Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

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thedemon1238
lithium
Posts: 42

Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#1 » Sat Feb 22, 2020 1:02 pm

Hello dreamcast players! :mrgreen:

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?

Alex_DC
dark night
Posts: 56

Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#2 » Mon Feb 24, 2020 12:11 pm

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.

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Caspian
core
Posts: 119

Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#3 » Tue Feb 25, 2020 11:49 am

I once placed a NTSC-US GD-ROM to a PAL Dreamcast and it worked fine.

NightBreeze
fire
Posts: 80

Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#4 » Wed Feb 26, 2020 6:52 am

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.

pipporamone
undertow
Posts: 33

Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#5 » Wed Feb 26, 2020 8:28 am

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

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megavolt85
Developer
Posts: 1787

Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#6 » Wed Feb 26, 2020 12:45 pm

pipporamone wrote:Depends, they need to be same voltage 5v or 3.3v


you are mistaken

pipporamone
undertow
Posts: 33

Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#7 » Thu Feb 27, 2020 5:33 am

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

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Anonymouse
Outtrigger
Posts: 458

Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#8 » Thu Feb 27, 2020 6:45 am

pipporamone wrote:
if you go online i suggest to take a north american modem.

Hope this will clarify


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.
Dreamcast: Blue Swirl, 60hz, White LED, Removable battery holder, Internal SD card reader, BBA, DreamPi, RGB Scart

pipporamone
undertow
Posts: 33

Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#9 » Thu Feb 27, 2020 6:57 am

Anonymouse wrote:
pipporamone wrote:
if you go online i suggest to take a north american modem.

Hope this will clarify


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.



That's true...only if you use alternative method (like standard dial-up) games like quake 3 will benefit with a 56k.

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megavolt85
Developer
Posts: 1787

Re: Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

Post#10 » Thu Feb 27, 2020 7:19 am

pipporamone 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)


5v GD-ROM fine work on 3v3 board, 3v3 GD-ROM fine work on 5v board

GD-ROM use ATA controller from PC CD-ROM and compatibily with both voltages

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