Building the best Dreamcast with the PixelFX DCDigital HW2! Dreamcast HDMI up to 1440p and more!
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- The DCDigital HW2 by PixelFX is the latest HDMI mod available for the Sega Dreamcast. It has a ton of new features compared to its predecessor and makes it easier than ever to enjoy Dreamcast games on a modern display! On this week's episode we install the DCDigital HW2 along with a few other essential mods and provide a quick review of it's features.
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Parts:
DCDigital HW2: www.pixelfx.co...
MODE Optical disc emulator: shop.terraonio...
SD card mount: www.laserbear....
BAT85 diode: www.amazon.com...
Install docs: docs.pixelfx.c...
Music:
Spindizzy II - Sharp X68000
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Put this in a couple dreamcasts yesterday. Really feature packed unit! Super happy pixelfx is making these and supporting such an underrated collection.
Yes, I’m really happy to see this updated revision of the hardware. They always make excellent products
Yeah i agree! Always moving the needle forward with their products.
Just wondering, how much would you charge to do the exact same modifications to my dreamcast
@@ernestparker3491I'm about to have this procedure done as well and the average price I'm seeing online and locally is $75 to $90ish... anything more than that you're probably getting ripped off and anything less you may be getting a deal but make sure they know what the heck they're doing first! 👀... this is micro soldering at its finest and will certainly take a delicate hand and experience! Good luck and Enjoy! ✌️
@@ernestparker3491same! I don’t trust myself doing it and would pay .
Was able to snag one of these new DC Digital kits and I can't wait! It was the last piece I needed for my DreamCast. I stalled a GDEMU, Noctua fan, battery holder with new fuse and rechargeable battery, flashing LED and a DreamPSU. I'm too excited, something told me to wait when buying the DCHDMI from AliExpress... I'm so glad I did!! Awesome video by the way! Love the channel!!
VGA isn’t a bad option if you have the Ossc as well
Really good job on this.
Thanks, much appreciated!
@@LIRetroGaming what are the best retro gaming stores in long island??🎮🕹️🎮
Awesome video like usual. Can't wait to install mine once the holidays wind down.
Yes, you are definitely going to enjoy it!
Fix it Friday!👍
of all the years i choose 2 get 1 i get a hw2 without even knowing 😂..just recently started playing mvc2 competitively again n got my broken DC fixed with the GDEMU n DC digital n luckily just got it in April. i just got lucky with the timing tbh...it looks amazing an zero lag 4 mvc2 on monitor in HDMI thru DC is awesome. every mvc2 mix right there on a sd card...i got a good deal my boy dave the magician just charged me 50 for labor on top of part prices. also gave a blue led an fixed the battery on the controller port...i would absolutely destroy the DC trying 2 do this 😂
Hell yeah MVC2 on the Dreamcast is where it’s at
i love this video, its so kool how you soldered this modification unto the dreamcast 😁
I like seeing just how much of the Dreamcast can be replaced with modern hardware
Yeah there’s a lot you can do to make the experience phenomenal
That Blueretro controller board ever come out? Cuz after that, all that's left is the motherboard.
Got mine in yesterday! Can’t wait to find some free time and install it
You’re going to enjoy it!
Thanks for the guide, install went smoothly.
Glad to hear it!
Incredible work that sir, many thanks!
Greetings from across the sound! Groton CT
I love the PVMS in the background, I have a Sony 20L5.
Great video as well (:
Yeah I love that PVM and I’m fortunate to have found two of them
@@LIRetroGaming Sweet kicking myself for selling my smaller one 14M4 model.
Good install, but I really wish they would've come up with a better solution than drilling holes through the bottom of the case.
When I installed my OG DCDigital, I used hot glue all around the edge of the board to hold it in place. It's been over 2yrs now, no issues.
I think the hot glue is fine if you really don’t want to drill those holes. Otherwise I don’t think there’s another way to do it
sees the flush cutters: this man owns a 3d printer!
I wish you would have showed us some comparisons oh say some gameplay through the different resolutions, and then all the different features like the scanlines and zoom, etc...
