Hacking Flatmii Announced

[kedest]

I'm wondering how fast the loading times will be. Is USB2.0 fast enough to keep up with normal loading through the DVD drive itself?

 

[gosp]

I'm wondering how fast the loading times will be. Is USB2.0 fast enough to keep up with normal loading through the DVD drive itself?

USB2.0 should be faster than the 3x drive that we've got now.

 

[WiiPower]

I'm wondering how fast the loading times will be. Is USB2.0 fast enough to keep up with normal loading through the DVD drive itself?

6x dvd reading ~ 8 MB/s

USB2.0 max transfer rate ~ 50-60 MB/s


PS: The memory of the Wii would be full in 1 second, if your hard disc is that fast too. So with a fast hard disc, all reading times could be less than 1 second.

 

[OzModChips]

OzModChips is there a ribbon length limit or do you know if this fits in with current wii-clip chips without too much of a squeeze?

You can install it if you have a wiiclip, no problems
the flatmii sits on the drive plate -- away from the drivechip

 

[superrob]

Well a nice thing if your drive is dead.
But well.... yea you dont need dvd's anymore this way... But hell no im never going to use something like this.
First it will propperly be very pricy.
Second that would take ALOT of space on my Hdd and DVD's are just so much easier.

 

[Diffusion]

Here's a review from EOL by Markuf that I translated into English

Source: <a href="http://www.elotrolado.net/hilo_review-flatmii_1166604" target="_blank">[REVIEW] FlatMii (1 de 4) @ ElOtroLado.net Wii Modchips y grabación</a>

FlatMii

<b>Index:</b>

1. Introduction
2. Material used in review
3. What's included in the package
3.1. FlatMii
3.2. Flat cable (drive-chip)
3.3. Flat cable (chip-USB)
3.4. USB reader/Power source for the chip
4. Technical characteristics
4.1. Minimum requirements for our computer
5. Installation
5.1. With drive
5.2. Without drive
6. Loading copies from the computer
6.1. Software FlatMii
6.2. Backups
7. FAQ
8. Photos and videos
9. Conclusions
10. Thanks

<b>1. Introduction</b>

Before everything, I'd like to thank futura-online for the sample used to do this review.

In this review we analyze the new modchip that has just been released to the market, and that is different than it's competitors, it loads copies from a computer, without the need to waste DVDs or use the Wii's drive.

The FlatMii can be used with two configurations, depending on if you want to use the Wii's drive or not:

"Combo Drive/FlatMii" Mode - We can load ISOs with FlatMii and still use the disc drive
"Standalone" Mode - We can remove the disc drive completely.

<b>2. Material used in this review</b>

-FlatMii
-Nintendo Wii with firmware 3.2E
-Original games
-Backup copies
-Backup copies passed through WiiScrubber
-Backup copies modified with Trucha Signer

<b>3. What's included in the package</b>
-FlatMii
-Flat cable [drive-chip] (we call it flatcable A)
-Flat cable [chip-USB] (flatcable B)
-USB Reader that also acts as a power source for the chip

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/4tksd3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/4tksd3_th_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<b>3.1. FlatMii</b>
This is the FlatMii chip, capable of loading ISOs by USB from a computer, it's green on the top and has a sticker on the bottom to protect against short circuits.
The chip, being green, is original and it gives it a good aspect. A weak point that we can say is that the chip is very square and big and that makes it complicated when you want to put the chip between the drive and the Wii and you don't want there to be much pressure on the chip once it's screwed closed.
<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/35m1avr.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/35m1avr_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/22xb1i.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/22xb1i_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<b>3.2. Flat Cable [Drive-Chip] (Flatcable A)</b>
This is the flat cable where information passes from the drive to the chip, it has the same number of contacts as the original, and evidently, fits perfectly.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/2rqboe0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/2rqboe0_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/flf0b7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/flf0b7_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/91dp95.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/91dp95_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<b>3.3. Flat Cable [Drive-USB]/Power source (Flatcable B)</b>
This is the last flatcable, that receives information from the computer and that gives power to the chip from the console's USB port.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/1g6o11.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/1g6o11_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/sxdls1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/sxdls1_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<b>3.4. USB/Power Source for chip</b>
The USB reader has a nice finish and has the chip's logo engraved into it. It's form is well made, since it's difficult to converge the 3 connectors: the USB that is fed to the Wii, the flat cable that comes with the chip and the miniUSB that comes from the computer.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/14t7s47.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/14t7s47_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> </a><a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/11gtutz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/11gtutz_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/zlvpfb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/zlvpfb_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/24xkk14.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/24xkk14_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/33c3f4j.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/33c3f4j_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<b>4. Technical Characteristics</b>
- No soldering required
- No other chip required
- No wii-clip required
- No modifications to the software required
- Easy to install
- Compatible with all drives (including Epoxy and D3)
- Works with any modchip
- Two modes:
"STANDALONE" Mode (no drive needed)
"COMBO drive/flatmii" Mode (drive and flatmii)
- Fast Speed USB 2.0
- Compatible with Wii ISOs, Gamecube, and multiISO
- Region Free
- Blocks Updates Automatically

<b>4.1 Minimum Requirements for our computer:</b>

Windows XP/Vista
Framework 2.0
800 MHz Processor
1 GB RAM
USB 2.0

I have a Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.4 GHz) and 2GB of RAM and it works perfect.

