alright, I attempted the SNES S/PDIF mod as shown here: http://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:snes_sp_dif
and I can't get it to work. I am using coax rca connection, and I used the resistors that are listed on the mod page. I tried outputting to my yamaha receiver and my maverick d1 headphone amp/dac and neither one has any sound whatsoever. I tried 2 different cs8406 chips, and I quadruple checked all of the connections with a multimeter and everything was connected exactly as the diagram shows but no luck. could i have a batch of bad chips? maybe my equipment doesn't like the snes signal?
snes spidf mod troubles
Re: snes spidf mod troubles
Hey cyborc,
Did you use the image near the bottom for wiring the 8406, or did you stick with the chart for the earlier chip 8405A? There does appear to be a difference between the two - at least at a glance - for the +5V feed.
Also - it is possible that your equipment doesn't like the nonstandard output frequency.
Any luck?
Did you use the image near the bottom for wiring the 8406, or did you stick with the chart for the earlier chip 8405A? There does appear to be a difference between the two - at least at a glance - for the +5V feed.
Also - it is possible that your equipment doesn't like the nonstandard output frequency.
Any luck?
Re: snes spidf mod troubles
I used the 8406 diagram. I wonder if maybe I fried the 8406 when soldering it to the soic>dip adapter. I was also planning on modding my saturn for spdif as well, so maybe ill try the chip on the saturn and see what happens...
Re: snes spidf mod troubles
well I tried the mod on the saturn and it didn't work 
But unlike the snes, I did get SOME sound, just clicking noises though. Now I'm convinced the 8046 itself is fried.
But unlike the snes, I did get SOME sound, just clicking noises though. Now I'm convinced the 8046 itself is fried.
Re: snes spidf mod troubles
It has been my experience that the CS8406A are fairly sensitive chips! The first one I built is the one I'm still using in my 1-CHIP01 SNES!
Are you trying this on a SNES with an APU module, or a revised (S/N >=UN2*) SNES?
Where are you getting +5VDC and ground from?
Are you using bypass capacitors on the VL and VD pins (I use a 0.1uF cap for each of the two pins)?
Have any pictures of the circuit you made?
Also, when doing anything with the SNES (or Saturn for that matter), always set the power switch to the on position for several seconds without any cables attached to the system to dissipate any charge in the circuits. Sounds like you'll need to try building another circuit!
Are you trying this on a SNES with an APU module, or a revised (S/N >=UN2*) SNES?
Where are you getting +5VDC and ground from?
Are you using bypass capacitors on the VL and VD pins (I use a 0.1uF cap for each of the two pins)?
Have any pictures of the circuit you made?
Also, when doing anything with the SNES (or Saturn for that matter), always set the power switch to the on position for several seconds without any cables attached to the system to dissipate any charge in the circuits. Sounds like you'll need to try building another circuit!
Re: snes spidf mod troubles
thanks for the tips RGB!
I tried both an SNES mini and a model 1 super famicom with the on board sound chips.
I pulled 5v and GND directly from the 7805. I didn't use any bypass capacitors but I will try it on my next attempt!
I'm either going to keep trying or pay someone with more skill to do this mod because I need my digital audio!!
I tried both an SNES mini and a model 1 super famicom with the on board sound chips.
I pulled 5v and GND directly from the 7805. I didn't use any bypass capacitors but I will try it on my next attempt!
I'm either going to keep trying or pay someone with more skill to do this mod because I need my digital audio!!
Re: snes spidf mod troubles
I tried again with a new 8406 and it worked! I was much more careful in soldering this particular 8406. I'm guessing I fried the first one. This mod is definitely worth it! the audio is more "punchy" clear and theres no more annoying buzzing or hissing.