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Nintendo GameCube - V.90 Modem and Broadband Adapter FAQ
Written by: NeOak
Version: 4.0
April 02, 2005
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CONTENTS
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1. Version Updates
2. V.90 Modem Adapter
a. Overview
b. Specifications
c. What do I need to get it working?
d. What ISPs work
e. Memory Card Requirements
3. Broadband Adapter
a. Overview
b. Specifications
c. What do I need to get it working?
d. What DSL and Cable companies work
e. Memory Card Requirements
4. How-To for setting up a Router to work with a BBA <----FOR PSO!!
4.1. Tips to prevent FSOD in PSO (by Moonlore)
5. Nintendo Online Strategy
6. FAQ
7. Conclusion
8. Copyright (Legal blah blah blah)
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1. VERSION UPDATES
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April 02, 2005
An update in almost 2 years. A lot of things have happened in that time,
but here is the update. I going to try to get Homeland and update the
FAQ if its needed.
June 14, 2003
A BIG update about LAN, Europe, etc, etc.
January 14,2002
Version 2.1
Just put some info that i found on the GameFAQs forums. It was posted
by Moonlore, and i put it here because i think you should read what he
wrote.
January 1, 2003!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2003!!
December 28,2002
Version 2.0
General update. Posted a How-To for the BBA, as i got one and a Belkin
router. ¡¡¡MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
November 2,2002
Version 1.4
Just minors updates. Still waiting for my Modem and PSO.
October 22,2002
Version 1.3
Changed the info on the colors. Also added up somethings.
October 6,2002
Version 1.2
Added up info on the BBA. Also posted the solution on the FSOD and BBA
problem on the FAQ section.
September 26,2002
Version 1.1
Checked spelling and changed a bit of the format. Also added up some
things that i missed, and fixed some stuff according to the last info.
September 25, 2002
Version: 1.0
I decided to write this FAQ because of the rumors and no answered
questions about these adapters for the Nintendo GameCube. These are
theories and posts found on the forums of PSO and other sites as
Nintendo.com.
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2. V.90 MODEM ADAPTER
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a.Overview: The Modem Adapter is a little black box with a black label
that goes in the Serial port 1 of your GCN. It allows you to
go online using the good old and slow Telephone line. This
V.90 Adapter is a 56K modem. That means that is like your
Computer's Modem. The only difference is that you don't need
drivers for the modem. The V.90 standard allows it to
connect to almost every Internet Service Provider (ISP).
b.Specifications:
- V.90 standard
- Max. Speed: 56 Kb (Kilobits)
- Works with a TCP/IP and PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
connection
- REAL Plug and Play ;)
c.What do I need to get it working?
- Modem Plugged in on Serial Port 1
- A telephone line (If you need an extension, use a short
one. Long cables produce more lag) (!)
- An ISP account
d.What ISPs work?:
Those that doesn't use special software to connect. That
means that the ones that requires ONLY Login name, password
and Telephone number will work. AOL is useless with this
modem, because it requires the AOL Browser to connect.
e.Memory Card Requirements:
Currently, at the time of writing this, Sega's Phantasy Star
Online Episode 1 & 2 and Phantasy Star Online Episode 3 are
the only titles that uses the Modem for Online. Each one
requires 4 blocks for the Modem Setup.
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3. BROADBAND ADAPTER (BBA)
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a.Overview: The Broadband Adapter is a little black box with a shining
label that goes in the serial port 1 of your GCN (as the
modem). It allows you to go online using the new and fast
Broadband (DSL and Cable).
b.Specifications:
- Ethernet Protocol (10/100 Mbits Base-T)
- Works with DCHP and PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over
Ethernet)
- Maximum speed depends on the Broadband connection speed
c.What do I need to get it working?
- Broadband Plugged in on Serial Port 1
- A Cat-5e Patch cable. (RJ45 plug, ***¡¡¡NO USB!!!***)
- An ISP account (DSL, etc.)
- A Router (!) (To prevent FSOD on PPPoE)
d.What ISPs work?:
As the modem, those that doesn't use special software
to connect. As for those who copy the MAC address of you PC
ethernet card, you will need a Router.
e.Memory Card Requirements:
Currently, at the time of writing this, Sega's Phantasy Star
Online Episode 1 & 2 and Phantasy Star Online Episode 3 are
the only titles that uses the BBA for Online. Each one
requires 4 blocks for the Modem Setup.
