Hardware [Nintendo GameCube] Help needed installing Xenogc

[nalex7752]

Hi all, how's going?

Im attempting to install a xenogc on my dol-001 pal.

Ive tried the direct install but the chip kept giving the red light so i went for the wired one. Still red led, sigh.
This is the second attempt, I'm using some alt points but im started to thinking the modchip is faulty (?)

Thanks ❤

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Did you try loading DVD-R or out-of-region legit discs? The problem is that newer clones often have two red LEDs instead of two different colors.
Looking into my cube without opening it, I get tow times red blinking and then it stays red.

Status LEDs​

The XenoGC features two status LEDs to indicate correct function. The red LED is active when the drive resets and the modchip is doing its job. Once the drive has been patched successfully, the green (orange on XenoGC2.0 and certain clones) LED will illuminate. If only the red LED illuminates, check your installation. It should be noted however that some XenoGC clones may only have red LEDs to indicate functionality, if this is the case check to see how many times the LED blinks on and off. If the LED blinks twice, pauses, and stays on afterwards than the installation and patching was successful.

 

[nalex7752]

Did you try loading DVD-R or out-of-region legit discs? The problem is that newer clones often have two red LEDs instead of two different colors.
Looking into my cube without opening it, I get tow times red blinking and then it stays red.

Damn, i have an NTSC-J game and completely forgot that I could try it. I have, however, the Swiss mini CD but the console refuse to boot it, it said " insert disk" like there's nothing inside the drive. I tested with another pal games and it boots perfectly.

I've read that the Xen8 modchip have the dual red led but mine seems legit, right? I'm going to work right now, ill bump the 3d later when i get home.
Thanks

 

[m4rben]

Red light = faulty install. Usually nothing wrong with the chip mate. Your alternative soldier points look a bit funky, too. Better stick the the ones suggested from manufacturer.

 

[nalex7752]

Red light = faulty install. Usually nothing wrong with the chip mate. Your alternative soldier points look a bit funky, too. Better stick the the ones suggested from manufacturer.

Except fot the power and the gnd ( bottom left pin, ive lifter it up while desoldering the chip from the direct install; the 5v is taked out from that little smd ) everything is soldered following the schematics.

 

[trimesh]

It's hard to tell and it could just be the photo, but it looks like the connection between one of the pads and the via that goes to the control MCU might be broken. I've attached a photo of the place I'm talking about:

 

[nalex7752]

It's hard to tell and it could just be the photo, but it looks like the connection between one of the pads and the via that goes to the control MCU might be broken. I've attached a photo of the place I'm talking about:View attachment 313207

Yep, the via starting from the central hole to the top right pad are connected. Im sure because ive cleaned all the pads multiple times and, except for the pad 1, its all good!

 

[trimesh]

Yep, the via starting from the central hole to the top right pad are connected. Im sure because ive cleaned all the pads multiple times and, except for the pad 1, its all good!

Well, that was the only thing I could see that looked iffy - do you have another chip you can try?

 

[nalex7752]

Well, that was the only thing I could see that looked iffy - do you have another chip you can try?

nope, already contacted the seller but he told me that he can refound me only if the modchip wouldnt lights up :/
I've ordered another one, delivery estimated from 1/2 weeks unfortunately. I think i have to wait, sigh

 

[nalex7752]

Did you try loading DVD-R or out-of-region legit discs? The problem is that newer clones often have two red LEDs instead of two different colors.
Looking into my cube without opening it, I get tow times red blinking and then it stays red.

Tried the japanese one, console refuses to boot. I'm gonna desoldering it again, let's see if the third is the right one

 

[master801]

Dumb idea, but have you tried re-flashing the firmware?

 

[nalex7752]

Dumb idea, but have you tried re-flashing the firmware?

Thats exactly what i wrote at the seller, i think the chip its corrupted or not flashed correctly. How can i reflash it?

 

[master801]

Thats exactly what i wrote at the seller, i think the chip its corrupted or not flashed correctly. How can i reflash it?

Download the source code, run the 1.5 dol file.

Make sure you read this first, though: https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=XenoGC_Clone#Included_HEX_.26_DOLS

 

[nalex7752]

Download the source code, run the 1.5 dol file.

Make sure you read this first, though: https://www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=XenoGC_Clone#Included_HEX_.26_DOLS

thanks but i was reading also this https://github.com/vingt-2/xenogcfork/ and its mentioned on both site that i need a programmer, at home i've an Arduino uno ( i was reading how to use it as an ISP flasher ), a Rasperry Pico and a StLink used for the Game and Watch. what would be the best to do this?
I've even found this guy but im italian and dont understand a single word of deutsch xD

 

[master801]

thanks but i was reading also this https://github.com/vingt-2/xenogcfork/ and its mentioned on both site that i need a programmer, at home i've an Arduino uno ( i was reading how to use it as an ISP flasher ), a Rasperry Pico and a StLink used for the Game and Watch. what would be the best to do this?
I've even found this guy but im italian and dont understand a single word of deutsch xD

You can do either or, but running the software flasher requires some extra work.

https://github.com/vingt-2/xenogcfork/#installation

There are two ways to install this onto your XenoGC: The simplest and basically free method is to use the software updater. Unfortunately, you still need to take your cube apart to get to the xenogc modchip, and will need to solder the RST and GND pads of it to a switch, so the reset line of the atmega8 can be grounded on demand so it can be flashed.

https://github.com/vingt-2/xenogcfork/#flashing-using-the-software-flasher

 

[nalex7752]

You can do either or, but running the software flasher requires some extra work.

https://github.com/vingt-2/xenogcfork/#installation


https://github.com/vingt-2/xenogcfork/#flashing-using-the-software-flasher

So i need an SdGekko to load the file that need to be flashed on the Xeno, right? Can i use the sd2sp2?

 

[master801]

So i need an SdGekko to load the file that need to be flashed on the Xeno, right? Can i use the sd2sp2?

The SD2SP2 works the same way as the traditional sd adapter, just a different memory card slot B.

 

[nalex7752]

I think im missing something, how do i load Swiss to reflash the chip if i even cant get it to glitch the dvd drive?
Sorry if the question sounds really dumb

 

[master801]

I think im missing something, how do i load Swiss to reflash the chip if i even cant get it to glitch the dvd drive?
Sorry if the question sounds really dumb

Alright, so you have no other method to boot dol files?

Before doing anything else though, you should hold the "START" button down (use an official Nintendo controller) while the GameCube boots so it can display the XenoGC version. This would ensure that you soldered it correctly and not just a disk read error.

 

[nalex7752]

Alright, so you have no other method to boot dol files?

Before doing anything else though, you should hold the "START" button down (use an official Nintendo controller) while the GameCube boots so it can display the XenoGC version. This would ensure that you soldered it correctly and not just a disk read error.

already tried, solid red led. nothing else