Dreamcast on Doug's Shack

Another Test

Thu, 20 Jun 2002 16:28:05 -0400

I went out on a limb, and completly removed a part of the script for the uploader… it may, or may not, allow large files to download.

I posted on my website that the uploader is in test mode and my not work correctly. If you wish to test it, just upload any large VMU file, 128 blocks or larger. If it works, great… if not… I may jump out this window next to me

Random Tidbits...

Wed, 19 Jun 2002 16:26:04 -0400

With changes I will be making soon, plus plots strong argument for having a contact page, I’ve decided to go that route myself. So, if you ever need to get ahold of me, the place is:

http://www.dreamserv.com/contact.html (Dead Link)

Ok, on to other things…..

I’m still a little stumped on the large vmu files problem… tomorrow night, if I have time, I’m going to run an experiement or two and see what I can pull up…

VMU Uploader Fix (Maybe)

Mon, 17 Jun 2002 16:24:16 -0400

Since I don’t own a VMU file this large, I was wondering if someone could upload a file that is at least 128 blocks and try uploading it, then downloading it at my site… if it works, then I figured out and fixed the problem….. if it doesn’t work – well…. I’ll just pretend I was only testing something and… yeah….

Large Saves at Dreamserv

Wed, 12 Jun 2002 16:22:42 -0400

First, I wanted to say that I finally got my Dreamcast to work 🙂

I opened up the case and pulled apart and reattached the laser head and all is well (for now)…

which leads me to my next finding at my website… I now think I know what is causing large files to fail in their download. I tested a download today and the size of it was 168 Blocks, however, on the confirmation screen [[ do you want to download this ]] it stated that the download was over 16000 blocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting Note on SFA (SofDec Audio)

Sat, 25 May 2002 16:17:15 -0400

I didn’t notice how compact SofDec Audio is until I started playing with my Dreamcast SDK…. take a look at these numbers

First, I played with a test file (the hum that is in the background of the test video)

Format	File Size
WAV	2,585 KB
MP3	236 KB
SFA	92 KB

After I saw this, I thought I’d put it to a test by compressing a full length song.

MPEG Compatibility Test

Sat, 25 May 2002 16:15:02 -0400

These movies are 5 seconds long with just a blue screen that says “Compatibility Test”.

dctest.m1v has no sound

dctest2.sfd has a humming sound.

http://kefka.hypermart.net/movies/dctest.m1v (Dead Link) (841KB)

http://kefka.hypermart.net/movies/dctest2.sfd (Dead Link) (956KB)

PC Users, Get Your Ch@b On

Tue, 14 May 2002 16:13:14 -0400

PC users of java chab, throw away the old address and embrace java chab version 1.2 …. … .. I have not seen any difference so far, but there must be something here.

Anyways, here it is… the URL address in all of it’s glory.

http://www.dricas.com/dp/jts0120/apindex.html

Ch@b Id Request Form

Wed, 08 May 2002 16:09:50 -0400

You can fill out a simple form located here http://kefka.hypermart.net/home.php?page=dc/chab/request (Dead Link) to get a chab id. You will get your ID information aroundmidnight the day after you fill it out. (unless you fill it out durring the night, when I’m online) Filling out the form will send you an e-mail messagestating that is has been successfuly submited, withlinks going to the chab id setup instructions…I also have the chab signup in portuguese.(Ajude em português.) I also added this in the bookmarks.

SEGA IRC

Sun, 28 Apr 2002 16:08:41 -0400

Just a quick note: Sega IRC is no longer functional. I do not know if they intend to keep it down forever, of if this is just a temporary thing.

Dreampassport IRC Client

Fri, 26 Apr 2002 16:07:17 -0400

Just thought I’d bring up something. Although not a definitive answer, it appears the reason you can’t connect to some servers is that their servers IRCd kills the client cause of it’s ident (how the server recognizes you).

Right now, the server I help operate is installing a new IRCd with a fix to allow DreamPassport chatters on. This is because many of the Brazilians who also chat at this server have been trying to connect… and failing.

