Coder's cable - Revision history

Tchan: corrected MacOS support for custom baudrates

2025-11-08T15:22:33Z

corrected MacOS support for custom baudrates

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:22, 8 November 2025
Line 41:		Line 41:
	* '''higher baudrates''':		* '''higher baudrates''':
	** try first with the '''dreamcast-specific baudrates''' (223214, 260416, 312500, 390625, '''520833, 781250, 1562500''')		** try first with the '''dreamcast-specific baudrates''' (223214, 260416, 312500, 390625, '''520833, 781250, 1562500''')
	*** Disclaimer for Linux ~~only~~: ~~needs~~ dc-tool-ser (~~host) changes from~~ 4 ~~september~~ 2023 to select custom baudrates		*** Disclaimer for Linux: Make sure you get a recent dc-tool-ser (Sep 4, 2023 or later) to select custom baudrates
	*** Disclaimer for MacOS ~~only~~: custom baudrates ~~are not supported yet~~		*** Disclaimer for MacOS: Make sure you get a recent dc-tool-ser (June 26, 2025 or later) to select custom baudrates
	** '''230400''': use the -e speedhack option if you absolutely need 230400 at pc-side, but the DC will use 223214 or 260416 anyways.		** '''230400''': use the -e speedhack option if you absolutely need 230400 at pc-side, but the DC will use 223214 or 260416 anyways.
	** '''500000 and 1500000''': you can try, but that will not work on all pc (the mismatch with the baudrate of the Dreamcast is sometimes too big (4%))		** '''500000 and 1500000''': you can try, but that will not work on all pc (the mismatch with the baudrate of the Dreamcast is sometimes too big (4%))

Darc: /* Buy a pre-made cable */

2024-09-10T05:10:13Z

Buy a pre-made cable

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:10, 10 September 2024
Line 2:		Line 2:

	== Buy a pre-made cable ==		== Buy a pre-made cable ==
	* eg: Contact '''darc''' on the [https://dcemulation.org/phpBB/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=5284 Message Board] or [https://discord.gg/~~RuKmpu7k~~ Discord] for a pre-made CP2102N-based cable		* eg: Contact '''darc''' on the [https://dcemulation.org/phpBB/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=5284 Message Board] or [https://discord.gg/wDEfkUh63h Discord] for a pre-made CP2102N-based cable
	* eg: [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.		* eg: [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.
	* (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250)		* (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250)

Darc: /* Buy a pre-made cable */

2024-09-08T04:31:19Z

Buy a pre-made cable

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:31, 8 September 2024
Line 2:		Line 2:

	== Buy a pre-made cable ==		== Buy a pre-made cable ==
	* eg: Contact '''darc''' on the [https://dcemulation.org/phpBB/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=5284 ~~DCEmulation Forums~~] or [https://discord.~~com~~/~~invite/TRx94EV Simulant~~ Discord] for a pre-made CP2102N-based cable		* eg: Contact '''darc''' on the [https://dcemulation.org/phpBB/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=5284 Message Board] or [https://discord.gg/RuKmpu7k Discord] for a pre-made CP2102N-based cable
	* eg: [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.		* eg: [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.
	* (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250)		* (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250)

Darc: /* Buy a pre-made cable */

2023-11-21T18:47:10Z

Buy a pre-made cable

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 21 November 2023
Line 2:		Line 2:

	== Buy a pre-made cable ==		== Buy a pre-made cable ==
	* eg: Contact '''darc''' on the [https://discord.com/invite/TRx94EV Simulant Discord] for a pre-made CP2102N-based cable		* eg: Contact '''darc''' on the [https://dcemulation.org/phpBB/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=5284 DCEmulation Forums] or [https://discord.com/invite/TRx94EV Simulant Discord] for a pre-made CP2102N-based cable
	* eg: [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.		* eg: [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.
	* (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250)		* (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250)

