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Starcade

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I have a Net Dimm version 2.13. I've read for this version the Dimm has 'allnet' features but it won't net boot. I've put in the IP address for net boot settings and set the jumpers and it's giving me an error message - so this appears true. The netdimm works fine in GDROM mode. I can see the only way to rectify this is by upgrading the Net dimm to version 3.17. I have acquired the relevant key chip but need the GDROM GDS-0023E. Is it possible to make a copy of the GDROM until an original GDROM turns up?
 
Lets get some pros in here first to confirm... But I believe you can use a compact flash adapter in place of a GDROM and boot the 4.01 update that way (no need to do the 3.17 update first).
I netbooted the 4.01 update, but I believe I was already on 3.17 at the time which maybe why that was an option for me.
 
Thanks for the reply, I just need to enable net booting on it. (which would simplify things). I think it needs to be updated in stages for anything below 3.03. I think version 2.13 needs to go to 3.17 before 4.02 or it could get bricked. If I can get it to 3.17 that meets everything I need.
 
Is it any game GD that also updates the DIMM firmware version?
 
Is it any game GD that also updates the DIMM firmware version?
No, its not like console stuff... The update disc was distributed by Sega and contains only the flasher/update.
I think it needs to be updated in stages for anything below 3.03. I think version 2.13 needs to go to 3.17 before 4.02 or it could get bricked.
Yea people have been saying that since 2008, thing is I think its wrong.
Again maybe wait for someone with more experience than I, but yea I believe that's been disproven now (ie update in increments vs all the way).

paging @MetalliC and/or @twistedsymphony
 
Again maybe wait for someone with more experience than I, but yea I believe that's been disproven now (ie update in increments vs all the way).
I've heard conflicting information and not actually tested any of this myself so I'll refrain from commenting.
 
I always did firm 2.xx to 3.17 via original disc and then NetBoot it to 4.01/4.02 . As you can’t get from 2.xx to 4.01 via NetBoot . But from 3.03 you can go straight to 4.01/4.02
 
which disc revision do you use for this, and do you need a key?
I have to check the revision on the disc

But yes I always use original disc and chip on the 3.17. And to go from 3.17 to 4.01/4.02 I use zero key and NetBoot
 
Is it possible to make a copy of the GDROM until an original GDROM turns up?
no, retail GD-ROMs can not be copied

I think it needs to be updated in stages for anything below 3.03. I think version 2.13 needs to go to 3.17 before 4.02 or it could get bricked.

That might be the secret... And why we hear stories of conflicts.
2.xx (or lower) you MUST go 3.17 first, 3.xx you may go directly to 4.01/4.02...
things got weird and confusing here. afair this information came from person who did original 1.0x DIMMs upgrade, via desoldering and flashing BIOS chip, but I think it was just coincidence and something else went wrong (i.e. bad soldering, solder bridge, etc), because number of other people did direct update from 1.0x or 2.x to 4.01/4.02 and it worked just fine.
in any way, that origin story was NOT about Net-DIMM update but original DIMM, so, there no need to go to 3.17 first.

Is it any game GD that also updates the DIMM firmware version?
yes and no.
Firmware Update discs came with VF4 game (3 known different revisions came with 3 different VF4 versions). but no, there is no game which may update DIMM on its own.

add: strictly speaking, there is "Dragon Treasure" medal / coin pusher games series, where game disc include DIMM firmware update.
 
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I thought all firmware 2.XX versions were netbootable?
wise people always use official tools and got max features, c00l kids use fancy python scripts instead and getting all kinds of PITA and missing features, but its theirs choice ;)
 
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You can netboot from 2.xx (despite the error 31 at boot) and you can update straight to 4.03, I have done it on 2 netdimm thus far with no issues (using the offiical transfergame).
 
is it possible to start the update discs using a zero key?
 
Pretty sure you need a specific key for them.

Why would you want to use update discs though?
 
The keys are possibly in Mame. Which update discs?
 
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