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4. HOW-TO FOR SETTING UP A ROUTER FOR YOUR BBA (NOT PSO)
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Ok!. So, you want to use the BBA to have a excelent PSO experience. But,
(as most people is) you don't know how, and the damn router manual don't
tell you anything. If you are going nuts, calm down. This little How-To
will explain you how. (I use "PC" to refer a PC or Macintosh)
If you have a Hub or a Switch, i can't help you there. Simply because
it would be more complicated, and also that the PC that has the
Broadband connection needs to be ON all the times to get to internet.
So, if you can and are willing to get a Router, go and get one. Also,
the Routers have a Built-in Switch. The difference is that the Router
is the one that manages the LAN and the DSL connection.
First of all, a mini-dictionary of the terms you are going to encounter:
(From the "Belkin 4-Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router" manual,
model F5D5230-4)
- DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This will set up the TCP/IP
settings and IP address (see below) automatically.
- IP Address: IP stands for Internet Prococol. Is a set of four numbers
separated by periods. This address is unique for every PC.
- LAN: Local Area Network. A LAN is a group of PCs and devices to work
in a small area. You Home Network is considered a LAN.
- MAC Address: MAC stands for Media Access Control. This is the hardware
address of a device connected to a network. This address
is unique for each device.
- NIC: Network Interface Card. It is the Ethernet card of your PC.
- PPPoE: Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet. PPP is a secure data
transmission method. It is a form of sing-up that needs a
login name and password to access internet. PPPoE is like
the PPP (Modem), but you need to login to access the high-speed
Internet.
- TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. Is the
standard method of transmission on Internet.
Ok. Now we are ready.
First, you must connect your Router to your Ethernet Card. Install the
Software that came with the Router, and BTW, go to the manufacturer's
Web site and DOWNLOAD THE FIRMWARE UPDATE! (You'll update it later.
Download it NOW so you don't need to connect to Internet until you are
done. This is very important, as some of the bugs in early firmwares can
affect the GCN's BBA.
After you installed the software and rebooted the PC, you should see
a connection icon of the Ethernet card. Use right click (in Windows) and
Properties. (In WinXP, is Status, and after is Support). You'll see
information, like the Gateway address (that is the Router). To configure
it, open your Internet Browser and type that address. If you can
access it, make sure you upgrade the Firmware. Look in the manual or
in the Web Site to how to upgrade it. (The Firmware is a .bin file.)
The Router manual should have a table where you write the settings
given by the ISP. PSO will ask for those settings. Follow this:
If your address is set up by DHCP, look no more and in PSO make that
uses DHCP.
If you want to mess up with IP address, write down the Router IP address
and use it in the "Default Router". Also, write the ISP settings given
to you.
If you need to use PPPoE to connect, you need a login name and password.
If you, for any reason, can't connect to the servers (or to the internet
in the PC), and have checked over and over the settings and are fine
(If the router tells that there is a 10Mb connection to the GCN,
is working), it must be that your ISP uses your PC NIC's MAC address.
(***This is were the router comes in handy***). You must make that the
router copy the MAC address of the PC NIC. To know the MAC address, in
Win 95,98 & Me, go to Start, then "Run". Type "winipcfg". You should
see your NIC MAC address. Open the router configuration page and write
that value.
In Win NT,2000 & XP, check the connection icon, make a right-click and
select "Status". Then go to the Support page and you will see your PC
NIC's MAC address. Open the router configuration page and write that
value.
If you can't make it work, call your ISP, and check the manufacturers
Web Page. Also MAKE SURE YOU HAVE UPGRADED THE FIRMWARE CORRECTLY!!!.
Also, check the manual.
If your PC can connect, but the GCN can't, write the values that you
wrote in and send me an e-mail. Try to be the most descriptive possible,
as i don't have access to your PC. I'll try to respond ASAP.
***** DON'T SEND ME QUESTIONS ABOUT ANYTHING *****
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4.1. TIPS TO PREVENT FSOD IN PSO
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Moonlore wrote this in the GameFAQs' PSO: Ep 1 & 2 Forums. He gives a
couple of tips and his personal experience with the BBA and a Router.
I do a Copy/Paste here from the forum, although you can find this post
in some post about the BBA. (I don't think you can find it easily).