Tchan: price indication adaptations

2023-11-21T14:11:24Z

price indication adaptations

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:11, 21 November 2023
Line 8:		Line 8:
	== Build your own cable ==		== Build your own cable ==
	* DC serial connector:		* DC serial connector:
	** best connector today is the one used by the [https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=DC+SD+Adapter+V2 DC SD Adapter V2] (+- 16 USD)		** best connector today is the one used by the [https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=DC+SD+Adapter+V2 DC SD Adapter V2] (+- 20 USD)
	{\|		{\|
	\| [[File:DC SD Adapter V2.jpg\|thumb\|alt=DC SD Adapter V2\|DC SD Adapter V2]]		\| [[File:DC SD Adapter V2.jpg\|thumb\|alt=DC SD Adapter V2\|DC SD Adapter V2]]
	\|}		\|}
	* select a usb-to-serial chip/cable (+- 10 USD)		* select a usb-to-serial chip/cable (+- 15 USD)
	** [https://www.silabs.com/interface/usb-bridges/usbxpress Silicon Labs '''CP2102N''']:		** [https://www.silabs.com/interface/usb-bridges/usbxpress Silicon Labs '''CP2102N''']:
	*** Supports 1600000, which is a 2,4% baudrate mismatch with the Dreamcast, which seems acceptable for high speeds. Best chip that can be recommended today. Tests give speeds of 170-190 kByte/sec and more thanks to compression.		*** Supports 1600000, which is a 2,4% baudrate mismatch with the Dreamcast, which seems acceptable for high speeds. Best chip that can be recommended today. Tests give speeds of 170-190 kByte/sec and more thanks to compression.

Tchan: added darc's cable info, and cleaned up formatting

2023-11-21T13:44:33Z

added darc's cable info, and cleaned up formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:44, 21 November 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The '''coder's cable''' is the name given to the serial-based cable some developers use to test and debug code during development. Originally, cables were connected to host devices via serial, but modern cable designs incorporate a USB controller instead. Coder's cables can also be used for other purpose's besides development, such as transferring VMU data back to a PC or dumping GD-ROMs (although quite slowly).		The '''coder's cable''' is the name given to the serial-based cable some developers use to test and debug code during development. Originally, cables were connected to host devices via serial, but modern cable designs incorporate a USB controller instead. Coder's cables can also be used for other purpose's besides development, such as transferring VMU data back to a PC or dumping GD-ROMs (although quite slowly).

	== ~~How to build/buy~~ a cable ==		== Buy a pre-made cable ==
	* ~~Buy~~:		* eg: Contact '''darc''' on the [https://discord.com/invite/TRx94EV Simulant Discord] for a pre-made CP2102N-based cable
	** eg [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.		* eg: [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.
	** (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250)		* (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250)
	* Build:
	** DC serial connector:		== Build your own cable ==
	*** best connector today is the one used by the [https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=DC+SD+Adapter+V2 DC SD Adapter V2] (+- 16 USD)		* DC serial connector:
			** best connector today is the one used by the [https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=DC+SD+Adapter+V2 DC SD Adapter V2] (+- 16 USD)
	{\|		{\|
	\| [[File:DC SD Adapter V2.jpg\|thumb\|alt=DC SD Adapter V2\|DC SD Adapter V2]]		\| [[File:DC SD Adapter V2.jpg\|thumb\|alt=DC SD Adapter V2\|DC SD Adapter V2]]
	\|}		\|}
	** select a usb-to-serial chip/cable (+- 10 USD)		* select a usb-to-serial chip/cable (+- 10 USD)
	*** [https://www.silabs.com/interface/usb-bridges/usbxpress Silicon Labs '''CP2102N''']:		** [https://www.silabs.com/interface/usb-bridges/usbxpress Silicon Labs '''CP2102N''']:
	**** Supports 1600000, which is a 2,4% baudrate mismatch with the Dreamcast, which seems acceptable for high speeds. Best chip that can be recommended today. Tests give speeds of 170-190 kByte/sec and more thanks to compression.		*** Supports 1600000, which is a 2,4% baudrate mismatch with the Dreamcast, which seems acceptable for high speeds. Best chip that can be recommended today. Tests give speeds of 170-190 kByte/sec and more thanks to compression.
	**** eg [https://www.adafruit.com/product/5335 Adafruit CP2102N Friend (USB-C)]		*** eg [https://www.adafruit.com/product/5335 Adafruit CP2102N Friend (USB-C)]
	**** eg [https://www.silabs.com/development-tools/interface/cp2102n-mini-development-kit?tab=overview Silicon Labs CP2102N-MINIEK (mini USB)]		*** eg [https://www.silabs.com/development-tools/interface/cp2102n-mini-development-kit?tab=overview Silicon Labs CP2102N-MINIEK (mini USB)]
	**** eg [https://www.amazon.co.uk/DSD-TECH-SH-U09BL-Serial-CP2102N/dp/B08JLRP6YV DSD TECH SH-U09BL USB to TTL Serial Cable with CP2102N Chip]		*** eg [https://www.amazon.co.uk/DSD-TECH-SH-U09BL-Serial-CP2102N/dp/B08JLRP6YV DSD TECH SH-U09BL USB to TTL Serial Cable with CP2102N Chip]
	**** eg [https://github.com/cepawiel/dc-serial Colton's custom PCB] - Kicad files to order a custom PCB with a CP2102N, to be soldered to the serial connector of a DC SD Adapter V2		*** eg [https://github.com/cepawiel/dc-serial Colton's custom PCB] - Kicad files to order a custom PCB with a CP2102N, to be soldered to the serial connector of a DC SD Adapter V2

