Need help identifying & preserving an original 1995 ST-Key (AP-001 PCB) – Possible undocumented ROM?

[Colt_Mystic]

Hello everyone,

I was recently fortunate enough to acquire what appears to be an original Stokey ST-Key Sega Saturn cartridge, and before I do anything with it I’d like to see if the community can help identify exactly which revision it is.

My primary goal is preservation first. If the ROM hasn’t already been archived, I’d love to see it preserved before I ever consider selling the cartridge.

Hardware Details

PCB Revision:
AP-001

Components:

• 2 × ST Microelectronics M27C256B UV EPROMs
• 1 × PALCE16V8H programmable logic device
• Original socketed ICs
• Dual-edge Saturn cartridge PCB

Date Codes:

• EPROMs: 9501 / 9504
• PAL: 9522

From the chip dates, it appears to have been assembled sometime around mid-1995.

Condition

The cartridge appears completely original.

I don’t see:

• repaired traces
• bodge wires
• replacement chips
• corrosion
• lifted pads

The edge connector is very clean and the PCB is in excellent condition.

Questions

1. Does anyone recognize this exact AP-001 board revision?
2. Has this firmware already been dumped and archived?
3. Is there any way to identify which ST-Key revision it is from the hardware alone?
4. If it hasn’t been archived, who in the community has a well-established reputation for safely dumping these ROMs?

I am not interested in modifying the cartridge.

I would only want a read-only ROM dump with the original hardware returned exactly as received.

Because this appears to be an original 1995 cartridge, I’d like to keep it as untouched as possible.

If anyone recognizes the board layout or knows the history behind this revision, I’d really appreciate any information.

Thanks!

 

[cafe-alpha]

Hi, thank you for posting about your ST-Key ! A long ago, a cartridge with same PCB layout was dumped and the ROM file is available in Pseudo Saturn Kai Save Data Manager.

Link where the file can be found : PPCenter :: Pseudo Saturn Kai -> pskai_release_202xxxxx.7z -> tools -> pskai_sdm.iso -> FW -> STKEY -> STKEY.BIN
In the same folder, STKEY_03.JPG and STKEY_04.JPG pictures have the same PCB layout as your cartridge.

Because of same PCB layout, your cartridge is very likely to contains the same ROM, but the only way to be 100% sure about that is to dump it.
Saturn cartridge connector is not a standard connector so unfortunately standalone ROM dumper device doesn't exists. The recommended method to dump the ROM it is to use a Saturn with Save Data Manager software (it have a ROM dump feature) and Fenrir ODE or Satiator ODE to store ROM contents on SD card.

I have the necessary equipment to dump the ROM from a cartridge but if you are located in Oceania, America or Europe then I fear it won't be possible for me because in that case the shipping fees to send back your cartridge are over my budget.

(Edit : fixed typo, message structure and broken Engrish)

 

[slinga]

You can use Save Game Copier to calculate an MD5 sum of the cart region. That might be sufficient for your purposes? Compare that to CafeAlpha's hash.

 

[Colt_Mystic]

Hi, thank you for posting about your ST-Key ! A long ago, a cartridge with same PCB layout was dumped and the ROM file is available in Pseudo Saturn Kai Save Data Manager.

Link where the file can be found : PPCenter :: Pseudo Saturn Kai -> pskai_release_202xxxxx.7z -> tools -> pskai_sdm.iso -> FW -> STKEY -> STKEY.BIN
In the same folder, STKEY_03.JPG and STKEY_04.JPG pictures have the same PCB layout as your cartridge.

Because of same PCB layout, your cartridge is very likely to contains the same ROM, but the only way to be 100% sure about that is to dump it.
Saturn cartridge connector is not a standard connector so unfortunately standalone ROM dumper device doesn't exists. The recommended method to dump the ROM it is to use a Saturn with Save Data Manager software (it have a ROM dump feature) and Fenrir ODE or Satiator ODE to store ROM contents on SD card.

I have the necessary equipment to dump the ROM from a cartridge but if you are located in Oceania, America or Europe then I fear it won't be possible for me because in that case the shipping fees to send back your cartridge are over my budget.

(Edit : fixed typo, message structure and broken Engrish)

Wow, firstly thank you! This was very informative and I’m a bit new to these kinds of things but love to learn. Unfortunately I do live in America but may I ask what the shipping fee is in US Dollars? I may be able to pay it if that would work, I’m just incredibly curious about what could be on here. Once again thank you for your response and expertise!!