<b>5. Installation</b>

First, and just in case our FlatMii does not have the sticker on, we'll put it on carefully without damaging the chip. This sticker is to protect against short circuits.

There's two ways to install the chip in our console: with drive or without it.
If you want to install with drive so that you can use copies in DVD format or original games install it with drive (5.1)
If you just want to load ISOs from a computer you can install it without a drive (5.2)

<b>5.1. With drive</b>

Insert flatcable A into the chip's slot where you put the DVD underneath (with the contacts downwards) and flatcable B in the small slot that's in the corner (with the contacts upwards).
Prepare two or three rolls of insulating tape, stick them to both sides (works as double-sided tape). Use these pieces to fix the flat cables and the chip so that they don't move.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/2cyktph.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/2cyktph_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/29krjpv.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/29krjpv_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/4i0dw9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/4i0dw9_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Now we stick tape to the place on the Wii where we place the chip to avoid shorts.
Place the chip in the center of the drive to allow the drive to be closed easily without much pressure on the chip.
Once set we put two strips of tape to avoid anything that may short circuit.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/f0yqgp.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/f0yqgp_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/1z1r8ep.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/1z1r8ep_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Now we begin to put the drive in it's original place. To do this we connect the flat cable of the Wii's motherboard to the chip, we also connect the power cable to the drive and proceed to close by inserting this same cable into it's specific place.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/qx99ug.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/qx99ug_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/54wvo2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/54wvo2_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Once they're connected we place the power cable that comes from the motherboard in it's hole and we close it very carefully so that we do not excess pressure on the chip or cut the cable that goes to the USB reader. It's possible to note that whatever the position you will feel slight pressure on the chip, but it is nothing that can affect it.
To pass the USB reader's flat cable, I recommend passing it through the side to avoid the 90º angle that's at the end of the drive. If we pass it through the side like in the photo and then avoid any pressure or critical point. You can use tape to fix the flat cable when you think it's placed correctly.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/30m1y52.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/30m1y52_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/141sg0w.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/141sg0w_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

We close the console, being careful not to damage flatcable B and the external result should look something like this:

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/2cxb6lj.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2cxb6lj_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<b>5.2. Without drive</b>

This is another way to install this chip in our Wii: without drive. This method is ideal for those with a broken drive.

We simply take out the drive and connect the chip to the flat cable that was once connected the motherboard to the drive like you see in the photo

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/rm5j07.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i44.tinypic.com/rm5j07_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Next we cover the metallic zone where we place the chip to avoid short circuits with the chip.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/mq9ol.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/mq9ol_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

We make two rolls of insulating tape to fix the chip to the console and so that it doesn't move.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/30cpvki.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/30cpvki_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

We pass flatcable B through the side to avoid damaging it.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/sqsh9d.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/sqsh9d_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Insert the power cables that once went to the drive into the hole, and leave it disconnected because we don't need it without a drive.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/1roq3s.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/1roq3s_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

To finish we place tape over the chip to keep the chip from moving.

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/66z238.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/66z238_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Now we close the console, making sure that we're careful not to damage flatcable B.

The result should look like this:

<a href="http://s5.tinypic.com/2cxb6lj.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://s5.tinypic.com/2cxb6lj_th.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<b>6. Loading copies from the computer</b>

<b>6.1. FlatMii Software</b>
To use FlatMii it is necessary to install .NET Framework 2.0

Later we download and decompress the official software.

When you connect FlatMii to the computer for the first time Windows will ask if you want to install the drivers, say No and download and install the drivers from the official FlatMii website.

When the drivers are installed you can start to load ISOs, for that we use the FlatMii software you downloaded (Flatmii_v1.0.exe).

