USB4MAPLE adapter

[MoeFoh]

Thanks for that. In all honesty I’m thinking of ditching this before I even get started. I’ve noticed that it has been messing with the pairing and connection of my BlueRetro DC adaptor that my controller uses. Unplugging the USB4Maple let’s it act normally. I don’t know if this is because what I’m plugging into the maple isn’t up and running yet who knows but it doesn’t look like it’s going to play nice with it inserted.

Yeah, I've noticed the BlueRetro receiver is a really, really power-hungry little beast. If it's plugged in and you also have an OEM wired controller plugged in with an OEM VMU with a rechargeable battery mod done (or a VM2), in most cases the wired controller's VMU display will flicker.

I tried this on three different consoles, all of which are fully recapped, and it happens on two of them.

Are you talking about the external HW1 version? All 4 plugs of the adapter must be plugged into the Dreamcast, the way I understand it. Not true with HW2.
It's been a while since I tested the BlueRetro, but I remember being blown away by the documentation on the Github page (ateam level quality). Lot's was written about how the firmware upgrade may be difficult. I had no problem using a Chromebook & Chrome browser - took less than 2 minutes to complete the update.

[ateam]

Are you talking about the external HW1 version?

I'm talking about this, which is HW2: https://8bitmods.com/dc-blueretro-contr ... nal-white/

EDIT: Never mind, I found them. A0, AA, AB, etc.

[MoeFoh]

Are you talking about the external HW1 version?

I'm talking about this, which is HW2: https://8bitmods.com/dc-blueretro-contr ... nal-white/

EDIT: Never mind, I found them. A0, AA, AB, etc.

Looks like there was a firmware update on Oct. 6th:
https://github.com/darthcloud/BlueRetro/releases

[DreamState]

[Riggles]

I know this isn't the goal of the project, but are there any plans for an offshoot that just simulates the VMU with an rp2040? For us who prefer using original wired Dreamcast controllers.

There's so many cheap corruption prone memory cards that could be repurposed this way.

[RazorX]

I know this isn't the goal of the project, but are there any plans for an offshoot that just simulates the VMU with an rp2040? For us who prefer using original wired Dreamcast controllers.

There's so many cheap corruption prone memory cards that could be repurposed this way.

the last time i spoke to megavolt about this project and i talked to him about that and his plan at the time was to make a vmu style version dedicated to just saves, haven't asked him about it recently to see if that's still his plan

[DreamState]

Can I put in a troubleshoot request for USB4Maple please?

I’ve extensively tested the RetroTime DC Bluetooth adaptor in Port A with the USB4Maple in Port B, and I can report that there can be intermittent drop out of connection in-game as well as analog stick drifting and strange anomalies. The adaptor also sometimes takes longer to pair and will sometimes need to be paired again out of nowhere. This does not happen when the RetroTime adaptor is plugged in on its own, only when with the maple. Both the RetroTime adaptor and the USB4Maple are on their latest firmware.

For comparison, I tried the same setup with my Brook Wingman SD and it appears to handle having the USB4maple adaptor in the controller ports better. No connection drop outs or other strange anomalies.

I will also submit this to DarthCloud of BlueRetro too.

[megavolt85]

I can't fix the power supply shortage on your controller board, you have to do it yourself.
Fuse F1 on the controller board can't handle that kind of load.

[DreamState]

There wasn’t really any mention of USB4Maple draining power from the controller board in general. It just makes me wonder how others are dealing with this with or without making mods to their board? Something like this I think should definitely be on the Wiki and documented. Some interference whilst using wireless adaptors and the maple in conjunction could be a deal breaker for some that are not aware of it off hand.

The BlueRetro adaptors are super cheap, any chance some testing can be done to determine exactly what is going on when both are used together and how their could be a possible fix for it.

[MoeFoh]

Taking notes - never buy:
RetroTime DC BlueRetro Controller Receiver with Virtual Memory for Dreamcast

A big red flag for me when @ateam said the adapter was hot! This should not be the case.

It's a new product, yes? - so customer testing has been limited so far.

DarthCloud just provides the specifications for HW2 & firmware - it's RetroTime's design & manufacture - do I have that right?

If it was up to me, I would use two (2) usb4maple adapters, along with one (1) Mayflash NS Lite Bluetooth adapter for Bluetooth controller support.