SEGA Game Configuration Guide

HINATA and HINATA Lite support two connection methods for games (choose one):

• SEGA Official Serial Protocol
• AimeIO (Segatools-based)

Both methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages. For firmware version 2025040400+, AimeIO is currently recommended.

Ensure you have a normally networked game ready beforehand.

Differences Between the Two Methods:

SEGA Official Serial Protocol

When using the SEGA Official Serial Protocol, all behaviors are consistent with official card readers. However:

• Configuration is cumbersome, requiring troubleshooting against Windows' quirky issues.
• Many servers do not integrate with SEGA’s official AimeDB. This causes scans of Amusement IC cards to return incorrect card numbers (starting with 0008) when using the serial protocol. If you require fully accurate card numbers for Amusement IC scans, use AimeIO and ensure your card reader firmware version is ≥ 2025040400.

AimeIO

Advantages of using AimeIO:

• Supports hot-swapping card readers during gameplay.
• Slightly faster card reading compared to the serial protocol.
• Compatible with keyboard emulation card swiping.
• Easy setup—no need to troubleshoot serial port configurations in Windows; plug in and configure the game.
• Exclusive feature: Supports bypassing the server to directly read and transmit the correct card number of Amusement IC cards to the game.

However, certain behaviors cannot be correctly implemented due to Segatools limitations:

• Cannot log into SEGA official servers (SDGA, SDGS, etc.) when using Amusement IC cards.
  • Local servers and private servers are not affected.
• Currently cannot read non-Amusement IC Banapass cards (those without the Amusement IC logo or with English/Korean/Chinese text on the back).
• Some Segatools versions fail to read all Felica cards (including Amusement IC) correctly. If you encounter issues scanning Amusement IC or other Felica cards in-game, try switching to another Segatools build or use the Serial Protocol instead.