DC Bios Mod Question

[Cornerb0y]

I need this to be laid to rest, because I cannot get a straight answer, I've read that you can and cannot flash the retail bios in your DC to region free. Would I have to buy a region free bios chip or can I just use Dreamshell to flash the bios?

[pcwzrd13]

No you cannot flash the retail bios. You have to either replace the bios chip with a new one or piggy back a new one on top of the old one and install a switch. The latter being the safest and easiest way to do it.

Check out this video for more info on the "piggy back" method:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5IByvCx4mk[/youtube]

[Alec1382]

You're sure it can't be reflashed to a different region? I've heard that it can from multiple sources. Regardless, it certainly can't be reflashed to be region free.

[pcwzrd13]

You're sure it can't be reflashed to a different region?

Yup, I'm positive. The type of bios chip in the Dreamcast isn't flashable.

[Alec1382]

What's this then?

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/sega/dc-region.htm

They're claiming that once this modification is done, the bios can be reflashed with the disc they mention.

[pcwzrd13]

What's this then?

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/sega/dc-region.htm

They're claiming that once this modification is done, the bios can be reflashed with the disc they mention.

Hmm, apparently you can with some modification. Not sure why you need a new chip for the region free dev kit bios then. Maybe it doesn't fit on the old chip.

[Cornerb0y]

Lol, here we go again. Can anyone do this mod for me if I send a dc and a region free chip to them? I need to get some kits and work on saudering on my own so I can get use to it before I start doing this stuff on my own.

[pcwzrd13]

Can anyone do this mod for me if I send a dc and a region free chip to them?

Adam Koralik recommended a guy names Mark Williams in one of his videos (posted below). Not sure how much he charges though.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Li5YKptdNI[/youtube]

[dark]

I'm getting the dev kit bios installed on one of my DCs over the next week or two. $25 to install, plus the cost of shipping to the person (in the USA) who will install it. It's a person from another forum who has done this a lot - if you like, after I get mine done and verify it works and all, I can introduce you.