Dreamcast Wireless Controller DreamConn video review

Hi guys and girls,

I recently took delivery of a DreamConn V2.0 wireless bluetooth Dreamcast controller. Here's my review:

http://www.thedreamcastjunkyard.co.uk/2015/09/dreamconn-v20-video-review.html

 

Been wanting one of these since I first heard about them. Liking the new improvements, may have to snag one soon.

 

Solid review. Now I just have to justify dropping $150 dollars on one haha.

 

Took 2. Can't stand wire since one burned near a candle on my coffee table while I was playing Soulcalibur with a friend (I lost the round)

 

These are impeccably awesome!!! now there shoud be a DIY kit, i've got a hello kitty and a pee yellow asking for this LOL

 

Very fine! I just whish I had more cash readily available, or a DIY kit.

 

Wow, looking neat... although I do have some thoughts about this.

- It's a great idea to implement virtual memcards, but I'm guessing here it's a standard 200 blocks (not 240) and no multi-page memcards (large capacity with button)? I wonder what happens if you'd like to format one of the built-ins to 240 blocks... Also, if the battery's for the bin (eventually), would the savefiles still be preserved (how's the saving consistency of the chip, would it corrupt from time to time like a Nexus for instance?)

- The connector, looked at from the front, looks like a Wavebird one, so that's nice.
I do think the actual plug should've been implemented into the receiver to avoid sticking out as much and thus being prone to any accidental damage...

Would really love to have a set once prices drop

 

Hi. Thank you very much for your suggestions and thoughts. Just wanted to clear them out for you:

1. The virtual VMUs I utilize makes use of all 256(!) blocks - like a real VMU. It is the formatting that Dreamcast makes which makes use of only 200 blocks. So, if you format it with any homebrew app (like DreamExplorer) you can make use of 240 blocks without any problem.
Also, I have already considered of making a multi-page VMU with a button but the cost would be much higher.
Finally, there is no corruption at all + the saves are not depending on the battery - if it dries out (in many years from now) your saves will remain intact.

And here is some technical info wich is unknown or nobody has bothered with:

Generally, all original VMUs + 3rd party memory cards are making use of FLASH memory because they are faster + cheaper and their lifetime is relatively low. Also, due to the Maple Bus specs, they where the only viable option.
DreamConn, in the contrary, and in conjuction with a "smart" algorithm makes use of EEPROM wich are much slower + more expensive but they are very reliable (no corruptions ever) and their lifetime is much higher. You can expect your grand-children to play with your DreamConn saves while your VMUs will be dead sooner or later or start giving you corruption issues.

2. Due to its size it cannot stick into the receiver - but I'm considering of making the plug smaller if I can.

 

Thanks for clearing that up.
(I noticed in the review video it did seem to take a bit longer than normal for the memcards to show up once the original memcard was inserted...)

Reason I'd asked this, is that I already have a lot of memcards (including about 3 multi-page ones, all of them filled up to the max) and therefore would need to move all of the savefiles into the DreamcConn. If I would be ONLY using your controller, that would be impossible, so another ocontroller definitely needs to be plugged in... (I know, DC gamers mostly have multiple controllers already, as do I )

Was thinking of some sort of safety net to be implemented in your structure (eg just 1 virtual memcard for port 1, so an original one would still be detected in port 2...? Or maybe by the push of a button still have the user to flip between virtual memcard and original memcard...)
Just some ideas I'm throwing here, I will definitely be looking for your product in the future, but I also watched some USB loading on the DC yesterday, so I know what to save up for ;p

PS forgot about the exact size of a fully 'opened up' memcard, was just guessing there, but I do remember not all games can be saved on a memcard with morer than 200 blocks

 

Receveid. Works perfectly. Now, make the same for SFC, N64, Master System, Megadrive and Saturn.

 

Yakuzasan, prz maek vidoe four us two watc prz

 

A vid ?
But there's already one in the firts post, I won't do better !

 

That's kind of you to say

 

You're welcome !

chrisvcpp, I was serious, is there a chance that you built wireless pads for old gen consoles ?

 

Yes, but I always say- the more, the merrier!

 

Hi.

Of course, I could. But at the moment I would have to hire 3-4 people to deal with the DreamConn in order for me to save time and deal with other developments.

 

Right, glad to see that it's possible for you , keep us informed

 

Is there any issue with OC DC?

 

On the fence about this, but waiting for more reviews. Seems great so far!

 

Hi.

DreamConn v3 is now released. Along with some minor hardware upgrades, I have now included Bluetooth connectivity with a PC for VMU managing.

More details on the eBay listing and also here

Glad to know your thoughts about this.