Difference between revisions of "NetLink Internet Modem"

From Sega Retro

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[[File:NetLink_Japan.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Sega Saturn NetLink, Japanese grey model.]]
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'''Sega NetLink''' ('''Sega Saturn Modem''' in Japan) is a modem attachment for the [[Sega Saturn]] which allows the system to connect to the internet. It is a continuation of the [[XB∀ND]] project, originally released for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] in North America.
  
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'''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.
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The Sega NetLink came in two flavours, a black 28.8 kbps model for North America, and a grey 14.4 kbps model for Japan (at the time, home computers were reaching 33.6 kbps). Both contained a simple web browser and email client and both were designed to be placed in the Saturn's cartridge port. No models were released in PAL regions, bar a small test-run in Finland which proved to be unsuccessful.
  
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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.
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As with most older online services, the Sega NetLink will no longer function correctly in the modern age. It should also not be confused with the [[DirectLink]], also released for the Sega Saturn.
  
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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.
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==Release==
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===North America===
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The modem is an [[XB∀ND]] 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.
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Though heavily advertised, the Sega NetLink is seen as a failure in North America, mostly due to its high price point and lack of games to support it. At the end of the console's run, less than five million people had purchased a Sega Saturn console, with significantly less having a Sega NetLink modem as well.
  
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The Saturn has a [[Saturn Mouse|mouse]], [[Sega Saturn Keyboard|keyboard]], [[Sega Saturn Floppy Disk Drive|floppy drive]] and [[Sega-Koei Word Processor Set|printer cable]] converter which may be used with the NetLink.
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Originally the unit was priced at $400 USD when bundled with the console, $199 by itself. Later a package also existed including just NetLink software, which found itself priced at $200 before being lowered to $99 in the months that followed.
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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.
 
  
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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).  
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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 use their own internet service provider (ISP). While Sega recommended Concentric as the ISP of choice (similar to the [[Sega Dreamcast]] when released in this region), they allowed for any ISP that met their technical specifications.
  
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== Setting up the Sega Saturn NetLink Modem ==
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Sega's target for North America was 100,000 NetLinks, however records show that only 15,000-25,000 were actually sold. Only five games supported the peripheral in this region.
 +
 
 +
===Japan===
 +
Little is known about the Sega Saturn Modem performance in Japan, however the unit was engineered slightly differently. There is a card "holder", designed for use with "Saturn media cards" (priced at 2,000 yen each) containing pre-paid credits. One game credit was worth roughly 20 yen.
 +
 
 +
There are more Japanese games which make use of the peripheral. Games that support it sport a "SegaSaturn Networks" logo on the box.
 +
 
 +
==Compatible Hardware==
 +
The NetLink is compatible with a variety of other peripherals, most of whom also failed to sell in large quantities. These include a [[Saturn Mouse|mouse]], [[Sega Saturn Keyboard|keyboard]], [[Sega Saturn Floppy Disk Drive|floppy drive]] and [[Sega-Koei Word Processor Set|printer cable]]. Packages existed bundling several of these peripherals together.
 +
 
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==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.  
 
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.  
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#Check to make sure that the nearest phone outlet to your Sega Saturn has a dial tone.  
 
#Check to make sure that the nearest phone outlet to your Sega Saturn has a dial tone.  
 
#Make sure your Sega Saturn is off.  
 
#Make sure your Sega Saturn is off.  
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#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).  
+
#Plug your NetLink modem into the cartridge slot of your Sega Saturn, making sure that the Sega Saturn logo on the NetLink modem is facing the front of the Saturn (see diagram below).  
−
#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).  
+
#Make sure that the NetLink modem fits snugly into the slot (gently wiggle it left to right slightly to make sure that it sits firmly in the cartridge slot).  
−
#Connect one end of the included 10-meter (approximately 33 feet) phone cord to the bottom jack in the Net Link modem (labeled "Line").  
+
#Connect one end of the included 10-meter (approximately 33 feet) phone cord to the bottom jack in the NetLink modem (labeled "Line").  
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#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.  
+
#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 NetLink modem. Be careful to place the Net Link phone cord so nobody will trip over it.  
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#Place the Net Link web browser Compact Disc software in your Sega Saturn, label side up, and close the CD door.  
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#Place the NetLink web browser Compact Disc software in your Sega Saturn, label side up, and close the CD door.  
 
#Turn the power to your Sega Saturn On.  
 
#Turn the power to your Sega Saturn On.  
  
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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.  
+
You can leave the NetLink modem attached while you're using normal Sega Saturn games; the games will not damage the NetLink, 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 NetLink modem.  
  
 
==NetLink Software==
 
==NetLink Software==
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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).
 
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).
  
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== Games Available on NetLink ==
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==Technical Specifications==
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*''Daytona CCE Championship Edition'': Not many people have this game for NetLink. This was only available through Sega's online store.
 
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*''[[Duke Nukem 3D]]'': A great shooter for NetLink play. Basic graphics but lots of fun online.
 
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*''[[Saturn Bomberman]]'': One of the best games for Saturn, and one of the best online NetLink games.
 
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*''[[Sega Rally]]'': Racing game for NetLink.
 
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*''[[Virtual-On]]'': Mech fighting game.
 
