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Sega Saturn (Model 1) Capacitor Replacement Guide: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Sega Saturn VA0 PAL main board parts location.png|thumb|400px|Sega's circuit board diagram for the 837-11493 VA0 PAL main board. Ceramics carry '''C''' numbers; every electrolytic carries a '''CE''' number.]]


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The early '''Sega Saturn''' main boards use surface-mount aluminium electrolytics, and they leak. This page lists them by board revision, together with the power supply and CD-ROM boards, which are separate assemblies with their own designators.
 
== How Sega numbered the Saturn ==
 
On the Saturn, Sega splits the capacitor designators into two series: plain '''C''' numbers for ceramic chip capacitors and '''CE''' numbers for aluminium electrolytics.<ref name="satman">Sega Enterprises, Ltd., ''Service Manual — Sega Saturn (PAL), No. 013-1'', June 1995 — hosted on this wiki as [[:File:Sega service manual - sega saturn pal - no. 013-1 june 1995.pdf]] (see [[Sega Service Manual - Sega Saturn Pal - 1 June 1995]]). Section 1 gives the ratings, section 5 the disassembly, section 6 the CD drive maintenance and adjustment figures, section 7 the block diagram with the power supply rails, section 9 the circuit board diagrams and section 11-3 the electrical parts list for the VA0 main board.</ref> Sega's own circuit board diagram for the VA0 PAL board, reproduced here, shows both series side by side, and the VA13 schematics use the same convention.<ref name="satva13">''Sega Saturn VA13 Service Manual (PAL)'' — hosted on this wiki as [[:File:Sega Saturn VA13 Service Manual PAL.pdf]] (see [[Sega Saturn VA13 Service Manual (PAL)]]). A partial scan: block diagram, power supply and CD unit sheets and eleven main-board schematic sheets. It carries no parts list, but its schematics use the same C / CE designator split as the VA0 manual.</ref>
 
Two footnotes to that rule, both from Sega's own parts list: CE1, CE2 and CE4 are '''ceramic''' 1 µF chip parts fitted in CE-numbered positions, and CE32 is a 10 µF 6.3 V '''tantalum''' chip.<ref name="satman" /> Neither is part of a normal recap.
 
The practical consequence: a capacitor list for this machine that gives plain <code>C</code> designators — C1 to C20 at one value, C21 to C30 at the next — is not describing a Saturn. On the real VA0 board C1 to C20 are 0.1 µF ceramics.<ref name="satman" />
 
== Which board do you have? ==
 
Saturn board revisions differ in more than layout, so '''read the silkscreen''' — it carries both an 837- assembly number and a 171- PCB number, for example "837-11493 IC BD SATURN MAIN VA0 PAL / 171-6963B".
 
* '''Surface-mount electrolytics''' — VA0, VA0.5 and VA1. These are the boards covered below.<ref name="c5sat">console5 TechWiki, ''Saturn'', https://wiki.console5.com/wiki/Sega_Saturn . Secondary source — per-revision capacitor lists read off real boards, covering VA0 through VA15, the power supply units by manufacturer and model, and the CD-ROM PCBs. Its VA0 PAL list (837-11491 / 837-11493) agrees position for position with the parts list in Sega’s own PAL service manual, including the values at CE30 and CE54 that are specific to PAL boards.</ref>
* '''Through-hole electrolytics''' — VA SG, VA SD, VA6, VA7, VA8, VA9, VA10, VA11, VA13, VA15. Those lists are on [[Sega Saturn (Model 2) Capacitor Replacement Guide]].<ref name="c5sat" />
 
The shell does not reliably tell you which board is inside. If the board in front of you is a through-hole revision, use the other page regardless of which case it came in.
 
Beyond the main board there are three further assemblies with their own capacitors: the '''power supply unit''', which is a bought-in module and varies by manufacturer and by mains voltage; the '''CD-ROM board''', which likewise came from several suppliers; and the small '''SH-1 board''' (838-10834), on which only C121 (47 µF) is fitted — C108 and C122 are empty positions.<ref name="c5sat" />
 
== The power supply ==
 
The Saturn is '''mains-powered'''. There is no DC adaptor: the PAL machine (model MK-80200-50) is rated AC 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz, approximately 20 W, and takes a detachable mains lead.<ref name="satman" /> Any guide that describes a 9 V or 10 V DC input for this console is describing a different machine.
 
