Q: What is the Dreamcast mod chip?
A: The mod chip is a programmable logic device containing custom code and routines which is
installed inside any Dreamcast to enable it to play DC games from any territory.
Q: You mean my USA Dreamcast won't play Japanese imports?
A: No, your Dreamcast is territory locked into playing games only from the United States. This also
holds true for Japanese (Asian) and European Dreamcasts which can only play games from their
respective territories. The mod chip opens new doors and expands the software library from which
you may choose from.
Q: Can I use the mod chip to play European games?
A: Yes, most PAL software have a 50/60Hz selectable option so that you can play them on an NTSC
television. 50Hz is Pal and 60Hz is NTSC. This option appears when you first boot up the game. An
NTSC Dreamcast may be jumpered to output PAL video only by adding a cap to R422 on the solder
side of the DC pcboard.
Q: Am I missing out on much software from the land of the rising sun?
A: The biggest, baddest and latest DC software from the top guns such as Capcom, Sega, Konami
generally launch within the Japanese market first. Guilty Gear X has been available in Japan since
early December 14, 2000. Similarly, Last Blade 2 was released a week after Guilty Gear. USA DC
fans may never get a chance to see localized versions for the American market. Then there are titles
such as Vampire Chronicle which have little domestic ambition.
Q: Sounds good, where do I sign up?
A: NCS began selling the 26-wire mod chip kits for self installation during the week of January 17,
2000. A revised 5-wire mod chip kit was released on February 7, 2000 through the NCS on-line
store located at http://hh141.hiphip.com. The 5-wire mod chip replaced the 26-wire mod chip
and the preliminary 6-wire version. The most recent mod-chip revision requires only 4-wire
connections from chip to DC. Customers who wish to request NCS' professional chip installation
may send an e-mail to ncsx@msn.com with the header "DC Mod Install" to schedule your Dreamcast
for modification.
Q: I've soldered some wires in my time. Am I qualified to do the job?
A: NCS have no way to determine the qualification of our customers based on their own assessment
of their abilities. However, we will state that the work is not difficult as long as you are steady of
hand, sharp of eye and careful in your work. The mod requires a complement of wiring leads from
the Dreamcast bios rom located at IC501 to the PLD. The 4-wire chip installation will take you 30
minutes at most for the complete job.
Q: What is the price of the kit if I go that route?
A: NCS offers a complete kit at US$25 + shipping. This includes our PLD, which is re-programmable,
a full set of 30 AWG wiring leads, solder, a double-sided pad for affixing the chip to the pcboard,
and a link to our website URL with the installation instructions. The re-programmable PLD allows
NCS to upgrade the chip code when necessary. Development for the chip will be an on-going project
as improvements and efficiencies are made. NCS charges US$38, which includes return shipping with
UPS Ground if we install the chip.
Q: Should I expect to need re-programming of the PLD?
A: No. This won't be necessary in our opinion but we are aware that some of our customers prefer
to have the latest code in their mod chips so that they stay ahead of the pack and on top of the
game. In the event that chip re-programming is necessary, NCS will be able to upgrade your chip
at no extra component cost to you.
Q: Will the mod chip allow for the use of back-ups?!?
A: NCS does not condone the use of copied software or "back-ups". If we find that the chip is
capable of being used for purposes other than playing import software, the code will be re-written
to disable this feature. Support publishers so that they can continue to publish.
Q: Does NCS warranty modification work?
A: Yes, we are capable folk when it comes to pcboard mods. NCS have experience and a reputation
to uphold. All mod work is under our company warranty for 90 days. We ask that you test your DC
extensively when the mod is completed so that you can verify our handiwork. NCS takes no
responsibility for normal wear and tear of the DC GD-Rom drive, which is unrelated to our mod.
Q: Once the mod is done, can it be removed?
A: The mod may be removed with a simple procedure and you'll return to a Dreamcast that is
capable of only loading games from it's original territory. Vanilla city.
Q: Will the mod installation void my warranty with Sega?
A: Absolutely. Proceed with caution.
Q: What is the future of the DC mod chip?
A: New developments should improve the functionality and efficiency of the mod chip. Due to
the use of a re-programmable PLD, we can update your chip when necessary so that you have
the latest revision.
Q: How can I stay on top of the latest DC mod developments?
A: Subscribe to the NCS mailing list by sending an e-mail to ncs@escape.com with the message
header "DC MOD MAIL". You'll receive the latest information, updates, and new solutions.
Q: Well, this is gravy. Are there other solutions for the DC?
A: Since the modification chip, Datel has released a Gameshark peripheral for the Dreamcast which
is an alternative to playing import games. This simple plug 'n play device works with the majority of
Dreamcast imports but not all of them. Some incompatible games include Rainbow Cotton, Napple Tale,
Daissessen, and Dead or Alive 2. The same goes for the DCX boot-loader.
© National Console Support, Inc 2001
http://www.ncsx.com/templates
Revision History
FAQ v1.0 01/17/00 Original document posted by NCS
FAQ v1.1 01/20/00 Added information on reversability, warranty, next
revisions of chips and future viability.
FAQ v1.2 02/03/00 Updated information on upcoming 5-wire chip revision
and Sega Dreamcast updated bios on ASN, USA, EUR
consoles.
FAQ v1.3 01/04/01 Generation information updated to reflect market
conditions and evolution.
FAQ v1.4 08/11/01 NCS updates general market conditions and the
the NCS mod chip goes to v4.0.
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