Question About Changing Dreamcast Optics and Modem

[thedemon1238]

Hello dreamcast players!

I want to ask two questions about dreamcast hardware compatibility.

1. Can I use Dreamcast pal modem HKT-3030 (670-14116A) with japaness dreamcast console that don't have modem (HKT-3010)? For playing online.

2. Can I switch Dreamcast GD-ROM drives, from PAL dreamcast to japanese and vice versa? Will they work?

[Alex_DC]

I can answer question 2 with certainty; the drives are NOT region locked.

As for 1 - I have mixed and matched a lot of Dreamcast parts on my own machines, never had an issue with the modem causing the machine not to boot, BUT, I have never tried to take these Frankenstein Dreamcasts online.

[Caspian]

I once placed a NTSC-US GD-ROM to a PAL Dreamcast and it worked fine.

[NightBreeze]

Japanese modem works on my PAL Dreamcast (even online), so I don't see a reason why it shouldn't work the other way around. But remember, PAL modem requires 18V, not 9V like US/Japan modems.

[pipporamone]

2. Can I switch Dreamcast GD-ROM drives, from PAL dreamcast to japanese and vice versa? Will they work?

Depends, they need to be same voltage 5v or 3.3v

[megavolt85]

Depends, they need to be same voltage 5v or 3.3v

you are mistaken

[pipporamone]

Early japanese units have a 5 volt GD-ROM (written on plate). it is not recommended to put that on a DC board with a 3.3 v GDROM (works but behaves strangely, tested)

You can indeed switch the lens (works, tested personally)

95% of Dreamcast i have seen have 3.3v GD Rom so these are interchangeable.

Modems:

NTSC-u have 56k 9v
90% of NTSC-J are 33k 9v (late model are 56k 9v).
PAL modems are 33k 18v.

if you go online i suggest to take a north american modem.

Hope this will clarify

[Anonymouse]

if you go online i suggest to take a north american modem.

Hope this will clarify

I assume he will be using it with DreamPi so it doesn't matter which model he uses as the download/upload will be limited to 33.3Kbps anyways. Its only the line voltage that needs to be considered.

[pipporamone]

if you go online i suggest to take a north american modem.

Hope this will clarify

I assume he will be using it with DreamPi so it doesn't matter which model he uses as the download/upload will be limited to 33.3Kbps anyways. Its only the line voltage that needs to be considered.

That's true...only if you use alternative method (like standard dial-up) games like quake 3 will benefit with a 56k.

[megavolt85]

Early japanese units have a 5 volt GD-ROM (written on plate). it is not recommended to put that on a DC board with a 3.3 v GDROM (works but behaves strangely, tested)

5v GD-ROM fine work on 3v3 board, 3v3 GD-ROM fine work on 5v board

GD-ROM use ATA controller from PC CD-ROM and compatibily with both voltages