Sega Visual Memory Unit Instruction Manual

• The amount of free space required to save a file
depends on the software.
For details on the amount of free space required,
refer to the instruction manual that was provided
with the software.

• Although very uncommon, it is possible for files to
be damaged if the Visual Memory Unit has had files
written to it an inordinately high number of times.

• If the Visual Memory Unit will not be used for a
while, unplug either the controller from the
Dreamcast or the Visual Memory Unit from the
controller. Leaving the Visual Memory Unit plugged
in will drain its batteries.

The methods for saving and loading files differ
according to the software. For details, refer to the
instruction manual provided with the Dreamcast,
and the software.

Plugging in the Visual Memory Unit

Dreamcast controller

Remove the cap from the Visual Memory Unit, and then plug
the Visual Memory Unit into the expansion socket on the
controller. Store the cap in a safe place so that you do not
lose it.

Unplugging the Visual Memory Unit

Grasp both sides of the Visual Memory Unit and carefully
pull it out.

Failure to comply with all warnings associated with this symbol could
result in serious bodily injury or death from fire or electric shock.

Failure to comply with all warnings associated with this symbol may
result in property damage, personal injury or fire caused by batteries
bursting or leaking, or by other mishaps.

Visual Memory Unit

Instruction Manual

Contents:
Visual Memory Unit, Instruction Manual (this
document) and two (2) lithium batteries (CR2032)
inserted during manufacturing for testing.

• Do not get the Visual Memory Unit wet or allow any
liquid to get inside. Doing so could result in fire or
electric shock.

• Do not use the Visual Memory Unit in humid locations,
such as in the bathroom or near a humidifier. Doing so
could result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not leave the Visual Memory Unit near heat
sources. Doing so could melt the case, and also could
result in fire or electric shock.

• Never use the Visual Memory Unit while driving a car
or other vehicle. Doing so could cause an accident.

• Never attempt to disassemble or modify the Visual
Memory Unit.

• Immediately flush your eyes with clean water and seek
medical assistance if the lithium battery leaks and you
get some of the liquid in your eyes. If you get any of
the liquid on your skin or your clothes, wash the liquid
away with clean water.

• Use CR2032 lithium batteries only. Never use any
other type of batteries together. Failure to comply with
these cautions may result in batteries bursting or
leaking which could cause a fire or personal injury.

• Do not use the Visual Memory Unit while walking.
Doing so could cause you to trip or otherwise
become involved in an accident.

• In order to prevent the batteries from being
swallowed by a small child, the batteries should
only be replaced by a responsible adult. Batteries
should be stored out of the reach of children.

• Swallowing a lithium battery could result in
choking or poisoning. If someone swallows a
battery, seek medical assistance immediately.

• When inserting batteries in the Visual Memory
Unit, make sure that the positive and negative

sides are oriented correctly as indicated on the
Visual Memory Unit. Inserting the batteries with
the wrong positive and negative polarities
could cause the batteries to burst or leak which
could result in fire or personal injury.

[Usage Environment]

• Do not use or place the Visual Memory Unit in an area
that is very hot or cold, smoky, dusty, humid or in an
area where water is common, such as near a sink or
tub.

• If you carry the Visual Memory Unit into a heated
room from outdoors on a cold day, the sudden
temperature change may cause condensation to form
inside of the Visual Memory Unit. In these
circumstances, the Visual Memory Unit should be left
to rest indoors for one hour before using it.

• The Visual Memory Unit should be used in the
following environmental conditions:
Temperature: 41°F to 95°F; humidity: 10% to 80% RH
(with no condensation)

[Handling the Visual Memory Unit]

• The Visual Memory Unit contains precision electronic
components. Do not drop or strike the Visual Memory
Unit.

• Do not get the Visual Memory Unit dirty. Be especially
careful to keep the connectors clean. If the Visual
Memory Unit does get dirty, wipe the dirt away with a
dry cloth. Never use cleaners, chemicals, or water to
clean the Visual Memory Unit.

• Always keep the cap on the connector when the Visual
Memory Unit is not connected to anything.

• Do not jerk or pull hard on the Visual Memory Unit
while it is connected. Doing so could disable or
damage the Visual Memory Unit.

• Do not leave the Visual Memory Unit connected to
another Visual Memory Unit when it is not being used.
Doing so could result in damage to the Visual Memory
Unit, and will also run down the batteries.

