Manual Dreamcast Now (Virtual Machine) + VM for External Serial Modems

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Scrivani
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Manual Dreamcast Now (Virtual Machine) + VM for External Serial Modems

Post#1 » Tue Mar 16, 2021 10:34 pm

* Autonomous Dreamcast Now *

With this you can appear on Dreamcast Now while playing through other connection methods, like real dial up or Netopia.

* Virtual Machine Version *

[VERSION 2 UPDATE] : Game List Choice, Code improvements

The being played game will be detected independent of DC console or any other connection methods used, like real dial up or other connection methods that go online.

The script is:
1 - Create a Ubuntu(32-bit) virtual machine with the available virtual disk - option "use an existing virtual disk file".
2 - Network Options> Attached to: Bridged Adapter, Promiscuous Mode: Allow All
3 - Power up VM and start with "Start Autonomous Dreamcast Now" icon and choice any game.
4 - Configure Dreamcast Now PROFILE using the virtual machine's IP, at Dreamcast Now page.
5 - I suggest putting the BBA or Emulator indication in DC Now username.
6 - Close command window and switch from "auto ethX" to "(Ethernet)"

NOTE: (Ethernet) is for correct game dectection. And "auto ethX" is the way for configure Dreamcast Now page profile without errors.
IMG1.png

7 - Start again with "Start Autonomous Dreamcast Now" icon
IMG2.PNG

IMG3.PNG

IMG4.PNG

8 - With your Dreamcast + BBA or the other connection methods, go online.


So yes, you need a computer/laptop to do this thing, but just leave it there while playing.

Be aware that the MAC Address created automatically by Virtual Box will be the identification key with Dreamcast Now, so it is prudent to take note of that MAC.


* DreamPi(VM) for Ext. Serial Modems *

This VM can also be used in the traditional way for dial-up connection, including for the serial modem, by using "Start DreamPi" icon

Some time ago I changed this virtual machine to the most updated kernel, making it possible to use external serial modems using an FTDI RS232 to USB cable, like PL2303. It also maintains functionality for the USB modem.

External modems have great charm and retro/vintage approach. They also work on RasbperryPi dreampi.

multimodem.png


TFM-560X_d01_2.jpg
TFM-560X_d01_2.jpg (19.75 KiB) Viewed 11083 times


Examples of compatible modems, this two external models above DO NOT require LVI if you using most types of american DC modems (Like RevA and most RevB ones), types C1 and C2 in this image.

self_contained_voltage_modems.png



DC NOW IDENTIFICATION ASPECT:
I recommend manage Network/MAC Address section if you're also going to use as usual DreamPi, as each one (DreamPi x Autonomous DC Now) coud have a unique username on Dreamcast Now, so the MAC Address must be different. You can take note of the first one, and then click refresh button to create a new one, also taking note. You can switch between them at any time, the field is editable.
IMG5.PNG

OR should be easier to just clone the virtual machine and do individual uses, with this individual Mac Addresses.


Link to download the virtual disk, usable in VirtualBox.
Download Virtual Disk - Version 2

Link to download the virtual disk, usable in VirtualBox.
Download Virtual Disk - Version 3 + Daytona



Take a look at megavolt85 VM Original project:
viewtopic.php?t=12731


edit 07/02/23:
Old topic description: [V3] Dreamcast Now for BBA (LAN)


[OLD RASPBERRY VERSION - PLEASE CHECK "BBA MODE FOR DREAMPI"]
* Raspberry Version *

*As an add-on, using Rasbperry Dreampi image/infrastructure. No impact for stardard dreampi (modem) function, they will work separately.

Files
-dreampi_now.py
-dreampi_now.ksh

Unzip destination:
/home/pi/dreampi/

Execution command:
./dreampi_now.ksh

To back to normal dreampi use, you just need to reboot pi or select option "18".

