DreamConn Wireless Dreamcast Controller

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dreamcast...amConn-v1-1-/262009355950?hash=item3d00f97eae

This is something I've been waiting for a long time and it looks like a pretty thorough modification. Very tempting, even at the rather high price it's listed for at the moment.

 

It would be cool if someone found/fabricated documentation for that mod. I'd likely attempt

 

I wonder if it costs a lot to make these or if the seller is overcharging for it.

 

Obviously he's overcharging but if it's a custom mod like it likely is plus the labor into making it the cost is almost justifiable. I'm more interested in the internal VMU as that is something nice to have.

 

Overcharging means there is an alternative to this. Currently there is not.

I think he is probably making a sizable profit on each sold, however.

 

Agreed. I wonder if this is something related to the Micro wireless controller projects from nfggames forum.

 

If it's all genuine private work, then the price is legitimate considering the time it probably required to develop and build the units. That said it's too expensive for me. Extensions are cheap.

If he could somehow turn the price down by increasing the volume or selling kits, it'd attract more buyers.

 

It looks like it's using custom software to show the battery level and such, so unless the seller would be willing to share it with the public (assuming he is the one who created it) then it would be difficult to recreate this mod.

 

I doubt it is as the Micro controllers are all 2.4Ghz RF and lack any bidirectional support for memory cards and rumble packs (in the N64 version at least).

 

Cool Project. I can live with cords though

 

Couldn't someone just buy one and see how it works?

 

Hi there. I've been a member for some time but never posted beofre.

I'd like to thank you for your interest. Also, just to inform that this project is created by me (a huge Dreamcast fan) and has nothing to do with the Micro controllers referred to a previous post.

Furthermore, and to save you from the trouble, DreamConn utilizes to 2 cpus (along with other components) with custom firmware in order to achieve the 'impossible'.
So, no - you can't just open it and see how it works.

 

Anyways, reverse engineering the hard work of a hobbyist is sketchy at best.

Good luck with your devices, and keep us informed if there's any development!

 

Touche

Keep the creative engineering going man

 

Mind giving us a little info on what flash memory you used for the virtual VMU?

 

I wouldn't much like to go with technical details at them moment.

What I can tell you though is that this project was a pain to accomplish. It took me almost 3 months of 20/24 R&D.
Because of the Maple Bus protocol specs it seemed virtually impossible to accomplish.
Therefore, any of the DreamConn components where chose for their very quick response time and very HIGH operation frequency.

Sega was very ahead of its time with the Dreamcast and the Maple Bus is a very demanding protocol in terms of timing.
Even 1 us delay or 1 un-served command result to the whole bus to collapse and you get nothing from the Dreamcast.

 

Interesting Project!! I really hope the price comes to a point that is affordable. Will a "DIY self assembly kit" be possible?

 

Umm Chris, I might be purchasing a controller from you very soon. My question, does having multiple wireless controllers would cause a conflict on the signal? Also for the battery, where does it charge? I can't seem to find it in the description, does it have like mini USB socket on the bottom etc?

 

Hi.
You can use us many as you can (probably you won't exceed 4 since the Dreamcast has 4 ports) with no conflict.
DreamConn uses bluetooth (like PS3,PS4) and every controller is attached only to its base unit with no interference with other devices.
Also, it has micro-USB port at the bottom for charging + switch for ON/OFF.

 

Really great work

Does your circuit require any direct connections to the controller PCB, or is it only wired to the maple bus? If so maybe you could build a standalone dongle (Like the receiver but with a female Dreamcast controller port, built in Li-ion battery, and a micro USB / LED / power switch on the box) so that any standard wired dreamcast controller can be made wireless (Like how the Wii Classic Controller is connected to a Wii Remote) would be nice to have a wireless arcade stick.

Since your using bluetooth, might it be possible to pair the Dreamcast controller with a standard USB bluetooth receiver for PC emulator use? Also could the consoles receiver additionally support DualShock 3/4 controllers? Just thinking it would be nice to use a modern wireless bluetooth controller on the Dreamcast.

Lastly may I make one suggestion? Perhaps consider moving the power LED to the bottom edge, along with the micro USB port and power switch. So the bottom edge of the controller would look like:
----Power LED----Micro USB Port----Power Switch----

I look forward to seeing your future projects!