• Do not bend or pull excessively on the cap of the
Visual Memory Unit connector.

[Batteries]

• When the batteries are exhausted, replace them with
new ones promptly.

• Batteries should only be replaced by a
responsible adult. When replacing batteries, be
careful not to lose the screw for the battery
compartment cover.

• Use two CR2032 lithium batteries. When
replacing the batteries, replace both batteries
with new batteries.

• After replacing the batteries, always press the
Reset Button. Use a narrow-tipped instrument to
press the Reset Button.

• If the Visual Memory Unit does not work even if
you just replaced the batteries, remove the
batteries immediately and make sure that:
– The polarity of the batteries (the orientation of

the positive and negative sides) is correct.

– The batteries are of the correct type (two

CR2032 batteries).

– Both batteries are new.

• Do not short-circuit the batteries. Do not attempt
to disassemble, heat, recharge, modify or
otherwise tamper with the batteries. Do not place
the batteries into fire or water.

• When using new batteries, wipe the surfaces of
the batteries with a dry cloth before putting in the
Visual Memory Unit.

• If the Visual Memory Unit will not be used for an
extended period of time, remove the batteries.

[LCD Screen]

• Do not subject the LCD screen of the Visual
Memory Unit to strong impacts. Be particularly
careful when carrying the Visual Memory Unit
around.

• Do not apply pressure to the screen using a pen,
pencil or any other device.

[Miscellaneous]

• Please be sure to dispose of the Visual Memory
Unit package materials and the battery insulating
tab properly.

Part Names and Functions

Front

Connector
Connects with Dreamcast peripherals (that
have an expansion socket) and with other
Visual Memory Units.

LCD Screen

Sleep Button
Turns the Visual Memory Unit power on/off.

Mode Button
Selects file, game, or clock mode.

B Button
Cancels the selection of an item.

A Button
Selects or enters the selected item.

Back

Cap

Speaker

Battery Compartment Cover

Battery Compartment Cover
Screw

Reset Button
Returns the Visual Memory Unit to its initial state.

Reset Button

Use a narrow-tipped instrument to press the Reset
Button (located on the bottom of the Visual Memory
Unit) in the situations described below. After the Reset
Button has been pressed, the clock setting screen
appears.

• When using for the first time (after removing the
battery insulation tab)

• After the batteries have been replaced

• If the Visual Memory Unit has stopped functioning
due to a strong impact, etc.

• If the screen is not displayed properly

Notes

• Do not press hard on the Reset Button with a sharp­tipped instrument.

• All clock and other user settings are lost when the
Reset Button is pressed. Saved files however, are
not lost.

• Do not press the Reset Button except when
necessary.

Setting the Date and Time

When the Reset Button has been pressed (for example, after replacing the batteries), the Visual Memory Unit
automatically enters the date and time setting mode. Some games may not run properly if the date and time are
not set correctly. However, if the Visual Memory Unit is only going to be used as backup memory for the
Dreamcast, the date and time do not have to be set.

Select by pressing up or down on the Directional Pad. Enter or cancel by pressing A
or B Button.
Follow the screen display and set the year, month, day, hour, and minute, in that
order.

Once all settings have been completed, confirm whether to finalize those settings. If
there are no changes to be made, select “Yes.” The Visual Memory Unit title screen is
then displayed.
To change the settings, select “No” and then press the A Button (or the B Button) in
order to return to the previous screen and change the settings.

Using the Visual Memory Unit as a Memory Card

The Visual Memory Unit is an external memory card* that is used by plugging it into an expansion socket on a
Dreamcast peripheral, such as the Dreamcast controller.
A Visual Memory Unit has a file storage capacity of up to 200 blocks. It is necessary to initialize the Visual Memory
Unit the first time you use it.
For details on initialization, refer to the instruction manual that was provided with the Dreamcast.
* A “memory card” can be used to save various files from games that support this capability.

Initialization (Deleting All
Files)

The “initialization” procedure is necessary in order to
use the Visual Memory Unit. If you want to delete all
files in a Visual Memory Unit or if you can no longer
load any files from a Visual Memory Unit, connect it to
the Dreamcast and initialize it.

Notes on Initialization

• If a Visual Memory Unit in which files have already
been saved is initialized, all files in the Visual
Memory Unit will be deleted. If those files are
needed, copy them to another Visual Memory Unit
beforehand. Refer to “File Mode” (reverse side) in
the “Selecting the Mode” section for details.

