if you try to use the start game function with a vcd inserted. Though it may have broken after adding the new exploit. I'd suggest a pass on MKII.

Just tried it myself and it's working fine. Double check your disc.

 

It does report the two IDs but doesn't recognize the flashrom manufacturer. Ive also push it in all the way, a few cm up...you name it. Atlus would act like its flashing and finishes it but doesn't boot the flash rom after the flash and the Installer get to about 20%, says done (which i dont think it finished right), and fails verification.

 

The atlus disc does the same for the newer 4M Plus carts that is what I have but it flashes it just fine

The installer iso was messed up as reported earlier so no point in keep on burning it, it is a problem with the iso not the download/burn/CD-R's used or anything else

Atlus should be fine but try installing GSS_196.BIN instead for the GameShark, it is possible that the GameShark just does not like this mod at all, but GSS_196.BIN should restore it, or you can try one of the Datel Action Replay firmware versions listed as ARS_###.BIN ARP_### is the Action Replay 4M Plus firmware

Datel and Interact made the same carts, Interact being the US team and Datel being the EU team

From what I have read though the Datel Action Replay does not work with the Action Replay 4M Plus firmware and I would presume can be said of the GameShark as it will be the same device

 

Hey its Quazz here again,
Firstly thanks to Cyber Warrior X and others who have made and helped test this PsuedoSaturn project.
I have some basic programming experience, and am already inclined to make some Saturn homebrew games because of the ease of use with this cart! if I can find the time...

I tested out a Video CD today, noticed the "Potential Video CD Detected" screen, then it jumps to this crash screen.

I guess it broke after all^

Occasionally I like watching VCD's in my bedroom or at my cousin's house, so a fix would be appreciated!!

 

You do have the VCD hardware expansion?

 

Yup.

 

Finally tried this out with the atlas disc worked like a charm.
Took me a min to wrap my head around the save manager user interface but otherwise installed effortlessly
Hardest part was remembering how to do the swap trick without resetting in between tried out a few games seems flawless.
Im sure if i have any problems with a game i can live with doing a disc swap here and there but so far seems perfect.

Thanks for your work guys will be even better with save manager support if u get it going.
Well i have used swap trick for years and had 0 faults on my unit but im sure it will be loving this method much more.

 

Sorry had to ask the obvious.

On a side note I got a new batch of CD-R so will be adding to the compat list ASAP at the moment enjoying a bit of Shining Force III even if I have played through it a few times now

May also wait for a new release, if another is due? or other testing is wanted/required I'm happy to do so