I didn't quite explain the CDr segment as good as I could have and it seems to be confusing to some people. The easiest way to say it: Unless you know what you're doing, use CDr's sparingly and overall ODE's are a better experience. Also, here's all the great other mods people in the comments have pointed out! There's no way I could get to everything in one video, so thanks for sharing!: Controller Fuse: www.mmmonkey.co.uk/dreamcast-controller-port-fix-fuse-f1-replacement/ DreamPSU: www.retropsu.com/store/product/dreampsu/ DreamConn: www.dreammods.net/dreamconn.html Controller adapter with built-in memory so no controller swap is needed: www.focusattack.com/brook-super-converter-ps3-ps4-to-dreamcast-adapter/ Detailed List of Dreamcast Models, MIL-CD Compatibility: users.skynet.be/t_chan/dc/mylist.htm Self-resetting Controller Port Fuse (US Seller): ebay.to/2P1W9ET Self-resetting Controller Port Fuse (UK Seller): ebay.to/2EQhNHt Estaran Says: I have something to add to the fan mod: Some time ago the Circuit-Board community did a bulk order of some fans that fit w/o modding the Dreamcast in any other way, you just have to swap the old fan for a new one. Here is the link to the forum post as well as for the website, where we ordered those fans: circuit-board.de/forum/index.php/Thread/18033-Sammelbestellung-leiserer-Dreamcast-Nidec-L%C3%BCfter-Keine-mehr-vorhanden-Alle-weg/?postID=464976#post464976 and www.on2tech.com/df310ri05l1c.html

When I went to college in 2002, my dad told me that he accidentally threw away my dreamcast. I waited in line at toys r us for two days back in 9/9/99, and they sold out before I could get one cuz of greedy assholes reselling them. I got one on Christmas of 1999. I was so heartbroken I never bought another system, and had my fun restoring old cars...I wanted nothing to do with video games anymore outside of the arcade occasionally (tilt at aurora mall STILL there!) I tried the crazy taxi reissue on xbox...disgusting at best. Guess what I just found yesterday?!? All my games and shit too! This is the first video on the dreamcast I watched ever. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing info. Truly impressive. I am elated that the DC still has so much support. So now I have an old school optimus stereo (radio shack) and an old school dreamcast in my old school rv (78 Chevy g30). The TV is newer. Things have gotten better/more efficient from a technical standpoint, but not from a design standpoint imo. The DC was perfect. Thanks again man, awesome vid. I was very lucky to be a teen in the 90s and nothing else would have made me attain this next level of happiness. Back to trying to master this huge map in crazy taxi 2, offspring bumpin hard, not giving a single fuck about shit.

Seriously these videos are a godsend for people that work on and collect retro consoles. Your work is highly appreciated!

For me, the days when i spend with my Dreamcast was like a dream come true. I miss these days

I legit dug my Dreamcast outta the garage after watching this... had it since 9/9/99 luckly i found my VMU and controller too! I'm really thinking of modding and getting into the Dreamcast homebrew scene thank you for this video!

I like the sound my dreamcast fan makes. its nostalgic

Please do this for every single console lol I could watch this stuff ALL DAY.

Are tou kidding me!! I always tought that noise was the cd drive, not the fan! Daim! Thank you Bob!

Dreamcast seriously has one of the most elegant designs.

I like the original fan. The DC sounds like a Fighter jet

I don't even have a dreamcast any more, not for a long time, but seeing a new video about it like dreamcast is still a new thing makes me happy

Please more more of these types of videos! With so many mods and new projects available these days, it's hard to keep track of everything. I find a video like this super useful for getting started, general maintenance, tips and tricks, quick video resolution explanation useful. Also the links to parts and cables helps.

like the little touch with the offspring at the beginning, crazy taxi never sounds right without YA YA YA YA YA!

Love these! Hope there's some sort of massive Dreamcast resurgence. Such a beautiful beast!