	*** FDTI's '''FT232R'''-like chips:		** FDTI's '''FT232R'''-like chips:
	**** '''good until 781250''', does not support 1562500.		*** '''good until 781250''', does not support 1562500.
	**** 500000 and 1500000 will not work with all chips/on all pc, because of a 4% baud rate mismatch with the baudrates of the Dreamcast.		*** 500000 and 1500000 will not work with all chips/on all pc, because of a 4% baud rate mismatch with the baudrates of the Dreamcast.
	***** Even if you're lucky, you won't really get 1500000-worthy speeds - more probably around 130-150 kByte/sec...		**** Even if you're lucky, you won't really get 1500000-worthy speeds - more probably around 130-150 kByte/sec...

	** connect the following pins (cfr [[Serial_interface]]):		* connect the following pins (cfr [[Serial_interface]]):
	*** GND <-> GND		** GND <-> GND
	*** TXD <-> RXD		** TXD <-> RXD
	*** RXD <-> TXD		** RXD <-> TXD
	*** RTS <-> CTS		** RTS <-> CTS
	*** CTS <-> RTS		** CTS <-> RTS

	== Software to use ==		== Software to use ==

Tchan: adapted Linux & MacOS disclaimers with the latest info, after commit of Linux custom baudrates has been added to the repo

2023-09-10T13:51:27Z

adapted Linux & MacOS disclaimers with the latest info, after commit of Linux custom baudrates has been added to the repo

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:51, 10 September 2023
Line 40:		Line 40:
	* '''higher baudrates''':		* '''higher baudrates''':
	** try first with the '''dreamcast-specific baudrates''' (223214, 260416, 312500, 390625, '''520833, 781250, 1562500''')		** try first with the '''dreamcast-specific baudrates''' (223214, 260416, 312500, 390625, '''520833, 781250, 1562500''')
	*** Disclaimer for Linux only: ~~Requires a patch~~ to ~~support~~ custom ~~speeds that is~~ not yet ~~part of dc-load-ser 1.0.6.~~		*** Disclaimer for Linux only: needs dc-tool-ser (host) changes from 4 september 2023 to select custom baudrates
			*** Disclaimer for MacOS only: custom baudrates are not supported yet
	** '''230400''': use the -e speedhack option if you absolutely need 230400 at pc-side, but the DC will use 223214 or 260416 anyways.		** '''230400''': use the -e speedhack option if you absolutely need 230400 at pc-side, but the DC will use 223214 or 260416 anyways.
	** '''500000 and 1500000''': you can try, but that will not work on all pc (the mismatch with the baudrate of the Dreamcast is sometimes too big (4%))		** '''500000 and 1500000''': you can try, but that will not work on all pc (the mismatch with the baudrate of the Dreamcast is sometimes too big (4%))

