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Using Linux To Get Your Dreamcast Online

Posted by Hemos on from the pretty-cool-idea dept.

katananja writes: "This article shows how you can connect your DC to Linux and make use of your high-speed Internet access: 'I finally found the combination of what works and what is needed to properly set up Linux to act as a dial-up ppp server and allow my DREAMCAST console to access it. What led me to actually work on this project was my desire to utilize my current method of Internet access (CableModem) because I just didn't feel like tying up my phone line every time I wanted to use my DC on the Internet.' "

6 of 50 comments (clear)

  1. Dumb Terminal by interiot · · Score: 3
    More than just allowing you to use your cable modem, this will let you use its web browser as a dumb terminal to the rest of your internal network. I don't know if anyone would actually buy extra dreamcasts to use as dumb terminals (Dreamcast: $150 + modem, IOpener w/keyboard: $100), but it's a handy way to have a non-geeky network presence in your living room if you already have a DC. Possible dumb terminal uses: (are there any such port-to-PJava projects going on?)
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  2. A little hacking? by ansible · · Score: 3

    I'd think it wouldn't take too much effort to get faster Internet access on the DC than this method.

    I've never seen the inside of a DC, but it would be likely to have a separate modem chip. The specs for just about any commercial chip are out there on the Internet. If you can find the modem, it wouldn't be too hard to disconnect it, and get at the RS-232 directly.

    You'd need a level converter; the onboard RS-232 is prolly TTL level where low = 0V and high = +3V, so you'd convert it to low = -5V and high = +5V. Wire up a DB-9 serial connector, get a null modem cable, and you're done with the hardware.

    On the host side, you'd need to whip up a chat script that looked (from the DC's point of view) as modem, which then starts up your PPP connection. The serial port probably runs at 115.2kbps.

    Might make a nice little hardware project for some hardware hackers out there.

  3. How exactly is this high-speed.... by wholesomegrits · · Score: 4

    Since 99% of slashdotters don't even bother to read the article before posting comments, it ought to be said that this isn't exactly 'high speed'. That's a bit deceptive. It's nifty and stuff, but not like you're getting broadband to the sega.

    You're still limited by the modem in the dreamcast, regardless of how fast an internet connection you have.

    A modem is not high speed.

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    1. Re:How exactly is this high-speed.... by GoRK · · Score: 3

      Not only can pretty much any OS do this (It's actually a damn lot easier to pull off in Win98.. takes about 10 clicks, or in Windows 2000 - takes about 20), but technically, you can get slower access via this method because you are unable to attain connections above 33.6Kbps! The ethernet adaptor for the Dreamcast is expected to be released in small quantity by late December and officially 'out' on January 2, 2001. Quake3 already supports it, as are many new net-connected games due out even before its release. The MSRP is $59.99. ~GoRK

  4. Proxy... by ShoeHead · · Score: 3

    Whats the likelihood of proxy cheats developing?

  5. there's another good site .. by 2MuchC0ffeeMan · · Score: 3

    here: http://win2000tips.home.att.net/w2kdreamcast.htm it has the win2k version of this

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