____ ___

____ ____
/ ___| __ _ _ __ ___ ___ | _ \ __ ___ _____ ___ ___ _ __ ___
| | _ / _` | '_ ` _ \ / _ \_____| |_) / _` \ \ / / _ \ / __/ _ \| '_ ` _ \
| |_| | (_| | | | | | | __/_____| _ < (_| |\ V / __/| (_| (_) | | | | | |
\____|\__,_|_| |_| |_|\___| |_| \_\__,_| \_/ \___(_)___\___/|_| |_| |_|
=============================================================================
"There is no gaming knowledge that is not awesome."
=============================================================================

The PlayStation Lightspan Online Connection CD FAQ
Written by
Jason "Dangerboy" Dvorak
for Game-Rave.com and GameRaveTV

Version 1.6

===========================================================================
THIS FAQ NEEDS YOUR HELP!
===========================================================================
If you happen to use this guide and discover something not listed or solve
one of the mysteries we covered, let me know! I'll add it to the FAQ with
full credit to you and your hard work!

You can contact me at gameravetv (at) gmail (dot com).

Can't wait to see what people will come up with!

===========================================================================
Disclaimer
===========================================================================
This PlayStation Online Connection CD FAQ may not be reproduced under
any circumstances except for personal, private use. Public display of this
guide is authorized to game-rave.com and gamefaqs.com - It may not be
reproduced on any other website without advanced written permission.

i.e. Just email me first, and as long you give proper credit, I'm cool. :)

You can contact me at gameravetv (at) gmail (dot com).

All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their
respective trademark and copyright holders. This document is provided
strictly for informational, journalistic, and legacy purposes.

Copyright 2017 Jason Dvorak, Game-Rave.com and GameRaveTV

===========================================================================
Table of Contents - Search for the #(Name) to Jump to that Section
===========================================================================

------------------------- Basic Information -------------------------------

What is this? #WHATISTHIS
What purpose does this FAQ serve? #FAQPURPOSE
Data Specs #DATASPECS
Compatibility #COMPATIB
Controls #CONTROLS

------------------------Setting Up the Browser ----------------------------

Getting Started 1: Preparing Memory Card #START1
Getting Started 2: Exploring the Left Menu #START2
Getting Started 3: Getting Started #START3
Getting Started 4: Setting On-Disc Options for Dialing #START4

---------------- What You Need to Get the disc 'Working' ------------------

What Do I need? 1: Voltage Convertor #VOLTAGE
What Do I Need? 2: Custom Serial Cords #SERIAL
What Do I Need? 3: Netopia, Ringdown, Zoom Modem #NETOPIA

---------------- Known Hidden Files On the Disc ---------------------------

Hidden Files 1: The Animated GIFs #ANIMATED
Hidden Files 2: Unfinished Pages with Commentary #UNFINISHED
Hidden Files 3: The Sega Saturn Notes #SEGASATURN
Hidden Files 4: Accessing Ed-Mail Window #YOUGOTMAIL
Hidden Files 5: The Missing Frontpage? #FRONTPAGE

---------------- What Still Needs Figuring Out? ---------------------------

Mysteries 1: Actually browsing the internet #MYSTERY1
Mysteries 2: Unlocking the last few menu options #MYSTERY2
Mysteries 3: Locating hidden audio files #MYSTERY3

--------------------- Misc. -----------------------------------------------

Provenance #WHATSINBOX
Special Thanks and Recognition #HUGETHANKS
Version History #VERSION

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

___ _ ___ __ _ _
| _ ) __ _ __(_)__ |_ _|_ _ / _|___ _ _ _ __ __ _| |_(_)___ _ _
| _ \/ _` (_-< / _| | || ' \| _/ _ \ '_| ' \/ _` | _| / _ \ ' \
|___/\__,_/__/_\__| |___|_||_|_| \___/_| |_|_|_\__,_|\__|_\___/_||_|

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What is this? ///////////////////////////////////////////////// #WHATISTHIS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

This FAQ is a walk-through, explanation, and guide for the PlayStation
Online Connection CD, published by Sony Computer Entertainment and
Lightspan. The browser was developed by PlanetWeb, who also created the
online browsers for the Sega Saturn Net-Link and the Sega Dreamcast.

Used in the Lightspan educational programs, the Online Browser disc,
when combined with the PlayStation, would have offered lower income
families who could not afford PCs the chance to have online functionality
in the home. In the most basic uses, this would include accessing their
school's Lightspan.com page for homework assignments and other data.

The Online Connection CD is an extremely early beta that shares
development ties to the Sega Saturn Net-Link browser, as there are
references to Saturn Fonts and Saturn controller buttons in the
text files of this PlayStation disc.

Publically available knowledge and information is extremely scarce. During
attempts to contact Lightspan employees connected to the project,
information requests were politely declined from those closest
to the project I was able to reach.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What purpose does this FAQ serve? //////////////////////////// #FAQPURPOSE
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

There is quite literally no known documentation pertaining to the
Online Connection CD.