<b>6.2. Backups</b>
Once FlatMii v1.0 is loaded and the chip being disconnected we see this window, where we see the principle functions of the chip:

<img src="http://i39.tinypic.com/bhcf84.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

-<b>Open ISO</b>: Loads the ISO of the backup we want to play
-<b>Open with Autoboot</b>: Loads the ISO and loads directly in the Wii, without needing to go through the Disc Channel.
-<b>Eject ISO</b>: Can only be clicked when you have an ISO loaded
-<b>Setup</b>: Here we can configure Flatmii, with the following choices

<img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/2ey84tk.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

--- <b>Force ISO region</b>: Allows you to force or not the region of an ISO
--- <b>JAP/USA/EUR/KOR</b>: Pick the region you want your ISOs to become
--- <b>Update blocker</b>: Blocks updates from games
--- <b>FlatMii mode</b>:
----- <b>Standalone</b>: pick this option if you don't have a drive connected
----- <b>Drive connected</b>: pick this option if you have a drive connected
Click Save Config to finalize the changes
- <b>http://www.flatmii.com</b> : directs you to the official site

Once you've made sure everything is correct, connect the Flatmii's USB Reader to the computer with a USB-miniUSB cable, the Flatmii 1.0 program will recognize the chip and will display "Connected OK".

<img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2eyb43a.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Now we can load an ISO by clicking on the "Open ISO" button.

<img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/35cekut.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

We accept and we'll have an ISO loaded, in a few seconds the game's banner will appear in the disc channel and you can play without problems.

<img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/334us1h.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<b>7. F.A.Q.</b>

Q. Do I require another chip to use FlatMii?
A. No, FlatMii can work alone.

Q. Do I need to solder?
A. No, it's not necessary to solder, you just need to tools necessary to open a Wii (Triwing screwdriver).

Q. Does the Wii require any software modifications?
A. No

Q. Which are the min. requirements for my computer to use FlatMii?
A. Windows XP/Vista and USB 2.0

Q. Can I have a chip and FlatMii installed at the same time?
A. Yes, they can both be in the Wii and have no problems.

Q. Which formats does FlatMii accept?
A. It loads Wii iso, Gamecube iso, and multiiso files

Q. Can I still use FlatMii without using my Wii's drive?
A. Yes, in Standalone mode.

Q. Does FlatMii load ISOs passed through WiiScrubber?
A. Yes.

Q. Does FlatMii let me load games from other regions?
A. Yes, if you've selected which region your Wii is from in the FlatMii program.

Q. Can I avoid updates that are on the games?
A. Yes, the FlatMii has the option to block updates.

Q. I want to update so that I can play certain games that require updates, what do I do?
A. You need to disable Update Blocker in the FlatMii program

Q. Is FlatMii compatible with homebrew like GeckoOS, MPlayer etc?
A. Yes, load the ISO before loading the homebrew.

Q. An error saying to Eject and Turn off the console has appeared, what's happened?
A. It could be that FlatMii is broken or that not enough time was given to recognize the disc in the drive.

Q. Can I fix my bricked Wii with FlatMii?
A. Yes, open the repair ISO or a game with an update before using Savemiifree. If you just have a semibrick update the console with whatever game has a higher firmware version from the same region as your console.

<b>8. Video demonstration</b>

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/W7bqX5QoPiE&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/W7bqX5QoPiE&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

<b>9. Conclusions</b>

<b>Pros:</b>

- Loads discs super fast
- Solderless and no firmware modifications
- No need for wii-clip
- Compatible with all consoles
- Two possible modes (COMBO and STANDALONE mode)
- Compatible with Wii, Gamecube, and multiISO ISOs.
- Region free
- Update Blocker

<b>Possible Improvements:</b>

- It's price is somewhat high, but it's features are unique.
- Can't load ISOs through WIFI.

<b>Cons:</b>

- The size and thickness of the chip, makes it difficult to place the drive back upon screwing it.
- Requires a computer close to the Wii console and have it turned on to play.
- Doesn't load copies in DVD format, needs a standard chip to do so.

<b>10. Thanks</b>

Thanks to Futura-online for their kindness, speed, and confidence.

 

[FAST6191]

Thanks for that Diffusion.
Given "trucha signing" can be done really quickly (the 25c3 wii demo had it in next to no time in javascript/similar, code that in a language designed for low level work and things may get interesting) it looks like this will make a good test bed for future hacking work and maybe even some debugging (I reckon tracing might be possible).

What may be interesting is a real time streaming tool for audio (real time transcoding for audio and injection into the iso).

Also I would be interested to see if the compressed iso (isz files - mountable in just about everything that matters) idea would work when the isz is housing a scrubbed disc (others reading scrubbing does not reduce size but allows compression by conventional means) or even if the tool itself supports isz.

 

[WiiPower]

Why not just .zip the scrubbed .iso and open the .iso inside the .zip with the software? WinXP and Vista both can handle .zips as folders, so i can't see why this shouldn't be possible.

 

[OzModChips]

Brakken review - http://www.iso420.org/wii/flatmii/index.htm

 

[djdynamite123]

Brakken review - http://www.iso420.org/wii/flatmii/index.htm

already read that, brakken showed me... really good review, but not for me, wouldn't want my PC near my wii.