This is awesome, i didnt know you could do all those things to a DC. I actually have two, the original one my parents bougth me a couple of months after Euro launch, and another one we got a couple of years after because we liked it so much that we wanted to have two in case ours crapped out. Both work to this day and i think ill mod the second one with all this. Thanks for the super-detailed vid!.

How many illusions this console brought me when i was young.. best gaming console ever made, far ahead from its time..

I recently modded my Dreamcast with the fan and battery upgrade and the console works great! Would love to get the GDEMU for my next upgrade. Keep the content coming!

This is a fantastic overview, and has motivated me to get my two dreamcasts out of storage to see what I can do with them. Great job!!

Hey Bob, well done on the video, as an avid SEGA fan/classic console fan/console modder fan, It's really nice to see videos like this. I've done all the steps you've mentioned in this video and can honestly say they're all really worth it. Big shout out to Dan for the work he's doing within the community, i've really been impressed with his digital audio mods for the consoles, my one tiny gripe is lack of documentation - but I can't be greedy when without his efforts we wouldn't have the options we do now :-) It would be great to see a part 2 of this video including optical audio mods, Dan's HDMI mod, maybe the DreamPI online modem setup to play online games again and maybe the controller board fuse as well! Keep up the awesome work!!

The same seller who sells the 3D printed parts for the fan mod sells a 3D printed GD-ROM base you can use with USB GD-ROM. No need to cannibalize an original GD-ROM. He also sells a similar tray to preserve airflow. Another benefit of how USB GD-ROM is mounted is the fact that you can easily slide the cable from the modded fan underneath the USB GDROM, which will certainly help airflow even further. GD-EMU is very primitive when compared to GD-EMU, although if you want to cheap out, there are GD-EMU Chinese clones that according to KZfaq reviews work exactly as the original. When modding the PSU, you also need to remove the surface mounted resistor located right next to the 12v Regulator.

Just finished all the mods, Dreamcast is running quiet and cool.

Thanks for making this video! I’m a fan of the Dreamcast (no pun intended) and I’ve been wondering what I can do to make my Dreamcast better. I accidentally broke my Dreamcast trying to look at the CD drive and haven’t touched it since, but once I get it fixed I’m definitely gonna get a bunch of quality of life improvements.

Wow nice tips with replacing batteries and using sockets, Its good that people mention them since it makes the job so much easier for consoles and cartridges

That Todd and the Book of Pure Evil shirt just earned you my subscription. Great video!

I used to hook my DC up to my PC monitor via VGA adaptor and the picture was Gorgeous. Never knew 480i could look so crisp. Looked just as good as 1080p does to me now.

I remember when I first had a Dreamcast and no one else would get one, I loved that console. All you need to do now is mail me that modded one lol. I didnt know you could install a card into it. Great vid, makes me wish I still had mine.

love the video, I love "older" systems for their simplicity and unique designs i play Genesis on 1999 RCA 32" CRT television (modded) people like you is why i still watch You-Tube quality content is rare on You-Tube your content is true gold. I subbed and liked the video.

Hi! I’ve just started this video, but I can tell I’m gonna love the rest! I’ve seen so much online bickering about wether or not consoles will become computers (on msg boards where people fight console vs computer all day). The Dreamcast *was* a computer! Not just because of the “Windows CE” stamp. It had (has), an optical drive, keyboard, mouse, a VGA box/cable to connect to a PC monitor and run 480p, 30 to 60 FPS, a 56k modem that can be swapped out for a broadband high-speed networkable modem, microphone for real-time VoIP (both in games or making phone calls), Japan got a camera (web-friendly video chats), removable storage that played games (VMU- so neglected!) and (I think) a mini, monochrome thermal printer). Isn’t that a computer? If the system lived long enough, it had the extra port on the back could’ve been used for several purposes! (Like a hard-drive). If anyone knows of a disc with Office-type apps like a word processor, I’d love to try it! I still play my DC more than anything. I sold my original Xbox, was given a 360 that I think I’ve turned on 12 times, tops. I’m currently building a Dreamcast w/VGA box and 19” lcd monitor + speakers into a suitcase. I got sick of hotel TV’s that won’t let you plug your gear in (often built without any extra inputs specifically for hotels). Wish me luck!

