Sega Saturn hacking docs (part 3)
Hacking using the "CAR" method (Commlink/Action Replay)
(Last Updated December 25, 2002)
List of updates
-April 7, 2002 - First release
-December 25, 2002
Introduction
First of all, as with all my hacking docs this is a WIP (Work-in-progress). I'm sure there will be info that will be inaccurate. But that's what you people reading this are for (so you can help me fix my mistakes ;), right?
Please, if you want to copy portions (whole or in part) of this document, please, at least email me and ask. Linking is fine, just mention where the original doc was found.
Requirements
You will need the following hardware:
- a PC
- Saturn (obviously)
- Commlink Card
- Action Replay Pro, 1M+, or 4M+
- proper cable connecting AR to Commlink
You need the following software:
- Datel's Saturn AR utilities. You can get it at SegaXtreme (www.segaxtreme.com)
1. Getting Started
Setup the jumper on the Commlink to a free I/O port, install it, unzip the software into its own directory, etc. Connect the cable. Now startup your Saturn and let it boot into the AR menu. You may have to re-insert the cart a few times to get it working.
Now then, go to the directory where you installed the software and run the program called "action.exe".
You should now be at the menu. Choose the 5th menu option ("Settings") and pick the appropriate port. Now pick menu number #4 ("Edit, Upload & Download Memory").
If everything is working, it should bring you to a new screen with a small portion of a memory dump on the screen. If it just sits at a "Waiting for Saturn", check the cables, I/O ports, etc. and try again.
Note: if you're running Windows 2000 or XP, make sure you install the Totalio package before you run it. It won't work without it.
Now that you're sure it's working, go to cmgsccc.com and add the game you're working on to the codes list on your AR. All you really need is the master code. If you can't find the game on their list, try one of the following three master codes (taken from the manual):
Master code #1:
F6000914 C305 = Default master code (should be tried first)
b6002800 0000
Master code #2:
F6000924 C305 = Master code variation
b6002800 0000
Master code #3:
F6000924 FFFF = V1.90 and above only.
No second parameter.
Now choose your added game, press the 'X' button (to enable Commlink mode), and press start to start the game.
2. Now we're getting somewhere
If all goes well, the game should run fine. If not, try another master code.
Go now to the point in the game where you want to make some modifications.
On the PC side, press F4. Enter the text (or whatever) you want to modify. For the Start/End addresses, first try 00200000-00300000. If it doesn't find it, try 06001000-06100000 next.
When you find it, just modify the data to whatever you want (or upload try uploading a portion of the script using F6). If it's text, try skipping to the next page or change menu options yet. You'll only have to do this if the modifications aren't noticeable.
3. Misc.
Be careful when messing around with memory contents. If you screw up, you'll probably just crash the Saturn, though there’s a chance you may end up accidentally changing program code that does something rather important (like writing data to the saveram). So be aware.
Some games are rather picky and can lock up with memory searches as well. Wachenroder is a perfect example of this.
Lastly be especially wary with pointers. Pointers tend to be copied to the program stack after any program or data file is loaded. So unless you find where it is in the stack and change it as well, you may have some weird problems.
Questions
If there's an important topic I may have missed feel free to email and ask.
Special Thanks
-The Saturn fans that keep the system alive
-Artemio Urbina for his hacking help
-SkankinMonkey for being ereet
-Sega for making one of my all-time favourite systems.
Cyber Warrior X
cwx@softhome.net
Source: http://www.cyberwarriorx.com