Bookmark Compressor, Multi VMU Files, Etc

Thu, 11 Apr 2002 16:05:25 -0400

I’ll continue to try whatever I can to figure some of this stuff out.

I think I’ve figured out half the battle with the multiple VMU upload/download. There is a 2 character field in the .vmi file that shows up on the DreamKey/DreamPassport download pop-up as “Number of Files”… if I can figure out maybe the naming scheme used…

The bookmark compressor goes under the catagory of “good God I don’t know”… anyone who may have seen the source of those files will have seen it appears to be just random numbers, letters, and characters… I’m sure there is a method to the maddness… it’s just figuring it out.

VMU Database at Dreamserv

Sat, 09 Mar 2002 16:01:46 -0400

Dreamserv was closed for about 5 hours last night as I completly revamped the uploader script. For the most part, it will look the same, but it’s the backend that has changed quite a bit. I’ve now rewrote the script to have completly remote sourced text. All of the column titles, all of the instrucions, buttons, etc are remote sourced… why do this? Because then the script can swap out one “wording” file for another.

Why Detect Browser?

Sat, 23 Feb 2002 15:56:59 -0500

what is the reason for having a javascript to detect what the persons browser is before they can upload a vmu file? why have it at all? could anything bad happen with out it?
— junck559

the javascript enter a different form tag depening on the browser.

Planetweb is most like a PC in this aspect, uploading a file requires an encryption type listed in the form tag (always multipart/form-data if my memory serves me correctly), whereas DreamKey and Dream Passport do not use the standards set and do not send boundries with the upload, thus you can not have the enc-type listed…

VMU PDU

Sat, 09 Feb 2002 15:54:57 -0500

I finally got a beta – not 100% complete – version of the VMU PDU up (I can’t believe that name stuck… when I first thought of it, I thought it was as ugly as sin)

http://kefka.hypermart.net/vmupdu/ (Dead Link)

let me know how it works if anyone tries it.

There is still no fix for the MIME64 errors, so if you where getting those before, this will not work.

the upload.html page uses JavaScript to detect what web browser the visitor is using and provides the appropriate form for that browser 🙂

Star Wars Racer Browser

Fri, 08 Feb 2002 15:53:40 -0500

Surfing with the Planetweb Browser in Star Wars Episode One Racer

On main menu go to internet. (The “Internet” option seems to be tied into something, though I can’t remember… If you can’t click it, just play with settings and options… I believe you have to be playing with a VMU pluged in with available space)

Connect to the internet once the browser loads

When you are at the SWE1R site. Hit start and go to options.

PSO Snapshot Photo Album

Sat, 02 Feb 2002 15:50:15 -0500

If you have an images from games you have played, and want to share them with the visitors of Dreamserv, here is your chance. February 2nd saw the release of the Dreamserv PSO Snapshot photo album. Take your PSO images and save them to your VMU thru DreamKey or DreamPassport and upload them to the site.

PSO Snapshot Photo Album Home http://kefka.hypermart.net/home.php?page=PSO/index (Dead Link)

Phantasy Star Online has stolen my life!

The Uploader's 500 Error

Sun, 27 Jan 2002 15:49:15 -0400

Yeah, this is a killer. It appears that this 500 error is caused by one ugly problem. Out of memory. If this is the case, I need to “cut the fat” off of my script so it runs faster, smoother, and takes up less memory. Back in the day, I was able to load very large files with the uploader… but because of all the features I have installed on the VMU Uploader, it kills the servers system resources.

Slight Change in VMU Uploader

Wed, 23 Jan 2002 15:47:25 -0500

When uploading game saves, there is a new part that must be filled out if adding a new game/catagory. When uploading a new game or catagory, there is a selection for US/Can, Europe, or Japan. It is important to select these so it can tell the difference. Since there has been some international saves, it is important to seperate them by their country. In the game directory itself, you will see a flag for the country it’s for, in other places, you’ll see (UK) or (JP), US/Can game and catagories will have no suffix. I’m now working on getting it to tell the DCBG catagories so it doesn’t display a flag.

VMU HTML for PlanetWeb

Tue, 22 Jan 2002 15:43:12 -0500

I finaly fixed the problems with the Planetweb version of the VMU HTML script. Next I’ll be working on the DreamKey/Dream Passport version. Also look for a transloader type script for VMU saves.

