NetLink Internet Modem

From Sega Retro

Sega Saturn NetLink

Sega NetLink (or Seganet in Japan) was an attachment for the Sega Saturn (originally US$400 with a Saturn, US$199 by itself) and provived the users with internet access, a web browser, and access to email through their console. NetLink consisted of a 28.8 kbit/s modem that fits into the Sega Saturn cartridge port. At the same time, there was also a NetLink package which JUST included NetLink software, which started out at US$200 and then went down to US$99.

While the NetLink was not the first piece of hardware to allow American gamers to get online (or at least play against others online/direct dial*), it was the first to allow players to bring their own ISP. While Sega did have an ISP they recommended (Concentric), similar to what Sega did with the Dreamcast, they did allow you to choose any ISP that was within their technical specifications. The NetLink was capable of connecting at a 28.8 Kbps connection in America and 14.4 Kbps in Japan, which wasn't bad, considering computers were just starting to use 33.6 Kbs connections.

The NetLink never did that well due to the fact that it was too much money, lacked in the number of system users (as in people who own a Saturn, which was under 5 million at the end of its life), and had few games that used it.

The modem is an XBAND device (the US version is too), which is famous for its SNES and Genesis modem games. It should also be pointed out that there is a card "holder," which is for smart cards with prepaid credits. These smart cards or "Saturn media cards" cost 2,000 yen and one game credit was 20 yen, which means that you could have about 100 games per card.

The Saturn has a mouse, keyboard, floppy drive and printer cable converter which may be used with the NetLink.

While most people believed that Europe never got the NetLink, the fact is it did well. Finland got a limited test release. However, unlike Finland, the rest of Europe did not get NetLinks, possibly due to the fact that Europe was the weakest Saturn market.

Even with all the disadvantages that the Saturn and NetLink had, it had quite a few users in its heyday, and had 5 games that used it in America. Sega of America wanted to sell about 100,000 NetLinks, however, records suggest they only sold 15,000 to 25,000 units (again, in America).

  • Saturn and NetLink

  • Sega Saturn netlink box.jpg

    NetLink box

  • Japanese NetLink adapter

Setting up the Sega Saturn NetLink Modem

Connecting the Sega Saturn NetLink modem is very simple. Make sure that your Sega Saturn game system is correctly attached to your TV and is working properly (consult your Sega Saturn Owners Manual for help). Then locate the phone outlet closest to your Sega Saturn.

  1. Check to make sure that the nearest phone outlet to your Sega Saturn has a dial tone.
  2. Make sure your Sega Saturn is off.
  3. Plug your Net Link modem into the cartridge slot of your Sega Saturn, making sure that the Sega Saturn logo on the Net Link modem is facing the front of the Saturn (see diagram below).
  4. Make sure that the Net Link modem fits snugly into the slot (gently wiggle it left to right slightly to make sure that it sits firmly in the cartridge slot).
  5. Connect one end of the included 10-meter (approximately 33 feet) phone cord to the bottom jack in the Net Link modem (labeled "Line").
  6. Connect the other end of the included 10-meter phone cord to the nearest phone outlet with a dial tone. You may have to disconnect your phone; if so, you can plug it into the available jack on the Net Link modem (labeled with a picture of a phone). You will still be able to use the phone normally when you are not using your Net Link modem. Be careful to place the Net Link phone cord so nobody will trip over it.
  7. Place the Net Link web browser Compact Disc software in your Sega Saturn, label side up, and close the CD door.
  8. Turn the power to your Sega Saturn On.

You can leave the Net Link modem attached while you're using normal Sega Saturn games; the games will not damage the Net Link, and the modem will not affect the games. However, you won't be able to use a Sega Saturn Backup RAM cartridge unless you remove the Net Link modem.

NetLink Software

Netlink WebBrowser 2.0

Comes packaged with the NetLink itself. Supports all HTML 2.0 tags, and most HTML 3.0 tags. Unable to view framed webpages, and does not support IRC chat. Somewhat comparable to early versions of Netscape.

NetLink WebBrowser 3.0

Comes packaged with the NetLink game package. Adds support for the viewing of framed pages, sorta. All it really does is allow you to access each frame individually, but not view them all at once. Also adds a fairly basic IRC client. This IRC client is crippled in that it can't connect to major servers like DALnet and EFnet.

NetLink WebBrowser Golden 1.135

Same code as 3.0 except no CD was ever pressed and it does not include the "NetLink City" front page. Available for download from Planetweb's site.

NetLink Beta 4.035

Adds SSL support for secure online ordering. Available for download on Planetweb's site. This is the final version of the NetLink Browser that will be offered. No CD was ever pressed, meaning you have to redownload it each time you want to use the NetLink (It's not worth it in my opinion).

Games Available on NetLink

  • Daytona CCE Championship Edition: Not many people have this game for NetLink. This was only available through Sega's online store.
  • Duke Nukem 3D: A great shooter for NetLink play. Basic graphics but lots of fun online.
  • Saturn Bomberman: One of the best games for Saturn, and one of the best online NetLink games.
  • Sega Rally: Racing game for NetLink.
  • Virtual On: Mech fighting game.

Specifications

Interface

  • Telephone Circuit
  • 2 Wire Interface (RJ-11 Type Phone Jack)

NCU

  • AA Type
  • Pulse: (10PPS/20PPS), Tone (DTMF)

Modem

  • Complies with: ITU-T (V.21/V.22/V.22bis/V.23/V.32/V.32bis/V.34, V.42/V.42bis), BELL (103/212A), MNP 2-5
  • FSK/PSK/QAM
  • 75, 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, 14400, 19200, 28000bps
  • Transmission level less than -9dBm
  • Reception level 0dBm to -43dBm

Operating Conditions

  • Temperature level 41 F to 95 F (5 C to 35 C)
  • Humidity level 20% to 90%RH

Miscellaneous

NOTE: The NetLink is not the same as the Saturn's DirectLink. In addition, Planetweb no longer supports any Sega device, including the NetLink.

External Links

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