It was still a REALLY good vid... it makes me miss my DC..... it's just not the same using my computer to emulate it, even though it plays EVERY game just perfectly and I have many MANY more ways to enhance the experience... it's just not the same as having a physical Dreamcast
Sorry that I didn’t spend more time on that, but I felt like that could be its own separate video. I have been using it for some time now and it really is phenomenal
Great stuff. I love your videos.
Thanks, much appreciated!
Just found your channel, subscribed!!
Thanks, much appreciated!!
What a great video. I want one. My Dreamcast died and what a great idea.
Terranion MODE looks just awesome, it boots really fast. I've got a chinse clone of the GDEmu, it works fine but this is top notch in retro consoles.
I wonder how far will 3rd parties keep pushing forward the limit of possible in our beloved retrohardware...
What we need now, is a wifi module to connect DC to the internet wiressly.. retropy is not working for me...
Loved the video, thanks
Thanks man, really glad you enjoyed it!
Ooh - interesting! I have the original version (had to get someone to install for me as it is a bit beyond my limited skills!) and I love it!
Definitely interested in the new version - looks like lots of lovely features. Amazing stuff and a brilliant end to 2022!
lol yea I can take the DC apart n clean it or tighten certain things that tend to come loose bc the DC is a finicky system especially when traveling n running them for hours n hours playing only burned discs... I know all the tricks 2 keep em running as long as possible but this install looks crazy tough n easy to fuck it all up lol...my buddy has a degree in some type of engineering n is a fellow mvc2 player so he just hooked it up for the most part. my disc drive wouldn't spin fast enough anymore it was burnt out from 2 much use...I'm glad I nvr trashed it.
Got this myself. Can't wait to get everything put together and installed once my Dreamcast shell gets here!
You’re going to love the results, it looks amazing!
Motion adaptive deinterlacing is one of the best things to happen in retro gaming.
Agreed, it makes interlaced content look way better on a modern display
Sweet! Great job.
Thanks man! Need to check out that video you just published!
You should install this on a Naomi! That's by far the coolest new feature in this version of DCdigital
I am definitely planning to do that once the flex cable is available!
@@LIRetroGaming Awesome! Looking forward to it!
Great video, as always. Which microscope do you use for your work?
I really like binocular microscopes because they preserve depth of field when you’re working. The one I use is here: www.celestron.com/products/celestron-labs-s10-60?gclid=Cj0KCQiAwJWdBhCYARIsAJc4idDaSQVHHWsAoy9GWH1CSazGum7U9sG8H-poo0U7TJq1tpqJyxWW5h0aAm5KEALw_wcB
This is great. I get so jealous about your skill mouhahaha. i keep trying on my side and keep messing up. Great video. I will keep practicing.
FANTASTIC 👍
My Dreamcast still has it's original BIOS Battery and it still holds a charger for several weeks after a full charge.
Impressive
Does this kill the original video output making it HDMI only?
No, the original analog video still works too!
Yes, I actually need assistance with a few HDMI mod installation
That’s something that I can help you with. You can reach me at 1uprestorations.com
wow thats so kool u can go up to 1440, but I have a question brother, is there a 4k upgrade? jw haha
HDR!
Awesome Update&Mod for this Machine!Will this work too with a Striker Pad from Retro Fighters?Coz i personally prefer using them on my Dreamy(which is a unmodified PAL😂)Thanks again for this awesome fix it Friday Video&Merry X-Mas Bro!
Yes that striker pad should still work too! Thanks and enjoy the holidays!
Looks awesome! I’m hoping that with this new version we can get Hydro Thunder to properly work instead of having to use cable detect mode.
The deinterlacing options are way better with the new DCDigital, so games like hydro thunder look much better even in cable detect mode
Unfortunately games like hydro thunder have to stay in cable detect. Those games only have 480i mode and dont have any other video modes. The game would need to be modded to add those modes
hello sir, i have a problem with mine, in the test mode i have a cross with PLL_A Lock, what is this? thank for your answer.
It means that connection is not good. You should check the troubleshooting guide and reflow the connections on the flex cable.
Cool!)
