Newbie Questions About Firmware Update for Chihiro - Needed for Outrun 2 CF Kit (Deluxe Cabinet)

[jleval2]

Hi!

I am a complete "newbie", but super eager to jump in!

I would like to start with a question about upgrading my Outrun 2 SP Deluxe machine to using a compact flash kit.

I have a couple of questions and would be EXTREMELY grateful for anyone's insight:

1) Does the image I attached look like I have a Chihiro Type 1 or Type 3? I'm trying to figure out so I first know which I have

2) What do I need to upgrade to a CF kit (aside from the card itself)? I am being told I need to update the firmware on the Chihiro, but I first need to find out if I have a Type 1 or Type 3...regardless, what is the best way to do this? I was told by some I need a CD, then by others a CD + code, then by others a CD + chip. Which is the best way? Where can the CD for the GD-ROM + security chips be found in the USA (for both Type 1 and Type 3)? Does it matter if it is Type 1 or Type 3?

3) Is the CD and security chip for the GD-ROM the best way to update the firmware on the Chihiro?

As you can see, I sound like a lost puppy, ha. I am just so eager to get this machine to the best place it can be!

Thanks for ANY and ALL information!!!!!!!

 

[obcd]

That looks like a chihiro 3. Sega has a firmware update cd for those (gdrom disc + security chip) that brings the firmware up to 4.01.
4.01 Only works with an official sega compact flash card.

4.01 got hacked and the unofficial 4.02 came out that can work with other non sega compact flash cards as well.

However, as 4.02 is a hack, it was never released on an optical disc, so the only way to run it on your chihiro is by using the netboot method.

To netboot, you need another security chip (it's a pic microcontroller) and you need a network connection to a pc or a raspberry pi.
You need to change some jumpers on the dimm board. (it's the upper box) and you can transfer a game (or firmware update) image from your pc (or raspberry pi) to your chihiro.

Normally the upper dimm board has a lithium battery pack that can hold it's sd ram under tension for a couple of days. So basically once you downloaded a game, it stays in for a couple of days.

The fact you are looking for a compact flash card solution makes me believe that either your gdrom drive is defective or you are not having the official game disc and security chip? Without a working gdrom drive, netboot is your only option to update your dimm firmware.

Before you start experimenting, check the chihiro main board gpu fan and it's case fan. Those are known to go bad causing overheating of the gpu. It's the most common cause of dead of a chihiro.