Sega Dreamcast Code Checker Dev Hardware?

The mpr number on it has not been dumped. Won't know if it matches other versions until you dump it.

 

this one MPR-21933-X2 - no
however there is chances it can appear same as common 1.01d MPR-21931

0_o wat ?

 

Access decodes, not instruction decodes. My mistake.

 

Ok, I'll get the proper converter for my burner and dump it.

 

Could you not dump via BBA or coders cable?

While you can certainly remove the bios to dump it, theres a risk of damage to the pads (and possibly the bios with heat or damaging pins). Also, you need to refit it. Possibly if its sold in future - someone could be funny about the bios being removed/refitted.

I would certainly attempt least destructive way first - and I do this type of stuff a lot.

 

Awesome stuff. So many unducumented Dreamcast stuff out there like this, like the internet cafe units, the cable box/dvr type game on demand things ect.

 

Would anyone let me borrow a Sega BBA? I know they are a luxury item now a days, but I guess that's the easiest way.

 

does this device can boot CDs ?
some sources says starting from this MPR-21933 Sega disabled MIL-CD support, if that's true - BBA will be useless
so classic desoldering & dumping using programmer will be required, which btw is quite safe in case if person who do this have proper skills and equipment.

PS: BBA is not only option, SD-card interface can be used instead, which basically does the same thing (can store data from Dreamcst) but pretty cheap and easy to find or build by yourself.

 

+1 for sdcards, almost as fast as bba, very simple and cheap. Certainly the best quality/price device for dumping.

Ofc you should try a milcd first, otherwise there's no simple way to execute the code for dumping.

In this case, we could try to do a swap trick with a CD that's prepared in a similar way to a gd-r, with a 2de session at LBA 45000 and non milcd IP.BIN. But if you're comfortable using the burner there's no real need to do that, beside curiosity.

 

Even with having the right equipment and skills, there is always a risk of damaging pads when reworking a board. Sure, you can patch it up. But this isn't a common piece of hardware.

Even though I want the bios dumped too, I don't think it's right to imply there is no risk to the unit.

You could also desolder d501, which leads to the original bios /ce pin and disable it with a resistor. Then solder a replacement bios that will boot milcd to the test points on the bottom of the board. Once you are done, returning it to stock is just the reverse process.

Much less risk doing it that way imo.

 

well, by "proper equipment" I meant "not use soldering iron", in such case there is almost impossible to damage pads

 

What do you guys hope to find by dumping the BIOS? Apart from maybe a few differences in the vector table or interrupt controller setup, it looks like all the logic is handled by the CPLD. I still think the bus interconnects would be more telling.

 

I would disagree.

I have hot air rework station, IR Bga rework station, hot air Bga rework station.

Even then, It's still quite possible to damage pads.

I doubt the op has the equipment I have (or removed as many dreamcast bioses) and I still wouldn't say with 100% certainty I wouldnt damage any pads.

Personally, on something rare like this I'd use the method I mentioned above if milcds don't work. Or a gdemu may work, build dreamshell to boot as a gdrom etc (does the gdemu require milcd exploit to work?)

 

@Bad_Ad84 ok then
for sure its better try to use Mil-CD and SD-adapter first

@Trident6
there is not special BIOS, but regular one, it was seen on mass production units, so this is undumped part of Dreamcast history

 

Dont get me wrong, with correct skill and equipment - risk is MUCH MUCH reduced. But on something rare, I would personally want 0%.

Do agree on getting it dumped though. If the op wants to send it to me, I would do it for free.

 

Well I mean I can do it. I have a nice setup (Pace) and I use Chipquik for things that are special.

 

I meant via the test points, as I described in one of my above posts.

 

So far I've bought a USB Blaster, but when I load up the software, it detects the Altera MAX chip, but it only gives me an option to blank check it which of course fails. I've tried this with v 13 and v9.1 versions.

 

I removed the bios no problem, but what kind of chip is this, IE what should I read it as?

 

I'd guess as generic SOP44 16Mbit ROM, M27C160 for example
the difference is VCC, if this mobo VA0-like - 5V must be used, if VA1 - 3.3V