Finally had time to test out the two ODEs I received the other day.
Good stuff:
For anyone with compatible hardware installing is an absolute breeze. I dropped a Tekken 4 ISO to the root of the memory card, slid it in the card slot and, after reworking the ODE (more on this later), connected the ODE to the System 246 motherboard. Game booted up and I haven't experienced any issues. I then took my other one, dropped a Konami 80's Arcade Gallery BIN and CUE to the root and connected that one to my System 573. Another successful boot. Very impressed.
I agree with everyone else that the card slot is not great, but with the instructions
@electric_monk gave (in post
194), I got two out of two running on my first try. I don't plan on changing games all that often, so it's good enough for me.
Bad stuff:
Here's why I had issues installing the ODE in my System 246. The ATA connector is fully pinned on the ODE. That means it's not compatible with keyed ATA cables like the one in my System 246. I have no recollection where the heck I have my old computer parts stored at to look for a keyless cable, so I solved this by pulling out the pin:
No mounting holes. Why does it not have mounting holes. I don't get it. Even two would be fine. I would be perfectly happy mounting it with adhesive-backed plastic standoffs and leaving it. Now I currently have the ODE resting on a piece of cardboard. Fingers crossed it won't slide off and short on the metal cage.
With Konami 80's Arcade Gallery on the System 573 the ODE runs slower than the CD drive. With the ODE connected it displays a "Now Loading" text while cycling through the game selection every three or four games. It loads for a good second or two. That never happens with the CD drive. I put the CD drive back in.
Negatives aside, I'm happy with my purchase. I'll just use both of them on my System 2X6 units. The disc drive in the System 246 is horrendous. The whole cabinet vibrates when the drive is in full gear. Good riddance to that thing.