Brian
Noob please help
Moderator: Moderators
Noob please help
Hi all I am new to this but very interested in building my own portable dreamcast. I have some knowledge of schematics and components but I have no Idea where to start. Can someone break down the steps required to make a portable dreamcast thanks in advance
Brian
Brian
Well if you're new I'd suggest going with a Treamcast style, if you don't know what it looks like just type "treamcast" into the images.google.com.
Start by getting the system running off batteries. The Dreamcast uses 12v, 5v, and 3.3v inputs. This means that you can either use a hacked GameCube power supply or you can buy a Mini-ITX power supply and that should work. The Mini-ITX PSU should be able to connect dirctly to the Dreamcast without any modification, there is a model that is suggested on portablesofdoom.org under the Dreamcast section. Once the PSU is connected and you're sure there are no shorts and everything is connected you can use either AA Ni-MH batteris or some have opted for 14.4v Li-ion batteries.
Once that is done and you know the system can run on batteries, you can add the screen. It's suggested to use a PSone Screen, it's 5" dia. and can take composite, RGB, or VGA all of which the Dreamcat can output. The screen also runs off 7v and so a line off the batteries or the PSU with a regulator taking it down to 7v would alow you to powr the screen.
At this point I would suggest just soldering the connection cable to the screen, and only solder to the Dreamcast if you're confident about your soldering skills. The screen can also be attached at the back of the Dreamcast like the Treamcast, this just makes the setup simple.
This will get you going on a portable. If you wanted something more like a hand-held, look at dkap01's website. He's done one and has a complete walk though about what he did to get it to work. That should have enough information to get you going, if you're unsure about something you can ask here.
Welcome to the community and good luck on you're project.
Start by getting the system running off batteries. The Dreamcast uses 12v, 5v, and 3.3v inputs. This means that you can either use a hacked GameCube power supply or you can buy a Mini-ITX power supply and that should work. The Mini-ITX PSU should be able to connect dirctly to the Dreamcast without any modification, there is a model that is suggested on portablesofdoom.org under the Dreamcast section. Once the PSU is connected and you're sure there are no shorts and everything is connected you can use either AA Ni-MH batteris or some have opted for 14.4v Li-ion batteries.
Once that is done and you know the system can run on batteries, you can add the screen. It's suggested to use a PSone Screen, it's 5" dia. and can take composite, RGB, or VGA all of which the Dreamcat can output. The screen also runs off 7v and so a line off the batteries or the PSU with a regulator taking it down to 7v would alow you to powr the screen.
At this point I would suggest just soldering the connection cable to the screen, and only solder to the Dreamcast if you're confident about your soldering skills. The screen can also be attached at the back of the Dreamcast like the Treamcast, this just makes the setup simple.
This will get you going on a portable. If you wanted something more like a hand-held, look at dkap01's website. He's done one and has a complete walk though about what he did to get it to work. That should have enough information to get you going, if you're unsure about something you can ask here.
Welcome to the community and good luck on you're project.
vskid wrote:Nerd = likes school, does all their homework, dies if they don't get 100% on every assignment
Geek = likes technology, dies if the power goes out and his UPS dies too
I am a geek.