Getting Online With Phantasy Star Online

If you are already familiar with connecting to private PSO servers, here is key information and files of interest first. If you are a first time connector or need specific help please read on. This guide is subject to change.

Server IP: 217.23.1.98

EASIEST WAY TO CONNECT FOR BBA AND DIAL-UP:

Connect Codes for dial up: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/00003060.VMI

PC PSO EXE connect and files: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/pso_exe_dctalk.rar Copy the files from the mode of your choice i.e; full screen or windowed into your pso directory (for PC you will also need a unique serial number and access key to register on the server)

Directory with files of interest, i.e. games/programs: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/

INTRODUCTION: GETTING ONLINE WITH PSO

Most files here for use with this guide will need to be extracted using Winrar: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/winrar.exe
All .cdi files need to be burned with Discjuggler at lowest speed possible: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/discjuggler.rar

These guides are based on the legit versions of the Sega Dreamcast PSO with online connections to Dc-Talk. Note that the following versions are not playable online:
1. PSOv2 NTSC/U *
2. PSOv2 NTSC/J *
3. PSOv1 NTSC/J
* = May be used for PSO Website configuration (covered in guide).

The PSO versions covered are as follows:
1. PSOv1 NTSC/U (Dial-up and BBA)
2. PSOv1 PAL (Dial-up)
3. PSOv2 PAL (Dial-up and BBA)

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. PSO TO DC-TALK CONNECTION:
1a. PSOv2 PAL via BBA
1b. PSOv1 NTSC/U via BBA
1c. PSOv1 PAL or NTSC/U and PSOv2 PAL via Dial-Up

3. EXTRAS
3a. PC-DC Connection Method
3b. Screenshot guide by Nico0020
3c. PSO Access Keys and Serials
3d. Server Commands
3e. Known Issues *New*

4. Further Help and Discussion
4a. Discuss and ask questions on the forum topic

1. PSO TO DC-TALK CONNECTION:

1a. PSOv2 PAL via BBA:

Note: When using the Broadband adapter to connect for the first time, you need to configure PSO by using the XDP web browser or PSO v2 NTSC/J read here for more info.

You will need the following tools before you begin:

• PSOv2 PAL: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4WEFWAZO If you download this version you do not need to use dr.dns or any of the other tools to connect. It will connect to the server automatically.
  
• PC with static IP address Go here to find out how: http://portforward.com/networking/staticip.htm
  
• Dr. DNS: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/drdns.rar

[Need one of these to configure DNS to connect with pso if this is the first time using bba to connect with. Easiest to obtain is the xdp web browser download:

• XDP Web Browser for DC: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/xdplimitededition.rar
  Or
  
• PSOv2 NTSC/J: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=D5S0KJ43
• PSOv2 NTSC/U website option will work to configure the IP address to connect to dr.dns. ]
  

1b. PSOv1 NTSC/U via BBA:


You will need the following tools before you begin:

• PSOv1 NTSC/U.
  
• PC with static IP address go here to find out how: http://portforward.com/networking/staticip.htm
  
• Dr. DNS: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/drdns.rar

[Need one of these to configure DNS to connect. Easiest to obtain is the web browser downloads:

• XDP Web Browser for DC: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/xdplimitededition.rar
  Or
  
• PSOv2 NTSC/J: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=D5S0KJ43
• PSOv2 NTSC/U website option will work to configure the IP address to connect to dr.dns. ]
  

Pre-Setup Clarification:
It is true that the BBA is not supported by PSOv1 natively, and if you try to use it, you will get “BBA is unsupported” and it will refuse to go online. This is, however, not actually the case. If you load USv2 and select the website option, you can configure your Dreamcast for static IP. Once you do this and click save, you can return to the title screen and power off and use USv1. Once the BBA has been configured with USv2, USv1 will support it. When you connect online with a BBA instead of a modem, all the text banners are missing and you see only the star screen until the game connects.

You must first set up your PC prior to attempting a connection. To start, you must load *Dr. DNS and make sure the redirect.txt text file is set to DC-Talk’s DNS: dctalk.ath.cx

*NOTE: You must have .NET framework installed on windows to run Dr.DNS:
Download here for 32 bit(x86).
Download here for 64 bit(x64).

Once finished, make a shortcut on the desktop and rename it to PSO DC-Talk. Click on the shortcut to run Dr. DNS. When it is done loading, make sure the “office is open” (see example 1 below) is displayed. This means the PC phase is complete. Make sure your PC has a static IP address go here to learn how to do this: http://portforward.com/networking/staticip.htm. Choose your operating system from the bottom of that page. Also make sure that your Dreamcast is connected to the same router/switch/hub that your PC is.

EXAMPLE 1

Now you need to find your IP address. For those who do not know how to do this, go to “START”, then select “RUN”. In the box, type “cmd” and click “OK”. Now type “ipconfig” and hit “Enter” key. The IP address will appear. Write this down for use in the Dreamcast’s bios flash of this setup.

