Power supply for US Dreamcast in UK

Post by **spadgy** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 1:01 pm

I promised I've searched for this like crazy, but typing in terms like 'Dreamcast', 'Power', 'UK', 'NTSC' in any combinations seems to bring up so much stuff, so here is my very simple question:

To run a US NTSC Dreamcast in the UK, what power adapter will I need?

I have a real heavy duty step-down for my JPN Saturn that you plug the two-prong JPN plug into. I also have a small one for JPN PS2/Saturn/Dreamcast that goes straight from the console to UK wall socket (no need for original cable).

Before I actually buy a US DC for the games Utopia/DC-X won't boot, will either of those power adapters do?

Thanks!

Bigsasquatch · Post by **Bigsasquatch** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:01 pm

so long since I owned a DC .. can't remember......

If it has an internal stepdown from 110V down to operating voltage you can just use the same 110V cable you are powering your JPN saturn with cant you ? ( I'e' your HD stepdown is taking from 240-110 and then the cable is just the "8" on the other end... )

BIG S

EDIT

Yes a US dreamcast is 110V an runs straight off 110V mains so you should be able to use the stepdown you are already runninmg your Saturn off.. if your US DC comes with a power cable it'll be exactly the same 2 pin inlet as the Saturn one...

BIG S

Post by **spadgy** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:44 pm

Thanks Big S.

Little S.

Bigsasquatch · Post by **Bigsasquatch** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:41 pm

spadgy wrote:Thanks Big S.

Little S.

No problemo !

neorichieb1971 · Post by **neorichieb1971** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:47 pm

No point buying an import DC at all. Just get one chipped or use a swap disc.

If you do buy a US machine, you can switch the power supplies internally for a 220v one. Its quite easy. Then just use a normal UK plug.

Post by **spadgy** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 7:53 am

I'm buying it for the two games I have that don't run with DC-X or DC Utopia boot disks!

And I've tried both AV and S-Vidio/SVHS cables with the swap disks!

Jockel · Post by **Jockel** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:19 am

There is a 3rd Boot Disc, it's called "Hakker Disc".
Grab it here.
It's Freeware.
Besides, why don't you just download and burn those two games?
Since you bought them, no harm done.
And they stay sealed

(if they are)
That's how i did it with my Last Hope.

Post by **spadgy** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:38 am

Why, thank you Jockel... I'll try that boot disk...

Jockel · Post by **Jockel** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:24 am

Let me know if it worked for you :>

Post by **spadgy** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:07 am

Will do. So I just 'unzip' the downloaded Rar, burn the unzipped Rar to a CD, and use it like a normal boot disk (I have an unmodded DC and normal boxed copies of games)?

Jockel · Post by **Jockel** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 1:59 pm

yeah. You should burn the .cdi image with Discjuggler at best, but if your (most likely other) burning software supports it, i guess it's okay too.
In case you didn't know, (almost?) every unmodded Dreamcast reads CD-Rs ... and pirated copies

May i ask which the games are, that refuse to work?

Post by **spadgy** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:45 pm

Well - I couldn't work out how to burn Hakker correctly, but in using a DC S-Video cable rather than SCART, Utopia now boots up Giga Wing!

Problem solved!

neorichieb1971 · Post by **neorichieb1971** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:10 am

Thats more likely to do with the RGB issue. Approx 20 odd games will not work whilst a SCART lead is plugged in.

ReKleSS · Post by **ReKleSS** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:09 pm

I guess I'll add this... if you can find a DC power supply for your voltage, it's not hard to stick it in. Alternatively, it's not too hard to wire in a PC power supply. It's ugly and the DC power button doesn't work, but it's doable in a fix.