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From: Moonlore | Posted: 1/14/2003 1:08:00 PM | Message Detail
I've got a BBA, AND a router, and have fallen to the FSOD.
Twice.
First time, I lost a Kaladbolg and a fully-ground Varista (don't laugh!).
Second time, I lost a DB's Saber and a level 55 mag I was raising to be
Devil Wings (lucky I hadn't changed it yet...).
Since those, I now follow this protocol:
1. ALWAYS bank non-equipped gear prior to leaving a game.
2. NEVER leave Online Mode from within a game. Always exit to Lobby
before quitting.
Since following those two rules, I have yet to hit another FSOD. But
if I do, my losses will be limited to just my set of potions.
(Disclaimer: The only two times I've FSOD'ed were from tyring to
save/quit from within a game. Dunno about FSODs at other times.)
---
Sabriel, L93 RAmarl. Angel Wings and a Final Impact+30
Sencha, L35 HUnewearl. Davil's Tail(?) and G-Assassin's Sabers
************************************************************************
So, of you follow his rules, is almost impossible that the FSOD hits you
very hard.
--I hope he doesn't send me an e-mail to remove this.-- ;P
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5. NINTENDO ONLINE STRATEGY
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It seems that Nintendo will not pursue an Online strategy with the
Gamecube. All their efforts are for the Nintendo DS and Revolution.
WHat a shame.
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6. FAQs
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: How much does the Modem and Broadband Adapter cost?
ANSWER: The MSRP is $34.99 for each one. This is the USA price. Japanese
modem is around $40 imported and the BBA $45. Don't know about
the Euro price...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: When will be released?
ANSWER: It is available Worldwide as of now.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: The Modem and Broadband comes together like the PS2 Modem/BBA
combo?
ANSWER: No. Each one is a separate product.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Why AOL Dial-Up doesn't work?
ANSWER: Because of the special software required to connect. If you
want to go online, find another ISP. (A poll on psoplanet.com
shows that a lot of people think that AOL users "[they] enjoy
slow speeds at high costs")
*****-Please DON'T ask on Forums if AOL (or Compuserve, etc.)
work. They DON'T. Even Nintendo put in the packaging of the
adapters that AOL DOESN'T WORK!.-*****
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Could you tell me about a good ISP?
ANSWER: No. My knowledge of the Continental United States' ISPs is
almost none. I don't live in the continent, but in an US island.
*****(Please don't send me e-mails about ISPs. I will NOT answer
them. Use the Gamefaqs.com forums instead.)*****
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Is there any Internet Browser?
ANSWER: No. Nintendo doesn't want the GameCube as a PC replacement for
Online browsing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: What's an ISP?
ANSWER: ISP: Internet Service Provider. These are the guys that you pay
to give you access to Internet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: The Broadband Adapter is an Ethernet Adapter?
ANSWER: It is a customized, but in the heart, yes. That means that 8 GCN
could connect one to another. Nintendo uses this for the 3
LAN enabled games (Mario Kart: Double Dash, Kirby Air Ride
and 1080)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Where the Modem and the BBA goes?
ANSWER: On Serial Port 1. Take the cover and there goes the Adapter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: My Modem or BBA doesn't work! Any suggestions?
ANSWER: Well, that is probably 99% due to your ISP. Free ISP work, yes,
but... they disconnect very often. Also, if you use AOL, I gave
the answer, but here goes again: AOL does NOT work. If you
managed to connect to your ISP with another Modem/BBA, try
calling Nintendo. It could be defective (0.000000001% possible).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: My BBA disconnects suddendly and the game freezes! Help!
ANSWER: As a lot of people are aware, the BBA disconects in some cases
when working over PPPoE. If you get this problem in PSO (often
called FSOD, Frozen Screen Of Death; when this happens to you,
your game will become frozen and make you lose all your
unequipped items and your meseta.), You MUST buy a Router
to solve this problem.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: When I play with other players, there are slowdowns! Help?
ANSWER: Slowdowns are called as "Lags". These little interruptions on
the signal is mostly present on 56K connections (Modem). Try
these steps before considering another ISP:
-Check the cable longitude. If it's too large (25 ft or more)
try changing it for a shorter one.
-Check the time. If you're connected on the night, there are a
lot of people playing, so you'll have to be patient.
-Free ISP?. Free ISPs are usually slower and more prominent to
a "surprise" disconnection.