I’m also looking into saving other things to the VMU such as small videos… I just need to alter the VMU HTML script to allow other formats to be used!

Isao.net Downtime

Sun, 20 Jan 2002 15:43:12 -0500

ISAO.NET will go down for temporary maintenance on January 23rd, 2002. Time will be 10:00am to 5pm Tokyo Time. This will be 8pm (22nd) to 3am (23rd).

It appears (after some translating) this is what services will be down.

Their shopping releated services
User service information
New user registration
Partial service to the my room pages
New registration to home page service
Their internet connection
Their online gaming network
Any webpage regarding their services

Although I don’t seen anything about Chab being down, I’d still keep a look out.

In Memory of Tim Supernaut

Thu, 17 Jan 2002 15:39:23 -0500

IN MEMORY OF

Tim “Supernaut” (1976 – 2002)

Supernaut was a regular at Sega IRC. He died Friday, January 11th 2002. He will be greatly missed.

http://kefka.hypermart.net/images/supernaut.jpg (Dead Link)

Tim (Supernaut) was an awesome man. He was one of my best friends. Hes been with me thru many painful times. I love who he was and everyone that knew him, knows how great he was. I’ve know Tim for about 2yrs. Weve been so close. He believed in God, was the kindest person. I cannot believe hes gone..i just cant!! I will miss him too much. What words can i put here to make this ok? NONE i know hes in heaven now. Love you Tim.
— Satchum, From #wallofsleep entry message on irc.segairc.com

Crazy Taxi 2's Uploading Problem

Sat, 12 Jan 2002 15:37:43 -0500

Someone had sent a e-mail to me a while ago about why he couldn’t upload anything but the Crazy Taxi 2 Files with his Dream Passport 3.16 which is packed in with the game. The problem is the browser, not the uploader. There is a line which tells the Browser to only accept files from CT2. I can’t remember if I had sent it to the group or not, but here it is.

Sorry I've Been Gone

Mon, 07 Jan 2002 15:18:42 -0500

I’ve been gone since Jan 2nd, but I’ve returned now and find myself with a slew of things to fix.

The Uploader

I just remembered that the uploader located on my old server (the one you all have downloaded as VMUPDU) was an old copy and contains the old VMI save data (therefore, Downloads only work on Planetweb)… I’ll fix that tonight

Also, you may have to add the .htaccess file with the proper mime types to the vmi and vms file.

Uploader V2.10

Wed, 02 Jan 2002 15:17:04 -0400

I released Upload 2.10 just a few minutes ago

http://dc-network.hypermart.net/vmupdu/ (Dead Link)

it only has a few updates to the help file, and two html files, one for planetweb, the other for DreamKey and DreamPassport.

The Contents of the VMI File

Tue, 18 Dec 2001 14:56:13 -0400

###############################################
# #
# FAQ's by Douglas Christensen Jr #
# #
###############################################
# The Contents of the VMI file #
# v0.1 #
###############################################
Created On: 12/18/2001
Revision On: 12/18/2001

Basic Questions

What is a VMI file?

The VMI file contains basic information regarding the VMS file to be downloaded. When you select a Dreamcast game save to download to your VMU from the internet, it must go thru a VMI file.

VMU HTML Fixed

Mon, 17 Dec 2001 14:54:14 -0500

Plots discovered a little problem with the VMU HTML script I have made, and it’s ability to run with DreamKey/DreamPassport (I do believe someone also E-mailed me, or Ch@bed me about this problem too… I can’t remember who anymore though), so I jumped onto my copy of DreamKey and fixed the CGI script. The only problem is the file is recognized as a DreamPassport Bookmark.

I wouldn’t recomend loading this file as a bookmark; however, I do not know what it would do if you tried.

Guess What I've Figured Out How To Do Now!

Mon, 17 Dec 2001 14:49:41 -0500

OK, here is my next discovery. I’ve now figured out how to decode images saved to the VMU by means of DreamPassport/DreamKey. Now, I can take the .VMS file made by an upload and convert it to an image. I’ve only tested it on a .gif file, I’m about to run it on a JPG.