Negatives

Use of a Computer Required
Constant Computer Connection Required
Opening your Wii Voids Your Warranty NO, i hate that one! We expect to void the pathetic warranty, i mean come on! It's only cheap.
Instructional Material Poorly Translated
Only works with Windows XP™ and Vista™

Positives

Ease of Installation (Plug n' Play)
No Soldering Required
Windows Vista Compatible
Region Free Options
No DVD-ROM Drive Required
Works with Existing Modchips

 

[Lily]

Ok it can't be a negative that it only works with XP/Vista AND a positive that it works with Vista. Lame.

 

[Diffusion]

Looks like they got 64 bit drivers for Vista now.

 

[HaTaX]

So has anyone ordered one yet and tried it out? I'm pretty tempted to jump on one as I have a home theater PC next to my wii that would work perfect for this. I've got a very early Wii and would like to save the wear and tear on the drive and it's a much better solution then dealing with backing up the image, then reburning it. I lightscribe the scanned images of the originals back on them and that all takes time.

Be nice to save it all into a folder and just pick and choose from the PC... If it's fast and reliable then I'll jump on it.

 

[Dack]

It works quite well from reports I've been getting.

@FAST6191

The Flatmii people got in touch with me a few weeks ago after getting hold of a beta of WiiScrubber I'd released to one person.

I've implemented a similar thing to ISZ but more geared towards Wii images and hopefully they will be implementing it if they ever bother reading their email

These are, to all intents, scrubbed and shrunk files that still work on 3.4 as no Trucha signing is involved.

A new version of Wiiscrubber (provisionally titled 1.40 the next degeneration) will be out in the next few weeks (yes I've gone back to working on it as no-one else seemed to want to) that supports these format files as well as having the trim option, now a horrendous bug has been fixed. Should be out before the Aniversary of the first release.

 

[FAST6191]

"geared more towards wii images", I am guessing the now 00 filed junk sections are the only victims of compression (selective compression if you will).

Good to know you still have some ongoing stuff.

Back on topic and seeing that HTPC thing I wonder if I could sort out a micro computer (it surely can not be hard to rig a basic iso loader + ftp up) or wind a wii into a case with another machine........

 

[HaTaX]

You can sort out a very nice barebones system here for next to nothing:
http://www.portatech.com/catalog/viewitem....51&O=25485#

Add the Asus P5N-EMH to get DVI and HDMI out from the integrated video card, go with 2GB of ram, nix the hard drive and dvd drive for a total of $205. (Removing all other extras)

You can get a 1.5TB drive for less then $130 now, and you may or may not need an optical drive.

Most people could put together a good little box, even if it can't hook up to the TV, you could get into it using logmein or VNC.

 

[rickz0rz]

Old thread, bump, I know...

Anyone notice odd compatibility issues with some GameCube backups? I obtained backups of GameCube games, most through the SD card dumper... and two have been giving me problems when trying to run them through FlatMii: Ikaruga and Animal Crossing.

Ikaruga will either randomly freeze, or not let you start a new game (will jump back to the menu).
Animal Crossing immediately goes to "An error has occurred. Turn the power OFF and check the Nintendo GameCube Instruction Booklet for further instructions."

Anyone else have any issues with these or other games? Other than these ones, I've had no problems with this thus far. Works great for preventing my young cousins for mishandling my precious Wii/Gamecube discs.

 

[WiiPower]

Old thread, bump, I know...

Anyone notice odd compatibility issues with some GameCube backups? I obtained backups of GameCube games, most through the SD card dumper... and two have been giving me problems when trying to run them through FlatMii: Ikaruga and Animal Crossing.

Ikaruga will either randomly freeze, or not let you start a new game (will jump back to the menu).
Animal Crossing immediately goes to "An error has occurred. Turn the power OFF and check the Nintendo GameCube Instruction Booklet for further instructions."

Anyone else have any issues with these or other games? Other than these ones, I've had no problems with this thus far. Works great for preventing my young cousins for mishandling my precious Wii/Gamecube discs.

Hmm, i heard that Animal Crossing is a very small game, did you try to fill its .iso with junk data? There's a tool especially for this, but i don't remeber its name. For the softmaod gc backup launcher the .iso has to be at least 1 GB in size. You could try a multi game disc created with GCOS4f too.

 

[stev418]

fstfix v1.5f will pad out a GC iso to 1.35gb again, but I dont have a FLATMII to give any advise, went for the Wiikey V2 instead

HERE

 

[rickz0rz]

Damn it to hell.

That was the problem for Animal Crossing. I took my ISO and shrunk it, and that was what was causing the issues. Luckily, I saved the unshrunk version (YAY 7Z) and it works fine.

I guess I should've tested that first