Just recently did NTSC SNES mod...

[Atomizer]

Hi, im new to these forums, so, hello everyone

I bought an ntsc snes off of ebay a couple of weeks ago that had the little pegs already cut (which was nice). So i decided to do the 50/60hz and region lockout switch mods on it. This is the first time i've ever soldered anything before in my life! As you can imagine, it was rather hard and i nearly messed it up because solder dripped off the iron onto a chip, covering half of it! Luckily, i managed to remove all the solder and tidied it back up, and now you wouldnt notice it if you were to look for it.... anyway, cut a long story short, it worked fine... at least i think it did, which is why i'm posting here now...

First thing i tried was to boot a ntsc game, it worked fine. I switched it off, switched to 50hz, switched it on, and it worked. So i tried a pal game. Region switch on, 50hz - no boot (which i believe is correct). Region switch off, 50hz - boots fine. Switching to 60hz works fine. Now, heres where im concerned... if i switch the region switch back on when the game is running, it basically crashes (i guess...black screen, no sound or picture). Turning the console off and on again works fine (switching back to region off first, of course). Is this correct behavior for this mod?

Secondly.. i was playing secret of mana for about 3 hours the other night (after the mod) and when i switched it off to change to a different game, i felt that the cartridge and console was a bit too hot. I didnt play the ntsc snes too much before modding it, so im not sure if its normal for it to get hot?? any help would be greatly appreciated.

PS: the mod i did was on mmmonkeys site. Thanks again!

[Atomizer]

No reply's? All im basically asking is if someone could test this on their console to see if it is the correct behaviour for the mod?

1. Switching the region switch while game is running, and...
2. Seeing if their console gets hot after prolonged play? (I'm assuming this is normal... but you know, better safe than sorry).

[simonbelmont2]

First thing i tried was to boot a ntsc game, it worked fine. I switched it off, switched to 50hz, switched it on, and it worked. So i tried a pal game. Region switch on, 50hz - no boot (which i believe is correct). Region switch off, 50hz - boots fine. Switching to 60hz works fine. Now, heres where im concerned... if i switch the region switch back on when the game is running, it basically crashes (i guess...black screen, no sound or picture). Turning the console off and on again works fine (switching back to region off first, of course). Is this correct behavior for this mod?

Atomizer if you used the correct switches (like mmmonkey used or 1 single pole double throw) nothing bad will happen if you switch in the game from 50 to 60 hz. About the region switch to OFF then ON in a PAL game, I think I tested this and nothing bad happend (console not working anymore or game not working anymore) but I'm not very sure (maybe someone tested this and can confirm what I say).

2. Seeing if their console gets hot after prolonged play? (I'm assuming this is normal... but you know, better safe than sorry).

It's ok to be a little warm but not hot. Maybe you did something wrong when you've modded your console (like stoping "inside ventilation"? or maybe some short-circuit on some points?).

[KeepGood]

I have to say all of my Super Nintendo's get quite hot.  I'm not talking fry an egg hot but still quite toasty.

Atomizer, with this being the first time you've soldered anything you have done very well.  The SNES chips aren't tiny but for a beginner they can appear to be.  I used to work in a store repairing consoles and installing modchips (yes I know, I'm a bad boy).  I found installing on a Playstation 2 was the best practice as the connections can be quite small.  Practice is very very important. Soldering is one of those things that you just get better at if you do it regularly enough.  Get a hold of some old pc cards and get to practicing. Starting off with the larger 'through hole' component based boards and work your way down, smaller and smaller. In no time you'll be confident enough to perform any mod.

Just some tips to make life a little easier for you when performing mods ....

1.  Use the correct soldering iron. A low wattage iron is a good choice for working on consoles. My personal preference is an Antex 12 to 15 w.

2.  Use a small tip on your iron.  It makes a huge difference.

3.  Many small items can make the difference between the job going easily or being an absolute nightmare.  Desoldering braid, a flux pen, a pot of flux and a fiberglass pencil are all an must to have beside you.

Iron - http://www.maplin.co.uk/12w-miniature-soldering-iron-type-m-4048
Iron Tips - http://www.tilgear.info/products/895/5472/antex_soldering_tips_special_05mm___on_offer/
Braid - http://www.maplin.co.uk/de-soldering-braid-222591
Flux Pen - http://www.maplin.co.uk/flux-dispensing-pen-33849
Pot of Flux - http://www.letsbuyit.co.uk/product/29092629/fastening-tools/la-co-regular-soldering-flux-paste-475g
Fiberglass Pencil - http://www.maplin.co.uk/abrasive-fibreglass-pencil-3932

The links there are just random ones to give you an idea on what to look for.   Of course you dont need anything other than the iron and solder but it really does make the difference having the full kit.

Once again, well done