I don’t know if there is any practicly purpose for this, but yep.

OK, I’ve got the image detection up in my library script so now whenever you view a VMU File a) listed in the Browser Images or b) the VMS file is DREAMKEY.P** or PASSPORT.P**, you will see a link entitled “View Image”, this will decode the VMS file so you can view the image.

VMU HTML Creator/Downloader

Sun, 16 Dec 2001 14:43:26 -0500

You can now make you own VMU HTML files with whatever file name you want on any browser.

To do this, go to http://kefka.hypermart.net/home.cgi?page=dc/vmuhtml/vmuhtml (Dead Link)

Then, you just type your HTML in, enter a file name (12 characters long, keep special characters to a minimum, there is NO error checking).

Once you submit this information, it will give you two links. The first link is the link to download it to your VMU. The second one is the link to load the page and view it. I added that for those who are new to VMU loading thru the x-avefront commands.

Other Multibrowser News

Mon, 10 Dec 2001 14:42:03 -0500

I created a cgi script that took the 131 vmi files on my site NOT compatable with DreamKey/DreamPassport and converted them so they are compatable. When you download them, you will get the ugly planetweb name up there (That will be changed soon too).

So, You can upload with any browser, you can download with any browser and… I’ve also reworked the renamer and now that should work with all browsers.

KEFKA DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mon, 10 Dec 2001 03:38:52 -0500

and i quote from what will be an historic chab….

“it’s done, finished… the browser incompatability is over”
-kefka, 2am central, 12/10/01

kefka’s site now accepts UPLOADS AND DOWNLOADS FROM ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL DREAMCAST BROWSERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT IS PARTY TIME!!!!

almost a year we have wanted this!!!!!

i am buying the drinks!!!!!
(not the cheap stuff either)

the new project of the group will be building a hella’ big statue in his honor…

THIS IS THE WORLD’S FIRST CROSS-BROWSER VMU FILE UPLOADER AND DOWNLOADER!!!!!!
— insidious_plots

After all of this….

More Stuff

Fri, 07 Dec 2001 14:33:33 -0500

You know what……

I think I might add some more stuff to my site. I see there is a Ch@b directory around here but, what if we have an automated ch@b directory? You just enter your ID in, and whatever information you want and it automaticly creates all the links, and it would be completly searchable…

I’m sure there are many many more features I can add too.

i have had the same thought myself, lately…
— insidious_plots

The Ch@b directory is now working at the site. The only thing missing right now is the x-avefront link to send a message (I assume that is what it does).

That Part Is Finished

Fri, 07 Dec 2001 14:31:14 -0500

I’ve added the ‘advertisment’, I’ve rearanged everything to look and move nicer and faster… and I’ve added the uploader history to my forums.

http://kefka.hypermart.net/forums/cgi-bin/YaBB.cgi?board=vmudev (Dead Link)

This Rocks!

Fri, 07 Dec 2001 14:24:17 -0500

kefka, once again, you are the man, the myth, the legend…

i have started two new categories at the archive…
one is – DCBG Experiment Archive –
and the other is – DCBG Browser Add-Ons –
i am trying to figure out what to do about the second one…
i want it to point people here since we can explain how they work, give support, etc…
so, i may start putting in the name and email space DCBG and dreamcastbrowsers-subscribe @ yahoogroups.com or something…

but, since the experiment archive is for us to use and abuse, i’ll still put my own name on each upload…

i am already putting a few things in there…

this rocks heavily… i am uploading to kefka’s site with dp…
FINALLY after eight months or more, i can begin easily storing my work somewhere…
and hopefully others will be encouraged to contribute…

(oh, and i have some tomb raider 4 saves i may submit, too…)

— insidious_plots

i can add the script to automaticly post an advertisment for files within those 2 directories!