I'm curious - how does this compare to the original DCHDMI? A side by side video, if possible, would definitely be appreciated!
It looks noticeably better, especially with games that require interlaced video only like Hydro Thunder. I really need to get the hardware required for capturing gameplay footage.
its got alot of different features that can allow u 2 run it with a perfect picture now on almost any type of monitor.. it also looks just a little more HD in the character models of mvc2 n the text of character names..the original if u have the corresponding hardware is fine tbh for now...maybe wait on the next upgrade imo
I wonder if it's possible to mod the mod and finangle the board so the hdmi port is poking out where the AV OUT port is. That's what I wish they had done but I guess that would involve desoldering the existing ports there (which is fine by me).
Yeah, unfortunately I don’t think there’s enough room in that location
@@LIRetroGaming If I'm feeling brave maybe I'll buy some hdmi extention bits that use flex cables and try routing the port somewhere else. By the way how come you didn't replace the PSU? I think most videos I've seen say taking out the CD drive causes the PSU to run hot since that load is no longer there.
Another user on UA-cam has already done this... look up HDMI Dreamcast out the serial Port... something along those keywords... he was successful however it puts an extreme amount of tension on the ends of the HDMI extension cable to route it out the serial port. It works but I can't imagine six months later that Chinese extension cable still working in the extreme bent angle he had it. But it is quite possible to do, so maybe you can find a better extension solution and routing options as it's something I'm considering as well. ✌️
Hey. I’d like someone to help with install. Are you still offering services?
Great video, thanks a lot!!!. This is the one I will follow to mod my Dreamcast. One doubt!. Is it necessary to wire anything different to set the reset button with the Gdemu?. I watched videos about the first DCHDMI version doing that and soldering a wire directly to the gdemu. Don’t know if it’s requested with this new DCDigtal HW2 version.
It’s optional but yes that wire can also be added on the hw2. Personally I don’t think it’s necessary but I can always add it if requested
I'd really like one of these but not sure if it's in my ability. I've done quite a few xstations but nothing with a flex cable like this before.
I can do this for you if you want, you can reach me at 1uprestorations.com
So if I want to upgrade to Hw2 if my system has the Hw1, do I still need to solder?
Only a little bit, and I made a video on how to do it this week
Great video and mods, is there any reason to choose the mode over the gdemu ?
They work about the same, and I have owned a GDEMU in the past as well. It has a more powerful FPGA so hopefully that could mean some more features in the future
Is the video slugish just to me? Feels like its missing some frame or just lagging
Is it necessary to remove the 12v regulator from the power supply? I've heard that when you take out the disc drive and there's nothing on that rail, then the system could output a lot of heat unless you remove the regulator.
It does generate heat, but you can also put a load on it with a resistor to remove that problem
It's ok you didn't wanna play house of the dead or silent scope or virtual cop anyway...edit not silent scope.
OK, gotta ask...... why did you go with the TeraOnion instead of a GDEMU if you are just using an SD card anyways? my plan is to do mine with a GDEMU and swap the PSU from the original to a DreamPSU or ReDream PSU
Honestly the experience with the GDEMU and terraonion is the same. I got it mainly because it has a more powerful FPGA and that might mean more features in the future. But GDEMU also works well and is cheaper
I have the original dchdmi and the only problem I have with it is for some reason it causes ready to rumble to not work properly, every other game runs fine that I've tried, but r2r has audio hiccups and freezing issues, if I remove the ribbon cable from the dchdmi and play with just analogue outs, no problems with the game....I wonder if this new version has that issue too.
I have not heard about those problems before, but my older DCDigital and the newer one seem to work fine
@@LIRetroGaming That is good to hear, it is the oddest thing I have encountered, but nice to know not everyone has the problem, hopefully when I get the new PixelFX version it will go away. :P
I wish there was one fro the sega saturn.
Hopefully some day
I'll never understand how people can solder so well. No matter what I do it just insists on staying on the tip, no matter what kind of flux I use.
Otherwise this would be my next project.
I love these mods, but I won't if there's any point given that av to HDMI output adapters exist.
