Saturn problem...

[Octaedre]

Hello all,

I have checked the board but I have not found a problem similar to mine, so I figured I'd have to create a new thread...

I have a weird problem with my Saturn, it is a European Model 2 console (with round buttons), Model No. MK-80200A-50, Serial No. AD65086892. It has not been modified in any way, I have never opened the system, but it was already used when I bought it.

The console starts up just fine, it runs the cd, no problem, then, about 4 to 5 minutes into the game, to which point everything works fine, the screen turns to black without a warning, and the cd stops spinning. Yet, the green led on the front is lit, which seems to indicate the console is still on.

At this point I have to tell that the console itself worked fine for about 3/4 years, it started doing this about six monthes ago, and I couldn't find anything online about it.

Ideas, anyone ?

Thanks in advance,
A.

[APE]

Probably a bad solder joint somewhere given it warms up and thermal expansion kicks in.

[Octaedre]

Makes sense to me. But is there a way to determine where the problem comes from without checking everything in the console ? I suppose I could go and check each and every track on the PCB with an ohmmeter while the console is on but I'm not too sure about that...

Thanks nonetheless :)

[APE]

Probably the main SH2 or something of similar "show stopping" capability. Given the CD stops spinning and the video dies it stands to reason.

Testing the tracks while it is on is not a good idea. If you have the equipment to do a proper reflow job I would recommend doing it otherwise take it to a professional.

Bad_Ad84 here on the forums is based out of the UK and can definitely do this sort of work.

[Octaedre]

I don't have the equipment, and I'm definitely not qualified to do that. I didn't even remember you don't need the device to be hooked up to a power socket to test tracks with an ohmmeter, so this should tell you how much I know about this sort of things.

I'll pm the man so I can get some more details, but this sounds like I'd be better off buying another one...

Thanks again ;-)

[Druid II]

Probably the main SH2 or something of similar "show stopping" capability. Given the CD stops spinning and the video dies it stands to reason.

I think the CD would keep spinning the the SH2 crashed. It could be a scu problem instead, since that one actually resets (and -worst case scenario- doesn't go anywhere afterwards) if it does something bad.

You definitely need to open the machine and check for any visual issues. Even something like a big amount of dust can cause issues like that - wiping the board with alcohol can fix many issues.

[Octaedre]

Ok so I opened the beast up, I made sure I was really gentle with any components, when removing the ribbon cables, etc... I failed to see anything that seemed particularly damaged or incredibly dirty, but I cleaned everything nonetheless, with extra care for the motherboard.

I have made a few photos, to an untrained eye like me it seems allright, but it's very possible that I'm missing something. If you want to download them here's the link : http://www.sendspace.com/file/5abomv

all the best,
A.

Edit : Apparently dusting & cleaning was just what it needed... Tested it again for about 15 minutes and it worked just fine. I'll play it again friday and give it more time, just to be sure, but it seems to have fixed the problem. Which is odd considering there was hardly any dust or filth inside of it, just enough to make it randomly stop working I guess.

[l_oliveira]

Have it tested with another power supply.

It could be heating and then having trouble keeping a steady 5v for the digital circuitry after heat up.

[Octaedre]

Tested it in great lenghts again yesterday, as well as today with friends around some Street Fighter Zero, everything seems to work fine. Still have to change the back-up battery, but cleaning it seems to have been the right move. It was on for about an entire afternoon and it ran smoothly from start to end.

Thanks to all for the pieces of advice ;)