HINATA Manual

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Manually Configure SEGA Games ​

HINATA and HINATA Lite support connecting to SEGA games via the following two methods. Please choose one based on your needs:

Both methods have their pros and cons. In the current firmware version 2025040400, it is more recommended to use the Official SEGA Serial Protocol.

Before starting the configuration, please make sure you have prepared a game environment that can run normally with network connectivity.

Differences Between the Two Methods ​

Official SEGA Serial Protocol ​

When using the Official SEGA Serial Protocol, the logical behavior of the card reader remains identical to the official device.

However, please be aware of the following issues:

WARNING

  • The configuration process is relatively complicated, often requiring troubleshooting serial port related issues on Windows.
  • If the card reader fails to communicate successfully with the game for any reason, the game will directly disconnect from the network.
  • Many private servers are not connected to the official SEGA AimeDB. When scanning Amusement IC cards using the serial protocol, you might get an incorrect card number (usually starting with 0008).

If you need to get the completely correct card number when scanning Amusement IC cards, please switch to the AimeIO method and ensure that the card reader firmware version is ≥ 2025040400.

AimeIO (Based on Segatools) ​

The advantages of using the AimeIO method to connect to the game include:

  • Supports hot-swapping the card reader while the game is running.
  • Slightly faster card reading speed compared to the serial protocol.
  • Can coexist with the Enter key swiping method.
  • The configuration process is simple, requiring no handling of Windows serial port settings. It can be configured and used immediately after connection.
  • Exclusive feature: Supports bypassing the server to directly read the correct card number of an Amusement IC card and pass it into the game.

However, due to the inherent limitations of Segatools, the following behaviors cannot be properly implemented:

WARNING

  • When using Amusement IC cards, you cannot log in to official SEGA servers (such as SDGA, SDGS, etc.). Local and private servers are not affected.
  • Only a portion of Segatools support reading non-Amusement IC Bandai Namco Passport, BANA PASSPORT cards. How to distinguish:
    • There is no Amusement IC logo on the card.
    • The card number is a 20-digit number starting with 3.
    • The back of the card is in English, Korean, or Chinese.
  • Some Segatools have incomplete support or implementation issues for all FeliCa cards, including Amusement IC.

If various abnormal card reading issues occur in the game when swiping FeliCa cards like Amusement IC, Hime, etc., it is recommended to use a different set of Segatools or simply switch to the Official SEGA Serial Protocol for connection.