A Little Progress

Fri, 07 Dec 2001 05:14:14 -0500

Well, instead of it completly and flat out not letting you download, it now starts to load, and then stops.

http://kefka.hypermart.net/data/test.vmi (Dead Link)

which is a step better than this

http://kefka.hypermart.net/data/D00000127.vmi (Dead Link)

So, I’m headed in the right direction, but falling short somewhere. Doug is still on the case =)

However, I must end my progress here. I need sleep and I’m about to passout. I’ll start working on this bright and early tomorrow…….

A Little Progress - Part 3

Fri, 07 Dec 2001 05:28:41 -0400

I thought I was going to bed… heh – i haven’t made it

I’m looking at two vmi files, one was created by the Dream browser, the second was created by planetweb… the differences are as plain as night and day, while at the same time it sticks to the same formula. But, I guess a direct translation will not work. Some of the differeces, for example, are: Empty spaces on the planetweb vmi are padded with 0’s (nulls), while DreamKey/Passport are padded with 32’s (spaces). The first 4 spaces of the Planetweb vmi is 65 68 68 64, which is numerical for SEGA, while DreamKey/Passport is 65 4 32 32, which is numerical for the letter S followed by a non-displayable character and 2 spaces.

A Little Progress - Part 2

Fri, 07 Dec 2001 05:18:41 -0400

well done, man…
looks like we are close…
so far as i know, you will be the world’s first…
this is already definitely the first multi-browser uploader… and, that is COLOSSAL… and check replies to your previous posts when you get back… one of my questions summed to asking if it is safe to start uploading…
— insidious_plots

i cannot think of a SINGLE site that i have ever seen anywhere that allows uploads from all browsers…
it is just amazing…
this is a very big deal…
i just wanted to underscore that fact…
(and underscore is my middle name)
(ya’ know, insidious underscore plots…)

— insidious_plots

Oh yeah, upload away. The downloading still doesn’t work for the Dream browsers so you’ll still need planetweb to download, but it is safe to upload.

I'll keep trying

Thu, 06 Dec 2001 21:07:14 -0500

Tonight, once everyone goes to bed, and it’s just me and my newly fixed Dreamcast. I’m going to pull out my DreamKey, and I’m going to figure out how to upload, and download with the DreamKey. I AM NOT GOING TO SLEEP untill I figure this out!

It can’t be to hard to figure the upload process, it will use the STDIN in the perl enviroment like the one for planetweb, just the information is sent differently… in fact… I just thought of it. Maybe it is sent directly, without any decoding of any sort being done to the raw data. ooohhhhh…….

Oh please test... major break thru

Thu, 06 Dec 2001 06:30:35 -0500

Head to my website ( http://www.dreamserv-gaming.com/ (Dead Link) ), and try the uploader with DreamPassport or DreamKey. I modified the script and I think I’ve come up with something. (Don’t try downloading, that hasn’t been touched yet).

Please and thank you 🙂 🙂 🙂

um, dude?…
it seems to have worked…
now, i may scream for joy soon…
— insidious_plots

So it did work… now to get the other end of this script to work…

PlanetWeb v 1.0??

Thu, 06 Dec 2001 02:10:50 -0500

hey any one know how to tell the v-1.0 i just got a new modem and pw browser but it don’t say v-1.0 v-2.1 ect. any one know how to tell??? it’s got a cool look to it look’s beter than v-2.1 so is it v-1.0 or what??
— NASCARGUY

Just type this in the URL bar

javascript: alert(navigator.userAgent);

you should get something like this

Mozilla/3.0 (Planetweb/2.004 JS SSL US; Dreamcast US)

Request for Doug's Uploader

Fri, 27 Jul 2001 22:02:54 -0400

Could you add a second line when uploading for email address, and would it also be possible to click a button once you’ve uploaded a save previously to query a database so all you would have to do is put your name in? Like say I put my name as VampMan, email as VampMan@m…, and then next time, put my name in, and click a button so it fills my email addy in for me? Dunno, I’m just lazy, but I think you should definatly add the email address to it. 🙂 Also, are you making a stand alone uploader, or are you planning on working it into your forums? Or both even… Keep up the good work guys.
— VampMan

Yeah, I’ll add the e-mail line soon. This is going to be seperate from the forums, and I’ll see about making it auto-log your info (I dont want to force a username password situation… I’ll see what I can pull around)!