
*******************************************************************************

                    D r e a m c a s t   S w a p   T r i c k  
                 FAQ for the Swap Trick on the Sega Dreamcast
    This document is Copyright (C)2000, Dallas Scott. All Rights Reserved.

       The latest version of this FAQ can always be found at GameFAQs:
                           http://www.gamefaqs.com

*******************************************************************************

=----------------=
=Legal Disclaimer=
=----------------=
This document is Copyright (C)2000, Dallas Scott. All Rights Reserved. This
document is intended for the sole, private, non-commerical use of it's audience. 
This document may not be: published, copied, edited, altered, sold, attempted 
to be sold, posted on any website, retransmitted, uploaded, posted, etc. without
the sole consent of the author of himself. Failure to abide by these terms is
breaking the Copyright Infringment law in the United States of America and
will result in civil prosecution to any individual, company, organization,
coropration, incorporation, etc. which can lead up to a $500+ fine and/or
jail time. This document may only be read and printed by its audience, any
other activity which is engaged with this document other than reading/printing
purposes shall result in a civil lawsuit against violators and their affiliates
engaged in the crime.

*******************************************************************************

=----------=
=Webmasters=
=----------=
Attention all webmasters. If you want to post this document on your website,
please drop me a line at Dallas@DodgerStats.com and let me know: the name of
your website, the URL of your website, the content of your website, and any 
other information I should know about. With my consent, you can post this
document on your website as long as you: give full credit to myself, and you
leave the document unaltered as you see it here to the public. If you post
this document on your website without asking, actions shall be taken. Please,
just ask me, I reply within the hour of asking, it's not too much trouble.

*******************************************************************************

=-----=
=Notes=
=-----=
* I am in no way responsible for what happens to your Dreamcast in the 
  process of you doing anything in this FAQ. You won't break it if you
  do it carefully, and if you do break it, it's not in any way my fault.

* Disconnect ALL power cords from your DC before opening it up to reduce the
  risk of electrical shock.

* Thanks to Sailor Bacon and Battosai for helping me with this trick.

* With this trick, you will be able to play Imported Dreamcast games on 
  your US Dreamcast without using a Modification Chip.

*******************************************************************************

=-----------------=
=Table of Contents=
=-----------------=
   i. Introduction & Version History
   I. FAQ
  II. The Swap Trick
 III. Problems
  IV. Credits
   V. Contact Information
  VI. Legal Disclaimer
 VII. Closing

*******************************************************************************

=---------------------------------=
=i. Introduction & Version History=
=---------------------------------=
Want to play Import games on your Foreign or US Dreamcast for free? Don't want
to install a mod chip and don't want to buy a game enhancer of Gameshark? Well,
he's your alternative...the Swap Trick! That's right, the Sega Dreamcast does
have a swapping of discs trick that will allow you to play import games all
free of charge, and this FAQ tells you how to do it!


Version History:
----------------
V0.1 (04/28/2000): First Release. Added all sections.
V0.2 (05/04/2000): Added 2 New problems. Fixed a few things in the FAQ.
                   Added some more to the Q&A.
V0.3 (06/24/2000): FAQ Reformatted.
V0.4 (07/02/2000): Added more to the F.A.Q. section as well as added a new
                   problem.
V0.5 (07/11/2000): Put Alternatives up to keeping the black switch back in
                   the Trick section. Also added 2 new problems (one of
                   which I encountered today while attempting the trick).
                   And finally, I added some more Questions to the Q&A.

*******************************************************************************

=---------=
=I. F.A.Q.=
=---------=
Here's a little Q&A...

Q. Is it possible for me to play Import games on my US Dreamcast without
   using a mod chip?

A. Definitely! And this FAQ shows you how. All you need is a screwdriver,
   a rubber band OR some tape, Sonic Adventure (or any other regional game), 
   A Web Broswer, and an Import game you want to play. 


Q. Does this involve me opening my Dreamcast up, because I don't want
   to do that.

A. Yes, but believe me, nothing will break. I am frightened to death of
   opening my consoles for the fear that I might break something, but 
   this is the EASIEST thing you can do. You don't even have to touch
   anything inside but one tiny switch, very easy!


Q. Isn't there a Game Enhancer for playing imports? I just don't want
   to open my Dreamcast.

A. No, and there won't be for a while, plus why pay for something you
   can have for free. Don't worry, nothing will happen.


Q. Is this easy to do?

A. Very! In less than 10 minutes you will be playing all the imports 
   you want, for free!


Q. What if I already bought and installed a mod chip?

A. Well, there's no need to do this trick, you just wasted $30!


Q. Are there any alternatives to playing Imports on my DC?

A. There are currently 4 ways to play imports on your DC. You can
   purchase a GameShark CDX for approximately $50; You can have
   a Modification Chip installed into your Dreamcast for apprx.
   $30 (Do-It-Yourself) or around $50 (Custom Installed); You
   can do this trick for no charge; Or you can download files
   for a Boot Disc and burn them onto a CD-R for a custom made
   Boot Disc, also free of charge. Out of all these methods,
   I preferrably like the Boot Disc method, although I don't
   have a burner to burn the files to.


Q. Is there a downfall to using this trick?

A. Yes, the only downfall I can think of is waste of time. The trick
   takes nearly 5 minutes just to start up an Import game, vs. 10
   seconds with other methods. But what do you expect for something
   free of charge?


Q. Can anybody do this?

A. If you know how to unscrew a screw, then you can do this trick.


Q. What about if I have a Japanese DC, or a European DC, can I still
   do this trick?

A. Well, currently I only know that you can do it with the US and JP
   Dreamcasts, but different measures are taken to reset the Internal
   Memory for each regional console. 
   
   *NOTE* - As of July 2, 2000, I have been informed that this trick
            DOES work with all European Dreamcasts.


Q. What about games that have multi-discs? How can I swap them?

A. Simple, all you do is loop the rubber band outside of the DC and
   loosen it up so it releases the switch inside of your DC. (See Problems)
   Thanks to Sailor Bacon for this info. And if you have no idea what
   I'm talking about by this, don't worry, you'll learn once you read
   how to do the trick.


Q. What's an "Import"?

A. An Import game is a game that has been imported from another country.
   So a Japanese DC game to a US player is an Import. 


Q. Can I play Imports on my Dreamcast without doing any tricks?

A. No, Sega has put a security lockout on the Dreamcast to only play
   US games, therefore you have to 'bypass' this with the swap trick.
   Oh and all systems do this, it prevents US players playing Imports
   because...um...Sega doesn't want you playing Imports!


Q. Will this trick work on Backup CD-R copies of games?

A. I don't know, considering I haven't done it. And I don't support this 
   either. Remember, you play illegal games, gaming companies lose profits,
   they raise prices, and eventually stop making the game. If this trick
   does work with CD-R backups, I am in no way responsible for what you
   do.


Q. Why even bother?

A. So you can play those awesome titles in Japan that won't be coming here
   for a long time, and if you can't read Japanese, so what? Rough it, not
   all games require reading you know.


Q. Is the trick worth all the trouble?

A. If you are a frugal person and don't mind waiting 5 minutes everytime
   you want to play an import, then yes, this trick is worth it. If you
   are a lazy #*@%! and don't want to waste 5 minutes of your day trying
   to boot up an Import, then you'd be better off spending the $50+ on
   another alternative, or burning your own CD-R for free.


Q. Does it _have_ to be Sonic Adventure? Because I don't have that.

A. Before, I didn't know if this trick would work with any other game but
   Sonic Adventure. Just recently, I received a few e-mails confirming that
   it will work with any DC Game FROM THE REGION your DC was made in. So
   if you have a US DC, any US game will work for the trick. If you have a
   JP DC, any JP game will work for the trick, etc. I was previously 
   informed that it only worked with Sonic Adventure, but it has been
   confirmed that any correct regional game will work for this trick.


Q. Where can I buy Imports?

A. There are several well-known Import Online Stores who have Secure ordering
   available online. I strongly recommend the following:

   National Console Support - www.ncsx.com
   TronixWeb Inc.           - www.tronixweb.com
   The Rage, Inc.           - www.therage.com
   
   I have ordered from The Rage and NCS, and both are great, trustworthy
   companies. TronixWeb is highly known for it's excellent service and
   selection as well.

   You can also see a list of Import retailers here at GameFAQs.com under
   the "Features" Section. Remember, if you find this FAQ anywhere but
   GameFAQs.com, it's an illegal version, and you should notify me ASAP.


