Manual Dreamcast Now (Virtual Machine) + VM for External Serial Modems

[Scrivani]

* Autonomous Dreamcast Now *

With this you can appear on Dreamcast Now while playing through other connection methods, like real dial up or Netopia.

* Virtual Machine Version *


Link to download the virtual disk, usable in VirtualBox.
Download Virtual Disk - Version 3 + Daytona

[VERSION 2 UPDATE] : Game List Choice, Code improvements

The being played game will be detected independent of DC console or any other connection methods used, like real dial up or other connection methods that go online.

The script is:
1 - Create a Ubuntu(32-bit) virtual machine with the available virtual disk - option "use an existing virtual disk file".
2 - Network Options> Attached to: Bridged Adapter, Promiscuous Mode: Allow All
3 - Power up VM and start with "Manual DC Now" icon and choice any game.
4 - Configure Dreamcast Now PROFILE using the virtual machine's IP, at Dreamcast Now page.
5 - I suggest putting the BBA or Emulator indication in DC Now username.
6 - Close command window and switch from "auto ethX" to "(Ethernet)"

NOTE: (Ethernet) is for correct game dectection. And "auto ethX" is the way for configure Dreamcast Now page profile without errors.

7 - Start again with "Start Autonomous Dreamcast Now" icon

8 - With your Dreamcast + BBA or the other connection methods, go online.


So yes, you need a computer/laptop to do this thing, but just leave it there while playing.

Be aware that the MAC Address created automatically by Virtual Box will be the identification key with Dreamcast Now, so it is prudent to take note of that MAC.


* DreamPi(VM) for Ext. Serial Modems *

This VM can also be used in the traditional way for dial-up connection, including for the serial modem, by using "Start DreamPi" icon

Some time ago I changed this virtual machine to the most updated kernel, making it possible to use external serial modems using an FTDI RS232 to USB cable, like PL2303. It also maintains functionality for the USB modem.

External modems have great charm and retro/vintage approach. They also work on RasbperryPi dreampi.

TFM-560X_d01_2.jpg (19.75 KiB) Viewed 14511 times

Examples of compatible modems, this two external models above DO NOT require LVI if you using most types of american DC modems (Like RevA and most RevB ones), types C1 and C2 in this image.

DC NOW IDENTIFICATION ASPECT:
I recommend manage Network/MAC Address section if you're also going to use as usual DreamPi, as each one (DreamPi x Autonomous DC Now) coud have a unique username on Dreamcast Now, so the MAC Address must be different. You can take note of the first one, and then click refresh button to create a new one, also taking note. You can switch between them at any time, the field is editable.

OR should be easier to just clone the virtual machine and do individual uses, with this individual Mac Addresses.


Link to download the virtual disk, usable in VirtualBox.
Download Virtual Disk - Version 2

Link to download the virtual disk, usable in VirtualBox.
Download Virtual Disk - Version 3 + Daytona


Take a look at megavolt85 VM Original project:
viewtopic.php?t=12731


edit 07/02/23:
Old topic description: [V3] Dreamcast Now for BBA (LAN)


[OLD RASPBERRY VERSION - PLEASE CHECK "BBA MODE FOR DREAMPI"]
* Raspberry Version *

*As an add-on, using Rasbperry Dreampi image/infrastructure. No impact for stardard dreampi (modem) function, they will work separately.

Files
-dreampi_now.py
-dreampi_now.ksh

Unzip destination:
/home/pi/dreampi/

Execution command:
./dreampi_now.ksh

To back to normal dreampi use, you just need to reboot pi or select option "18".

Check dreampi_now.zip below

So the full script is:

1 - Login to the RaspberryPi
A: Physical login: Depends that you connect to a display via HDMI and have a USB-connected keyboard
username: pi / password: raspberry

B: Remotely login: Much Better > Access raspberry via your computer (putty) or smartphone (JuiceSSH, Mobile SSH, many apps options)
This remote access is portable enough to easily launch the Dreamcast Now instance. Inside the SSH software you just need to enter the
raspberry IP address (you can see inside your router dhcp page or physically running "ifconfig" command)


2 - Once at the command line, if you haven't already transferred the 2 files present in dreampi_now.zip, you can do it by wget command.
A: enter /home/pi/dreampi/ directory:
command: cd /home/pi/dreampi/
Note: When you log with Pi user, you're already in /home/pi/ directory, so you also can just type: cd dreampi

B: Downloading and giving permission to the files:
command 1: wget --no-check-certificate https://dreamcastlive.net/files/dreampi_now.py
command 2: wget --no-check-certificate https://dreamcastlive.net/files/dreampi_now.ksh
command 3: chmod +x dreampi_now.*

3 - Start the application
command: ./dreampi_now.ksh

Note: To repeat the execution on other days, when you log with Pi user, you're already in /home/pi/ directory, so you also can just type:
./dreampi/dreampi_now.ksh
OR: cd dreampi
And then: ./dreampi_now.ksh

[Scrivani]

[VERSION 1 COMMENTS]

More tests should be done, such as using the IP chosen for the BBA within the code, instead of the IP of the virtual machine

In this example, changing the value of the RetMyIP variable to the BBA's IP. You can only comment on the selected line, making it invalid by placing a # in front of it. And then remove the # from the line below and enter the IP.

Another suggestion was given by megavolt85, to use the virtual machine as a gateway when configuring the BBA connection.

This is all for the purpose of demonstrating the game being played. If this is not essential for you, the Dreamcast Now instance alone already guarantees the purpose.

[PLEASE CHECK VERSION 2 IMPROVEMENTS]


Story Context:

I've been talking about this idea with Shuouma and MegaVolt85. I also sent a direct message to Kazade.

This possibility came to me with the intention that people using BBA or other connection method, can create an instance/flag in Dreamcast Now, if they want to appear online on the site.

Today to start a Dreamcast Now session, the DreamPi code is positioned to release this only after a successful dial-up connection.

The possibility here is about being able to use a Dreamcast Now session not tied to the Dreamcast dial-up connection.

[VERSION 1 UPDATE]

So I used the virtual machine with the DreamPi code, created by friend megavolt85, where I customized a new script, identical to the original, but that starts a Dreamcast Now session only.

Originally, Dreamcast Now starts with the IP reserved for Dreamcast. I added a command to detect the IP of the virtual machine and then start a session with it.

So this is the suggestion, if you consider it a good idea to use.

The detection of the game being played happened correctly and this is very cool.

[NeoSnk]

Great job man, Im going to use this when playing with my BBA.

[SEGA RPG FAN]

Do DNS queries have to be directed at the VM for this to work if not running an emulator inside the VM?

[Scrivani]

Do DNS queries have to be directed at the VM for this to work if not running an emulator inside the VM?

The emulator were running outside the VM in this case, running from my Windows 10 Laptop, and the VM running from him.

It demand more tests, maybe the kazade DNS Server can see the both, real machine and virtual machine as same requester. Not sure.

[Scrivani]

DNS aspects can be improved with help from the community. They will only determine the detection of the running game.

[Scrivani]

Good results using real Dreamcast with BBA, playing POD.

No DreamPi running, just Dreamcast Now Service VM and Dreamcast direct at RJ45 network cable

Prints from PC

Print from smartphone

[SEGA RPG FAN]

Awesome. Nice work. I'll have to test it out sometime with my BBA.

[deluxux]

This is an awesome project:) thank you:)

[Scrivani]

Original Post UPDATED - Please check VERSION 2 improvements