Dreamcast: Is this a 3.3v machine?

[Leon Retro]

After a bit of research, I think this is probably a 3.3v Dreamcast that is compatible with the GDEMU. But before I buy it, I thought it best to check on here and see if anyone knows?

I want a Japanese machine to make sure there aren't any problems with games running at 60Hz. I have a launch JP Dreamcast that isn't compatible with the GDEMU, so I need another one for that purpose.

[gunrock]

Will post back later but there is usually a 0, 1 or 2 on the back that I don't see there.

[mmmonkey]

I recently had all three models of NTSC-J DC pass through my hands and noticed that none of them had the little 0, 1 or 2 (maybe that’s a EURO and NTSC-U thing)

Anyway, not sure if this helps you?



Edit - now that I’ve compared, I would say the one you posted could be a VA2 model, which isn’t compatible with GDEMU (or USB-GDROM for that matter)

[Leon Retro]

Will post back later but there is usually a 0, 1 or 2 on the back that I don't see there.

Japanese machines don't have those numbers to identify the model. I wish they did.

Edit - now that I’ve compared, I would say the one you posted could be a VA2 model, which isn’t compatible with GDEMU (or USB-GDROM for that matter)

That has definitely put me off buying it. I don't want to take the risk. I will take note of your image and try to hunt down one similar to the VA1 in your pic.

[randombs]

It's been ages since I last saw one in the flesh, but that looks like a 100V Dreamcast to me.

[tokyochojin]

Not sure if this is any help - http://dreamcastgaga.blogspot.com/20...ptability.html

[mmmonkey]

Not sure if this is any help - http://dreamcastgaga.blogspot.com/20...ptability.html

Some great info there! I spent ages scouring to find that serial number info and failed.

Judging by that then, I’d say the console originally photographed would have a 3.3v Drive in it. It’s the same year of manufacture as the VA1 in my photo.

[MENTION=2625]randombs[/MENTION] - we’re talking about what volts the optical drive runs at. Early model D.C. console drives ran at 5V and aren’t compatible with one of the popular drive replacent products

[speedlolita]

Is the voltage the only issue?

[mmmonkey]

I think so, the site says it will work in a VA0 machine but it will eventually damage the ODE. So I guess that could be taken to mean it’s pin compatible and it’s just the voltage that’s just the difference. So I guess it could be modded with a voltage divider or regulator down to 3.3v.

I’ve not seen anyone try it (but then I haven’t looked). Maybe people are scared to try it as they waited so long to get the gdemu!!

I guess it sells so well (and he’s moved onto developing other things) that the creator hasn’t made it compatible himself. Shame, as he caters for all Saturn consoles.