Dreamcast:BIOS Replacement Mod: Difference between revisions
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A video detailing this process can be found on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jSLu-LXMRc ModzvilleUSA's YouTube channel]. | A video detailing this process can be found on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jSLu-LXMRc ModzvilleUSA's YouTube channel]. | ||
# Disassemble the Dreamcast and locate the BIOS chip (labelled | # Disassemble the Dreamcast and locate the BIOS chip IC501 (labelled MPR-21931-X1, MPR-21933-X1, or MPR-21931-X2). | ||
# Turn the Dreamcast on and use a multimeter to measure pin 23. | # Turn the Dreamcast on and use a multimeter to measure pin 23. | ||
#* If it measures around 3.3V, you will need a 3.3V BIOS chip. | #* If it measures around 3.3V, you will need a 3.3V BIOS chip. | ||
#* If it measures around 5V, you will need a 5V BIOS chip. | #* If it measures around 5V, you will need a 5V BIOS chip. | ||
# Remove the existing BIOS chip. You may find the [[Replacing ICs]] page helpful. | # Remove the existing BIOS chip. You may find the [[Replacing ICs]] page helpful. | ||
#: [[File:Dreamcast BIOS Replacement Removed.jpg|300px]] | |||
# Solder in the new BIOS chip. | # Solder in the new BIOS chip. | ||
#: [[File:Dreamcast BIOS Replacement Replaced.jpg|300px]] | |||
# Solder a wire from pin 1 of the new BIOS to pin 23. | # Solder a wire from pin 1 of the new BIOS to pin 23. | ||
# To write-enable the BIOS (to be able to update the BIOS via software in the future), solder a wire from pin 44 on the new BIOS to pin B14 of the GD-ROM connector. | # To write-enable the BIOS (to be able to update the BIOS via software in the future), solder a wire from pin 44 on the new BIOS to pin B14 of the GD-ROM connector. There are alternate locations for a cleaner install, but are generally more difficult to solder to. | ||
#: <div class="inline-thumb">[[File:Dreamcast BIOS Replacement GD-ROM Pin.jpg|thumb|GD-ROM pin B14]] [[File:Dreamcast BIOS Replacement Wired.jpg|thumb|Alternate pin]]</div> | |||
# Plug in the fan and GD-ROM (or GD-EMU) and test to make sure that it boots. Ensure that you prop up the GD-ROM or GD-EMU so that it is flat and level, as it will otherwise not make a proper connection. | # Plug in the fan and GD-ROM (or GD-EMU) and test to make sure that it boots. Ensure that you prop up the GD-ROM or GD-EMU so that it is flat and level, as it will otherwise not make a proper connection. | ||
Revision as of 17:53, 27 February 2024
If you want region-free game loading, to load burned game backups on a model VA2 Dreamcast, to force all games to boot with VGA output, or your BIOS chip is simply corrupt; you can replace the Dreamcast BIOS chip with a new one.
Installation
A video detailing this process can be found on ModzvilleUSA's YouTube channel.
- Disassemble the Dreamcast and locate the BIOS chip IC501 (labelled MPR-21931-X1, MPR-21933-X1, or MPR-21931-X2).
- Turn the Dreamcast on and use a multimeter to measure pin 23.
- If it measures around 3.3V, you will need a 3.3V BIOS chip.
- If it measures around 5V, you will need a 5V BIOS chip.
- Remove the existing BIOS chip. You may find the Replacing ICs page helpful.
- Solder in the new BIOS chip.
- Solder a wire from pin 1 of the new BIOS to pin 23.
- To write-enable the BIOS (to be able to update the BIOS via software in the future), solder a wire from pin 44 on the new BIOS to pin B14 of the GD-ROM connector. There are alternate locations for a cleaner install, but are generally more difficult to solder to.
- Plug in the fan and GD-ROM (or GD-EMU) and test to make sure that it boots. Ensure that you prop up the GD-ROM or GD-EMU so that it is flat and level, as it will otherwise not make a proper connection.