• Never turn off the Dreamcast, disconnect the
controller plug from the Dreamcast, or turn off the
power while initializing, file deleting, or file copying
is in progress (while the warning icon is
displayed). Also, do not connect or disconnect any
other expansion units. Doing so could damage the
files you are saving, making it impossible to load
them. Once a file has been damaged to the point
that it cannot be loaded, the only recourse is to
delete it.

Notes on Connection

• The Visual Memory Unit can be plugged into or
removed from the Dreamcast controller without
turning off the Dreamcast power.

• When a Visual Memory Unit is plugged into an
expansion socket on a Controller, the screen
display on the Visual Memory Unit will:

1. Auto shut off after a set amount of time if the
Dreamcast power is off, 2. Display the Visual
Memory Units initialized icon if the Dreamcast is
currently displaying its Main menu and 3. Display
an application program or game icon if the
Dreamcast is currently running an application or
game. Please note that how an icon is displayed is
application or game dependant.

• When a Visual Memory Unit is plugged into an
expansion socket on a controller, the screen
display on the Visual Memory Unit will shut off.

SLEEP MODE

A

B

First setting
screen

Final setting
screen

Sega of America, Inc.

P.O. Box 7639 San Francisco, CA, 94120-7639

1-800-USA-SEGA & www.sega.com

• Note that files stored in this device could be lost or damaged under certain conditions. Sega makes no guarantees against
the loss or damage of stored files.

• Please note that specifications and product exterior may change without notice.

• Unauthorized reproduction of the contents of this document is prohibited.

• SEGA, Dreamcast, Visual Memory and the Dreamcast logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Sega
Enterprises, Ltd.

Export, use for profit, rental or leasing of this product is prohibited.
Further, Sega offers no warranty service or support outside of the US and Canada.

Product covered under one or more of the following U.S. Patent Nos: 5,525,770; 5,396,030; and Japanese Patent No.
2,870,538 (Patents pending in U.S. and other countries).

Thank you very much for purchasing this Visual
Memory Unit.
Before using the Visual Memory Unit, please read
this Instructions Manual as well as the Instruction
Manual and Important Safety Instructions provided
with the Dreamcast. After reading this manual, be
certain to keep it handy for future reference.

WARNING

FCC Warning
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions; (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference (2) this device must accept any interference that may be received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Compatible models: This Visual Memory Unit is compatible with Dreamcasts bearing the mark.

Directional
Pad
Selects items.

Please properly dispose of the
battery insulating tab after you
have removed it.

Introduction

CAUTION

Follow the precautions shown below when using the Visual Memory
Unit. Failure to follow these precautions could damage the Visual
Memory Unit or cause it to malfunction.

Usage Precautions



SEGA ENTERPRISES, LTD., 1999 670-14102A

When copying a file, confirm that there are a sufficient number of blocks available on the
receiving side. When copying multiple files, unplug the Visual Memory Units once after each file
has been copied. Repeat the free space check, copy and unplug process for each file you wish
to copy.

Error Messages

Error message Meaning What to do
*1 Same file exist If necessary, delete the file (on the receiving side)

with the same name.

*1 Not enough free Delete any unneeded files in order to free up the

memory number of blocks required by the file.

*2 Copy failed Disconnect the Visual Memory Units once, then

reconnect them and attempt the copying
operation again.

When copying a game, confirm that there are a sufficient number of blocks
available on the receiving side. If there are not enough blocks available, use the
Dreamcast File menu to delete some files and then copy the game.

SLEEP MODE

A

B

SLEEP MODE

A

B

Selecting the Mode

The Visual Memory Unit has three modes: “file,”
“game,” and “clock.”
The functions and operations available in each mode
are different. For details, refer to the descriptions of
the individual modes.
Note
The mode cannot be changed while a file is being
loaded or saved.

Selecting the Mode

1. Press the Sleep Button to turn the power on.

2. Press the Mode Button repeatedly until the icon
for the desired mode is flashing.

3. Press the A Button to switch to the desired mode.

Cancelling the Mode
To cancel any mode, press the Mode Button. The
Visual Memory Unit title screen will be displayed.

Pressing the Mode Button cycles through the modes in the
following sequence:

File mode Game mode Clock mode

Auto power Off
If there is no input for two minutes while the Visual
Memory Unit is in file mode or clock mode, the
Visual Memory Unit shuts itself off automatically.
To turn the power back on, press the Sleep
Button. When in game mode, the auto power off
feature may be enabled, but only if the game
supports the feature.