This guide is written as a starting point in documenting every possible
snippet you can find on the disc. It is quite clear that my technical
skills lack in regards to completely deconstructing the disc and
learning it's deepest darkest secrets, but I was stubborn enough to get
it back into a working state.

Once the disc is released to the public, hopefully others will find this
guide useful in finding their own starting point to do cool things with
it.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Data Specs //////////////////////////////////////////////////// #DATASPECS
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Genre: Web Browser (Beta) | CDs: 1 | Players: 1 |
----------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|
Publisher: Sony / Lightspan | Barcode: None | Memory: 1 Block |
----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
Developer: PlanetWeb | Sony ID: LSP-150500-0.1** |
----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
Sony PSRM: 008620 | Released: October 5, 1997 |
----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
Accessories: Keyboard and Mouse Adapter++, Modem, Modem Cord |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
ESRB Rating: None - This would not have needed ESRB ratings. |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

** The Lightspan series of educational games had their own designation,
due to not being publically available. Usually this Sony ID would have
been Either SCUS-xxxxxx for Sony 1st Party, or SLUS-xxxxxx for 3rd Party.

++ The Keyboard and Mouse Adapter was a separate accessory that plugged
into the 2nd Controller port and allowed the use of a standard mouse and
keyboard (PS/2, not USB). While there have been multiple prototypes of
them in circulation, with a small box extending from a standard
controller plug, the actual final version was simply a small, almost
thick memory card size plug. The Prototype carried the ID of
"SCPH-2000 (Prototype)". I could have really used that...

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Compatibility ////////////////////////////////////////////////// #COMPATIB
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The Original Disc:

The PlayStation Online Connection CD will only work with the original
gray PlayStation models that carry the I/O Port. PSones and PSX decks
(if any) that had no serial port will not support it.

PlayStation 2 systems will not read the Memory Card file, rendering the
disc 'locked'. This is interesting as it would have been a neat test
to see if the PS2 Dial-Up modem would have accepted the disc's request.

PlayStation 3 systems can not read the disc, it will crash once it starts
to load the introduction index. The PS3 also doesn't support dial up, so
it would more than likely have been a test in futility.

PS4 is obvious.

The ISO:

The ISO Burned to a CD-R will work in a modified PlayStation or a
PlayStation Equipped with a GameShark Pro.

Multiple emulators including PSXe and OpenEMU were tried, with an
erratic result rate. OpenEMU successfully played the disc. PSXe booted,
but then glitched out as the cursor was moved. Your miles will vary.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Controls /////////////////////////////////////////////////////// #CONTROLS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|
D-Pad Up: Move Cursor | X Button: Accept / Keyboard
D-Pad Down: Move Cursor | O Button: Next Page
D-Pad Left: Move Cursor | [] Button: Previous Page
D-Pad Right: Move Cursor | /\ Button: Bookmark Page
|
Analog Stick Left - Not Used | L1 Button: Move Page Up
Analog Stick Right - Not Used | L2 Button: Move Page Down
Analog L3 Button - Not Used | R1 Button: Magnify (x4)
Analog R3 Button - Not Used | R2 Button: Stop Page Load
|
Mode Button - Not Used | Select Button: Recent URLs
| Start Button: Shortcut Menu
|
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cursor Icons:
Silver Arrow with Orange Ball: Default 'Pointer' Mode
Green and Black Rocket: Hovering over a live / clickable url link.
Spinning Orange Globe: Loading / Saving (Do Not Power Off during this)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

On-Screen Keyboard:

When X is pressed in the URL tab or any information box, a virtual keyboard
will appear on screen. The keyboard is 'double sided' in that it has its
standard appearance, and then pressing Caps Lock will flip all Keys to their
Shift counterparts, as well replacing other keys. It's interesting to point
out that deleting items changes based on which side of the keyboard you're on.
The standard side allows deleting of each letter at a time; in Caps Lock
Mode, the entire line you're working with will be deleted.

___ _ _ _ _ _
/ __| ___| |_| |_(_)_ _ __ _ | | | |_ __
\__ \/ -_) _| _| | ' \/ _` | | |_| | '_ \
|___/\___|\__|\__|_|_||_\__, | \___/| .__/
|___/ |_|

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Getting Started Part 1: Preparing the Memory Card ///////////////// #START1
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The Lightspan Online Connection CD is peculiar in that it is one of the
only PlayStation games to forcefully require a Memory Card. Attempting to
boot the disc with no Memory Card will result in an error screen alerting
you to the lack of the card.

Though you will only need 1 block on the card, I stick with a
completely blank first party Sony card as to not run the risk of ruining
any game saves; the online disc is highly finicky and at times not stable.

1. Insert a PlayStation Memory Card Into Slot 1.
2. Turn on the PlayStation System, and wait for the Home Page to load.
3. You will be presented with a warning about no save data, press X.
4. You will now need to press Start to bring up the Shortcut Menu.
5. Press Down to choose the Key Symbol, and press X.
6. For the password, type in "baseball" - no quotes, all lowercase.
7. At the main options menu choose "Save Settings" and press X.
8. Wait for the globe cursor to disappear.
9. The Required Memory Card Save is now created.