I always knew I owned three Dreamcast for a reason, now I can actually give my wife a reason, I need the back ups in case I screw up this simple soldering job! But watching it, you made it look simple. Awesome video

Came for the mods, stayed for the Todd & the Book of Pure Evil t-shirt

No don't replace the fan! I *love* the sound of the Dreamcast fan, that was the sound of Sega power. I don't know why; I've heard fans on other equipment, but for some reason the sound of the Dreamcast was magical.

I'll never forgive myself for not grabbing the Sega Sports Dreamcast I saw at a local game shop for $30. I wanted to save money so I didn't want to give in to an impulse buy. Mistakes were made.

Space channel 5 theme in the background... nice!!! Favorite game!

Dig your stuff man. I just completed my Dreamcast (NA) library and was looking to get more out of my Dreamcast, and stumbled upon your vids. Nice work. Subscribed!

Just wanted to say I loved the video. Dreamcast was last of the great consoles of my youth (well OK, I was oldish at this point, but I still felt young) , and after this I pretty much wandered off to my PC. Currently reliving my youth (been having fun with my Super NT) - but had been thinking what I'd really like would be to buy back a Dreamcast maybe for the odd game of Crazy Taxi. Video was perfect for giving me a recap on "what I've missed" whilst I wasn't paying attention.

Something about the way GDR's were organized in their data tracks made them easier on the drive than CDR's. I still have two here that work relatively well. I love the GDEMU segment you did, because now I'm looking for it. Might bring my original Dreamcast back to life! Cheers!

One thing I've noticed is that if you haven't used the Dreamcast in a awhile or had the system unplugged, the date screen will pop up even if the battery is good.

You had my like at the seaman reference. No shame I love that game.

This is actually a well done and detailed video! I love my Dreamcast and have done a lot of these mods. Great job!

Coming back to this. Thanks for all the awesome info. Long live Dreamcast!

Excellent video to cover Dreamcast options. I just use RetroTINK on my Dreamcast for HDMI output to LCD TV.

Went in to cbeck out Dreamcast mods. Can't ignore the Todd & The Book Of Pure Evil shirt. Nice 👍

Great vid great tip about the replacement battery

Bob, GDEMUs purchased from the creator come with mounting hardware (at least mine did), including that longer screw and a plastic spacer so that the board can be secured without having to buy a 3D-printed tray. The clones, to my knowledge, simply include plastic standoffs. And, speaking of the 3D-printed tray, it would be nice to know what print material is best for these parts, for those who would prefer to either print them themselves or contract it out instead of buying premade at inflated prices. I ended up purchasing mine via 3D Hubs, and I got mine printed in translucent red PETG; the parts came out neat-looking, but the forward part doesn't actually clip into the upper case, and everything is kind of thready; still needs a good sanding.

Thank you so much Bob! Your just the nicest and I love all the info on your site and the videos you put up.

You've been going balls out with the presentation lately, and it looks awesome!

So great! Good YouTubing: As a non native speaker (German) I understood every word. First class production.

I love the pause when he says allows you to talk to fish people and their fu**ing on the side camera 🤣🤣🤣

GDEMU and DreamPSU clones are on AliExpress for $35-$38 each. The vertical battery holder can be had for $2.60-ish on eBay. There's a seller on eBay that is selling Maxell ML2032 batteries for $4.30 from Canada. All these prices include shipping! I'm about to deck out my Dreamcast! As soon as DCHDMI/DCDIGITAL comes back in stock, I am buying that too. I just downloaded a torrent with every single US dreamcast game in it in GDI format with all the artwork for GDMenu, my body is ready.

I love the S-Video quality the Dreamcast had especially back in the day on big Flat Screen Tube Tv's

I use the inexpensive SD card adapter that runs off the serial port. It works great and I think I was able to test it operating no slower than a disc. Yes, you need to boot from a burned CD but it's not a constant strain on the laser.