There are plenty of comparisons between those adapters and the hdmi mod is significantly better in terms of quality. I guess it depends on what you want - the adapters are cheap and easy but the hdmi mod is hands down the best quality
Hi very nice detail video you have here.
My dreamcast has dreamshell with Dcdigital mod installed V1 i assume.
I cannot get an HDMI signal anynore just black screen
I see there is a green light flashing
Meaning no signal
Any idea what might be wrong
Will i need to upgrade
Or is there a simple fix mabye
Very hard to know without looking at it. There might be a problem with the flex cable install
Could you use a rechargeable coin cell battery with Voltar's mod and skip the diode step?
Voultars mod is to add the BAT85 diode to block the recharging circuit. If you want, you could just install the socket only and not install the diode. That would allow you to easily exchange rechargeable coin cells like the ML2032.
do you know if the MODE\DCDigital functions properly with the 12v regulator removed from the stock power supply?
Yes you can remove the 12v regulator, although it does have a load built in for that power rail.
Is that wifi adapter just for dchdmi updates? or can you use the dreamcast online with it?
It’s for DCDigital updates only unfortunately
Is there any way to fix or replace a bad disk drive with a new one?
Not that I’m aware of. There are replacement gd rom lasers but I have not had any luck with them yet
I’m doing the drop in replacement of v1. Do you know about plug 2 of JST9 of MODE to the OPT pad on v1 to support disk swap? V2 does not have OPT so I’m guessing RST on v2 if it’s still supported.
Yes I think that’s right, although I have not tried it yet
@@LIRetroGaming Thanks. Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays!
I didn’t see the opt pad. Lol. It works a same as first version. The FW for hw2 was updated day of or after this post to support / fix/ refine the function.
All works great and look incredible.
Dude. I just tried to swap mine yesterday. With the so-called "drop in" moniker, I thought you could easily swap them out. Nope, there's still soldering involved.
Also, when I disassembled my Dreamcast last night, the was no metal shield beneath the dchdmi...
Lastly, why do you have to do the self test in the vmu menu?
Yes, you still have to solder the smaller flex cable. But that’s way easier the the main flex cable. Whoever installed your DCDigital must have discarded the bottom shield. Lastly, I do the self test just to confirm that all the connections are good. This would not be necessary for a swap like you did
@@LIRetroGaming Thanks for your videos. They're very informative. The guy who did my DCHDMI also soldered three wires from the bottom of the mother board to the DCHDMI (not a flex cable). So basically, I'm looking to find someone to desolder the three wires, solder the second flex cable on and then I'll be good to go.
I understand that one of the wires allows me to reset. Is one of the other wires the one that lets me see the OSD? If so, what's the third wire for?
Thanks again
Will all games be in 16.9 or full screen when installing this?
You can set it to either mode
When I read the thumbnail "bring your dreamcast into the modern age", I thought you'd throw it in the dumpster to have it recycled...
Can i only use hdmi mod and not using the sd card mod ?
Yes, they are totally independent of each other
How much do you charge for something like this?
I have the prices on my website and I can certainly help you out there
What does HW2 stand for ?
Hardware 2 I believe
Was the original also $200?
Pretty sure it was about 200
@@LIRetroGaming Pretty sure I got mine for about $160, but that was a few years ago, prices have gone up on these things, so I think 200 is pretty reasonable, especially considering all of the upgrades.
enjoy the power supply overheating on the 12v rail...
Thanks, I most certainly will! Looking forward to the inevitable call to the fire department
It's not a huge deal, but I do agree that it would be ideal to remove it. You can drop the temps between 5-8C this way.
Everything is X'd 😭 but everything looks fine to me
Are you looking in the memory card screen as I was showing in the video?
@@LIRetroGaming it was displaying the Pixel FX bios. The rainbow Kaleidescope looking screen. I went back to try resoldering and destoryed the ribbon cable :/ so Im just waiting for my next paycheck to ship it out and have it done
Too much trouble. Just emulate it.
Folks, if you're not skilled enough to do this, I've uploaded a 1 min tutorial showing how to build a Sega Dreamcast with Lego and a Pi4.
$200US? no thanks