That means the power supply board carries lethal voltages and stores them. The primary-side bulk capacitor is a 22–56 µF part rated 400 V on 220–240 V units.<ref name="c5sat" /> Before touching the board: unplug the lead, wait, then '''measure across that capacitor and discharge it through a resistor''' until it reads near zero. Recapping this board is entirely reasonable work — it is one of the two boards most likely to need it — but do it with the mains lead out and the bulk capacitor proved dead.
 
The rails it produces are given in Sega's block diagram:<ref name="satman" />
 
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%;"
! Rail !! Feeds
|-
| +9 V || The CD drive, and the PLL
|-
| +5 V || Everything except the SDRAM
|-
| +3.3 V || The SDRAM
|}
 
There is no +12 V rail.
 
== Main board lists ==
 
The VA0 PAL list below is the one case where a manufacturer source and a community source can be compared directly: Sega's own electrical parts list for the 837-11493 board and console5's list read off real boards '''agree position for position''', including the PAL-specific values at CE30 and CE54.<ref name="satman" /><ref name="c5sat" /> That agreement is the reason to trust the remaining revisions, which console5 documents and Sega's hosted manual does not.
 
=== VA0 — 837-11076 (NTSC) ===
 
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
| 100 µF 6.3 V || CE3, CE6, CE18, CE19, CE30
|-
| 10 µF 16 V || CE15, CE16, CE20, CE21, CE23, CE31, CE37, CE42, CE52
|-
| 4.7 µF 25 V || CE22
|-
| 220 µF 4 V || CE24, CE25, CE26, CE27, CE28, CE29
|-
| 22 µF 6.3 V || CE33, CE34
|-
| 47 µF 6.3 V || CE35, CE49, CE50, CE53
|-
| 330 µF 6.3 V || CE45, CE46
|-
| 1 µF 50 V || CE47, CE48
|-
| Not fitted || CE38
|}
 
=== VA0 — 837-11491 / 837-11493 (PAL) ===
 
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
| 100 µF 6.3 V || CE3, CE6, CE18, CE19
|-
| 10 µF 16 V || CE15, CE16, CE20, CE21, CE23, CE31, CE37, CE42, CE52
|-
| 4.7 µF 25 V || CE22
|-
| 220 µF 4 V || CE24, CE25, CE26, CE27, CE28, CE29
|-
| 220 µF 10 V (6.3 V acceptable) || CE30
|-
| 22 µF 6.3 V || CE33, CE34
|-
| 47 µF 6.3 V || CE35, CE49, CE50, CE53
|-
| 330 µF 6.3 V || CE45, CE46
|-
| 1 µF 50 V || CE47, CE48
|-
| 100 µF 10 V || CE54 (PAL boards)
|-
| Not fitted || CE38
|}
 
=== VA0.5 — 837-11493 / 837-11076-02 ===
 
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
| 100 µF 6.3 V || CE3, CE6, CE18, CE19
|-
| 10 µF 16 V || CE15, CE16, CE20, CE21, CE23, CE31, CE37, CE42, CE52
|-
| 4.7 µF 25 V || CE22
|-
| 220 µF 4 V || CE24, CE25, CE26, CE27, CE28, CE29
|-
| 220 µF 10 V (6.3 V acceptable) || CE30
|-
| 22 µF 6.3 V || CE33, CE34
|-
| 47 µF 6.3 V || CE35, CE49, CE50, CE53, CE55
|-
| 330 µF 6.3 V || CE45, CE46
|-
| 1 µF 50 V || CE47, CE48
|}


Replacing the electrolytic capacitors in your '''Sega Saturn Model 1''' is a vital preventative maintenance step to ensure stable operation, crisp video and audio output, and to prevent catastrophic board damage from capacitor leakage. As Saturn consoles age, original capacitors can dry out or leak, causing random resets, graphical artefacts, audio distortion, or even permanent PCB corrosion. A full recap restores reliability and preserves your Saturn for years to come.
=== VA1 — 837-11613-01 / 837-11891-01 ===