Cool stuff, man! I was team Dreamcast all the way in the early 2000s. I would've done this years ago if I knew how. Liked and subbed! Why doesn't Sega get the hint and license out a Dreamcast clone console? Or, since the parts are much cheaper these days, just start manufacturing and selling them again. They would sell WAY better than they did in 1999.

This is why I subscribed to your channel you always have some exclusive content that is only on your Channel at least right now thanks I would love to see more videos like this on the Dreamcast

i dont own a dreamcast, but i like that type of infovideo. lookin forward for more like this. thumbsup bob

This was super helpful/informative, thanks!

Very valuable video ;) Thanks for sharing. I might think of GD emu since yes GD rom unit can be tricky at times. When it's not the lens it could be the small white gears that may be the cause of not launching GD's.

This video is amazing dude!! I’ve just bought a Dreamcast and this is going to be sooooo Helpful 😃

Thanks for the video. I did the battery replacement, fan replacement and GDEMU install with the resistor. My fan seems just as loud as the OEM Dreamcast fan was.

Thank you for info and link to the gdemu! Also, is you wanna play the dreamcast with the arcade pad please read this. NEVER EVER plug a controller in or out while the dreamcast is on. That the most common way to blow out the controller port.

I use the gdrom board by mnemo and replaced the fan with a noctua and its awesome, haven’t noticed any high temperatures, but I plan on using a pico psu at some point and the controllers and light guns by dream mods are sick, nothing like using a light gun on a new tv and Bluetooth in a controller with no wires

Might be worthwhile replacing both regulators with TracoPower switching ones. Heat won’t be a problem then and it’ll make the power supply more efficient. Won’t need that janky resistor either

I never even owned a Dreamcast so what did I just watch? Actually impressed with your vid man it was very thoroughly done. Thanks!

Wow that was a super useful video. Everything you need to know in one place. Thanks!!! I ended up ordering the parts for the battery holder mod from your sources.

The Code Breaker disc allows you to force VGA and boot all regions as well. I have been using it for at least 10 years, always works and I am still using my original Dreamcast I bought in 1999.

I love the looks of that Black Dreamcast

I'm still so sad my modded Dreamcast got stolen years back. :( I hadn't painted it, but along with a broadband modem, I'd swapped the red power LED for blue, and traded stickers with a buddy in Euro who had the blue swirls. This was early 00's days, and after my clear-cased VMU LED mod I was happy as a clam. It got stolen when a roommate and myself were moving out around the same time, and I keep meaning to buy another and do it all over again and more....at least I still have my keyboard and mouse.

Working on a towel is a great way to prevent scratches to your unit and helps stop small screws from rolling away.

Thank you for making and uploading this video

Great stuff. I ended up learning more than a few things from this, so thanks!

Man you be been on a tear! Totally thought the internal battery swap and fan were harder than I could do bit this seem do able! Thought the USB gdrom was a bit harder to come by as the person doing it wasn't too reliable. There is a way to directly add a hard drive (even compact flash) but requires quite a bit of soldering if I remember. I'm happy with the gdemu (though I waited forever to get that sucker) but I didn't know about the power supply issue .Don't know if the SD card reader is worth mentioning (believe there is a way to transfer saves and can load homebrew or emulators) or dreamPi. Look forward to the dc hdmi!

Best soldering video I've seen to date, great job!

Great video very high quality. Thank you.

This is one of most comprehensive and easy to understand video of Dreamcast mods/stuffs. Well done 👍🏼

24:15 12V on SCART Pin 8 Status & Aspect Ratio is used to tell the TV that the device is on to switch to it and the aspect ratio of the device is 4:3. If that line is set to 5V it tells the TV it's 16:9. However not every TV will automatically set the aspect ratio to what voltage is given.

I’m surprised you didn’t mention drramshell and the sd card-serial port adapter. Way cheaper (and slower) than the gdemu. Also it’s a way better use of the bios mod

"fish....people." okay, subbed

Great video! I'm curious would you ever do a video comparing all the power supply options now available for the dreamcast? I'm a bit torn between the options but not sure how to make the best decision?

