Dreamcast:BIOS Replacement Mod: Difference between revisions
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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. | 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. You can opt to use either the original BIOS firmware but patched to be region free with MIL-CD support, or you can opt to use the Japanese Cake BIOS which adds more features. | ||
== Installation == | == Installation == | ||
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# 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. | # 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> | #: <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> | ||
# Clean all soldered areas with isopropyl alcohol and allow it to dry. | |||
# 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. | ||
# At this point, you can reassemble the console. However, you should first take a minute to do the [[Dreamcast:Region Frequency Mod]] to fix potential graphics issues. | |||
== Japanese Cake == | |||
[[File:Dreamcast Japanese Cake Options.png|thumb|Japanese Cake settings screen]] | |||
If you opted for a Japanese Cake BIOS, you can select Settings on the main menu then press Start to open the Japanese Cake settings menu. From here, you can change the color of the boot animation, turn the SEGA license screen off/on, and toggle MIL-CD direct boot support. | |||
Latest revision as of 21:31, 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. You can opt to use either the original BIOS firmware but patched to be region free with MIL-CD support, or you can opt to use the Japanese Cake BIOS which adds more features.
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.
- Clean all soldered areas with isopropyl alcohol and allow it to dry.
- 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.
- At this point, you can reassemble the console. However, you should first take a minute to do the Dreamcast:Region Frequency Mod to fix potential graphics issues.
Japanese Cake
If you opted for a Japanese Cake BIOS, you can select Settings on the main menu then press Start to open the Japanese Cake settings menu. From here, you can change the color of the boot animation, turn the SEGA license screen off/on, and toggle MIL-CD direct boot support.