Hello dreamcast players!
I want to ask two questions about dreamcast hardware compatibility.
1. Can I use Dreamcast pal modem HKT-3030 (670-14116A) with japaness dreamcast console that don't have modem (HKT-3010)? For playing online.
2. Can I switch Dreamcast GD-ROM drives, from PAL dreamcast to japanese and vice versa? Will they work?
Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
Moderator: pcwzrd13
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- lithium
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- dark night
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Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
I can answer question 2 with certainty; the drives are NOT region locked.
As for 1 - I have mixed and matched a lot of Dreamcast parts on my own machines, never had an issue with the modem causing the machine not to boot, BUT, I have never tried to take these Frankenstein Dreamcasts online.
As for 1 - I have mixed and matched a lot of Dreamcast parts on my own machines, never had an issue with the modem causing the machine not to boot, BUT, I have never tried to take these Frankenstein Dreamcasts online.
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- core
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Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
I once placed a NTSC-US GD-ROM to a PAL Dreamcast and it worked fine.
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- fire
- Posts: 80
Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
Japanese modem works on my PAL Dreamcast (even online), so I don't see a reason why it shouldn't work the other way around. But remember, PAL modem requires 18V, not 9V like US/Japan modems.
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- undertow
- Posts: 33
Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
2. Can I switch Dreamcast GD-ROM drives, from PAL dreamcast to japanese and vice versa? Will they work?
Depends, they need to be same voltage 5v or 3.3v
Depends, they need to be same voltage 5v or 3.3v
- megavolt85
- Developer
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Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
you are mistakenpipporamone wrote:Depends, they need to be same voltage 5v or 3.3v
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- undertow
- Posts: 33
Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
Early japanese units have a 5 volt GD-ROM (written on plate). it is not recommended to put that on a DC board with a 3.3 v GDROM (works but behaves strangely, tested)
You can indeed switch the lens (works, tested personally)
95% of Dreamcast i have seen have 3.3v GD Rom so these are interchangeable.
Modems:
NTSC-u have 56k 9v
90% of NTSC-J are 33k 9v (late model are 56k 9v).
PAL modems are 33k 18v.
if you go online i suggest to take a north american modem.
Hope this will clarify
You can indeed switch the lens (works, tested personally)
95% of Dreamcast i have seen have 3.3v GD Rom so these are interchangeable.
Modems:
NTSC-u have 56k 9v
90% of NTSC-J are 33k 9v (late model are 56k 9v).
PAL modems are 33k 18v.
if you go online i suggest to take a north american modem.
Hope this will clarify
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Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
I assume he will be using it with DreamPi so it doesn't matter which model he uses as the download/upload will be limited to 33.3Kbps anyways. Its only the line voltage that needs to be considered.pipporamone wrote:
if you go online i suggest to take a north american modem.
Hope this will clarify
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- undertow
- Posts: 33
Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
Anonymouse wrote:I assume he will be using it with DreamPi so it doesn't matter which model he uses as the download/upload will be limited to 33.3Kbps anyways. Its only the line voltage that needs to be considered.pipporamone wrote:
if you go online i suggest to take a north american modem.
Hope this will clarify
That's true...only if you use alternative method (like standard dial-up) games like quake 3 will benefit with a 56k.
- megavolt85
- Developer
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Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem
5v GD-ROM fine work on 3v3 board, 3v3 GD-ROM fine work on 5v boardpipporamone wrote:Early japanese units have a 5 volt GD-ROM (written on plate). it is not recommended to put that on a DC board with a 3.3 v GDROM (works but behaves strangely, tested)
GD-ROM use ATA controller from PC CD-ROM and compatibily with both voltages