Sega Saturn - USB DataLink

Transfer Game-Saves Between Sega Saturn and PC

         

 

Functions

This USB DataLink device performs the following functions:

 

Requirements

 The following items are required to use the Saturn USB DataLink: 

 

Description

This DataLink device allows Sega Saturn Game-Saves to be transferred to/from a PC, using a PC's USB port.  Once on the PC, Game-Saves may then be backed up to harddrive or CDROM for safe keeping.  Also, the Game-Saves may be emailed or traded over the internet.   In addition, homebrew games made by hobbyists may be downloaded to the Saturn.  Whether you develop Saturn games, or just want to try out some of the homebrew games available on the web,  the DataLink may be used to download the data without having to burn a CDR.   

The required Action Replay Plus Cartridge is a multifunction device which includes:  A cheat device, 1M/4M RAM, Game-Save memory, and the ability to play imports.  The ARP cartridge is still available at many shops (including NCSX).  This cartridge also has a 25-pin DSUB connector, which is used for data transfer.  Originally, there was a device called a "Comms Card" which plugged into a PC's ISA bus.  The software for the Comms Card was DOS-based.  Since modern PCs don't have ISA slots and generally have Windows operating systems, I decided to design a USB-based solution.  The less expensive GameShark cartridge also has the 25-pin data connector and is compatible with the USB DataLink.  I have recently learned that some online stores are selling "clone cartridges from unauthorized manufacturers in China".  These cartridges DO NOT have the 25-pin data port.  Please verify with the store, before buying a ARP cartridge, that it has the data connector.  NCSX claims that all of their cartridges are manufactured by EMS, and they all have the data connector.  So I would recommend purchasing from them.

One end of the USB DataLink plugs into the 25-pin connector of the ARP cartridge.  The other end of the Datalink plugs into a PC's USB port.  Custom written, user friendly, Windows software allows the transfer of the battery-backed game-save files from/to the Sega Saturn.  Once on the PC, the game-saves may be traded over the internet or backed up to CDROM for safe keeping.  

The USB DataLink converts the 8-bit data of the cartridge to serial USB data.  This conversion takes time, and thus the USB Datalink does not have the data-rate speed of the original Comms Card.  However, since the 25-pin data cable length is now less than a foot, the USB Datalink is much more noise-immune and reliable than the original Comms Card.  Also, there is error detection built into the software which verifies that each data packet is transferred correctly.  If a corrupted data packet is detected, the software throws the corrupted packet away and automatically requests the data again.  Downloading a 640Kbyte homebrew game takes approximately 80 seconds.  Downloading all battery-backed game-saves (64Kbytes) takes approximately 10 seconds.    

Homebrew games may also be downloaded to the Saturn with the USB DataLink device.  Homebrew games are created by individual hobbyists and are often times small enough to be downloaded directly to the Saturn main RAM (without having to burn a CDR).  There are many of these types of games available on the internet (the file will be a "filename.bin").  Here is a good example of a homebrew shooter (shooter.bin): http://membres.lycos.fr/reinhart01/

 

    

Custom Printed Circuit Board for the Saturn USB DataLink

 

 The Sega Saturn USB Datalink Package (DataLink, CDROM Software, and USB cable)

     

 

 The Game-Save Receiving Screen of the custom Windows application

  

Currently, I am charging $50 (plus shipping) for the DataLink device.  Alternatively, the DataLink may be purchased without the plastic enclosure for $45 (plus shipping).  Please email me if interested in purchasing one.

Please also check out my Sega Saturn CDROM Collector's Guide !