(Part 2) Best products from r/dreamcast

If you had a two-line analog telephone adapter (ATA) rather than a one line ATA, you should be able to put the DC on line 1 and a PC modem on line 2 and enter line 2's number on the DC as your ISP's phone number. Configure the PC to answer the modem when it rings and provide Internet access over the dial-in connection (this is super easy in Windows 10). You never hit the Internet with your modem connection and don't need an active VoIP service or anything unless the ATA needs one to function.

Issues you may run into:

• The ATA may encode the signal too poorly to transmit data. If the ATA supports analog fax, HD Voice, or has configurable codecs, you can work around this if the defaults suck.
  
• The ATA may not be able to be configured to turn a 7 or 10 digit number into an extension. It looks like Cisco ATAs can have this feature (so you'd dial 111-111-1111 and it can be configured to ignore all but the last number). Without it, some DC games won't work because they want a full number (bad validation).
  
• Dreamcast.online doesn't work because it expects to be able to access your DreamPi - I don't like this and would love for them to release an API so you could use a setup like this and still show as online
  
  There are a few benefits over a DreamPi though:
  
  
• Since you have an actual phone line, you don't need a line voltage inducer and you have a real dial tone (which I think the DreamPi does as well, but I don't know).
  
• You can use an amazing modem on the host-side like the USR5686E, which should allow you to fine-tune your configuration for the greatest possible performance (including violating the spec in ways that you couldn't otherwise)
  
• If any games allow calling a friend's modem (I can't recall if any do), and you both have a VoIP ATA, you can actually call one another over the Internet (assuming that the VoIP lines are high quality or fax capable).
  
• It transparently works with other modem-equipped devices (assuming the host-side modem can negotiate a speed supported by the client-side).
  
  That said - you have a one-line ATA. Buying a two-line ATA is about how much it costs to get a RPi up and running (unless you find a super cheap ATA, say at a thrift store)... and given that the community generally prefers the RPi solution at the moment, that's probably the better choice unless you like to tinker with stuff.

Also, did you download the root file from the usbgdrom site? There's a file that has to be on the USB in order for it to run properly.

If you have, move on to USB sticks. I ordered a couple different USB drives before I found one that would work. The one I've actually had the best luck with is a USB microsd reader. I put a 400GB micro sd in it and it works perfect.

Here's the one I'm using:
CY Mini Size 5Gbps Super Speed... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016W4M5BE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And the micro sd card:
SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSDXC... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074RNRM2B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Good luck.

Thanks for the comparisons !
So would I be better off returning the Composite to HDMI adapter ?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I482KZI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

sorry I hope this isn't too confusing -- my main question is would it be better to do VGA to HDMI or -- Composite to HDMI -- or would it make no difference at all since the image is being transferred to digital ?

Also thank you very much ! the Dreamcast reddit seems to have a very nice community -- I'm happy to finally own one after so many years.

Where are you located? Have you tried looking for independent game stores in your area? Sometimes they have some good deals, and even if they cost a little more, it might be worth it just to be able to check out the condition of the used merchandise before you buy it.

Are there any specific games you are looking for? $15+ is a pretty typical price tag for the more uncommon or high-demand titles, but there's still a lot of great stuff out there that can be picked up on the cheap. Amazon Marketplace is a great place to go for deals, and often times you can find new copies of games for around $10 or less. Right now you can get a new copy of Chu Chu Rocket for $3.94, a new copy of of Jet Grind Radio for $10.99, a new copy of Phantasy Star Online (it has an off-line game too) for $3.20, a new copy of Space Channel 5 for $4.49, a new copy of Tennis 2K2 for $3.34, a new copy of Test Drive Le Mans for $0.01, and a new copy of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater for $9.99.

Not completely bad for a first time paint job. I recommend an air brush and some home made stencils to get a clean look. I started off painting Xboxs and by no means were they better.

When painting plastic consoles, it is a good idea to follow these guidlines:

1. First clean the plastic with soap.
   
2. Then give the plastic a light sand with find grit sandpaper. This will allow paint to stick.
   
3. When painting the plastic, use an airbrush. Give it a light coat, then wait a few hours.
   
4. Give it another coat and wait another few hours.
   
5. Then give it one last coat and wait a few hours.
   
6. After the paint has dried, give it a few coats of clear coat, waiting for each coat to dry in between.

Dreamcast: $20 (Goodwill; incl 2 controllers, 1 VMU)

DCHDMI: $130

Harness Parts: ~$4

GDEMU: $109 (clone)

SD Card: $54 (400GB micro SD)

Fan: $2.75

Fan Plug Parts: ~$2

Battery Holder: $0.32

ML2032 Battery: $7

picoPSU + adapter board: $37

TOTAL: ~$366.07

I'm not certain the current weight. I could weigh it in the morning, and definitely get back to you on that.

Super quiet. I actually got worried that my fan wasn't working when I put the top of the console shell back on, because it was so quiet. But sure enough, it's pushing air. I bought and tried a couple different fans, and this is the one I settled on.

EDIT: As a disclaimer, I don't recommend using the above replacement fan if you are using the stock PSU.

This is a little bit more expensive than the cheapest Amazon offers but it has much better reviews. For me, it looks like this would be $13 shipped.

It's worth it to save the $40-$50 for a VGA cable/box though. You'll be blown away by the quality on a modern HDTV.

I also have a Bravia and I have had success using this with this adaptor and it's been working great. Good luck!

