Dreamcast/controller potential power issue with internal rumble mod

[Dreamcazman]

Hey all, I have recently done an internal rumble mod on a StrikerDC controller. For more information, please see my Instructable...

https://www.instructables.com/The-Ultim ... DC-With-I/

For the most part the mod works great, but after further testing, I found that if I have a VMU also inserted, I sometimes get a pop-up message during a game saying the VMU has been removed. This doesn't seem to happen with every game though, some games it's really bad, basically making it unplayable.

I'm definitely not an expert when it comes to the Dreamcast so I'm hoping someone here can provide some insight. I figure the issue is caused by a lack of power (due to extra motor) because if I remove the VMU, I can play the game with rumble no problems. Also if I disable rumble, games play fine with the VMU inserted.

If there is a way to fix this, I'd love to know, thanks.

[Dreamcazman]

Small update - I tried using my old Nexus 4x VMU (no screen) & it works fine with the rumble enabled, so the issue only seems to be with official VMUs. I'm assuming they need more power due to the screen perhaps.

[SEGA RPG FAN]

I don't have a solution for you, but you're definitely not the first person I've seen have a similar issue with rumble on the Striker pad. It definitely sounds like a power draw issue and probably a design flaw with the controller.

[Dreamcazman]

I don't have a solution for you, but you're definitely not the first person I've seen have a similar issue with rumble on the Striker pad. It definitely sounds like a power draw issue and probably a design flaw with the controller.

Thanks for replying.

I haven't come across anyone having issues with the Striker pad & I'm not sure if there is a difference between it & a genuine controller. I never had any issues before using a VMU & rumble in their normal state so the only difference is the extra motor maybe just put it over the limit. I can't really test this with a genuine controller unless I leave the motors hanging loose.

[Dreamcazman]

Another update - for the hell of it, I pulled apart a VMU & just inserted the board (no screen, speaker, etc) into the controller & it still has power issues, so removing those parts didn't make a difference. I can only assume the official VMU's need more power than the Nexus one.

Unless someone can provide more info (which I would appreciate), I'm not going to spend any more time on this. I've also just ordered a Brook Wingman SD, so will probably use that & an Xbox One controller going forward (I hate cables, lol). It supports rumble & has VMU memory built-in.

[Dreamcazman]

My WIngman finally turned up & it is amazing! There's something surreal in using an Xbox One controller on a DC. It's a far better controller than the StrikerDC or even the original controller, I actually feel like I'm in control now. Even better, everything is wireless!

Highly recommended.

[DarkSynbios]

I have same issue with my StrikerDC controller. When the rumble pack is in and start to rumble, then vmu restart and controller get disconnected a bit. I spoke with Retro Fighters team and told me they know about this and they will send me new controller.

[Dreamcazman]

I spoke with Retro Fighters team and told me they know about this and they will send me new controller.

Thanks, so it may be a fault of the controller then.

I've had the Striker for a little over a year now, but I've hit them up, let's see what they say.

[Dreamcazman]

Thanks for the tip regarding Retro Fighters, they will be sending me a replacement controller! Never in a million years would I think they would do that, given it's over a year old now.

Let's see how this one goes.