The required changes you will need to make in the other menu options
will be covered later. For now, let's explore the contents of the disc.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Getting Started Part 2: Exploring the Left Menu /////////////////// #START2
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The left menu was a quick start panel for the four schools involved in
in the beta. Clicking any of the school names would have sent you to their
respective lightspan.net hosted home pages. As of this guide, all 4 school
pages are long gone, and will return host error messages. Attempts to
locate them via archive.org proved futile. Only the Payne school page
'works' on archive.org, but it re-directs you to Lightspan.com.

The 4 Schools and their now defunct Lightspan pages are:
Colvin - http://colvin.usd259.ks.lightspan.net (gone)
Payne - http://payne.usd259.ks.lightspan.net (defaults to 1996 LS.com)
Gamewell - http://gamewell.caldwell.nc.lightspan.net (gone)
East Dover - http://eastes.capital.de.lightspan.net (gone)

The schools have their own standard home pages, which obviously work.

IMPORTANT: Attempts to contact the schools all resulted in declined or
ignored offers. Considering we're going on 20 years later, it's unlikely
that anyone involved in the online beta would still be there, or remember
it. Please respect the schools' privacy and refrain from contacting them.

The icon we do want to click is the 'Getting Started' book icon at the
bottom. Clicking this will bring you to the disc's digital manual.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Getting Started Part 3: Getting Started Page ////////////////////// #START3
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Clicking the Getting Started book will bring you to the browser's on-disc
manual. This first page is a basic explanation of how to use the disc and
the controller inputs for those that do not have the keyboard & mouse
adapter. Please note the 800 Number for assistance is no longer in service.

The Menu choices on the left and the information they contain are:

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- Navigating /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

This page details the needed information for typing in URL addresses, and
explains the need for first dial-out when you start up.

Points of interest here include the in-game graphic and artist rendering
of the Keyboard & Mouse Adapter, and the corrupted image in the bookmark
section. You can see one of the bookmarks listed as "CD Test Pages", which
may be referencing the Sony and Yahoo indexes hidden on the disc.
(See "Hidden Items" further down).

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- Controller /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

This is where the disc explains each of the button functions in detail.
This information is presented in simple format at the beginning
of this FAQ.

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- Shortcuts Menu /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

The shortcuts menu is accessed by the Start Button (which you know because
we needed it to create the memory card file). Here are quick links to
several features and various services that the disc provided. Left to
right, top to bottom, they are as follows:

1. Letter Icon
Ed-Mail: This would have taken you to Lightspan's
educational mail services for schools. Sadly, this not only required
registration, but has obviously been long shut down. Both this link
and the e-mail set-up function in Settings are currently dead functions.
Also found in the Bookmarks Menu.

2. Book Icon
Compton's Encyclopedia: Information on the web in
friendly, outdated format. This link is no longer active. It
can also be found in the Bookmarks Menu.

3. Question Mark
Getting Started Guide: Takes us to the location
we're already at.

4. Left Arrow
Previous Page: Navigates to the previous page you were
on. Same as the Square Button.

5. Home
Homepage: Jumps us back to the opening page of the disc, with
the four school choices.

6. Right Arrow
Next Page: Navigates to the page you left. Acts just
like the Circle Button.

7. Green Arrow
Reload: Reload a web-page if it is not loading. The
same as refreshing a page.

8. Key Icon
Options: The locked options screen for setting up the disc's
dialing functions and more. The password is 'baseball'.

9. Stop Sign Icon
Stop loading: Stops the current page from loading. Acts
as R2 Button's function.

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- Keyboard /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

Details the use of the two built-in, on-screen keyboards for those
that do not have the adapter to use a physical one (so most of us).
Note the image here is different from the other screen's rendition
of the adapter, with a slightly off-color receptacle.

The keyboard has two versions: standard and alphabetical. The standard
version is the default, real world equivalent. Alphabetical
simply re-orients the keys to be in alphabetical order.

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- Troubleshooting /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

Standard "turn everything on and off again" operating procedure for
when things don't work. After minimal suggestions, it asks you to
call their 800 number, which is no longer in service.

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- Shutting Down /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

For those who do not understand how power works. Essentially just a
"please take care of this really expensive hardware" message.

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- Back to Top /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

Brings you to the top of this page.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Getting Started Part 4: Options and Settings ////////////////////// #START4
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Now that you're comfortable and familiar with the basics of the disc let's
dive into the meat and potatoes of the software.

