Tutorial  Updated

Internal modchip - SAMD21 (Trinket M0, Gemma M0, ItsyBitsy M0 Express) Guide, Files & Support

Notice: I am not receiving notifications for this thread. I didn`t realise people were still posting in it.

Please please accept my apologies if I haven`t replied to tags etc... I have no idea what is happening. I`m subscribed to this thread but I am not receiving notifications. Please inbox me if possible. Or tag me in another thread.

Its amazing that people are still checking all of this out. I thank you for all of the help and support I have received in this thread over this year.

Cheers. Matty.


A video showing a modchip in action. Thank you once again to @metaljay for providing this. This is what you can achieve by fitting a chip!



Section 1. Gather your software.

Get your chip software from THIS THREAD.
Follow the flashing instructions there...




Section 2. Removing USB port and unneeded LEDs. (Adafruit chips only)
  • Next, we need to remove the USB port from the modchip. I recommend a heatgun or a rework station. Heat up until the USB port just lifts off the modchip.
  • Do the same for the LED just to the right of the USB port.
See picture:
20181031_110415.jpg


You are now ready to fit your device. Proceed to Fitting section.





Section 3. Fitting modchip to your Switch.
New Universal Method. All SAMD-based internal chips. If your chip is not supported and you cannot work it out, PM me.

Trinket M0.
Solder as laid out in the following picture

trinketfinal.jpg

==================================================
Rebug SwitchME M0. Use Trinket files.
Solder as laid out in the following picture

rebugfinal.jpg

==================================================
RCMX86 - Internal modchip version.
Solder as laid out in the following picture

RCMX86-Internal-Final.jpg


==================================================
Gemma M0. Use Gemma files.
Solder as laid out in the following picture


gemma final.jpg

==================================================
ItsyBitsy M0 Express. Use ItsyBitsy files.
Solder as laid out in the following picture

itsybitsyfinal.jpg




==================================================
Feather M0 Express. Use Feather files.
Solder as laid out in the following picture

feather_final.jpg




BUILD YOUR OWN FROM A QFP ATSAMD21E18. Trinket equivalent pins.
Flash Trinket bootloader using OpenOCD via serial pins SWDIO / SWDCLK. Fit a reset switch somewhere... Or going to power / wake (aka method 2). If building for external use, it is good practice to fit a third capacitor between 3V & GND. This is deliberately vague and ambigious, as this needs research and you need to know what you are doing.

Link for setting the Pi up with OpenOCD: HERE
Raspberry Pi OpenOCD image in downloads section or HERE
SAMD pi connection.png



Alternative Solder Points

Credit to @consolex for original pic. I`ve added alternative points to solder to:
Alternatepoints.jpg


Credit to @pyorin for this much tidier version showing the same info as the above one!
Alternatepoints2.jpg

s-l1600.jpg

alternative3v.jpg




Replacement Parts List

Ok... So you have damaged your switch soldering your chip in. Not to worry.

First things first, DO NOT BRIDGE THE CONTACTS HOPING TO REVIVE YOUR SWITCH. With resistors, you may possibly get away with this, but with the capacitors listed below, if you jump these points, you will make a nice short-circuit to the PMIC and / or the M92T36, killing them instantly. Don`t do it.

OK... I`ll list these parts with METHOD 2 & 3 TRINKET PIN NUMBERS and the values of the components they solder to.

TRINKET 3V (POWER SUPPLY) - 2.2uF 0402 size MLCC capacitor. Voltage unimportant as long as it is over 6.3v
TRINKET PIN 2 (POWER ON RESET - goes to pin 5 on M92T36)- 4.7uF 0402 size MLCC capacitor. Voltage unimportant as long as it is over 6.3v
TRINKET PIN 0 (VOL+) - 150R (150 ohms) 0201 Thick Film resistor. 50mW
TRINKET RESET (SWITCH POWER BUTTON) - 150R (150 ohms) 0201 Thick Film resistor. 50mW


I recommend RS components.

FAQ

Q - How do I boot the switch into APX (RCM) mode?

A - You need to short out pin 10 on the right joycon rail to GND with a jig or modded joycon or paperclip (not recommended... Buy a jig you cheap-ass gyppo). Once shorted out, hold down vol+ and power. The switch screen should be off... Plug into your PC and it should recognise a APX device. Well done. You are in RCM.

Q - What glue should I use?
A - Only glue if necessary! Ideally if your soldering is of sufficient quality and your wire is thin enough, you don`t need glue. I use a bit because I am OCD. Anyway, use Epoxy. It`s what I use. Gives you some working time, is solid. Superglue makes a mess DO NOT USE SUPERGLUE. The only thing super about it is how it melts things. Epoxy won`t stick to the shield long-term, so bear that in mind. Pure Acetone will remove epoxy. Acetone tends to remove / melt anything to be warned. CHECK YOUR GLUE WON`T GO CONDUCTIVE OVER TIME - LOOKING AT YOU SCAMSUNG! The combination of heat cycles and absorbing of moisture can turn adhesive into a high-impedance connection!