This was a great video. I was intrigued by your method for modding the power board so it didn't emit so much heat. I had a power board that kept overheating the pins meaning I had to routinely take it off and bend them gently into place on my launch UK dreamcast model. I eventually replaced the whole power board with a DreamPSU, an indiegogo project that moves the power board out of the Dreamcast enabling you to use a standard external 12v power supply. It's worked great for me!

I didn't even realize there was a black Dreamcast released. I now need one.

This video was just amazing and beautifully done.

You are truly needed and appreciated. Thanks

Thanks for the tips had no clue my internal battery was dead. Think we should put a piece of kapton tape over it just in case it fell out and caused a short circuit.

Oh man, thank you, this is great stuff! I think you just gave me the solution to get my copy of Vigilante 8 to play when using my Toro. I never had problems with Bust a Move when the switch was set to RGB, but Vigilante 8 never wants to boot properly unless I use composite.

The Lir2032 battery is bad because it is 3.6 volts instead of 3 volts. ML2032 is correct. I had an lir2032 from ebay in mine and continued to receive a time prompt when turning on my Dreamcast after having it off for an extended period of time.

Hah, nice use of Rolling Start during the fan mod.

You forgot to mention that you don't need a region chip if your DC can read CD-r discs since they can read a boot disk that lets you boot discs from other regions. This is also almost a free method, since you download and burn it yourself and the boot disc is only read for a couple of seconds so it shouldn't be causing problems for the drive.

Not going to lie this is one of the most amazing videos I seen in awhile to the point where Im motivated to do a lot of these mods

My VMUs batteries die super quick when not even used for about 4 weeks, I can't be bothered to replace them anymore. I've done the battery mod, replaced the capacitor, resister and changed the LED from orange to blue because in the UK we have the blue swirl (opposed to America's orange and Japan's red). Getting the solder out of the holes can be a real pain without a desolder gun. Remember to use 99.9% isopropyl alcohol to clean the joints before and after, and flux over the joints when applying heat to protect the PCB from burning and make them heat through better, I tried copper braid but found a good desolder pump worked best for the holes. That's if the solder within wasn't too poor quality, also have to be careful not to tear the pads off of the legs are bent flat. Another thing I'd add, my Dreamcast sounded like a photo copier, it was worrying but apparently common. I used white/clear silicon grease a bit liberally on the disc drive's rails and it's noticeably quieter.

Wow this was really very well made! Makes me wanna get my DC from the Attic and get the GDemu stuff running.

Love your content. Great channel! A really nice video of Dreamcast solutions and mods. This will be a big help when I can get my hands on another Dreamcast soon hopefully! My dad had two Japanese Dreamcasts he acquired from the Arcade company he worked for at the time (which I subsequently worked for too). I believe those were region free as well. Anyway, we sold those... darn :/ BTW, cool Rust In Peace guitar on the wall at the end of the video! Do you play?

Hey! It's The Offspring! Change the World is one of my favorite songs by them.

Very cool recap! Hope there will be more for other machines! great job!

Love Noctua fans use them on all my PC builds will definitely do that upgrade.

Nice! I’ve got several DC’s lying around for this project.

Thanks for all of your work, Bob.

This was a wealth of information!

Nice video bro thanks for the tips i love the sega dreamcast :D

The pound cable is great, Sure it is not RGB on a Pro CRT but it is so convenient and still great quality, Only down side a few games will not work as the pound cable is a VGA cable as far as the dream-cast games are concerned. I have a Dreamcast in a Kiosk that uses an old commodore CRT and Composite and it looks good, I pull it out and bring it into my office for use with HDMI and my Monitor so between the two I can play all games. I gave up on failing CD's long ago, I went through so many so I got a USBGDROM board, I have the older USB GDROM that has one USB port in the back of unit instead of two facing inside. I have a 256gig Thumb stick with every game I want and more but I know the whole library would need a little more then that since I only run GDI files so each game is 1gig no matter what.

Jesus Christ, Bob! Amazing work! This is exactly the kind of video I like to see from you \m/

Kongrats and thanks man,good and informative video for all Dreamcast Fans!