The MGCD converter for Dreamcast

[Dewclaw]

You've heard of this one right? MGCD, apparently it converts the signals so you can just hook your dreamcast up to an arcade cab and play it like that. Cosmicco sells them for DC and PS2, but they only want $70 for it. I saw something that converted DC to Jamma somewhere else and it ran for $300. Is this just a good deal, or are there other things required(besides the dreamcast of course) that I need to buy to use it? I emailed cosmicco but they rarely understand what I'm tryin to say so I don't know if they got the question, and replied that MGCD was indeed for playing DC on a cab. Is that all there is to it?

[Dave_K.]

There are at least two different Dreamcast to Jamma converters out there, and MGCD is the cheaper of the two. MGCD prices vary on the model, some come with case and fan and VMU connector, others are just bare bones like what cosmicco sells. To use the MGCD, you have to make some modifications to your jamma connector (remove some ground wires).

More info here:

http://hehehe.org/
http://hehehe.org/board/board.php?forum=MGCD

The MGCD is really just a genlock hack that locks out all input, sound and video until you insert a credit. Its pre-programmed to start certain games per credit. Or it can work with any game in "credits for time" mode. User guide, and compatability list located here:

http://www.frolicker.com.tw/mgcd/mgcd.htm
http://www.frolicker.com.tw/mgcd/dclist.htm

So in short, no, its not simply plug and play.

[Dewclaw]

ah, I see...it doesn't sound too hard to hook up though. Thanks alot for the detailed answer.