== Visual Inspection & Failure Signs ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
| 100 µF 6.3 V || CE3, CE6, CE18, CE19, CE30
|-
| 10 µF 16 V || CE15, CE16, CE20, CE21, CE23, CE31, CE37, CE42, CE52
|-
| 4.7 µF 25 V || CE22
|-
| 220 µF 4 V || CE24, CE25, CE26, CE27, CE28, CE29
|-
| 22 µF 6 V || CE33, CE34
|-
| 47 µF 6.3 V || CE35, CE49, CE50, CE53, CE55
|-
| 330 µF 6.3 V || CE45
|-
| 220 µF 6.3 V || CE46
|-
| 1 µF 50 V || CE47, CE48
|-
| 47 µF 16 V || CE58 (PAL boards)
|}


Before beginning, carefully inspect the mainboard and power supply for these common capacitor issues:
Note the voltage ratings. CE24 to CE29 are '''4 V''' parts in Sega's own list — that is not a typographical error, and a higher rating in the same footprint is a safe substitution, but do not assume a "standard" 16 V value for those positions.<ref name="satman" />


* '''Leaking electrolyte''' – Brown, black, or green residue at the base of capacitors, especially near the audio and video sections.
== Power supply boards, 220–240 V ==
* '''Bulging or domed tops''' – The aluminium can appears swollen or convex.
* '''Corroded pads or traces''' – Green or darkened areas around capacitor legs.
* '''Random resets, no video, or distorted sound''' – Often linked to failed power or audio rail capacitors.
* '''Fishy or acrid odour''' – A sign of electrolyte leakage.


If '''any''' capacitor shows failure, it is strongly advised to replace '''all''' electrolytic capacitors on the board.
Identify yours from the label; the manufacturer and model are printed on it.<ref name="c5sat" />


== Sega Saturn Model 1 Capacitor List ==
==== Panasonic ETXSE077E1C ====


The '''Model 1 Saturn''' (VA0/VA1 mainboards, typically with round buttons and 20-pin power supply) uses both through-hole and SMD electrolytic capacitors. Always cross-check your board revision and silkscreen markings, as minor value changes exist between regions.
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
| 33 µF 400 V || C005
|-
| 1200 µF 10 V || C101, C102, C105
|-
| 10 µF 50 V || C103
|}
 
==== Fujitsu KS350-1401-H025/01 (first variant) ====
 
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
| 33 µF 400 V || C5
|-
| 4700 µF 10 V || C10
|-
| 2200 µF 16 V || C12
|-
| 330 µF 16 V || C15, C16, C24
|-
| 2200 µF 10 V || C50
|-
| 47 µF 16 V || C72
|}


=== Mainboard Electrolytic Capacitors ===
==== Fujitsu KS350-1401-H025/01 (second variant) ====


{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
|+'''Sega Saturn Model 1 Mainboard Capacitor List'''
! Value !! Designators
! Ref. Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Type !! Location / Function
|-
|-
| C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, C18, C19, C20 || 10 µF || 16 V || SMD || General decoupling (scattered throughout)
| 22 µF 400 V || C2
|-
|-
| C21, C22, C23, C24, C25, C26, C27, C28, C29, C30 || 22 µF || 16 V || SMD || Video, audio, and logic rails
| 2700 µF 6.3 V || C9
|-
|-
| C31, C32, C33, C34 || 47 µF || 16 V || SMD || Audio output, video encoder
| 1500 µF 6.3 V || C10
|-
|-
| C35, C36, C37 || 100 µF || 10 V || SMD || Audio amplifier, video DAC
| 33 µF 25 V || C15
|}
 
==== Voltek S-7195 ====
 
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
|-
| C38, C39 || 220 µF || 10 V || SMD || Main 5 V rail decoupling
| 56 µF 400 V || C102
|-
|-
| C40 || 470 µF || 6.3 V || SMD || Main 3.3 V rail decoupling
| 47 µF 25 V || C106
|-
|-
| C41 || 1000 µF || 6.3 V || Through-hole || Bulk 5 V filter (near power input)
| 2200 µF 16 V || C202
|-
|-
| C42 || 470 µF || 16 V || Through-hole || Bulk 9 V filter (if fitted)
| 330 µF 16 V || C203, C207, C210
|-
|-
| C43 || 2200 µF || 10 V || Through-hole || Main 5 V filter (sometimes 1000 µF in later VA1)
| 2200 µF 10 V || C205, C206, C209
|}
|}


