Dreamcast [DEV] Dreamcast BBA Converter !

[Xrider]

Hello,

I just finished one of a project that was close to my heart.
I wanted a BBA for my dreamcast, but seeing the abusive prices, I decided to find an alternative solution.

To find the solution without FPGA emulation, I had to go back in time in the year 2000, and look at what sega was working on, hoping to find something to reproduce the BBA ... and it seemed obvious to me that the Naomi as well as the 'Atomiswave are the big sisters of our dreamcast ...

So I discovered the Atomiswave, and I worked on it to understand how the beast worked ... like the dreamcast!
Yes, the atomiswave is neither more nor less than a dreamcast in which we removed the GDROM to put a cartridge port :-D
So guess what? the removable network adapter in your atomiswave ... it's a BBA: autop:

EUREKA, I found it!
It's a world first, it's MADE IN FRANCE

It took me many hours of research and testing to trace all the signals, but I succeeded: honor:

Long live the dreamcast at 100Mbps









Edit :

The kit BBA Converter DIY is now available on ebay :

Dreamcast BBA Converter Kit DIY for Sega Dreamcast Console | eBay

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New assembly tutorial video is available :

 

[PriestJPN]

That's some excellent work!

Are you planning to sell parts, etc or is this just a one-off, proof of concept?

 

[T_chan]

Nice work !
Cool to see that it is indeed compatible.

I once bought the pieces (the connector on the atomiswave bba if I remember correctly) to investigate this, but it was just added to all the projects I never continued...

Interested in seeing more technical details (mapping of the signals) / a product to buy.

 

[Xrider]

Thanks,

Maybe I would sell the PCB kit, but you will need to be able to remove the connector from your modem as it is just a proprietary connector, impossible to find anywhere other than in the Dreamcast modem.

 

[NeoSnk]

Thanks,

Maybe I would sell the PCB kit, but you will need to be able to remove the connector from your modem as it is just a proprietary connector, impossible to find anywhere other than in the Dreamcast modem.

Man, if you sell this, I really want to get one! Congrats for the great discover.

 

[neo]

I'd love to see more info!

 

[BlueCrab]

Great work there (and always good to see Sylverant featured in a post too).

As was said up there, a mapping of the signals or a PCB design up for sale would be amazing.

 

[Anthony817]

Why in the hell didn't see this sooner!? Wow very cool this was possible! I mean, of course anything is possible with the right person at the helm, some know how and skills. Congrats on this amazing endeavor. While most people now use Dreampi since it is compatible with every game online at the moment and will be with future revived titles, this has more uses than just for online gaming thankfully. Pretty sweet project. Will keep checking for any news about this.

I think the Sega development forum would have been a good choice for this so more folks see it, but technically this is the right forum.

 

[neo]

If/when the info gets shared or someone picks up the reigns... I'm ready

 

[cyrix]

You had to buy all 4 of them didn't you.

 

[APE]

You had to buy all 4 of them didn't you.

I just went to grab one for myself before someone bought up the entire world's supply thinking they could make some quick money off something they didn't do themselves.

Looks like I was too late for today. Hopefully another tomorrow. I actually have need for a BBA these days and it isn't for playing games.

 

[neo]

You had to buy all 4 of them didn't you.

Grabbed one, I already have a BBA for one dreamcast no need for more than that.

 

[DeChief]

Have you uploaded the design yet? I'd like to make my own.

 

[Xrider]

Thank you all for your interest in my work.
I ordered some kits to assemble yourself, I will put them on sale soon.

 

[neo]

Mark one for me please

 

[FamilyGuy]

So what model of the LAN PCB should I buy if I want to try that before they're all gone?

[EDIT]
Alright I found a Communication Module for $40USD, which is 80$ with shipping in CAD, less than half the price of a BBA!
Can't wait to buy your kit @Xrider!

Would it be possible to get a longer ribbon, or a link/specs to compatible ribbons, to install the network PCB internally behind a GDEmu?

 

[DeChief]

Thank you all for your interest in my work.
I ordered some kits to assemble yourself, I will put them on sale soon.

Are you planning to open source it?

 

[BlueCrab]

Mark one for me please

Likewise for me.

 

[cyrix]

More communication cartridges for sale again on Ebay for $20 shipped:

Sega Universal Control Panel Button Arcade Cabinet Part | eBay

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[FamilyGuy]

More communication cartridges for sale again on Ebay for $20 shipped:

Sega Universal Control Panel Button Arcade Cabinet Part | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Sega Universal Control Panel Button Arcade Cabinet Part at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Now I almost feel bad about buying mine for 40$

@Xrider, add me to the waiting list!