Dreamcast games worth running on your arcade cabinet?

[javeryh]

So is the way to go using a real dreamcast or do people prefer nulldc or something like that?  I tried setting up nulldc last night and I couldn't even get it to start...

Javery,

I ran into problems as well and finally got it working.  Maybe it will help...

1.  First you need to find the dc_boot and dc_flash files.  Google is your friend.

2.  The default video configuration option is set to nullPVR.  This requires vertex and pixel shading so your video card needs to support at least DirectX8 and you need to have the DirectX drivers installed.  NullPVR would not work with the onboard video on either my older P4 laptop or my new HP Vista desktop.  An alternate option is to use the Chankast video configuration option in nullDC. 

I also found the README file that's included with the download to be helpful in finding the right driver files.

Thanks for the tips.  I'm OK with #1 but I'm pretty sure my computer isn't powerful enough for #2.  I have a 3 year old P4 laptop...

[camsauce]

Made easier (but not cheaper) you can get Dreamcast to PC adaptors here:

http://www.jandaman.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=9abc3c8f8a60226b725affc77badfb40&Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=DC

[Agent Davis]

First off, the dreamcast is a fantastic system for an arcade machine.  Being that it's Sega, a lot of games are more or less direct port from the arcades, and some are inproved.  Soul Caliber is still one of the highest ranked games on any system of all time.  The dreamcast also has some good lightgun games.

hmm..  so how reliable are those A/B boxes? have you every had any problems with dodgy connection?   Turns out PS2 will do VGA and RGB.. looks like I'm going to need an A/B/C box  oh and btw...   Will the DC do VGA 31hkz AND RGB (arcade 15khz)?  I have have a multi sync but just wanted to ask...

I actually had a DB25 ABC box with PC (mame), DC, and PSX at one point.  The problem I had was with the DB25 cables.  The wires are very thin and often came loose on me.  Recently I scratched the switchbox and went to hardwired controls to an IPAC.  I plan to build a pedestal control panel containing a dreamcast and an old projector that will project onto a screen next to my current cabinet.

Edit:  Looks like you are referring to ABC for video, in which case I do not know.

[brandon]

actually.. I WAS referring to controls   with 25 pins maybe you could squeeze all the controls AND video on the same plug    I'll have to do some experimenting.. I want something 100% reliable for sure

[solderguy1]

I was thinking of having a DC in parallel.  For the monitor, use the VGA jack (PC will use DVI jack).  The monitor will select whatever one is active.  For the speakers, connect to the auxilary input. 
 
Control panel may be difficult though, especially if I go the u360 route.  Might say the hell with it and just play with standard DC pads. 

It sure is attractive to have a cheapo console that starts where Mame leaves off...

[brandon]

that is true!   well, I've heard of people connecting multiple JAMMA boards in parallel using diodes..   OR you could go completely overboard and get one of these...

http://www.multigame.com/jamma.html

of course.. then you could have up to 8 devices at once..  but you'd have to make JAMMA adapter for PC and all your consoles...  hmm...

EDIT: cool.. found two more options...


http://www.mikesarcade.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?sku=DBLJAMMA

http://www.arcademvs.com/ARCADE_ACESSERIOR.htm