''Note: SMD capacitor counts and locations may vary slightly by region and board revision. Always verify with your actual board.''
Saturns for 100–120 V mains use a different set again — Fujitsu KS350-1401 variants, Panasonic ETXSE077J1B, Phihong PSM3507, Voltek S-7194, S-7208, S-7218 and 34288/34507/34588 series, and Yamaha XQ155, XQ468, XQ981, XR258 and XS205 — each with its own list.<ref name="c5sat" />


=== Power Supply Board (Internal PSU) ===
== CD-ROM boards ==


Saturn Model 1 units use an internal linear or switch-mode PSU. Recap the PSU for safety and stability.
==== JVC EXL-P604 ====


{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
|+'''Sega Saturn Model 1 Power Supply Capacitor List'''
! Value !! Designators
! Ref. Designator !! Capacitance !! Voltage !! Type !! Notes
|-
|-
| C101 || 2200 µF || 16 V || Through-hole || Main 5 V output filter
| 100 µF 10 V || C102
|-
|-
| C102 || 1000 µF || 16 V || Through-hole || 9 V output filter
| 2.2 µF 50 V || C117
|-
|-
| C103 || 470 µF || 25 V || Through-hole || 12 V output filter
| 47 µF 10 V || C118, C120
|-
|-
| C104 || 47 µF || 50 V || Through-hole || Input smoothing
| 220 µF 6.3 V || C210
|-
|-
| C105 || 10 µF || 50 V || Through-hole || Standby / logic supply
| 220 µF 10 V || C306
|}
|}


''If your Saturn has a different PSU (e.g., 220 V vs 110 V), values may differ slightly. Replace with equal or higher voltage ratings.''
==== JVC EXL-P605 ====


== Recapping Procedure ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
| 100 µF 10 V || C102
|-
| 47 µF 16 V || C104, C119
|-
| 2.2 µF 50 V || C121
|-
| 220 µF 6.3 V || C210, C307
|}


# '''Unplug and discharge:''' Disconnect AC power and allow several minutes for capacitors to discharge. For safety, short large PSU capacitors with a 1 kΩ resistor.
==== JVC ENR-007 B / D ====
# '''Disassemble:''' Remove the top cover, optical drive, shielding, and mainboard. Label all cables for reassembly.
# '''Desolder capacitors:''' Use solder wick or a pump. SMD capacitors can be removed by gently heating both ends with tweezers or a hot-air station.
# '''Clean pads:''' Remove all old electrolyte residue with isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush. Inspect for corroded traces and repair as needed.
# '''Install new capacitors:''' Observe correct polarity—long lead is positive for through-hole; SMDs are marked with a stripe for negative.
# '''Solder carefully:''' Ensure solid joints and trim excess leads. Avoid overheating nearby components.
# '''Inspect work:''' Check for solder bridges, correct orientation, and clean any flux residue.
# '''Reassemble and test:''' Refit all components, double-check connections, and power up while monitoring for abnormal behaviour.


== Recommended Tools & Parts ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
| 47 µF 10 V || C101
|-
| 100 µF 10 V || C106, C230, C509
|-
| 22 µF 16 V || C202
|-
| 4.7 µF 50 V || C211 (rev D)
|-
| 10 µF 25 V || C220
|-
| 220 µF 10 V || C301
|-
| Not fitted || C208
|}


* '''Temperature-controlled soldering iron''' (fine tip for SMD, chisel for through-hole)
==== Hitachi JA00292 ====
* '''Desoldering pump and braid'''
* '''Hot-air rework station or fine tweezers''' (for SMD removal)
* '''Isopropyl alcohol (99%) and antistatic brush'''
* '''ESR-capable multimeter''' (optional but recommended)
* '''Lead-free or leaded 0.5–0.8 mm solder'''
* '''High-quality, 105 °C, low-ESR capacitors''' (e.g., Nichicon, Panasonic, Rubycon)
* '''Kapton tape''' (to protect sensitive areas during SMD work)
* '''Protective eyewear and ESD precautions'''


== Post-Recap Voltage & Ripple Check ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
! Value !! Designators
|-
| 22 µF 6.3 V || C501, C502, C504, C506, C623, C701, C712
|-
| 47 µF 16 V || C511
|-
| 47 µF 6.3 V || C609
|-
| 2.2 µF 50 V || C614
|-
| 10 µF 16 V || C615, C626
|-
| 100 µF 6.3 V || C722, C724
|}


