Sega Saturn VA9 (Model 2) 60Hz Mod

[@iammodus]

I've just finished doing the mod. Instead of taking JP1 and JP2, I just took the 5V and GND from the PSU. I have to say, this mod is a must for any Sega Saturn fan. I am impressed. All in all, great tutorial!

[@iraito8356]

Interesting i just modded my megadrive and i would like to mod my saturn like in this video, can you explain to me how you took the 5V and ground from the PSU ?

[@bariole]

In your video, while switching back from PAL to NTSC, your Saturn has changed output signal, but your TV has enabled overscan mode. Essentially Saturn image output was stretched outside tv dimensions. Thus "NCTS-xxx" marking was not visible on the screen.

[@MrWudzi]

Thanks. Just done this the same way. Much better than lifting the pin

[@Cisarfly]

Unfortunately, nothing happens on my VA9. Is there anything I could be doing wrong? I checked again that the tracer is well cut You made a step in the middle with the multimeter in JP1 and JP2. Was it to check some connection? Hoping for your help

[@someonedab7222]

If I wanted to leave the saturn in 60hz, what should I do?

[@GadgetUK164]

Just dont fit a switch and instead bridge the contacts that the switch joins up when its switched into the 60Hz position!

[@producedbypejota]

I have followed this tutorial and the switch does not work, the console starts at 60hz but after a short time it returns by itself at 50hz and stays there. What have I done wrong?

[@GadgetUK164]

Maybe a bad connection or something?

[@ScottsGameAsylum]

oh a naked saturn. segata sanshiro is blushing right now!

[@GadgetUK164]

Console Snob Haha =)

[@luckmarbella]

Thanks a lot!!! really thanks so much !! this video help me!!! thanks again

[@conorlenaghan3908]

Cheers I'm just about to do this, I have an on off on switch will that work or do I need to buy something else ?

[@GadgetUK164]

It needs to be a double poll double throw I think.

[@GeoAnas]

Very nice mod but quite delicate "operation" :-)

[@GadgetUK164]

Geo Anas Glad I didn't need to lift a pin, I don't like lifting pins on SMD chips.

[@GeoAnas]

Me neither ;-)

[@CastorioDonatello]

Thanks!

[@MrWudzi]

Have you noticed any difference between the model 2 and 1 in terms of screen distortion. I picked up one of each and the 2 seems to get a tiny bit of screen distortion that seems worse on disk access but gets better the longer its left on. I'm assuming it's probably capacitors but if you've worked on both recently, did you notice anything similar?

[@GadgetUK164]

MrWudzi It's almost certainly related to the SMD capacitors! It's more common in Australia and the US from what I've heard - maybe something to do with the temperature that the systems have been used / stored for a period of time. I know that my friend in Australia has to replace the SMD caps a LOT on these systems - A lot of the time the Model 2's in other countries just give no video or a black screen etc. Strangely though its much less common in europe - I suspect our caps are just lagging behind the other regions a bit and will fail a little slower for some reason. I did notice the VA0 gives a MUCH better picture than the VA9 in this video. I suspected it was probably the caps at the time - the picture on the VA9 was very good but a little bit of jitter compared to the perfect VA0.

[@MrWudzi]

GadgetUK164 Thanks very much. I suspect as much. I'll try replacing.

[@GadgetUK164]

Try and focus on the ones around the video DAC to start with!

[@jobo9906]

Hi there. Will this mod work on a va7?

[@GadgetUK164]

Probably not, it varies a lot between revisions. You would need to see what the board has in common - if the same ICs are on there and the same jumpers in the same positions, then it might work. I think I did another rev Saturn on my channel - take a look at that video too!

[@jobo9906]

@@GadgetUK164 V cool of you to reply and help. Thanks so much 🤜🤛

[@jobo9906]

@@GadgetUK164 Hi again. After some research i decided to roll the dice and try this mod on the va7 and it works perfectly. I am so grateful! for you videos and help🤜🤛

[@summerishere2868]

Did you remove the resistor on JP2? What wire gauge did you use for the connections?

[@summerishere2868]

To answer my own questions (I was able to successfully mod my console according to video instructions): - No it is not necessary to remove the resistor on JP2 - I used 30 awg wire for all the connections, seems to work fine I also used solder mask to avoid corrosion on the exposed cut trace area.