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==Specifications==
 
 
===Interface===
 
===Interface===
 
* Telephone Circuit
 
* Telephone Circuit
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* Temperature level 41 F to 95 F (5 C to 35 C)
 
* Temperature level 41 F to 95 F (5 C to 35 C)
 
* Humidity level 20% to 90%RH
 
* Humidity level 20% to 90%RH
 +
 +
==Compatible Games==
 +
===North America===
 +
*''[[Daytona USA: CCE NetLink Edition]]''
 +
*''[[Duke Nukem 3D]]''
 +
*''[[Saturn Bomberman]]''
 +
*''[[Sega Rally]]''
 +
*''[[Virtual-On]]''
 +
 +
===Japan===
 +
*''[[Daytona USA Circuit Edition]]''
 +
*''[[DecAthlete]]''
 +
*''[[Dennou Senki Virtual-On]]''
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*''[[Dennou Senki Virtual-On Media Card Pack]]''
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*''[[Habitat II]]''
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*''[[Pad Nifty]]''
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*''[[Pad Nifty 1.1 & Habitat II]]''
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*''[[Puyo Puyo Sun]]''
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*''[[Puzzle Bobble 3]]''
 +
*''[[Saturn Bomberman]]''
 +
*''[[Sega Rally Championship Plus]]''
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*''[[Sega Saturn Internet 2]]''
 +
*''[[Sega Saturn Internet Vol.1]]''
 +
*''[[Sega Worldwide Soccer '98]]''
 +
*''[[Shadows of the Tusk]]''
 +
*''[[Special Disc with Sega Saturn Internet 2]]''
 +
*''[[Virtua Fighter Remix]]''
 +
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Segasaturn_and_netlink.jpg|Saturn and NetLink
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Image:Segasaturn_and_netlink.jpg|US Saturn and NetLink
−
File:Saturn_netlink.jpg|US Netlink adapter
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File:Saturn_netlink.jpg|US NetLink adapter
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Physical Scans==
 
==Physical Scans==
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File:Netlinkref-2.jpg|Back Side
 
File:Netlinkref-2.jpg|Back Side
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
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==Miscellaneous ==
 
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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 ==
 
== External Links ==
 
*[http://www.planetweb.com Planetweb]
 
*[http://www.planetweb.com Planetweb]

Revision as of 17:56, 19 January 2012

NetLink Japan.jpg
NetLink Internet Modem
Made for: Sega Saturn
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code

Sega NetLink (Sega Saturn Modem in Japan) is a modem attachment for the Sega Saturn which allows the system to connect to the internet. It is a continuation of the XB∀ND project, originally released for the Sega Mega Drive in North America.

The Sega NetLink came in two flavours, a black 28.8 kbps model for North America, and a grey 14.4 kbps model for Japan (at the time, home computers were reaching 33.6 kbps). Both contained a simple web browser and email client and both were designed to be placed in the Saturn's cartridge port. No models were released in PAL regions, bar a small test-run in Finland which proved to be unsuccessful.

As with most older online services, the Sega NetLink will no longer function correctly in the modern age. It should also not be confused with the DirectLink, also released for the Sega Saturn.

Release

North America

Though heavily advertised, the Sega NetLink is seen as a failure in North America, mostly due to its high price point and lack of games to support it. At the end of the console's run, less than five million people had purchased a Sega Saturn console, with significantly less having a Sega NetLink modem as well.

Originally the unit was priced at $400 USD when bundled with the console, $199 by itself. Later a package also existed including just NetLink software, which found itself priced at $200 before being lowered to $99 in the months that followed.

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 use their own internet service provider (ISP). While Sega recommended Concentric as the ISP of choice (similar to the Sega Dreamcast when released in this region), they allowed for any ISP that met their technical specifications.

Sega's target for North America was 100,000 NetLinks, however records show that only 15,000-25,000 were actually sold. Only five games supported the peripheral in this region.

Japan

Little is known about the Sega Saturn Modem performance in Japan, however the unit was engineered slightly differently. There is a card "holder", designed for use with "Saturn media cards" (priced at 2,000 yen each) containing pre-paid credits. One game credit was worth roughly 20 yen.

There are more Japanese games which make use of the peripheral. Games that support it sport a "SegaSaturn Networks" logo on the box.

Compatible Hardware

The NetLink is compatible with a variety of other peripherals, most of whom also failed to sell in large quantities. These include a mouse, keyboard, floppy drive and printer cable. Packages existed bundling several of these peripherals together.

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 NetLink modem into the cartridge slot of your Sega Saturn, making sure that the Sega Saturn logo on the NetLink modem is facing the front of the Saturn (see diagram below).
  4. Make sure that the NetLink 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 NetLink 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 NetLink modem. Be careful to place the Net Link phone cord so nobody will trip over it.
  7. Place the NetLink 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 NetLink modem attached while you're using normal Sega Saturn games; the games will not damage the NetLink, 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 NetLink 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).

Technical 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

Compatible Games

North America

Japan

Gallery

  • US Saturn and NetLink

  • US NetLink adapter

Physical Scans

  • Sega Saturn netlink us box.jpg

    US box (front)

  • JP box (back)

US Quick Start Card

  • Netlinkref-1.jpg

    Front Side

  • Netlinkref-2.jpg

    Back Side

External Links

Sega Saturn
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Online Services/Add-ons NetLink Internet Modem (NetLink Keyboard | NetLink Keyboard Adapter | NetLink Mouse) | Saturn Modem (Floppy Drive | Keyboard)
Connector Cables 21 Pin RGB Cable | Monaural AV Cable | RF Unit | Stereo AV Cable | S-Video Cable | Taisen Cable
Development Hardware Programming Box | Sound Box | E7000 | CartDev | SNASM2 | Address Checker | PSY-Q Development System | MIRAGE Universal CD Emulator
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