Check dreampi_now.zip below

So the full script is:

1 - Login to the RaspberryPi
A: Physical login: Depends that you connect to a display via HDMI and have a USB-connected keyboard
username: pi / password: raspberry

B: Remotely login: Much Better > Access raspberry via your computer (putty) or smartphone (JuiceSSH, Mobile SSH, many apps options)
This remote access is portable enough to easily launch the Dreamcast Now instance. Inside the SSH software you just need to enter the
raspberry IP address (you can see inside your router dhcp page or physically running "ifconfig" command)


2 - Once at the command line, if you haven't already transferred the 2 files present in dreampi_now.zip, you can do it by wget command.
A: enter /home/pi/dreampi/ directory:
command: cd /home/pi/dreampi/
Note: When you log with Pi user, you're already in /home/pi/ directory, so you also can just type: cd dreampi

B: Downloading and giving permission to the files:
command 1: wget --no-check-certificate https://dreamcastlive.net/files/dreampi_now.py
command 2: wget --no-check-certificate https://dreamcastlive.net/files/dreampi_now.ksh
command 3: chmod +x dreampi_now.*

3 - Start the application
command: ./dreampi_now.ksh

Note: To repeat the execution on other days, when you log with Pi user, you're already in /home/pi/ directory, so you also can just type:
./dreampi/dreampi_now.ksh
OR: cd dreampi
And then: ./dreampi_now.ksh

img1.png


img2.png
Attachments
dreampi_now.zip
(7.41 KiB) Downloaded 144 times
Last edited by Scrivani on Fri Feb 02, 2024 11:21 pm, edited 43 times in total.
Happy if may help:
- BBA Mode for DreamPi: https://bit.ly/3JEIuhs
- VPN Port Fowarding: https://bit.ly/3Bgw4bu
- DC Now Data Analysis: https://bit.ly/42coxXw
- DC KARA NOT DEAD AT ALL- VCD Method: https://bit.ly/3P6VePw
- Know part of BR Community: https://bit.ly/3iLXS12

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Scrivani
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Re: Dreamcast Now Alternative for BBA

Post#2 » Tue Mar 16, 2021 11:52 pm

[VERSION 1 COMMENTS]

More tests should be done, such as using the IP chosen for the BBA within the code, instead of the IP of the virtual machine

Capturar6.PNG

In this example, changing the value of the RetMyIP variable to the BBA's IP. You can only comment on the selected line, making it invalid by placing a # in front of it. And then remove the # from the line below and enter the IP.

Another suggestion was given by megavolt85, to use the virtual machine as a gateway when configuring the BBA connection.

This is all for the purpose of demonstrating the game being played. If this is not essential for you, the Dreamcast Now instance alone already guarantees the purpose.

[PLEASE CHECK VERSION 2 IMPROVEMENTS]


Story Context:

I've been talking about this idea with Shuouma and MegaVolt85. I also sent a direct message to Kazade.

This possibility came to me with the intention that people using BBA or other connection method, can create an instance/flag in Dreamcast Now, if they want to appear online on the site.

Today to start a Dreamcast Now session, the DreamPi code is positioned to release this only after a successful dial-up connection.

The possibility here is about being able to use a Dreamcast Now session not tied to the Dreamcast dial-up connection.

[VERSION 1 UPDATE]
Capturar8.PNG

Capturar9.PNG

So I used the virtual machine with the DreamPi code, created by friend megavolt85, where I customized a new script, identical to the original, but that starts a Dreamcast Now session only.

Capturar7.PNG

Originally, Dreamcast Now starts with the IP reserved for Dreamcast. I added a command to detect the IP of the virtual machine and then start a session with it.
Capturar4.PNG

So this is the suggestion, if you consider it a good idea to use.

The detection of the game being played happened correctly and this is very cool.
Capturar2.PNG

Capturar1.PNG
Last edited by Scrivani on Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:58 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Happy if may help:
- BBA Mode for DreamPi: https://bit.ly/3JEIuhs
- VPN Port Fowarding: https://bit.ly/3Bgw4bu
- DC Now Data Analysis: https://bit.ly/42coxXw
- DC KARA NOT DEAD AT ALL- VCD Method: https://bit.ly/3P6VePw
- Know part of BR Community: https://bit.ly/3iLXS12

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NeoSnk
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Re: Dreamcast Now Alternative for BBA + Emulators