1. Press Start to bring up the Shortcut Menu
2. Select the Key Icon, type in "baseball" without quotes.
3. We are now at the options screen. Details are as follows

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- General Options /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

Here is where you would have set-up the Memory Card to provide your
internet access settings via Lightspan. The following are in play:

User Login - Your Name
Password - Your Password
Homepage - "Unused" Not sure if this is locked out or not programmed.
On-Screen Keyboard - Choose QWERTY Mode or ALPHAbetical Mode.
Sticky Keys - Allows a modifier key to remain on till pressed again.
Sound Effects - Sound of keys clicking, icon accepting, etc.
Images - Turns ability to see web images on and off.
Screensaver - Choose between 5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 Minutes till activated.
Parental Control - Not Registered, Locked Out. You would have had to
set this up through Lightspan's now gone Registration page.

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- Dialing Options /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

This where you set up the modem functionality. These have default
settings, which I have listed in (parentheses) where applicable. Note that these
defaults, especially the modem initialization, are the same as the
Sega Saturn Net-Link.

Your Area Code
Dialing Method - (TONE) or Pulse
Dial Area Code - (YES) Or No
Blind Dial - (NO) or Yes - Modem dials without detecting dial tone.
Outside Line - If you needed to dial a number before the actual number
DNS #1 - (0.0.0.0) - Used by IP Addresses.
DNS #2 - (0.0.0.0) - Used by IP Addresses.
Modem Init - (AT&D2&K3&C1&Q5) - Modem instructions via Hayes Commands
ISP Phone #1 - The number you'd have called to dial into the internet.
ISP Phone #2 - Backup number in case the first number did not pick up
Modem Speaker - (OFF) or Soft, Medium, Loud - Turns modem speaker off
so you don't hear the dial up sound or other extraneous beeps from it.
Long Distance - Specific number to dial
Call Waiting - Specific disable number

------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Mailing Options
------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is where you would have set-up your Ed-Mail account.

Real Name
E-Mail Login - Ed-Mail login
E-Mail Password - Ed-Mail password
E-Mail Address - Ed-Mail email address
POP3 Server - The Ed-Mail incoming server setting
SMTP Server - The Ed-Mail outgoing server setting
Quote Original Msg - This would include the original email in a response.
Show Headers - The From, To, Date, etc.

--------------------------------------------------------------
-- Theme Options /
-----------------------------------------------------------/

Themes changed the colors, icons, and other minor visual flair you saw
in menus. Press X on the Theme Name to change it.
The following themes are available:

Default - What you start with
Gray - Very PlayStation inspired
Orange - With red boxes, looks tacky.
Lime - With yellow boxes.
Culyer's Special - A more button-y looking version of Default.

__ ___ _ __ __ _ _ _
\ \ / / |_ __ _| |_ \ \ / /__ _ _ | \| |___ ___ __| |
\ \/\/ /| ' \/ _` | _| \ V / _ \ || | | .` / -_) -_) _` |_ _ _
\_/\_/ |_||_\__,_|\__| |_|\___/\_,_| |_|\_\___\___\__,_(_|_|_)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What Do I Need? 1: Voltage Convertor //////////////////////////// #VOLTAGE
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Comfortable with navigating the program? Good! Let's talk external
hardware. The most important piece you need will have to be custom made.
This is a Voltage Convertor that will allow you to hook up the custom
serial cable to the PlayStation and Modem.

The specs used for this project were taken from the
"Nocash PSX Specifications" Page located at:

http://problemkaputt.de/psx-spx.htm#pinoutssiopinouts

All rights to this information belong to Nocash, and I have copied over
the data here for backup purposes and ease of access in one place.
Please refer to that page for an amazing pinout / tear down of the
system boards.

For the PlayStation:

------------
Serial Port |
------------
That port exists only on original Playstation (not on the PSone). The
shape of the Serial Port is identical to the 12pin Multiout
(audio/video) port, but with only 8pins.

1 SIO1 In RXD receive data (from remote TXD)
2 SIO2 - VCC +3.5VDC (supply, eg. for voltage conversion)
3 SIO3 In DSR (from remote CTS) _________________
4 SIO4 Out TXD transmit data (to remote RXD) | |
5 SIO5 In CTS clear to send (from remote RTS) | 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 |
6 SIO6 Out DTR (to remote DSR) |_________________|
7 SIO7 - GND Ground (supply, eg. for voltage conversion)
8 SIO8 Out RTS request to send (to remote CTS)
Shield GND Ground (to/from remote GND)

For the adapter board:

---------------------
Serial RS232 Adaptor |
---------------------

The PSX serial port uses 0V/3.5V logic, whilst RS232
uses -5V/+5V...-15V/+15V logic. An example circuit for converting
the logic levels would be:

PSX.VCC--+||--PSX.GND PSX.GND----DSUB.5.GND----DSUB.SHIELD DSUB.1,9----NC
______ ______
,-----------||+-|1 16|-------PSX.VCC ,-----------||+-|1 16|-------PSX.VCC
| PSX.GND---||+-|2 15|-------PSX.GND | PSX.GND---||+-|2 15|-------PSX.GND
'---------------|3 14|----DSUB.3.TXD '---------------|3 14|--- N/A
,---+||--|4 13|----DSUB.2.RXD ,---+||--|4 13|--- N/A
'--------|5 12|-------PSX.RXD '--------|5 12|--- N/A
PSX.GND--+||--|6 11|-------PSX.TXD PSX.GND--+||--|6 11|--- N/A
DSUB.7.RTS----|7 10|--o<|--PSX.RTS DSUB.4.DTR----|7 10|--o<|--PSX.DTR
DSUB.8.CTS----|8 9|--|>o--PSX.CTS DSUB.6.DSR----|8 9|--|>o--PSX.DSR
|______| |______|

Parts List: 1 or 2 MAX232 chips (voltage conversion), 0 or 1 7400
(NAND, used as inverter), 4 or 8 1uF/16V capacitors,
1x 10uF/16V capacitor, 1x 9pin male SubD plug.

The four inverters are needed only for external adapters (which need to undo
the transistor inversion on the PSX mainboard) (ie. the inverters are not
needed when connecting the circuit directly to the PSX CPU).

The second MAX232 chip is needed only if DTR/DSR "not ready" conditions
are required (for an "always ready" condition: DSUB.4.DTR can be wired
to -8.5V, which is available at Pin6 of the first MAX232 chip, and
PSX.DSR can be wired to +3.5V).

With the above DSUB pin numbers, peripherals like mice or modems can be
connected directly to the circuit. For connection to another computer,
use a "null modem" cable (with crossed RXD/TXD, RTS/CTS, DTR/DSR wires).

The circuit works with both VCC=5V (default for MAX232) and
with VCC=3.5V (resulting in slightly weaker signals, but still strong
enough even for serial mice; which are mis-using
the RS232 signals as power supply).

------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the version I had built for me, there are pins on either side
that are used for connecting the Custom Serial Cord from the
PlayStation to Adapter, and then the other set for the custom serial
cord to modem.

[ -- !ToDo Insert Picture Link Here -- ]

The diagram for my version of the adapter is below.

This side would need to match up to the serial port on the modem.
1. Not Used
2. RXD
3. TXD
4. DTR
5. Ground
6. DSR
7. RTS
8. CTS
9. Ground Shield.

Modem Side
----------------------------------------
| O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 O |
| |
| o _____ o ______ ______ |
| o | M | o | M | | 7 | |
| o | A | o | A | | 4 | |
| o | X | o | X | | 0 | |
| | 2 | | 2 | | 0 | |
| | 3 | | 3 | ------ |
| | 2 | | 2 | |
| ----- ------ |
| |
| |
| o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 o |
----------------------------------------
PlayStation Side

NOTE: THESE ARE NUMBERED IN THE OPPOSITE
ORDER OF THE NOCASH PINOUT DIAGRAM.
USE THE TEXT, NOT NUMBERS AS A GUIDE.

This matches to the PSX serial cable.
1. RTS
2. Ground
3. DTR
4. CTS
5. TXD
6. DSR
7. +3.3V
8. RXD
9. Ground Shield

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What Do I Need? 2: Custom Serial Cords /////////////////////////// #SERIAL
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The next step is that you will need two separate custom serial cords for
the set-up I used. The first will be a PlayStation Link Cable (any brand)
with one end stripped off and female connectors attached to each line.

Each of these 9 lines match up the 9 pins on the voltage adapter.

The other cord will go from the modem side, to a custom made serial pin.
The person who made my adapter used the serial port off of a knock-off
Gameshark device, and then wired to female connectors just like the PSX
Link Cable.

The modem used in the trials had a 25 pin serial port, so the voltage
adapter pins to the modem serial pins would need to match up.

The 25 Pin Serial Port is Numbered As Follows:

==============================================================
|| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 /
|| 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Ground Pin /
============================================================

So you will need to make the following connections between the adapter's
modem side numbered pins to the modem serial port's numbered pins.

9 Pin Adapter 25 Pin Serial
1. RXD -----------------------> 8. RXD
2. VCC -----------------------> 3. Receive Data
3. DSR -----------------------> 2. Transmit Data
4. TXD -----------------------> 20. Data Terminal Ready
5. CTS -----------------------> 7. Signal Ground
6. DTR -----------------------> 6. Data Set Ready
7. GND -----------------------> 4. Request to Send
8. RTS -----------------------> 5. Clear to Send
9. GND -----------------------> 22. Ring Indicator

[ -- !ToDo Insert Picture Link Here -- ]

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What Do I Need? 3: Netopia, Ringdown, Zoom Modem //////////////// #NETOPIA
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Now that you have the cords, you need the hardware. The set-up we used was
and is actually used to take the Dreamcast (and for that matter the
Sega Saturn Net-Link) online in a modern world.

----The first piece is a Netopia R2020 Dual Analog Router.
----The second piece is a Viking DLE-200B Ring Down box.
----The third piece is a Zoom brand modem, model 2949C.
----Two standard phone cords for the Viking.
----Two ethernet cords, one for Putty, one for connection to router
----A computer with Putty program to telnet into the Netopia
----Or a Mac with Terminal for telnetting in

With the PlayStation hooked up through these two devices, and then the
Netopia hooked up to your broadband router, you will be able to make
the connection to the internet, so that the PlayStation is online,
regardless of being able to open a browser window or not.