Saving a mini-game into the Visual Memory Unit

Remove the cap from the Visual Memory Unit and plug
the Visual Memory Unit into an expansion socket on the
controller. Store the cap in a safe place so you do not
lose it.

Game Mode

When a mini-game has been saved in the Visual Memory Unit by the Dreamcast, the mini-game screen is
displayed. For details on how to save, play, and operate mini-games, refer to the instruction manuals
provided with the software and the Dreamcast.

Left side of

Directional Pad

+

A Button

“No”
selected
(A Button)

B Button

Select by pressing the left
and right sides of the
Directional Pad
Enter by pressing the A
Button

Clock set

confirmation

Select by pressing the top or
bottom of the Directional Pad

Clock
display

Refer to “Setting the
Date and Time” (front side)

“Yes”
selected
(A Button)

Remove the caps from the Visual Memory
Units and ensure each Visual Memory Unit
is oriented correctly. When connecting
them, ensure that the connectors are fully
seated.

Replacing the Batteries

– The batteries are of the correct type (two

CR2032 batteries).

– Both batteries are new.

1. Use a small screwdriver (Phillips) to loosen the

battery compartment cover screw on the back of
the Visual Memory Unit. When the screw is loose,
remove the battery compartment cover. Please
note that it is not necessary to completely remove
the battery compartment cover screw in order to
remove the battery compartment cover.

2. Remove the old batteries, and insert two new

CR2032 lithium batteries by pushing the batteries
edge-first into the terminal, making sure that the
positive and negative sides are oriented
correctly.

3. Replace the battery compartment cover, and

secure it with the screw.

When inserting the second lithium battery, press down on
the side of the battery that will be closest to the battery
compartment cover and then slide the battery into place.
When closing the battery cover, make sure that the side of
the battery is touching the terminal correctly.

Notes

• Do not press down on the lithium batteries with
excessive force. Doing so could bend or break the
terminal.

• Make sure that the lithium batteries are making
good contact with the terminals.

Troubleshooting

Error Messages
“Format memory”

• Initialize the Visual Memory Unit.

“System error”

• Use the Dreamcast File menu to copy all the files
from the Visual Memory Unit that gave the error
message to another Visual Memory Unit.
(Note that copying may not be possible if the files
are damaged or copy protected.)
Once all of the files have been copied, initialize the
Visual Memory Unit that gave the error.

Storing Data
During file save operations to the Visual Memory Unit

refrain from performing any of the following actions.
Performing any of the following actions may result in
a file save error or possibly damage files already
saved in the Visual Memory Unit.

• Turn off the Dreamcast power.

• Disconnect the controller from the Dreamcast unit.

• Unplug any other expansion unit that is connected
to an expansion socket on the controller.

• Copy or delete files more than necessary.

In order to prevent the loss of important data, we
recommend making a backup copy of data on a
different Visual Memory Unit.

Note that we cannot bear any responsibility for the
loss or destruction of data.

File selection

The file sending operation was halted because a
file with the same name already exists.
There are not enough available blocks on the
receiving side.
The copy operation failed.
* Note that if the copy operation terminates in an
error there will be no reference to the copied file
remaining on the receiving side.

Delete

Copy

Copying a Game

A Button or
Right side of
Directional
Pad

B Button or
Left side of
Directional
Pad

File display

Select by
pressing the top
or bottom of the
Directional Pad

Right side of
Directional
Pad

Comment
display

Right side of
Directional
Pad

Action
selection

To “Copy” or
“Delete”

Select by pressing up or down or cancel
on the Directional Pad
Enter by pressing the A or B Button

File selection

Number of available blocks

(200 blocks maximum)

Number of blocks available to save a game

Number of blocks available for a
mini-game

File display

File number/total number

File name

Date (month/day/year)

Comment display

Comment

Number of blocks used

File type

Indicates either “Data” (backup data),
“Game” (mini-game), or “Other.”

If a file name is highlighted, that
file cannot be copied.

Preparing to send

Select by pressing
the left and right
sides of the
Directional Pad

Connection

Sending confirmation *1

Select “Yes”
Press the A Button to enter
* If “No” is selected, the display
returns to the previous screen.

“Yes”
selected

Copying in progress *2 Copy completed

Ready to receive

Set to the file display on
the receiving side

Waiting to receive Receiving

* The dots “...” that are displayed on the screen

indicate the progress of the copy operation.

