Karoo User Group - Nintendo Gamecube

There are three ways to connect the Nintendo Gamecube to your Karoo Broadband Internet service. These are as follows:

Direct Connection (Through an ADSL modem - allowing use of only the Gamecube at any one time)
Through a network (Using a router - allowing use of the Gamecube, as well as personal computers, laptops etc)
Through a personal computer (Allowing use of the Gamecube only when the personal computer is switched on)

By far the easiest of these, and indeed the recommended way to connect to any Karoo Broadband service by the Karoo User Group, is to connect through a network (2), and hence use a router.

This method will be discussed in this guide.

Usually, a router can be bought with an ADSL modem integrated into it, i.e. an "all-in-one" device, for instance the Netgear DG834, sold by eBuyer, Dabs and many others, although suitable devices can be bought cheaper.

Using a router not only allows the use of multiple devices at the same time (the Netgear DG834 allows for 4 devices), but also gives security benefits. These are well documented on the World Wide Web however, and as such are not going to be discussed during this guide.

So, assuming you have a suitable ADSL modem and router device, now all you need is the actual Gamecube Broadband Adaptor, which costs around £35.

The following steps now need to be followed in order:

Plug the ADSL modem/router into an electrical socket, using the power cable provided, and then plug the ADSL modem/router into your ADSL enabled phone socket.
Connect a personal computer to the ADSL modem/router using a network cable (CAT5) to a "LAN" port on the ADSL modem/router. Most modern computers have network adaptors preinstalled, although they can be purchased for less than £15.
Setup your ADSL modem/router using the manual provided. The only "Karoo specific" settings you require are: VCI=50, VPI=1, Encapsulation Mode=LLC, use NAT and your IP address is dynamically assigned by your ISP (Karoo). All other settings can be left as default or "factory set" options, although DHCP will have to be enabled on the LAN ports.
It is a good idea to verify that the above is setup correctly before going any further. This can be done by using, for instance, a PC to see if it can access the Internet.
Turn off your Gamecube, and then remove the "Serial Port 1" cover underneath. The Broadband Adaptor can now snap in.
Using a CAT5 or CAT6 cable, plug one end into the Gamecube's Broadband Adaptor, and the other into a "LAN" port on your ADSL modem/router. You can now turn on your Gamecube.
From this point forth, the setup of online services are game specific. Currently, the following games support the Gamecube's Broadband Adaptor:
- Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II
- Phantasy Star Online Episode III
- Mario Kart Double Dash
Each different game will provide instructions to guide you through setup of the Broadband Adaptor, each requiring some blocks of memory card storage. However, so long as you enabled DHCP on your router, setup will remain simple.
Hopefully you will now be able to enjoy trouble free online gaming!

Note 1: Karoo 'narrowband' services (e.g. AnyTime, HomeTime, FreeTime and NetTime) are supported by the Gamecube, using the Gamecube Modem. However, game play will be significantly slower than when using a broadband service.

Note 2: Karoo Helpdesks do not, and will not give support on Gamecube connectivity issues. However, where possible, the KUG will provide assistance. Please Contact Us with your questions.

Note 3: Nintendo provide a limited amount of support on their website.

Note 4: Some Gamecube games may require a subscription fee to be paid for online game play, e.g. Phantasy Star Online. This can be paid via most credit or debit cards.