Now, get out the Dreamcast and set up the BIOS. To do this, boot up with PSOv2 NTSC/U or J, XDP or PW 3.0. Go to website setup and enter the PC’s IP address under the “DNS 1” section only (do not change any other settings). Make sure you save before powering down.

OPTIONAL, NOTE: Before going the next step, it would be a good idea to save/backup your current PSO VMU files. To do this, you will need Dream Explorer (http://bswirl.kitsunet.org/vmutool/release/downloads/Dream_Explorer_085_by_Speud_DJ.rar) or other method you may be aware of. Dream Explorer is the recommended disc for noobs because it is intuitive/simple. For help, please visit BlueSwirl at http://bswirl.kitsunet.org/. After you back-up your VMU save, if you have a v1 character, you may want to open it with v2 offline prior to using v2 PAL. Please note that going from a v1 to a v2 character, you need to use the native versions (example: if your v1 is from NTSC/J, use NTSC/J v2 prior to going further).

Now put in the boot disc (Codebreaker or Action Replay) for those using a NTSC Dreamcast (European DC’s need not worry about a boot disc). Once prompted, swap out the boot disc with the PSOv2 PAL disc. Be patient, your screen will turn black for a while, and then white, then you’ll see the normal Sega start screens. Choose your Character, select online mode, then if all is well, you should be logged into the DC-Talk PSO game server. Select “Vega” or any other ships listed and you’re in. Note: dial up users will most likely be in other ships bedsides “Vega” if there are any up.

1c. *PSO TO DC-TALK CONNECTION DIAL-UP:
*Note: Dial up users may experience connection problems when connecting to the Vega Ship. See the Known Issues section, 3e for more info.

PSOv1 PAL or NTSC/U or PSOv2 PAL via Dial-Up:
You will need the following games and tools before you begin:

• PSOv2 PAL: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4WEFWAZO If you download this version you do not need to use codebreaker codes to connect.
• PSOv1 PAL or NTSC/U or PSOv2 PAL.
  

[Need one of these to configure ISP settings for the DC to be able to get online. Good dial up ISP here: http://vtisp.com

• PlanetWeb 3.0 Web Browser for DC: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/planetweb_3.0.rar
  Or
  
• XDP Web Browser for DC: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/xdplimitededition.rar
  Or
  
• Internet Settings Adjuster: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/ISA.rar ]

• CodeBreaker for connect codes http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/codebreaker.rar
  
• Codebreaker boot disc for booting backup copy of PSO: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/cbbootloader.rar
  
• Use the Code Breaker Bootloader Boot disc in conjunction with the regular Codebreaker to boot backup copies. Codebreaker alone cannot boot them and apply the codes correctly. Put in the bootloader for 5 seconds and swap it out and then put in the codebreaker. It may take a few tries to get the timing right.
  

VERY IMPORTANT, YOU NEED THESE TO CONNECT:
Download these Codebreaker Connect Codes Onto a VMU: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/00003060.VMI using your DC web browser
Or
Download and burn this save disc to use in your DC to download the codes to VMU: http://dreamcast-talk.com/uploads/pso/savedisk.rar

1ST STEP FOR DIAL UP USERS:
This is a bit more involved. You will need to download the DC-Talk VMU file (above) onto the Dreamcast and codebreaker. *You may manually put in the codes for the region your PSO disc came from, if you prefer. After you put in the codes hit start and save the codes to your VMU.
*Important Notes for using Codebreaker: Make sure you only have 1 Memory Card in your first controller and in the first slot. This is to be done when saving and loading codes. After you load the game, swap out the Memory Card with the codes on it and put in your PSO save Memory Unit or just put it into the second slot.

The PSOv1 NTSC/U version requires these codes:

ENABLE:
1EBF9758
C0705040


SERVER:
0E083CA4
0001002C
012866FA
00006364
022866FC
6B6C6174
02286700
6874612E
02286704
0078632E

PSOV1 PAL version requires these codes:

ENABLE:
144F9758
C0705040


SERVER:
0E083C20
0001002C
012861CA
00006364
022861CC
6B6C6174
022861D0
6874612E
022861D4
0078632E

PSOV2 PAL version requires these codes:

ENABLE:
1B7AAF61
8C5FF000
116F90D5
C0705040
1A87D212
40707044
1EEC10FE
0000D002
1EF4D0FE
2012D102
1E04D0FE
0009000B
1E14D0FE
AC937F78
1E24D0FE
0B50C4F3


SERVER:
0E0A0848
0001002C
002E301B
00000064
022E301C
6C617463
022E3020
74612E6B
022E3024
78632E68
022E3028
00000000

After the VMU saves are downloaded on your VMU, make sure your dial-up ISP settings/account is setup. Now you must first boot with the codebreaker to use the VMU save codes. Next, replace the codebreaker disc with the PSO disc (excluding NTSC/J).