Nice post. I am in the US and my set up is

Tomee VGA cable
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HPU96FI/ref=sr_rp_1?m=A26BKZHHS8SI0Z&ie=UTF8&qid=1457962972&sr=sr-1&keywords=tomee+vga

Etekcity VGA to HDMI upscaler
http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity%C2%AE-Scaler-Converter-Adapter-Laptop/dp/B008COJXHC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457963006&sr=8-1&keywords=etekcity+vga

Also need this to convert the audio
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0141KPE50?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

It works great and looks amazing seeing the DC in 1080p. The only issue I had is to make sure you plug the VGA cable in tightly. It fits more snugly than it is supposed to and if it isn't pushed in all the way, it won't work.

I bought some from ebay that worked perfectly. The only thing you have to do is sand the dreamcast joystick base part a little bit. The plastic stick that connects to the dreamcast thumbstick. Otherwise the ps4 thumbstick will sit a little to high and rub the controller and won't work or feel proper.
I bought the black versions of these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Red-Thumbstick-Replacement-for-PS4-PlayStation-4-DualShock-Controller/221580748050?hash=item33973de512:g:O3cAAOSwR0JURELx

The other option I tried are thumbstick caps from Xbox one on amazon, even though they fit perfect, they are a bit clunky making the dreamcast thumbstick clunky!

https://www.amazon.com/Controller-Gamepad-Antislip-Thumbsticks-Joystick/dp/B06XXN3G48/ref=sr_1_7?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1510423204&sr=1-7&keywords=xbox+one+thumbstick+caps

I've always been quite happy with Creative's budget offerings for speakers - the Creative A250 speaker set seems to offer good performance for its price. I have the older A220 set and am very happy with it.

I haven't investigated VGA to HDMI scalers as my monitor does a good job of it on its own and I'm not a fan of scanlines (though I don't play many 2D fighting games, which seem to be the games which benefit the most).

Oh cool. Thanks for the info. I shall definitely look into getting one of these now. HIGH DEF JET GRIND RADIO AND SHENMUE!!!! AWWWW YEAH!

So I assume this cable is fine?
http://www.amazon.com/10ft-Resolution-monitor-cable-Male/dp/B0002AHT0M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300287374&sr=8-1&rps=1

What are you trying to output to? HDTV? CRT monitor? Because sometimes the VGA is a minimal difference on HD displays, either that or you get excessive smudging and it could actually look worse. Then you'd have to introduce an upscaler such as the XRGB mini and since you're on a budget don't even look up the price of that device.

But if you are going straight into a CRT then just about anything will work but I'd recommend a "box" over "cable" any day. Just make sure you've got corresponding speakers to connect to your respective "box". Some have a 3.5mm audio jack and some have Stereo Out (red & white).

Holy Grail VGA - http://www.beharbros.com/#!hanzo/c1gph

Average Grade VGA - http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000SL4IIG/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/185-2730549-1115359?fp=1&pc_redir=1427455287

Absolute Crap VGA cable - http://www.amazon.com/Tomee-Sega-VGA-Cable-Sound-Adapter/dp/B00HPU96FI

Hope this helps!

VMU

16x Memory card



Play games on you PS1 and DC (Bleemcast disk) with the same save and memory card

Rumble pack

Even better, Rumble pack and memory in one

Samba De Amigo Maracas

VGA box

PS1 controller and keyboard adapter

Dreamcast Keyboard And Mouse

Fishing Controller

StarFire LightBlaster

Agetec Arcade Stick

Gameshark Lite Video Game Enhancer

MC2 Racing Wheel w/Pedals

Broadband Adapter

SD card adapter

• All items may take a life time to collect
  
  

Pretty much re-routes the ps1 controller to fit in the port of dreamcast and work.

http://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-Plus-Dreamcast-adapter-PC/dp/B008ELD23O

If you're connecting with composite cables, you are going to notice an IMMENSE upgrade in picture quality. If you can find a Sega VGA box, those are the ones to go for. Otherwise this one is also a fairly priced but good option.

This one will work for ps1/ps2 controllers: https://www.amazon.com/Total-Control-Plus-Dreamcast-PSX-PS/dp/B008ELD23O

That adapter exists because of the bleemcast emulator that allowed a few ps1 games to be played on the Dreamcast.

As far as I know you would need to mod your dreamcast or cobble together some kind of adapter for anything else.

[Mad Catz MC wheel for dreamcast]
(http://www.amazon.com/Sega-Dreamcast-MC2-Racing-Wheel-Pedals/dp/B000023MCL)

without a doubt the best wheel for the dreamcast
(just make sure you get the MC2 and NOT the first MC, the first one is horrid)

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SL4IIG/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/185-2730549-1115359?fp=1&pc_redir=1427455287

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Buy This:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SL4IIG/ref=oh_details_o01_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hook it up to this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008COJXHC/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I dont think so.
The official DC box and even this [one] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000SL4IIG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486847024&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=vga+box+dreamcast&dpPl=1&dpID=51TV0jT7%2B4L&ref=plSrch) have composite output along with VGA.

What if you get a scart/composite [adaptor] (https://www.google.de/search?q=scart+to+composite&client=ms-android-oneplus&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiMi_ql-YjSAhXH0xQKHWlqBdgQ_AUICCgC&biw=360&bih=560#imgrc=vr3dgEFJp_qEjM:)?

What can you use the broadband adaptor for these days? Do people still play PSO on their DCs? I could be really in to that, I need to check on /r/pso once I come up with enough free time to add a game like PSO to my schedule.

I actually bought this VGA box but it was DOA so I had to ship it back and get a refund.