Q - What size wire should I use?
A - I use AWG40 magnet wire or AWG30 Kynar. AWG40 goes onto components easier... And if you snap it, chances are the wire will snap and not the trace / component.
A2 - You can also use AWG30. I recommend Kynar wrapping wire but any will do. Looks nice, good resistance to elements, tidy. Nothing thicker than AWG30. You are just causing yourself more headaches. Trust me.

Q - Is AWG40 thick enough?
A - Yes. AWG40 is good for around 90mA.

Q - which methods do you recommend?
A - Connect all the straps...

Q - how do you recommend to set it up?
A - Fusee Suite. Search for Fusee Suite or go to link at top of this OP.

Q - My switch is flat and won't turn on.
A - Have you got the charger connected? Disconnect it or your switch won't boot! Boot to a payload (SX loader/Hekate), reconnect charger and leave on the payload menu and charge. Leave for 15 minutes and switch will start normally. It will continue charging one booted.

Disclaimer:
You have only yourself to blame. This voids warranty. This may or may not get you banned from online services. If it does, you got yourself banned. I`m not responsible if you kill your switch / your first-born with any of this in this post. I`m not infalliable. I`m partly senile. Do your own research. Kids, get bill payers permission before you attempt even using a screwdriver.
NUTSHELL: Don`t come having a go at me because you fooked your £300 console up. I`ll do my best to help you though if you do, Just don`t blame me.

Credits to Quantum-Cross, Atlas44, @Ninoh-FOX , @jcrorxp , @tecfreak, @mooglazer, @subcon959, @64Dp128k, @mikeleuskaldunak, @M-O-B, CTCaer, @evilsperm, @consolex and everyone else for valuable input.


IF YOU REQUIRE SUPPORT, IF YOUR CONSOLE ISN`T WORKING CORRECTLY... PLEASE POST A HIGH RESOLUTION PICTURE OF YOUR INSTALL. You might think it isn`t your soldering, but in all cases with the new methods, it is bad soldering. So, please post a picture.


A BRIEF WARNING - PLEASE READ
THIS MOD IS NOT FOR THE FEINT OF HEART. WE ARE SOLDERING TO TRACES AND COMPONENTS ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE BOARD TO SAVE HAVING TO REMOVE THE BOARD AND SOLDER TO TESTPOINTS. IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING, OR THINK YOU ARE GOING TO STRUGGLE, PLEASE PLEASE SOLDER TO THE TEST POINTS NOTED IN THIS AND OTHER THREADS (YOU WILL NEED TO REMOVE THE MOTHERBOARD). DOUBLE - TRIPLE CHECK EVERYTHING. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Good soldering skills are needed!
A magnifying glass is needed!
Good soldering iron needed - ideally with a 0.3 conical tip. No more than 30w!
SECURE YOUR WIRES PRIOR TO SOLDERING. Stick them down with double-sided tape.
Only use glue if you need to and glue wires after soldering. Don`t glue the solder to the component!
Put the tiniest amount of glue on the PCB mask only. Never on components. Use a cocktail stick for more glue control!!!
Take a look at alternative solder points to get you out of the sh*t if you do rip something off the board
If you aren`t the best at soldering, then think very carefully about connecting to pin 6 capacitor (the one in these new methods). If you rip this pad, you WILL NEED TO REMOVE YOUR BOARD and run from a testpoint.
 

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Last edited by mattytrog,

Joseph111

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Okay, wait, you tell us what you did.:switch:
It all works fine. That's not my problem you see. Just that I have problems trying to use software like nxmtp or to usb install stuff on the switch. I was wondering whther other people had the same problem or it's something with Windows maybe
 

FXDX

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E_Surge

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Hey guys, I just installed an RCMX86 v1.1 chip using the 4 wire method and I'm having an issue. The switch operates normally but that seems to be the problem. I can't get into UF2 mode and I'm not sure what I'm doing incorrectly. I tried using this method:

Get into UF2 mode...

This is a method to get into UF2 mode...

Connect console to PC and send THIS payload using TegraRCMSmash...

Screen will go black, then double-press RESET on your chip... Your UF2 drive should pop up. If it doesn`t work the first time, try again. You can use the SAMD21 Update option in Switchboot also.

I've attached a pic of my install. Thanks!

I think you have your data pins backwards. I'd double-check all the connections to make sure.
 

dbcopter

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Hi,
Very late to the part on the Trinket front so please excuse me. The install will be fine, I have total confidence in the wiring.
I have read the first 20 or so pages and the last 40 or so but as there have been so many developments I'm finding it hard to grasp which where a couple of wires go and what a couple of functions are.
Power, Ground and the USB pins are a given.
The Diagram for Trinket suggests that pins 1,2 and 4 can all be ground, but also suggests Pin 2 on the Trinket can be used for USB Strap to prevent accidents. Is pin 2 a dual purpose pin? and am I better off using it for USB strap purposes?