Choose your character, then online mode, ship select, choose a ship and you should be online.

3. EXTRAS:

3a. PSO via DC-PC Server

DC-PC Dial up Server Windows:

http://www.maturion.de/dreamcast/mterlouw/

DC-PC Dial up Server Linux:

3b. PSO screen shots:
Thanks to Nico0020 guide

You must have a controller in port D and you need a memory card with 195 free blocks in slot 2 of that controller. Now you must choose what type of picture you want, either way you will press 2 buttons on controller D. If you want a close up of the center of the screen, hold X and press Start; if you want a full screen picture, hold A and press Start. (Note A + X + Start is the same as A + Start) [Thanks to TeleKawaru for the info] The screen will then go black and begin to countdown in the top-left corner, when it hits zero your snapshot will be finished saving on the card in cont. D, slot 2. (Warning: as with all other aspects of PSO, this will NOT pause the game, make sure you're somewhere safe before taking the snapshot.)

You can upload them here:
http://pso.donut.dhs.org/

3c. Shared PSO DC Serials

Sonic Team Test Serial Key
PSO V1 NTSC/U & NTSC/J & PAL *works
Serial Number: 77777777
Access Key: Any 8 digit combination of numbers

PSO V2 NTSC/U *works
Serial Number: 4E62F237
Access Key: oWur4WJg

PSOV2 PAL *works
Serial Number: E4367CA4
Access Key: 5YWXZG3D

Untested:

PSOV2 ????
Serial Number: 1FB659BB
Access Key: NsMToQw2

PSO V1 PAL
Serial Number: 1A9A2948
Access Key: Xtre4Fux

PSO V1 ????
Serial Number: 89ACB092
Access Key: 78VYewQA

PSO ????
Serial Number: 5D7035EC
Access Key: AKawvSyY

PSO V2 NTSC/J
Serial Number: 683EB737
Access Key: ????????

PSO ????
Serial Number: 0898F9A4
Access Key: ????????

PSO ????
Serial Number: F44E0814
Access Key: PNUCkJ9T

PSO V2 ????
Serial Number: 17DFA62B
Access Key: Any 8 digit combination of numbers

PSO V2 ????
Serial Number: 11B76C62
Access Key:8M5HeNGV

3.d New Server Commands
Source:Sylverant Google Code Wiki:: FAQs

/save [slot] -- Save the current character data to the server for backup purposes. [slot] is required and can be between 1 and 4 (inclusive). This command can only be executed in a default lobby, not a game lobby.

/restore [slot] -- Restore the character data from the given slot on the server (saved previously with /save). Be careful when using this command as PSOPC doesn't seem to like you restoring a character that isn't the same as the one you came on the game with. [slot] is required and can be between 1 and 4 (inclusive). This command can only be executed in a default lobby, not a game lobby.

/minlvl [level] -- Set the minimum required level for the current game lobby. [level] is required, and must be greater than or equal to the level specified by the game for the difficulty of the game. This command only affects new clients attempting to enter the game, and will not kick anyone currently in the game out. This command can only be executed in a game lobby, not a default lobby. Also, this command is only available to the current team leader.

/maxlvl [level] -- Set the maximum allowed level for the current game lobby. [level] is required, and must be greater than or equal to the minimum level for the current game lobby. This command only affects new clients attempting to enter the game, and will not kick anyone currently in the game out. This command can only be executed by the team leader and only in a game lobby.

/bstat -- Get the number of players and games currently active on the block that you are on. This can be used in a game lobby or a default lobby.

/arrow [colornumber] -- Set the arrow above your head in the lobby (0 = off, max is 10).

/lname [new lobby name] -- Set the name of a game lobby. Only the party leader can use this command.

/passwd [new lobby password] -- Set a new password on a game lobby. Only the party leader can use this command.

/bug -- Send user information about reporting a bug.

3e. Known Issues on the Server
Quest Loading FSOD:
This is somewhat rare but can happen to any connection type when loading a quest from the guild counter.

Join game FSOD:
This is only a problem when using "backup" copies of PSO. This can affect players of all connection types. The best way to avoid this is by letting players know before you join their game. They can head to Pioneer 2, that will virtually eliminate their chance of FSOD. the players inside the game typically get FSOD when they are on Ragol. Notify them by using the choice search option to send them a mail. A PSO version mod by Smith reduces the chance of FSOD PSO_V2_MOD_DCT.
When joining a game you can also get FSOD or a hang. If its just a hang, perform a soft reset, hold buttons A + B + X + Y + Start. Always try the soft reset so you can save and quit properly.

4. Further Help and Discussion
If you still need help after reading this guide, have feedback or would like to discuss the server and guide, head to the forum topic. There is a lot more information within the posts of that topic. Please also read through them before posting a question.