Various versions of the set-up have been posted online, but I used the
version located at the Dreamcast-Talks board. All credit goes to the
author and I have copied over only the most needed details here
for preservation and ease of access. Please refer to their
original document for specifics and notes.

Original Page located at:
http://dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3122

**Any step that tells you to use a computer / Putty, you can
also use a Mac and Terminal.

------------------------------------------
Important Details to set-up the Netopia |
------------------------------------------

To Reset the Netopia to Default Settings:

- Plug the Netopia in, and once powered on, flip it over.
- Locate the small slit around the center area, and using a paperclip,
gently push the clip in until you feel a small bit of resistance. You
you should see various lights go on and off.
- This resets the Netopia to Default Settings

To set-up the Netopia with your computer or laptop:

- Make sure the Uplink Button on the back of the Netopia is not on.
- Download the program "Putty" for Windows. This will allow easy access to
the Netopia's menu system.
- Disconnect your computer from Wi-Fi / Internet to avoid IP conflict.
- Use an ethernet cord to connect the computer / laptop to the Netopia.
You can use any of the 8 ports on the Netopia.
- In Putty, Choose the Telnet radio button, and type in the Netopia default
address of 192.168.1.1 and connect. You'll be brought to a menu.
- Go to System Configuration --> IP Set-Up.
Change the Netopia IP to 192.168.1.2
- Move to "IP Address Serving" and
change "IP Address Serving Mode" to "Disabled".
- Back out to the Main Menu again.
- Go to "Utilities & Diagnostics --> Restart System" and Hit Continue.
- Your Putty Screen will Disconnect, which is what you want.

Setting Up the Netopia Menus and the Viking Ring down unit.

- Disconnect your computer from the Netopia, and re-connnect it to your
router.
- Connect the Netopia to the same router.
- Take a phone cord and connect from the Netopia's Line 1 port to the
line port on the Viking. Now use the second phone cord to connect the
port on your Zoom Modem to the other Viking port.

Use Putty to Telnet back into the Netopia, and make the following
setting changes:

1. Go to WAN Configuration > Add Connection Profile:
CODE: SELECT ALL
Profile Name: Your Choice
Profile Enabled: Yes
Encapsulation Type: PPP

2. Go to "Encapsulation Options".
CODE: SELECT ALL
Data Compression: None
Send Authentication: PAP
Send User Name:
Send Password:
Receive User Name: play
Receive Password: station
Channel Usage: Dynamic
Dial on Demand: Yes
Bandwidth Allocation: Auto

3. Back out to connection profile, Go to "IP Profile Parameters".
CODE: SELECT ALL
Address Translation Enabled: No
IP Addressing: Unnumbered
Negotiate LAN IP Addr/Mask: No
Remote IP Address: 192.168.1.32 (This is PlayStation's IP Address.
Set it to whatever you like on the same subnet as your LAN)
Remote IP Mask: 255.255.255.255

Then go to "Remove Filter Set" and hit enter.

Back out again to the configuration profile page. Now go to
"Telco Options" and hit enter.
CODE: SELECT ALL
Dial: Dial In Only
Dialing Prefix:
Number to Dial:
Alternate Site to Dial:
Idle Timeout (seconds): 0
CNA Validation Number:
CompuServe Login Enabled: No

Back out again to the connection profile page.
Go to "COMMIT" and hit enter. Now reboot your Netopia router
(Utilities & Diagnostics > Restart System and hit continue.)

That's it for the Netopia. Now, with the PlayStation hooked up, with the
modified Link cable & serial port plugged into the Zoom modem, let's
go boot-up the Lightspan disc.

Once back at the main menu on the CD, Press Start, type in 'baseball'.
Now, change the following things:

In the general options:
User Login: play
Password: station

In the Dialing Options:
Blind Dial: On

Back out, Save changes.

If you have done everything correctly, you should be able to either type
a URL into the URL window using the on-screen keyboard and hit enter, or
press Triangle to open up bookmarks and select a URL from there. You will
know that the modem is set-up and the disc is working properly if you
choose PlayStation.com from the bookmark menu, and after dialing out,
an error messsage about it not supporting "https" pops up.

The rest they say, is browser history. :)

_ _ _ _ _ ___ _
| || (_)__| |__| |___ _ _ |_ _| |_ ___ _ __ ___
| __ | / _` / _` / -_) ' \ | || _/ -_) ' \(_-<
|_||_|_\__,_\__,_\___|_||_| |___|\__\___|_|_|_/__/

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Hidden Files 1: The Animated GIFs ////////////////////////////// #ANIMATED
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Type in the following URL into the address bar:

file://gifanim\cornanim.htm

You will be presented with an animated GIF of Beavis from the cartoon show
Beavis and Butthead. Moving the cursor over it reveals it to be a live
link. Clicking it, and each successive GIF, will provide you with a total
of 4 hidden GIFs: the already revealed Beavis, a small flame, what looks
like a crazy demon creature, and then an unanimated face of someone that
goes by the initials RKH.