Receiving completed

Notes

• Game mode cannot be selected while the Visual Memory Unit
is connected to the controller.

• Do not press the reset button or unplug the Visual Memory
Unit from the controller while a file transfer is in progress.
Doing so may damage the file.

• The cap should be kept on the connector when the Visual
Memory Unit is not connected to a controller.

• When connecting the Visual Memory Unit with a Dreamcast
peripheral or another Visual Memory Unit, please ensure that
the Visual Memory Unit is oriented correctly before
connection. Also please ensure that the Visual Memory Unit
connector is fully seated.

• Do not short the pins in the Visual Memory Unit connector.

• When not playing a game, press the Sleep Button to turn the
Visual Memory Unit off.

B Button or
Left side of
Directional
Pad

B Button or
Left side of
Directional
Pad

Reading
the
Display

First lithium battery

Second lithium
battery

A Button

B Button

Lithium Batteries
The Visual Memory Unit uses lithium batteries for its
internal clock and for game play. When the screen
becomes hard to see or the “Please change battery”
message appears, replace the batteries promptly.
Continuing to use batteries that are nearly exhausted
will cause the Visual Memory Unit to operate
incorrectly.

When using the Visual Memory Unit as a memory card:
Batteries are not required when using the Visual Memory Unit
as a memory card. However, the Visual Memory Unit will not
operate correctly even as a memory card if it contains
exhausted batteries. In this case, remove the batteries. Note
that although the Visual Memory Unit can still be used as a
memory card if you remove the batteries, the clock setting
will not be retained and you will not be able to play any mini­games.

Battery Life
The battery life will vary greatly, depending on how
the Visual Memory Unit is used. Guidelines for
replacing the lithium batteries are listed below:

• If only the clock function is used, replace the
batteries after about 130 days.

• The batteries will last for about seven days of
continuous use when playing games. Playing
against another Visual Memory Unit or saving data
frequently will use up the batteries faster.

• Frequent copying of files in file mode will also use
up the batteries faster.

Replacing the Lithium Batteries
Batteries should only be replaced by a responsible
adult. When replacing the batteries, be careful not to
lose the screw for the battery compartment cover.
Notes

• Before replacing the batteries, wipe the surfaces of
the new batteries with a dry cloth.

• If the Visual Memory Unit does not work even
though you just replaced the batteries, remove the
batteries immediately and make sure that:
– The polarity of the batteries (the orientation of

the positive side and negative side) is
correct.

Disconnect the
Visual Memorys

When receiving

When sending

File Mode

This mode is used to copy and delete files that have been saved, and can manage files up to a maximum
capacity of 200 blocks.
It is necessary to initialize the Visual Memory Unit the first time that you use it. For details on file initialization,
refer to the instruction manual provided with the Dreamcast.

Connecting a Visual Memory Unit to another
Visual Memory Unit
Files can be transferred from one Visual Memory
Unit to another by connecting them directly to
each other.

Managing Files

This function deletes files that are no longer needed or that can no longer be loaded. If no files
have been saved, “Delete” cannot be selected.

Before requesting repair service, please check the
following items.

General

● No audio or visual display

• Is the Visual Memory Unit in the sleep state?

• Are the batteries installed correctly?

• Are the batteries dead?

When connected to a controller or another Visual
Memory Unit

● No audio or visual display

• Is the power on for both this Visual Memory
Unit and the other device?

● Cannot copy files

• Is there enough free space to copy the file?

• Is the file a copy protected file?

• Is the file damaged? Enter file mode and make
sure that no errors are displayed on the screen.
If there are other problems noted with the
operation of the Visual Memory Unit or its
display, press the Reset Button and select file
mode again.

● Even though you performed the correct operation,

one of the following messages is displayed by the
Dreamcast:
“Could not initialize”
“Could not delete”
“Could not copy”
In this case, it is possible that the Visual Memory
Unit requires repairs. Contact Sega’s Technical
Support at “www.sega.com” or “1-800-USA­SEGA”.

Clock Mode

This mode is used to display the clock, set the clock, and select the clock animation display. While the clock is
displayed, the left and right sides of the Directional Pad (or the A Button and the B Button) can be used to switch
between the data display and the clock display. When setting the clock, it is possible to select from among three
types of animation for the clock display (dog, fish or bird).

Setting the Clock

Clock display Animation selection