| Dreamcast 4-Wire ModChip Kit Manual |
| To install a MOD chip into your console you will require a 15 watt pencil tip soldering iron, a Phillips (star) head screwdriver, electrical tape and a small storage container for loose parts. Take your time and read all of the following instructions in full before beginning your install. |
| 1.Disconnect all power and A/V cords from your Dreamcast. Ensure all devices including controllers and/or compact discs are removed from the system. Turn the unit upside-down and remove the black case screws. Store screws in container and turn the unit right side up. Slowly remove the top half of the console case and set it aside. |
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| 2.The CD laser assembly is to be removed next. Begin by removing component mounting screws as shown in the picture below (NOTE that the longer brass screws are for the controller port assembly when you store them). Firmly grip the laser assembly by its metal base and pull upward, disconnnecting the laser's plug from the mainboard underneath. Set the laser assembly aside and be careful; do not to touch the exposed glass lens or drop the assembly. |
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| 3.Next, remove the controller port cable from the mainboard by slowly rocking it side-to-side until it is clear of its plug. Set the controller port assembly beside the unit being careful not to pull on the wires that still connect it to the cooling fan. |
| 4.Disconnect the main wire plug from the power supply board. Gently pull back on the white hook clip on the left side of the board and slowly remove the board. Pay close attention to the pins in the large white plug at the front of the power board and lift the board straight up, off of the pins. Underneath the power supply you find a clear plastic ground shield. Remove this shield and set both aside. |
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| 5.Once the laser assembly,
controller port assembly and power supply are removed from the unit, a
heavy metal plate remains covering the main board. Remove all screws
securing this steel plate and gently lift it from the system and set
aside. CAUTION: Before handling the circuit board touch a piece of grounded metal to remove any static charge from your body. These components are static sensitive and care must be taken. |
| 6.Remove the cooling fan, piping and plug from the main board. The large silver squares at the end of the piping system are attached to the console's processors with magnets. Slowly pry the magnets loose and set the entire cooling system aside. |
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| 7.Use the provided picture to identify the area in which the chip is to be installed. |
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| 8.The MOD chip is now ready to
be soldered (see board diagram link below) onto the main board. To start
you should have a fine tip, low temperature soldering iron (15 watt is
ideal). Using the silver solder provided, quickly touch the iron to the
solder and form a small ball of solder on the iron tip. Place the exposed
MOD chip wire end on the proper solder pad and quickly touch the iron tip
to the same pad. The solder will now bond the wire to the corresponding
pad. To complete the wiring, attach the remaining wires to the indicated
soldering pads (color coded) using the same procedure as
above. CAUTION: Due to the heat involved in soldering you must only hold the iron tip on the pad for enough time to allow the solder to flow. If too much heat is applied to the contact it may damage the chip, lift a PCB trace or burn the insulation back on the wire. If you burn the wire insulation off of the wire, trim and re-solder the connection. Removing too much insulation could result in the exposed copper wire touching other traces on the board. This is hazardous to the Dreamcast unit. |
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| 9.IMPORTANT: Once all of the wires are attached, visually inspect the board to ensure that none of your retouched solder pads are touching any adjacent traces, that there is no excess solder on the board and all connections are clean and tight. Carefully re-solder any contacts that you suspect may not be making a clean connection. You can now tape the MOD chip on the board in a clear area where it will not be damaged. |
| After double-checking all
connections, follow the above steps in reverse order to re-assemble the
Dreamcast. Once you have completely re-assembled the unit, plug in your power source and video outputs. Power up the Dreamcast. Test the unit FIRST with an original game. If your system boots successfully with your original disc then your install is correct and complete! If your original game does not boot after installation, refer to our Technical Support Section. |