Tchan: added link to Colton's PCB files

2023-08-15T08:07:57Z

added link to Colton's PCB files

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:07, 15 August 2023
Line 17:		Line 17:
	**** eg [https://www.silabs.com/development-tools/interface/cp2102n-mini-development-kit?tab=overview Silicon Labs CP2102N-MINIEK (mini USB)]		**** eg [https://www.silabs.com/development-tools/interface/cp2102n-mini-development-kit?tab=overview Silicon Labs CP2102N-MINIEK (mini USB)]
	**** eg [https://www.amazon.co.uk/DSD-TECH-SH-U09BL-Serial-CP2102N/dp/B08JLRP6YV DSD TECH SH-U09BL USB to TTL Serial Cable with CP2102N Chip]		**** eg [https://www.amazon.co.uk/DSD-TECH-SH-U09BL-Serial-CP2102N/dp/B08JLRP6YV DSD TECH SH-U09BL USB to TTL Serial Cable with CP2102N Chip]
			**** eg [https://github.com/cepawiel/dc-serial Colton's custom PCB] - Kicad files to order a custom PCB with a CP2102N, to be soldered to the serial connector of a DC SD Adapter V2

	*** FDTI's '''FT232R'''-like chips:		*** FDTI's '''FT232R'''-like chips:
	**** '''good until 781250''', does not support 1562500.		**** '''good until 781250''', does not support 1562500.

Tchan: moved Linux disclaimer about custom speeds into the baudrate section

2023-07-07T20:27:23Z

moved Linux disclaimer about custom speeds into the baudrate section

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:27, 7 July 2023
Line 14:		Line 14:
	*** [https://www.silabs.com/interface/usb-bridges/usbxpress Silicon Labs '''CP2102N''']:		*** [https://www.silabs.com/interface/usb-bridges/usbxpress Silicon Labs '''CP2102N''']:
	**** Supports 1600000, which is a 2,4% baudrate mismatch with the Dreamcast, which seems acceptable for high speeds. Best chip that can be recommended today. Tests give speeds of 170-190 kByte/sec and more thanks to compression.		**** Supports 1600000, which is a 2,4% baudrate mismatch with the Dreamcast, which seems acceptable for high speeds. Best chip that can be recommended today. Tests give speeds of 170-190 kByte/sec and more thanks to compression.
	**** Disclaimer for Linux only: Requires a patch to support custom speeds that is not yet part of dc-load-ser 1.0.6.
	**** eg [https://www.adafruit.com/product/5335 Adafruit CP2102N Friend (USB-C)]		**** eg [https://www.adafruit.com/product/5335 Adafruit CP2102N Friend (USB-C)]
	**** eg [https://www.silabs.com/development-tools/interface/cp2102n-mini-development-kit?tab=overview Silicon Labs CP2102N-MINIEK (mini USB)]		**** eg [https://www.silabs.com/development-tools/interface/cp2102n-mini-development-kit?tab=overview Silicon Labs CP2102N-MINIEK (mini USB)]
Line 39:		Line 38:
	* '''higher baudrates''':		* '''higher baudrates''':
	** try first with the '''dreamcast-specific baudrates''' (223214, 260416, 312500, 390625, '''520833, 781250, 1562500''')		** try first with the '''dreamcast-specific baudrates''' (223214, 260416, 312500, 390625, '''520833, 781250, 1562500''')
			*** Disclaimer for Linux only: Requires a patch to support custom speeds that is not yet part of dc-load-ser 1.0.6.
	** '''230400''': use the -e speedhack option if you absolutely need 230400 at pc-side, but the DC will use 223214 or 260416 anyways.		** '''230400''': use the -e speedhack option if you absolutely need 230400 at pc-side, but the DC will use 223214 or 260416 anyways.
	** '''500000 and 1500000''': you can try, but that will not work on all pc (the mismatch with the baudrate of the Dreamcast is sometimes too big (4%))		** '''500000 and 1500000''': you can try, but that will not work on all pc (the mismatch with the baudrate of the Dreamcast is sometimes too big (4%))

Tchan: corrected info about lik-sang cable

2023-07-06T17:34:06Z

corrected info about lik-sang cable

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 6 July 2023
Line 4:		Line 4:
	* Buy:		* Buy:
	** eg [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.		** eg [https://www.retroonyx.com/product-page/dreamcast-usb-coders-cable retroonyx cable], FTDI-based cable.
	** (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250 ~~if combined with CP2102N-chip~~)		** (only mentioned for historical purposes - not sold anymore since long - "Lik-Sang coder's cable" - max speed of 781250)
	* Build:		* Build:
	** DC serial connector:		** DC serial connector: