Dreamcast emulators burned on a Mac?

[17daysolderthannes]

are there any other mac users that know how to burn an emulator like Nester DC on a mac? I tried to do it in Parallels (fail) and on my dad's piece of shit old Dell laptop (fail again) so I'd prefer to just do it on my damn mac where I have all my ROMs, etc. already. Please someone tell me this is possible, this is really starting to annoy me.

[Iron Lizard]

Can you burn Iso files? If you I would just get a Nester Iso off a bit torrent. It is the easiest way I know of.

[Christuserloeser]

NesterDC is excellent. I recommend v6.0 for your entire collection, and SE for your favorites.

You probably should find help on how to burn them on a Mac here: http://dcemulation.org/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=48

[17daysolderthannes]

Can you burn Iso files? If you I would just get a Nester Iso off a bit torrent. It is the easiest way I know of.

any way you could PM a more specific file name or something? my friend told me he downloaded an ISO with (what he thinks) is the complete set of ROMs (I'm guessing unique US released games, not sure about unlicensed). That's the preferable way to go, but I would still need ISO compatible burn software. Yeah, doing this crap in pieces is a total PITA!

[Christuserloeser]

There are some at Piratebay, but since it's

a) not easy to burn CDIs on a Mac

and

b) not sure how good the compilations actually are

I would recommend to create your own



Start here by downloading MacDreamTool:
http://dcemulation.org/?title=Mac_Tools


Then download the SBI for NesterDC v6.0 here:
http://dchelp.net/cgi-bin/sbi/browse/browse.cgi?browse&Emus


Add your ROMs, burn and enjoy.



Btw, here's a tutorial on how to use MDT:

http://dchelp.net/index.php?id=mdt12

Although it's aimed at an older version it should work with the current too.

[17daysolderthannes]

I don't have toast...

[Iron Lizard]

I don't know if you already know this or if it is of any use at all but I ran across this. With your friends Iso you would be all set.

http://lifehacker.com/software/mac-os-x/mac-tip--how-to-burn-an-iso-or-dmg-file-to-disc-251758.php

[Joe Redifer]

Don't use Parallels, use Boot Camp in conjunction with Nero and/or Disc Juggler.

[17daysolderthannes]

Don't use Parallels, use Boot Camp in conjunction with Nero and/or Disc Juggler.

does boot camp come with the computer? I've never used that before...

[17daysolderthannes]

I don't know if you already know this or if it is of any use at all but I ran across this. With your friends Iso you would be all set.

http://lifehacker.com/software/mac-os-x/mac-tip--how-to-burn-an-iso-or-dmg-file-to-disc-251758.php

I actually downloaded an ISO from a torrent (probably the same one he had), but for some reason Disk Utility won't recognize it. It recognizes (and in theory could burn) Sega CD game ISOs, but it won't recognize this one. I guess whoever made the ISO used a weird format or something, but then again I've heard disk utility is a really crappy ISO burning software and isn't compatible with all of them. It turns out I have Toast after all so I'm going to try that.

edit: fail, I think the ISO just isn't any good, or it was made in a way that made it specific to one type of burning software...

[GameUser-16-32-128]

Burning Dreamcast games and emulators on a Mac is very easy! Go to this web site:http://www.dchelp.net/index.php?id=mac
It looks confusing a first, but when you re-read the burning guide and do the steps, you'll be able to burn dc games and emus in no time! Toast is the best for burning, but there are free alternatives out there. Oh and if you want to work with weird and obscure Windows files, there is a free Windows emulator for the Mac called Q http://www.kju-app.org/ It emulates Windows on my Mac G4 perfectly, but is somewhat slow. Still, it is a good free alternative to using Windows on a Mac than those others that charge you. Good Luck!

[17daysolderthannes]

There are some at Piratebay, but since it's

a) not easy to burn CDIs on a Mac

and

b) not sure how good the compilations actually are

I would recommend to create your own



Start here by downloading MacDreamTool:
http://dcemulation.org/?title=Mac_Tools


Then download the SBI for NesterDC v6.0 here:
http://dchelp.net/cgi-bin/sbi/browse/browse.cgi?browse&Emus


Add your ROMs, burn and enjoy.



Btw, here's a tutorial on how to use MDT:

http://dchelp.net/index.php?id=mdt12

Although it's aimed at an older version it should work with the current too.

OK, I get the MacDreamTool, but WTF do I do with NesterDC v6.0 SBI? am I supposed to drag and drop the contents into the MacDreamTool inducer folder? none of these websites explain what you are actually doing and any time anything is different in any way from what they have, you're fucked. I tried doing it with NesterDC 7.1 like in that tutorial but I got an error message after adding the games to the games folder and trying to make it an ISO:

AppleScript Error

The variable appMain is not defined. (-2753)



WTF does that mean? what am I doing wrong? why does God hate me? should I throw my computer out of a 3rd story window?

[Christuserloeser]

I don't have a Mac but I should have enough experience with Dreamcast homebrew to help.

Nester DC is well worth the time you're putting into figuring this out, so be patient.

I would like to point you to the SBI for v6.0:
http://dchelp.net/sbi/files/Emus/NesterDC_6.0_NTSC.sbi

Use it instead of whatever version of v7.x you downloaded. v7.x isn't a bad per se, but there are few changes compared to v6.0 and some games that worked in v6.0, won't work in v7.x - like e.g. Battletoads. In addition, it might also cause problems when used with SelfbootInducer / DreamInducer (although I doubt that its related to your problem).

[17daysolderthannes]

I don't have a Mac but I should have enough experience with Dreamcast homebrew to help.

Nester DC is well worth the time you're putting into figuring this out, so be patient.

I would like to point you to the SBI for v6.0:
http://dchelp.net/sbi/files/Emus/NesterDC_6.0_NTSC.sbi

Use it instead of whatever version of v7.x you downloaded. v7.x isn't a bad per se, but there are few changes compared to v6.0 and some games that worked in v6.0, won't work in v7.x - like e.g. Battletoads. In addition, it might also cause problems when used with SelfbootInducer / DreamInducer (although I doubt that its related to your problem).

I know, fine, but how do I use it (.sbi)? when I download it, it just expands into a folder called "inducer" and I don't see any instructions anywhere on what to do with that folder. I don't see any options in MacDreamTool for an inducer folder...

[Christuserloeser]

Judging from the picture (and from what I know from the Windows version), you don't need to expand anything. You browse for the .sbi and click on "Create ISO". That's it.

http://dchelp.net/Tut_Files/MDT_Setup7.jpg

[17daysolderthannes]

you would think, but unfortunately, thanks to brain damage on the software programmer's part, that's not how it works. I've tried several ways following tutorials and they all end up giving me error messages. Did I mention when I download it its a ".zip"? and if I don't expand it, how the hell do I add roms to it?

Fortunately, my dad has brought his work laptop home for the weekend (newish, not a total piece of shit like my other PC laptop), so what method would recommend for burning it on a PC? First, I want to try the ISO from pirate bay, so which burn program should I use for that? if that doesn't work, I would still prefer someone who has already just dumped a complete rom set, but if I have to I'll make it with the ROMs I have. If its at all possible I would prefer to download nothing but discjuggler, but I will download more if I have to.

edit: holy shit! update! update!

OK, apparently if you just add the .zip file with the "add single sbi" it shows up like the screenshot you put (it expands it into Mac Dream Tool apparently), but I still have to add roms somehow, so how might I do that?

[Christuserloeser]

http://www.dreamcast-scene.com/index.php/Main/BurningTools

Just for burning a .cdi download, try Alchol120%.

[17daysolderthannes]

http://www.dreamcast-scene.com/index.php/Main/BurningTools

Just for burning a .cdi download, try Alchol120%.

what if its .ISO?

[Christuserloeser]

ISO wouldn't work since all Dreamcast images have at least two tracks, either audio/data or data/data. ISO can only store one single track.

[17daysolderthannes]

ISO wouldn't work since all Dreamcast images have at least two tracks, either audio/data or data/data. ISO can only store one single track.

so download a .cdi I shall...

[Christuserloeser]

Better yet, make your own!

Download SelfbootInducer from here:
http://sbibuilder.dc-france.com/download/?idsys=2&idcat=15
...and install to C:\Sbinducr\

Now download NesterDC from here:
http://dchelp.net/sbi/files/Emus/NesterDC_6.0_NTSC.sbi
...and put it in C:\SBInducr\SBI\


Start SBInducr.exe. The SBI file you have copied to C:\SBInducr\SBI\ will now show up in the menu to the right.

Specify the menu style in "Select Menu Type". I usually recommend "Single Menu" but in your case "Sbi2boot" would be the better option since you want to burn just a single program to a single CD.

Now extract the SBI by clicking on the barcode button next to "Select Menu Type". All the contents of your SBI file will be extracted to C:\SBInducr\Inducer\.

http://www.dreamcast-scene.com/uploads/Main/MAME4All_SBI1.p.png


Your ROMs should go into C:\SBInducr\Inducer\Games\.


Now click on the CDRecord button (second from right) to burn the C:\SBInducr\Inducer\ folder to a CDR. (or the DiscJuggler button to create a DiscJuggler .cdi image to burn with Alcohol120%)


http://www.dreamcast-scene.com/uploads/Main/MAME4All_SBI2.p.png

[17daysolderthannes]

which version of selfboot inducer should I download? what is the difference between the 4 versions of 4.0?

[Christuserloeser]

Download SelfbootInducer from here:
http://sbibuilder.dc-france.com/download/?idsys=2&idcat=15

Selfboot Inducer v4.0 [CDI4DC 3]

Changes :

* Added: Configuration dialog :
o IP.BIN logo insertion
o ISO generation options (rock ridge, joliet...)
o You can change the temporary directory (where the temp ISO, CDI file'll be written)...
* Added: XP Theme support
* Added: Nero ASPI drivers for CDRecord (wnaspi32.dll)
* Fixed: CDRecord MSInfo problems
* Fixed: Code cleanup...

I don't have more idea to improve this program right now. I think now we have a very cool version ;)


Selfboot Inducer v4.0 [CDI4DC 2]


Changes :

* replaced old cdi2nero and cdi2tao with newer cdi2nero (0.9.9). it added a "-t" switch to generates a TAO image from command line. Now all generation image (CDI, NRG TAO and DAO) uses CDI4DC, so ... bin2boot's gone for good.
* new generation process... check it yourself.



Selfboot Inducer v4.0 [CDI4DC]

Selfboot Inducer v4 by burnerO 061804

Modified by [big_fury]SiZiOUS 12 nov 06

Changes :

* Replaced bin2boot by cdi4dc for the DiscJuggler creation image procedure ONLY
(cdi2nero and cdi2tao.exe don't support CDI v4.0 images).
* The combobox has the first item selected by default
* Some GFX and version info changes...

Source code in Tools\Source directory




Earlier versions of SelfbootInducer were released by a different author.

[17daysolderthannes]

wow! it finally worked! AWESOME! I do have a few closing questions/comments though:

1. is it true that this wears the laser (or laser drive mechanism) more than a normal CD because all the data is on the "inside" of the disc and the laser has to move more than normal?

2. The folder for the games was called "Nes" not "Games" and had a txt file that said "put NES roms here", just thought I'd mention it to anyone else having a go

3. can I save NesterDC info on the same memory card as other DC games? does it take up alot of memory?

4. Does that CDIRip application let you burn discjuggler images? I ended up using discjuggler instead of CD Record b/c CD record is very picky and Discjuggler gives you a nice pretty package that is easy to share with friends, etc. if need be.

5. Any other emulators I should check out that can be burned the same way?

6. Thank you so much! this is better than freakin virtual console!

edit: I forgot, is it true that only dreamcasts made before a certain date can play homebrew? I have one from September 99 (almost launch) but I have heard ones made after Oct. 2000 have problems with homebrew and you have to go through a whole bunch of extra steps. Please clarify this because now that I know how incredibly awesome and capable the DC is sans modchip I think I might want to pick up a spare or two.

[17daysolderthannes]

*bump for general impatience and sheer jawsomeness that people need to know about this*

[Iron Lizard]

Now its time to burn the Gens disc.

[17daysolderthannes]

Now its time to burn the Gens disc.

is that the best Genesis emulator for DC? That was one of the main things I wanted to know. Also, did anyone ever make a full speed (or at least 95%ish speed) SNES emulator? I downloaded a torrent for DreamSNES but it runs pretty damn slow, so slow I would only play it as a last resort if I didn't have an SNES or a computer emulator.

[17daysolderthannes]

so I downloaded an emulator called "Obsidian" and from what I understand it is the emulator from the Sega Smash Pack (which explains the Atari 2600-like sound). Most games I've tried run full speed with no abnormal slowdown and few graphical glitches, but, like I said, the sound SUCKS. Is this the best Genesis emulator for the DC?

Also, I've read about a universal version of Bleemcast that was supposed to eventually be compatible with every PSX game but was only released in a 30% beta form, anyone know where I can download this from or what I should use as a search term to find it? I already have the GT2 Bleemcast pack so I figure I'm as legally entitled to use it as anyone, I just really want to check it out. Also, is it hard to burn or is it a simple .cdi diskjuggler affair?

oh yeah, and how do you find/add game genie codes on NesterDC 6? I see there's a folder (or supposed to be a folder), but where do you get the files for it?

[Christuserloeser]

oh yeah, and how do you find/add game genie codes on NesterDC 6? I see there's a folder (or supposed to be a folder), but where do you get the files for it?


Place this in C:\Sbinducr\SBI\


http://dchelp.net/sbi/files/Emus/Nesterdc_GameGenie_Codes.sbi



- I will try to answer you other questions later.

[Christuserloeser]

Is this the best Genesis emulator for the DC?

No.

However, the best one has it's share of problems too, mostly related to compatibility issues with certain games.

http://www.dreamcast-scene.com/index.php/Main/GenesisPlusDC

- We're still working on it, but it may take a few months until the next release (I am what you'd call a cheerleader).

[17daysolderthannes]

I downloaded (what I think is) Bleemcast beta blue, allegedly the universal version of Bleemcast in early form, but it didn't burn right using Liquid CD (but I had that happen with Nester, had to pull out the PC and use Discjuggler) and I'm wondering if I have the real file. It's only like 2.1 MB or something, is it really that small? I can see why, since there are no graphics or FMVs or even sounds in it, but wow, 2.1 MB. Anyone know how big it is? once I get some more CD-Rs (Nester 6 complete w/ genie codes took my last one) I'm going to try again with Discjuggler.

[Christuserloeser]

You could use Alchol120% (check for link on page 2) instead of DiscJuggler.

But yeah, the Bleem!cast beta is that small. Some more info: http://www.dreamcast-scene.com/index.php/Main/BleemCast

[17daysolderthannes]

what is the advantage of Alcohol 120%? So far Discjuggler has worked fine for me, the only downside is a 4X burn speed, but actually that's good because I think the problem I'm having with Liquid CD is that it won't burn slower than 8X.

edit: back to DreamSNES, I was just reading on the official page that .98 had pumpkins in the background and the one I downloaded from a torrent has pumpkins. Is that the only release with pumpkins aka I have the latest version? I hope this isn't the best SNES emulator because its really not all that good.

[17daysolderthannes]

oooh, and now I notice there is a Neo Geo emulator as well (well 2: AES4ALL and Neo4all), which one is best? Also, to play them on Mame OSX I had to add some Neo Geo bios files, is that the way they need to be for the DC version or do the bios files go elsewhere? Having a Neo Geo emulator on the Dreamcast would be beyond awesome.

[Christuserloeser]

Neo4All/CD is what you are looking for. Allows you to play each and every single NeoGeoCD games at full speed with full sound.
The BIOS files is actually just one file called "neocd.bin" (512kb) and goes into whatever directory ends up as the root of your CD, e.g. C:\Sbinducr\Inducer\.




DreamSNES runs simpler games like Mario World, Mario Allstars and Donkey Kong Country at a very playable speed. Mario Kart, F-Zero, Yoshi's Island and all those other games that use special chips are definitely unplayable though. All in all you're right: DSNES should be used only if there's no other option.



DiscJuggler is fine btw. I use to recommend Alcohol120% as that's what I use.

[17daysolderthannes]

so I just put "neocd.bin" in the inducer folder by itself and then add a roms/games folder (what should I call it?)? Also, I noticed the ROMs are folders rather than just a .nes or .smd file, so how do I add them? I had to add a few files to play them in mame, do i still need those files or should I add them without them? AFAIK all the rom sites offer the same files.

[Christuserloeser]

Neo4All/CD uses CD(R)s ;)

[17daysolderthannes]

Neo4All/CD uses CD(R)s ;)

? I have no idea what you mean by that, unless you're saying you burn it as a boot CD and then have the games on another disc, but even then that doesn't answer my question.

[Christuserloeser]

Yeah, you swap the discs with NeoGeoCDs. Tbh, I don't understand your question. You burn the emulator and then the NeoGeoCD ISO (.cue). If you have orginal CDs, you just make 1:1 copies.

The data folder goes into C:\Sbinducr\Inducer\data\. The 1st_read.bin, ip.bin and neocd.bin into C:\Sbinducr\Inducer\.

I can't really recommend AES4All for starters. It's not easy to set up, and of the games it is truly compatible with, 90% are also available for NeoGeoCD.

[17daysolderthannes]

Yeah, you swap the discs with NeoGeoCDs. Tbh, I don't understand your question. You burn the emulator and then the NeoGeoCD ISO (.cue). If you have orginal CDs, you just make 1:1 copies.

The data folder goes into C:\Sbinducr\Inducer\data\. The 1st_read.bin, ip.bin and neocd.bin into C:\Sbinducr\Inducer\.

I can't really recommend AES4All for starters. It's not easy to set up, and of the games it is truly compatible with, 90% are also available for NeoGeoCD.

oh, ok, I was thinking Neo4All worked with the MAME roms, so I need to download ISOs instead, gotcha. I'll have to give it a go, even though it'll be kind of pointless since I already have the Metal Slug collection for PS2 and I'm about to buy the SNK collection vol 1 for PS2.

[Christuserloeser]

Metal Slug 1 runs fantastic on Neo4All/CD. Metal Slug 2 has its well known slowdowns (like on real hardware)... The other Metal Slugs were released for AES/MVS only (and not CD), so they would require AES4All. Problem with those would be that they exceed the Dreamcast's RAM, so the constant loading kinda ruins the experience. Guess, your Metal Slug Collection will still be worth having.


- but Neo4All/CD is great for everything else the NeoGeo has to offer. :)

[17daysolderthannes]

ugh, so I burned the beta blue of Bleemcast and it turned out to either be corrupted or all out fake. On the DL, could someone PM me a verified working link or torrent for it? I don't see why people don't just host it anywhere since its technically not pirated because it was never released and the only reason the Bleem people haven't released it officially is because Sony would sue them. That said, I own a PS2 (with PS1 backwards compatibility) and the GT2 Bleemcast disc already, so I figure I'm as legally entitled as anyone since I have store bought versions of the PS1 bios AND the Bleem emulator, which are the only possible legal rebuttals you could make against me possessing the beta.

edit: oh yeah, and I tried burning Genesis Plus DC and while the emulator seemed to be burned OK, my ROMs were nowhere to be found, only Sonic 1 and Punisher appeared on the screen and no matter what I pressed they wouldn't play. Where am I supposed to put ROMs with Genesis Plus DC?

edit again: oh god, I have to have them in .zip form!? I just downloaded a SHITload of ROMs last night and expanded them to SMD/BIN and trashed the ZIP files, so now I have to go and re-download all these games again and keep the ZIP? Grrrrrr.