After reassembly, verify the main voltage rails with a multimeter or oscilloscope:
==== Sanyo CDK94V5SGC ====


{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%;"
|+'''Expected Saturn Voltage Rails (measured at mainboard input)'''
! Value !! Designators
! Rail !! Nominal Voltage !! Acceptable Range !! Max Ripple (p-p)
|-
| 100 µF 6.3 V || C101, C127, C128, C150, C207
|-
| 10 µF 16 V || C103, C130
|-
| 220 µF 6.3 V || C111
|-
| 330 µF 6.3 V || C114
|-
| 47 µF 10 V || C117
|-
|-
| +5 V || 5.00 V || 4.85 – 5.15 V || < 50 mV
| 0.33 µF 50 V || C119
|-
|-
| +9 V || 9.00 V || 8.5 – 9.5 V || < 80 mV
| 1 µF 50 V || C133, C303
|-
|-
| +3.3 V || 3.30 V || 3.15 – 3.45 V || < 40 mV
| 4.7 µF 50 V || C153
|-
|-
| +12 V (if present) || 12.00 V || 11.5 – 12.6 V || < 100 mV
| 22 µF 16 V || C157
|}
|}


''Excessive ripple or out-of-range voltages after recapping may indicate PSU faults or incorrect capacitor installation.''
== Doing the work ==
 
# Unplug the mains lead. Remove the case screws and the top shell, then the CD compartment lid, the shield plate and the SH-1 board, then the four screws holding the CD drive unit supports and the five holding the main board. The power, power-indicator and R.SW boards come out last, on three, one and two screws respectively.<ref name="satman" />
# Lift the surface-mount electrolytics with hot air or by rocking with two irons. Saturn pads lift easily; do not lever.
# Wash every footprint with isopropyl alcohol and inspect under magnification. Electrolyte that has run under an adjacent part will keep corroding after the capacitor is gone — see [[Battery Explosion, Capacitor or Corrosion Damage]].
# Fit 105 °C low-ESR parts at the original value, or the original value with a higher voltage rating. Stripe to the negative end.
# Leave the trimmers on the CD board alone. They are servo adjustments and setting them needs an oscilloscope and a test disc.<ref name="satman" />


== Additional Tips ==
General tooling is on [[Recommended Tools]]; the symptom-by-symptom picture is on [[Capacitor Failure Symptoms]].


* '''Match SMD footprint:''' Use SMD electrolytics or solid polymer types for SMD pads. Do not substitute with tantalum unless experienced.
== After the recap ==
* '''Polarity matters:''' Double-check orientation before soldering—incorrect polarity can cause immediate failure.
* '''Clean thoroughly:''' Leaked electrolyte is corrosive and conductive—clean all affected areas.
* '''Check for trace damage:''' Saturn boards are prone to pad lift if overheated; use moderate heat and patience.
* '''Recap the PSU:''' Even if the mainboard looks fine, a failing PSU can damage new capacitors and other components.
* '''Test with a known-good game and controller''' after reassembly to confirm stability.


== Related Pages ==
* Check '''+5 V''', '''+9 V''' and '''+3.3 V''' at the power connector on the main board.<ref name="satman" />
* With a disc loaded and playing, the RF eye pattern at the RF test point should be '''0.8 to 1.4 Vp-p'''. Below 0.8 Vp-p, Sega's instruction is to replace the pickup.<ref name="satman" />
* A machine that boots, plays an audio CD and runs a game from disc has exercised almost everything the electrolytics sit in.
 
== Related pages ==
 
* [[Sega Saturn (Model 1)]]
* [[Sega Saturn (Model 1) Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Sega Saturn (Model 1) Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Sega Saturn Optical Drive Maintenance]]
* [[Sega Saturn (Model 1) Maintenance Guide]]
* [[CRT Discharge Procedure]]
* [[Sega Saturn (Model 2) Capacitor Replacement Guide]]
* [[Capacitor Failure Symptoms]]
* [[Recommended Tools]]
 
== References ==
<references />
 
[[Category:Capacitor Replacement Guides]]
[[Category:Capacitor Replacement Guides]]
[[Category:Sega Systems]]
[[Category:Sega Systems]]
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