Q. I've heard that doing this trick may cause the GD Drive in my DC to
   burn out after long usage. Is this true?

A. Unfortunately, I do not know the answer to this question. Some people
   claim their Drives have been burnt out after long usage, but there are
   many other variables that could have caused this. So far, I have not
   had any trouble with this...yet. If something happens to your Drive,
   let me know so I can investigate a bit. But please, keep in mind that
   if your drive does burn out, or if something goes horribly wrong when
   you do this, I am in no way responsible (nor is this site) for anything
   that happens to anyone performing this trick. I am merely an informer.


Q. How do you know all of this?

A. Sailor Bacon and Battosai (2 authors/users at GameFAQs) helped me with it.
   So I give them my thanks and credit.


Q. So, how's the trick done?

A. See below for the simple steps to pulling off this swap trick.


*******************************************************************************

=--------------=
=II. Swap Trick=
=--------------=
Follow all instructions carefully and effectively and you should be playing
imports in no time.

ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:
--------------------
- 1 Phillips Head Screwdriver
- 1 Rubberband, small or large
- OR some tape if you don't want to use the Rubberband
- Sonic Adventure (or any other game)
- DC Web Browser [Version that came with the Dreamcast upon purchase.]
- A handy import or regular game to test the trick out
- Your hands

|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                                                |
| *WARNING - Disconnect all power cords from the back of your Dreamcast, as well |
|          as the controller before opening your Dreamcast. Failure to do so     |
|          could result in electrical shock.*                                    |
|                                                                                |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

STEPS:
------
1.) First, take the Phillips head screwdriver and unscrew the first 3 screws
    you see on the bottom of the Dreamcast. Keep them in a safe spot so you
    won't lose them later.


2.) Look at the Back Right corner of the Dreamcast, see the modem? Pop it right
    off. It's detachable, so don't worry. Once it's off you'll see the 4th and
    final screw. Unscrew it.


3.) GENTLY, Take off the top of your Dreamcast, showing it's insides, cool eh?


4.) Look in the back right corner of the inside of your Dreamcast, do you
    see that small little black switch? It's the one capable of being pressed
    back. This is the little guy that tells the Dreamcast if the CD lid is open
    or closed, you'll have to make it stay back in order to play imports. So...


5.) Take the Rubberband and use it to hold the little black switch back as
    far as it will go, but DO NOT force it to go any more than it can, or it
    will break. This is one way of  keeping the switch back, but you can also
    use tape...


|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                                              |
| ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO KEEPING SWITCH BACK                                   |
| ------------------------------------------                                   | 
| I found that using a rubber band was the easiest and safest way to keep the  |
| switch held back in the Dreamcast, but there are several alternatives if you |
| don't (for some reason) have a rubber band available.                        |
|                                                                              |
| String - Cut a small piece of string (preferrably kite string) and use it in |
|          place of a rubber band only with no seal on the end.                |
|                                                                              |
| Adhesive Strip (Tape) - I advise against using tape, but if you must use it, |
|                         do so. Tape the switch back carefully and try to make|
|                         it stay. The reason why this is the least safest     |
|                         is because there is a high risk of breaking the      |
|                         switch inside the dreamcast.                         |
|                                                                              |
| If you know of any other methods to keeping the black switch inside the DC   |
| held back, please mail them to Dallas@DodgerStats.com                        | 
|                                                                              |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|


6.) As an alternative, you can use some tape instead of the rubberband, but
    I recommend the band if you plan on playing Multi-disc games. Use the tape
    (As much as needed) to hold the little switch back. Or you can use any
    of the methods listed above.


7.) Once the switch is pushed back, either by tape or rubberband, or some other
    method. Put the lid back onto your dreamcast, and screw in all the screws. 
    Pop the modem back in place and you're ready for the fun part.


8.) Once your DC is all closed back up, pop in the Web Browser CD (Default Browser
    that came with the DC when you purchased it), and boot it up. When you boot it 
    up Hold down B+X on Controller #2, but remember to take out your VMU before 
    doing so, otherwise your net stuff will be erased on it. 