-Try using another phone line on a friend's house.
-Consider buying a $30 to $60 Broadband Access... ;P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Who makes the Modem and the BBA?
ANSWER: Nintendo makes both Adapters, and both are official products.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: What colors does they come in?
ANSWER: All Modems and BBAs comes in Black. The Only difference is the
labels they have. Black for the Modem and Reflective for the
BBA (JAP version also has a reflective label). The white BBA was
only the promo version and will NOT be released.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: There is a Rumor and says that the Gameshark will go on
Serial Port 1, making impossible to use it Online. It is true?
ANSWER: Nobody knows for sure. It is possible that the Gameshark never
get released due to constant release date changes, even if it is
finished. Also, now is called "Action Replay" and its released
by the programmer, Datel.
UPDATE: The Action Replay works with a especially designed Memory Card.
Also, it doesn't work online, and Datel didn't and will not make
codes for PSO.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Is there a difference between the Modem/BBA Japanese version
and the USA/EU version?
ANSWER: No. The Adapter is universal. I got a Japanese Modem and it
works fine.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I've heard of a V.92 standard. What does this mean?
ANSWER: Technology advances with big steps. The V.90 is the Modem
standard in use, and have been improved with V.92. Don't
worry. V.92 is an extension of the V.90 architecture.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: How can I disconnect the GCN from Internet fast and secure?
ANSWER: Disconnecting in the game. However, if you need a Hardware
disconnection, pull the phone cable from the socket (The same
way used on the Dreamcast).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Should I use Wireless Extensions?
ANSWER: Use them if only they are necessary, or if you want to.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Does the Modem and BBA work on the Panasonic Q?
ANSWER: Yes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I cant find a Modem or a BBA in stores.
ANSWER: It seems stores aren't stocking Modems or BBAs. If thats the
case for you, then you must call Nintendo and buy one from them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: THe Broadband doesn't work with my Mod-chip!
ANSWER: Thats caused by the Mod-chip.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I went to Sega's server and my screen froze! What is going on?
ANSWER: It seems the FSOD code for Action Replay was discovered and is
heavily used by griefers in the servers. Yeah, it sucks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Where can I buy a Modem or a Broadband Adapter?
ANSWER: In every store that has stock. The Nintendo Store is the only
place were you can find both without problems.
Stores:
Electronics Boutique
GameStop
Babbage's
Toys R' Us
And other specialized stores.
Online:
http://store.nintendo.com <=== Check this one FIRST!!!
www.ebgames.com
www.gamestop.com
www.amazon.com
www.ncsx.com <=(Imported Japanese Version)
Some places sell them more expensive than others, so look around.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: How do you know all of this?
ANSWER: Nintendo.com, CubeIGN, GameInformer, Sega and the Phantasy Star
Online Episode 1 & 2 American players and importers of the
Japanese version. Also, a little help from my knowledge about
PCs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For any more questions, please e-mail me.
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6. CONCLUSION
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This Modem/BBA Adapter FAQ is almost finished. I played in Sega's server
and thought about returning but it seems that there is a code for FSOD
and i don't want to experience what it was like in the DC days.
Thanks to:
-Nintendo for creating the GameCube, the Modem and BBA.
-Sega for making PSO and boosting the Modem and BBA release.
-All the PSO:Ep.1&2 importers for posting their experiences and info on
GameFaqs, Pso-World and Sega's PSO forums.
-PSUnlimited.com, for the FSOD info.
-Ragol.com (RIP (-_-)), for the FSOD and BBA solution.
-PSOPlanet.com, for the poll on AOL users preferences (lol).
-My dad, for buying the GameCube for me and my brothers.
NeOak
sebashoyos@yahoo.com
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7. COPYRIGHT
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This document Copyright 2002, 2003, 2005 NeOak.
This document can't be sold or distributed on a paid CD or Floppy.
The ONLY servers allowed to host this are GameFaqs.com & faqs.ign.com
Please, feel free to contact me if you want this FAQ on your server.
Also, all non-commercial use of this FAQ is allowed.
You can take part of this FAQ, ONLY if you ask me permission.
Nintendo and GameCube are Trademarks of Nintendo Co. Ltd.
Sega and Phantasy Star Online are Trademarks of Sega Ltd.
Netscape is a trademark of AOL.
Microsoft and the X-Box are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
