Go with an open source chip.
Get a free PIC Microcontroller 12f683 I\P from sample.microchip.com
Get a JDM PIC Programmer off eBay.
And get a Wlip when it comes out.
No soldering! and its open source, so anybody can code for it. You will never have to worry about support.
Getting a PIC Programmer + shipping off Ebay is as expensive / more expensive than getting a commercial modchip (Wiinja Deluxe, Wiikey) that can be updated via DVD... I think I will order a commercial chip, because the price difference don't justify the need of opening the Wii every time you want to update the chip...
It's not actually. A PIC JDM Programmer costs 20$ including delivery worldwide. The PIC costs less than 1$, and there is even a 12F629 included in this sale, which works with most open source solutions. You don't need anything else as you can solder it with wires directly.
A Wiikey costs between 30-40$.
Therefore, cost-wise the open source chip is better.
Also, if the people at wiikey decide to stop development for the chip, you're screwed. If it happens with an open source chip (as happened with the WiiFree), you can simply flash your PIC with another code (such as the YAOSM).
If you wish not to solder directly to the board, then a Wlip is neccesary. The Wlip does cost 37$, but you pay that whether you use the Wiikey or an open source solution. It is actually easier to use the Wlip with a 8-pin PIC as the Wlip includes an 8-pin socket.
It is possible to mount the chip outside your wii so you don't have to open it everytime.
Go with an open source chip.
Get a free PIC Microcontroller 12f683 I\P from sample.microchip.com
Get a JDM PIC Programmer off eBay.
And get a Wlip when it comes out.
No soldering! and its open source, so anybody can code for it. You will never have to worry about support.
All of that seems awfully complicated. It looks like I'd have to program the chip myself to update it. I don't think I'm up for the challenge.
Programming the chip requires nothing more than the ability to read a tutorial and click some buttons. Programming a chip does not involve actually writing the code, it involves flashing the chip, which just involves plugging it in, choosing the PIC, and pressing program.
Go with an open source chip.
Get a free PIC Microcontroller 12f683 I\P from sample.microchip.com
Get a JDM PIC Programmer off eBay.
And get a Wlip when it comes out.
No soldering! and its open source, so anybody can code for it. You will never have to worry about support.
Also, let me get this straight: if I plan to get a Wlip, all I have to do to build my own modchip is to (1) get compatible PICs, (2) get compatible PIC programmer, (3) get PIC programmer software, (4) program PIC by plugging them in to programmer and running the software. Is that all inclusive? If so, this sounds like a great route to go!
Correct. As a side note, getting a PIC programmer software isn't difficult, so its not really a step