9.) By pressing B+X on Controller #2 for a few seconds, some boxes will appear, 
    this resets the Dreamcast's Internal Memory and it also deletes all Web 
    browser stuff you have stored on your VMU, so take it out before doing this.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|  NOTE: RESETTING THE INTERNAL MEMORY ON A JAPANESE DREAMCAST                  |
|  ===========================================================                  |
|  The Japanese Dreamcast is different than the US as far as structure is       |
|  concerned. You will have to perform a different method in order to reset     |
|  the internal memory on a JP DC. Thanks to Lord Ukyo for this info...         |
|                                                                               |
|  HOW TO RESET THE INTERNAL MEMORY ON A JP DC                                  |
|  ===========================================                                  |
|  DC Figure:       -----------------                                           |
|  ----------       |            S  | <-- S: Switch                             |
|                   |               |                                           |
|                   |    B          | <-- B: Battery                            |
|                   | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | <-- 1,2,3,4: Controller Ports             |
|                   -----------------                                           |
|                                                                               |
|  What to do:                                                                  |
|  -----------                                                                  |
|  The battery is about the size of a quarter. Around the edge, it is wrapped   |
|  with blue plastic and looks like a quarter standing on it's edge. Below it   |
|  you can see a '+' or "positive" sign. It is connected on both sides. You can |
|  disconnect one side by gently pulling it apart with pliers. You can reconnect| 
|  it again with tape or rubber band but you don't really need the internal     |
|  memory anyway. Without the battery the set time screen comes on every time   | 
|  you turn on your Dreamcast.                                                  |
|                                                                               |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


10.) Now that the Internal Memory is reset, pop in Sonic Adventure (or any other
     game from the region your Dreamcast was made in) and keep the lid of the DC 
     open! Remember, the switch inside is being held back which makes the Dreamcast 
     THINK the lid is closed, that's the 'trick' to it. 
     
     When the game loads, you will be taken to the set clock page, because 
     remember, you reset the internal memory. Go ahead and set the clock, but
     DO NOT press OK yet.


11.) After about 3 minutes of waiting, Sonic Adventure (or the game you put in) 
     will stop spinning in your Dreamcast. Now it's time to swap! Take Sonic 
     Adventure (or the game you put in) out, and put in your Import, NOW you can \
     close the lid, and hit OK.


12.) If done correctly, the Import should run fine, it has been tested
     and it works. If you do it correctly, you'll be playing Imports in 
     less than 10 minutes. Enjoy!


If you have found any errors in this Swap trick, please notify me.

*******************************************************************************

=-------------=
=III. Problems=
=-------------=
Have any problems with the trick? Let me know. If you DID happen to mess
up your DC in doing this, don't tell me about it, because I can't fix it
and no it's YOUR fault for not being careful. I am not responsible if you
mess anything up during this trick.


Current Problems:
-----------------
PROBLEM: VMU Data Erase

REASON: When in the process of resetting the internal memory, if you have
        a VMU (Virtual Memory Unit) in any port of your controller, some
        data may be erased. I have no tested this (as I don't care to lose
        my VMU data) but I do warn you ahead of time that your data can
        be erased if the VMU is left in the controller port when resetting
        the internal memory.

SOLUTION: Make sure your VMU is not inside the controller when you start
          to reset the memory. If you forget before resetting, quickly
          remove the VMU before the screen shows up. If you are lucky,
          some or all of the data will have been salvaged. I am not responsible
          for lost VMU data, you have been warned.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: Wrong DC Browser Version

REASON: I tested the trick recently with another DC browser version (other than
        the one my Dreamcast came packaged with) and found that it didn't
        correctly reset the internal memory, causing the trick to not work.
        You must use the Default Browser CD that your Dreamcast came packaged
        with, otherwise the trick will not work.

SOLUTION: Simply use the Default Browser CD your DC came packaged with to
          reset the internal memory to solve this problem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: GD Drive Burn Out

REASON: Some people have claimed to have their GD Drives in their DCs
        "burnt out" after long usage when using this swap trick. I have had
        no trouble with this trick, and I've been using it for almost 3 
        months now. I don't believe it does anything to your Drive, and
        some people just aren't careful. If you are having trouble with
        this trick, let me know.

SOLUTION: Nothing. If your drive burns out, it burns out and you have a
          ruined Dreamcast. That's the risk you must take when doing this
          trick. I am not responsible for anything that happens to your
          Dreamcast when you perform this trick.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: Phillip Head Screws

REASON: Your Dreamcast was bought "un-officially" from somebody or some
        company. All current American Dreamcasts are equipped with Phillip
        head screws, and if they aren't phillip head screws, your dreamcast
        has been altered with. This makes it impossible for you to open
        your dreamcast up without the proper tool.