Digging through the text files unearths the following message:

“This GIF file was assembled with GIF Construction Set from:
Alchemy Mindworks Inc. P.O.
Box 500 Beeton, Ontario L0G 1A0 CANADA."

This comment block will not appear in files created with a registered
version of GIF Construction Set.”

This company’s page on their website is still up and active.
The text was buried under a whole lot of garbled symbols, which assumes
those are 4 Animated GIFS from above. Considering the text states it's
unregistered, this may have just been another quick test of the
demo / trial in PlanetWeb's building of the disc.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Hidden Files 2: Unfinished Pages with Commentary ///////////// #UNFINISHED
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Type the following URLs into the address bar:

file://help\help.htm

This provides a comical note between developers for a blank page.

file://sony\sony.htm

This is a replica of Sony's actual web-site's front page from 1997. It
is theorized that they had this on-disc to illustrate what the internet
would look like even if no internet connection was available. Clicking
on any of the links dials the modem in an attempt to go to said page.

file://yahoo\yahoo.htm

This is a replica of Yahoo's front page from 1997. Like the above Sony
example, this was more than likely used as an offline example of how
the internet would look using the disc. Links are all active and
trigger the modem to dial out.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Hidden Files 3: The Sega Saturn Notes //////////////////////// #SEGASATURN
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Buried in the text are references to the Sega Saturn. Specifically the
term "Saturn Fonts" and then instructions relating to the "A, B, and C"
buttons can be found. If one tosses the Sega Saturn Net-Link disc into
a PC, they'll be able to find the matching files from this trial beta.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Hidden Files 4: Accessing Ed-Mail Window ///////////////////// #YOUGOTMAIL
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

If you try accessing the ED-Mail.com address from the shortcut menu,
you will end up with an error message from the browser. However, you *can*
actually trigger the built-in compose message window by typing in the
following url:

file://sendmail.htm

You can type in the To, Subject, and Body sections of the e-mail.
Pressing Send will trigger the modem to dial out and attempt to send
the message. This scenario ends with a possible variety of error
messages or the modem just hanging.

It's theorized that with the proper information in the Options Menu,
and a possible GameShark text edit, you could get this to actually work.
The problem is that the lack of Https support would extremely limit the
possibilities.

On a related side note, this screen's To, Subject, Send, and background
image files are among the insanely few that can be read by the disc if
their file name location is typed into the address bar.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Hidden Files 5: The Missing Frontpage? //////////////////////// #FRONTPAGE
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

If you open the CD.DAT file in specific programs, it will open as the
on-disc HTML pages but with a twist. A hidden page appears welcoming
you to PlanetWeb. In the list of links are the newly discovered USATODAY
site link along with the still mysterious 'Local Demo' link which even
here does not work.

At the bottom is the infamous "This Page really needs help!" and
"About What!" text found in the memory editor.

This demo page is referenced in the CD Layout file.

__ __ _ _ _ ___ _
| \/ |_ _ __| |_ ___ _ _(_)___ ___ | |_ ___ / __| ___| |_ _____
| |\/| | || (_-< _/ -_) '_| / -_|_-< | _/ _ \ \__ \/ _ \ \ V / -_)
|_| |_|\_, /__/\__\___|_| |_\___/__/ \__\___/ |___/\___/_|\_/\___|
|__/

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Mysteries 1: Actually browsing the internet //////////////////// #MYSTERY1
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The most obvious one. The disc is fully functioning in every single way
except that it will not open a browser window. Were this to work, this
would be the biggest next step in the potential of creating a fully
functional web browsing experience for the system. It would be a hell
of a slow experience, but nonetheless...

One of the possible problems involves the data speed. The Netopia reports
the PlayStation transmitting data at 31200 speed, but that speed isn't
supported by the Net-Link, which maxes out at 28800. All attempts to
change this through the disc's Hayes Command line seem to not affect this
speed.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Mysteries 2: Unlocking the last few menu options /////////////// #MYSTERY2
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

This concerns two separate sections of the disc - the actual options
screen and then several "hidden" directories that will not open despite
other directories being accessible (like the Animated GIFs directory).

----------------------------------------------
1. The Actual Options Screen Parental Lock. /
--------------------------------------------
The parental lock would have been set-up through Lightspan's web-site
through a registration process. Once activated, the disc would have
referenced this to determine which sites could and could not be viewed by
the child.

While essentially broken on Lightspan's side, it's assumed that a
GameShark code set would be able to at least change the visual status
in menu. It currently is shown as "Unregistered", but also allows for
Active and Non-Active statuses. This was confirmed by locating the
alternate text in the GameShark memory editor.