So, just to clarify I'm currently booting TX boot.dat and I'm running Emunand (9.0.1) with my 5.1 Firmware being completely untouched and truth be told never used.
I guess more wires to increase Dual boot options can also be extended to include an option to boot emunand???(pure guesswork), but I already have that selected in the TX settings and don't really require stock (5.1) to boot with a TX payload... are there any other advantages? Pic says see thread for details but after many, many pages I haven't stumbled across the explanation for the "Pink Arrows".

If indeed the pink pins are all going to ground they are the easiest pins to solder hands down so doing them is a no brainer... any disadvantages/risks to doing them?

Thank you in advance if anyone can see themselves clear to advise without the obligatory annoyance or sarcasm :-)
 

mattytrog

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Hi,
Very late to the part on the Trinket front so please excuse me. The install will be fine, I have total confidence in the wiring.
I have read the first 20 or so pages and the last 40 or so but as there have been so many developments I'm finding it hard to grasp which where a couple of wires go and what a couple of functions are.
Power, Ground and the USB pins are a given.
The Diagram for Trinket suggests that pins 1,2 and 4 can all be ground, but also suggests Pin 2 on the Trinket can be used for USB Strap to prevent accidents. Is pin 2 a dual purpose pin? and am I better off using it for USB strap purposes?

So, just to clarify I'm currently booting TX boot.dat and I'm running Emunand (9.0.1) with my 5.1 Firmware being completely untouched and truth be told never used.
I guess more wires to increase Dual boot options can also be extended to include an option to boot emunand???(pure guesswork), but I already have that selected in the TX settings and don't really require stock (5.1) to boot with a TX payload... are there any other advantages? Pic says see thread for details but after many, many pages I haven't stumbled across the explanation for the "Pink Arrows".

If indeed the pink pins are all going to ground they are the easiest pins to solder hands down so doing them is a no brainer... any disadvantages/risks to doing them?

Thank you in advance if anyone can see themselves clear to advise without the obligatory annoyance or sarcasm :-)

Forget the pink arrows.
Wire the Trinket as in OP.
Then you can use the Switchboot project to control the chip.

There may be other UF2s out there but the wiring may be different?

Pin 2 is configured on my diagrams to be the optional USB strap. However, on earlier installs, it was the wakeup pin. Even earlier installs, pin 4 was a wakeup pin.

The wakeup pin in now obsolete.

pin 3 = joycon
0 = vol+
USB signal lines = outer- outer, inner - inner
GND - use pad next to battery connector (the groundplane loses too much heat, leading to dry joints.)
PWR - choose a location. I prefer the nearest one (the M92t36 V+ filter cap)
 
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b5nk2rs

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hola muchas gracias por los diagramas y archivos, después de un tiempo, mi interruptor no se carga, uso otra batería, se enciende, pero da el error 21620002, usé todas las correas, eliminé el chip rcmx86, seguí el error, perdona mi mal inglés
 

looney bin jim

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I’m sure if you ask in the thread for a fix, somebody will offer some help. I would show pictures of the botched install, and if it is actually fixable, someone close to where you are located will more than likely try help you out....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

b5nk2rs

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@mattytrog ayuda, hola muchas gracias por los diagramas y archivos, después de un tiempo, mi interruptor no se carga, uso otra batería, se enciende, pero da el error 21620002, usa todas las correas, elimina el chip rcmx86, sigue el error, perdona mi mal ingles.
 

remanifest

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did my second internal install and first repair (marked in red) :D wanted to show it off and thank you again matty for the immense amount of support and information you continue to provide :bow:

Any chance you'd be willing to do an internal install for me? I haven't touched my console, but would like to get it going...
 

mattytrog

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@mattytrog ayuda, hola muchas gracias por los diagramas y archivos, después de un tiempo, mi interruptor no se carga, uso otra batería, se enciende, pero da el error 21620002, usa todas las correas, elimina el chip rcmx86, sigue el error, perdona mi mal ingles.
Hola!

I'll reply in English.

21620002 is essentially unknown, at least to me. Make sure archive bit is active on SD card and you have any exfat updates.. also make sure your sept version is up to date.

I'm releasing an update for all samd21 chips this evening. I'm just testing it now.
 

vulp_vibes

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Any chance you'd be willing to do an internal install for me? I haven't touched my console, but would like to get it going...
oh wow, sure :O it would be my first time doing a mod as a service, but I'm very familiar with paypal invoicing and shipping, as I make and sell LEDs for the rhythm game community. if you want, you can send me a PM and we can figure out the details :)
 

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