Post#3 » Wed Mar 17, 2021 12:30 am

Great job man, Im going to use this when playing with my BBA.
For tutorials and homebrews access Titan Game Studios: https://titangamestudioscom.wordpress.com/
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SEGA RPG FAN
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Posts: 601

Re: Dreamcast Now Alternative for BBA + Emulators

Post#4 » Wed Mar 17, 2021 12:16 pm

Do DNS queries have to be directed at the VM for this to work if not running an emulator inside the VM?
PSO Dreamcast 100% Legit: Eda FOmarl, Automaton HUcast

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Scrivani
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Re: Dreamcast Now Alternative for BBA + Emulators

Post#5 » Wed Mar 17, 2021 1:01 pm

SEGA RPG FAN wrote:Do DNS queries have to be directed at the VM for this to work if not running an emulator inside the VM?


The emulator were running outside the VM in this case, running from my Windows 10 Laptop, and the VM running from him.

It demand more tests, maybe the kazade DNS Server can see the both, real machine and virtual machine as same requester. Not sure.
Happy if may help:
- BBA Mode for DreamPi: https://bit.ly/3JEIuhs
- VPN Port Fowarding: https://bit.ly/3Bgw4bu
- DC Now Data Analysis: https://bit.ly/42coxXw
- DC KARA NOT DEAD AT ALL- VCD Method: https://bit.ly/3P6VePw
- Know part of BR Community: https://bit.ly/3iLXS12

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Scrivani
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Posts: 724
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Re: Dreamcast Now Alternative for BBA + Emulators

Post#6 » Wed Mar 17, 2021 1:06 pm

DNS aspects can be improved with help from the community. They will only determine the detection of the running game. :)
Happy if may help:
- BBA Mode for DreamPi: https://bit.ly/3JEIuhs
- VPN Port Fowarding: https://bit.ly/3Bgw4bu
- DC Now Data Analysis: https://bit.ly/42coxXw
- DC KARA NOT DEAD AT ALL- VCD Method: https://bit.ly/3P6VePw
- Know part of BR Community: https://bit.ly/3iLXS12

User avatar
Scrivani
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Posts: 724
Contact:

Re: Dreamcast Now Alternative for BBA + Emulators

Post#7 » Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:00 pm

Good results using real Dreamcast with BBA, playing POD.

No DreamPi running, just Dreamcast Now Service VM and Dreamcast direct at RJ45 network cable :)

Prints from PC
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Print from smartphone
e62090e2-e540-4e9f-9d73-3ad80dad310d.jpg
Last edited by Scrivani on Wed Mar 17, 2021 11:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Happy if may help:
- BBA Mode for DreamPi: https://bit.ly/3JEIuhs
- VPN Port Fowarding: https://bit.ly/3Bgw4bu
- DC Now Data Analysis: https://bit.ly/42coxXw
- DC KARA NOT DEAD AT ALL- VCD Method: https://bit.ly/3P6VePw
- Know part of BR Community: https://bit.ly/3iLXS12

User avatar
SEGA RPG FAN
Developer
Posts: 601

Re: Dreamcast Now Alternative for BBA + Emulators

Post#8 » Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:50 pm

Awesome. Nice work. I'll have to test it out sometime with my BBA.
PSO Dreamcast 100% Legit: Eda FOmarl, Automaton HUcast

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deluxux
Black Mesa
Posts: 1400

Re: Dreamcast Now Alternative for BBA + Emulators

Post#9 » Fri Mar 26, 2021 4:31 am

This is an awesome project:) thank you:)

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Scrivani
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Re: Dreamcast Now for BBA & Emulators + DreamPi(VM) for Ext. Serial Modems

Post#10 » Sat Mar 27, 2021 5:21 pm

Original Post UPDATED - Please check VERSION 2 improvements

IMG1.png
Happy if may help:
- BBA Mode for DreamPi: https://bit.ly/3JEIuhs
- VPN Port Fowarding: https://bit.ly/3Bgw4bu
- DC Now Data Analysis: https://bit.ly/42coxXw
- DC KARA NOT DEAD AT ALL- VCD Method: https://bit.ly/3P6VePw
- Know part of BR Community: https://bit.ly/3iLXS12

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