----------------------------------------------
2. The Mysterious "Demo" Directory /
--------------------------------------------

The previously mentioned "Hidden Items" all come from the same
text file on the disc, "CD.LAY", which explains the layout of
the files. There are several directories that for whatever reason
will not display, prompting a "There was an error reading from
the CD-Rom" message to pop up.

The most important directory yet to reveal itself is the "Demo"
Directory. File names allude to various pages within the
directory, including names like teacher, families, nikki, etc.
It may be an offline demonstration explaining the whole set-up,
like how the Sony and Yahoo pages would have explored the
online experience.

What is extremely curious is that there is a very clear note
left by a programmer that reads "Lightspan demo page,
added 9/16/97 by wgee" - except the executable date on the disc
is October 6th, 1997. Meaning they slapped this demo directory
in a month before it was finalized. This apparently rushed
addition may be glitched.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Mysteries 3: Locating hidden audio files /////////////////////// #MYSTERY3
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Just like the Demo Directory, there is a directory labelled "Sounds" and
it also returns an error message. According to the CD.LAY file, there is
a bountiful amount of actual artist files stored in .AU and .AIF file
types.

Among the file names, there are mentions of Hillary (?), Fleet(wood Mac?),
Jackson (possibly Michael?), Sheena (Easton?), and Woody (?). Curiously
there is no HTM file, so if these are sound files, there doesn't appear
to be a music player page to go with it. And no, they don't appear in
the PlayStation's Music Player.

You *can* extract the few sound effects heard in the menus using
fanmade extracting programs. There's roughly 5 sound effects repeated
7 times for 35 files pulled.

___
| _ \_ _ _____ _____ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ ___
| _/ '_/ _ \ V / -_) ' \/ _` | ' \/ _/ -_)
|_| |_| \___/\_/\___|_||_\__,_|_||_\__\___|

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Discovery of the Disc //////////////////////////////////////// #WHATSINBOX
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The Online Connection Disc has a fairly amusing story of how it came into
my personal collection; I almost unintentionally threw it out without
ever knowing it was in the box.

Years ago I had bought a huge Lightspan lot off of eBay because I needed
a few discs and teachers' books in it. The lot was unnaturally big, and
when the box arrived I was shocked at just how much there was. After
emptying thecontents, I was in mid-swing of tossing the box when I heard
a noise come from it. Peeking in, a CD Sleeve was peeking out of the
flap I thought was glued down. Checking the flaps revealed not only the
Lightspan Online Connection CD, but the Unknown Variable discs as well.

After sitting on it for so long after turning up empty searches and
wild goose chases, everything finally came into literal play.

___
| _ \___ ___ ___ _ _ _ _ __ ___ ___
| / -_|_-</ _ \ || | '_/ _/ -_|_-<
|_|_\___/__/\___/\_,_|_| \__\___/__/

Original Game Page at Game-Rave.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://game-rave.com/?gamepress_reviews=lightspan-online-connection-cd

Netopia Set-Up Guide Courtesy of Dreamcast-Talk.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3122

Nocash's Amazing PlayStation Tear Down
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://problemkaputt.de/psx-spx.htm#pinoutssiopinouts

Cue Sheet Info
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://redump.org/disc/44534/

Archive.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Add

_ _ _
/_\ _ __ _ __ ___ _ _ __| (_)_ __
/ _ \| '_ \ '_ \/ -_) ' \/ _` | \ \ /
/_/ \_\ .__/ .__/\___|_||_\__,_|_/_\_\
|_| |_|

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Special Thanks and Recognition /////////////////////////////// #HUGETHANKS
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

To Rebecca. My love, my rock, my Player 2, and best of all - my enabler.
To Steve. You know what you did and shame on you. SHAME. SHAME. XD
To Bratwurst. Without your skills this project would have gone nowhere.
To Chris at Gamingwithswag.com. The 11th hour tech test that confirmed it.
To the entire #vbender crew. Reverse psychology does work.
To the CoffeeAtNight group for allowing me to rant & blabber about it.
To nocash for the pinout revelation and incredible tear down work.
To the Dreamcast-Talk folks for inadvertantly helping me get this to work.
To all of my Game-Rave.com and GameRaveTV viewers. The best fans ever.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Version History ///////////////////////////////////////////////// #VERSION
=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Version 1.6 / Submitted 10.6.2017
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Added Extra Hidden Page Section
- Compatibility Section updated
- Minor grammtical error fixed

Version 1.5 / Submitted 9.15.2017
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Added Known Hidden Files On the Disc Section
- Added What Still Needs Figuring Out? Section
- Added Memory Locations For The Curious
- Added Special Thanks and Recognition
- Re-worked certain sections / tidied up language.
- Provenance

Version 1.1 / Held Back for Version 1.5 Additions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Fixed the stupid typos that were all over 1.0
- Added redump.org Cue Sheet resource.

Version 1.0 / Submitted 9.6.2017</pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- First Public Draft and Submission
- Game Disc Layout and Guide
- Getting Started / Things Needed