SOLUTION: The only possible solution to this is to find a tool somewhere
          which is similar or matches the screws in your dreamcast. If you
          cannot find this tool, I cannot help you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: Resetting the Internal Memory on a Japanese Dreamcast

REASON: The "B+X" thing does not work on the Japanese made Dreamcast for
        some apparent reason. Therefore you must proceed and disable the
        internal battery yourself.

SOLUTION: Please see above in the "Swap Trick" section on how to disable
          the Internal Memory for a JP Dreamcast.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROBLEM: Playing Multi-Disc Imports

REASON: Because you have to swap in between every game you want to play.
        Once you close the lid, and reopen, the trick becomes ineffective.
        So you'll have to open up the DC and do it again to play the
        next disc.

SOLUTION: When rubberbanding the switch, wrap the band so it comes to the
          outside of your DC, that way when you are ready to switch discs,
          all you have to do is loosen the band so the DC thinks the lid
          is open, swap discs, and enjoy!

*******************************************************************************

=-----------=
=IV. Credits=
=-----------=
I would like to thank the following people/companies:

Lord Ukyo - Told me how to disable the battery to reset the Internal 
            Memory on a Japanese Dreamcast.

Sailor Bacon - Told me about this Trick and how to do it, thanks Sailor :)

Battosai - Told me how to get the DC open (heh) and encouraged me that
           I won't break it by opening it.
 
Jeff 'CJayC' Veasey - For posting this and running GameFAQs.com

Myself - For typing this FAQ ^_^

*************************************************************************

=----------------------=
=V. Contact Information=
=----------------------=
Before sending me any e-mail, I have specified certain guidelines you
must follow. I receive far too much e-mail a day that is nonsense, so
please follow all guidelines if you expect a response from me.

Here are the types of e-mail I will not accept:

* SPAM - Get Rich Quick Scams, Home Loans, any Advertisements.
* Chain Letters - Letters trying to break records, etc.
* l33t Speak - ! d0n'+ w/\n+ l33t $p3/\k 3-m/\!L
* Unconstructive Criticism - Saying my FAQs suck with no reasoning, etc.
* Hate Mail - Same as unconstructive criticism.
* "Rude" mail - Demanding you be credited for something, etc.
* QAA - Questions Already Answered in this FAQ won't be answered.


Here are the types of e-mail I will accept:

* Contributions - Want to contribute something to this FAQ?
* Praise Mail - Praise on any of my FAQs.
* Questions - I accept FAQ questions, or general FAQ writing questions.
* Suggestions - Want to suggest something for my FAQ(s) or writing style?
* Comments - Any positive OR negative comments are accepted.
* Other - If you just feel like chatting, drop me a line.


After all that, if you still wish to send me something, you may do so
by sending your e-mail to the address below:

Dallas@DodgerStats.com

*******************************************************************************

=--------------------=                                                    
=VI. Legal Disclaimer=
=--------------------=
This document is Copyright (C)2000, Dallas Scott. All Rights Reserved. This
document is intended for the sole, private, non-commerical use of it's audience. 
This document may not be: published, copied, edited, altered, sold, attempted to
be sold, posted on any website, retransmitted, uploaded, posted, etc. without
the sole consent of the author of himself. Failure to abide by these terms is
breaking the Copyright Infringment law in the United States of America and
will result in civil prosecution to any individual, company, organization,
coropration, incorporation, etc. which can lead up to a $500+ fine and/or
jail time. This document may only be read and printed by its audience, any
other activity which is engaged with this document other than reading/printing
purposes shall result in a civil lawsuit against violators and their affiliates
engaged in the crime.

*******************************************************************************

=----------=
=Webmasters=
=----------=
Attention all webmasters. If you want to post this document on your website,
please drop me a line at Dallas@DodgerStats.com and let me know: the name of
your website, the URL of your website, the content of your website, and any 
other information I should know about. With my consent, you can post this
document on your website as long as you: give full credit to myself, and you
leave the document unaltered as you see it here to the public. If you post
this document on your website without asking, actions shall be taken. Please,
just ask me, I reply within the hour of asking, it's not too much trouble.


*******************************************************************************
                                                       
=------------=                                                  
=VII. Closing=
=------------=
This FAQ now comes to a close. I'd like to give my thanks out to all
of you many readers who have read this, and I want to give a big 
thanks to Jeff "CJayC" Veasey for posting this FAQ and for running the
best darn gaming site on the web today.

Please support the author of this FAQ by visiting his website at:

http://www.dodgerstats.com


-Dallas-


-EOF-
