Hacking Internal Hard Drive for Wii mod

[Beware]

Goddammit, I've been working on exactly this! XD My plan was a Wii laptop. Fairly simple to do once you figure out what screen to use. My simple, inelegant plan was to stick the HDD in there with the USB cord sticking out as described below.

The most simple way to completely remove the DVD drive would be to use a FlatMii. Just use the FlatMii to replace the DVD drive and either connect the HDD to the FlatMii or have a USB cord sticking out so it can connect to the Wii or a computer to transfer the ISOs. The issue with the former is that the USBLoader cannot (yet) read from anything connect via anything other than USB, so that would have to be something Waninkoko handles. The other issue is transferring ISOs to the drive if you build it in. Theoretically, it should be a fairly easy fix for the FlatMii devs to add functionality like that as it already spoofs ISO data to the DVD drive.

EDIT: Oh, I see you already have it working. I hope to see more information on this so I can really streamline my next modding escapade.

 

[Darkzero51521]

Goddammit, I've been working on exactly this! XD My plan was a Wii laptop. Fairly simple to do once you figure out what screen to use. My simple, inelegant plan was to stick the HDD in there with the USB cord sticking out as described below.

The most simple way to completely remove the DVD drive would be to use a FlatMii. Just use the FlatMii to replace the DVD drive and either connect the HDD to the FlatMii or have a USB cord sticking out so it can connect to the Wii or a computer to transfer the ISOs. The issue with the former is that the USBLoader cannot (yet) read from anything connect via anything other than USB, so that would have to be something Waninkoko handles. The other issue is transferring ISOs to the drive if you build it in. Theoretically, it should be a fairly easy fix for the FlatMii devs to add functionality like that as it already spoofs ISO data to the DVD drive.

EDIT: Oh, I see you already have it working. I hope to see more information on this so I can really streamline my next modding escapade.

I'm not getting a flatmii, haha. I've alredy got it working without a DVD drive, the next step is to get those supplys that I listed in a previous post, and to make a tutorial. I'm not going to have a USB wire hanging out of my wii, either xD

Ben Hecks already provided a tutorial of how to make a wii laptop, btw. It's posted somewhere in this thread.

Lol, i just noticed your edit.

I basically just desoldered some things off of the control board, then used Kynar wire to complete the circuit. It works fine.

 

[Beware]

Goddammit, I've been working on exactly this! XD My plan was a Wii laptop. Fairly simple to do once you figure out what screen to use. My simple, inelegant plan was to stick the HDD in there with the USB cord sticking out as described below.

The most simple way to completely remove the DVD drive would be to use a FlatMii. Just use the FlatMii to replace the DVD drive and either connect the HDD to the FlatMii or have a USB cord sticking out so it can connect to the Wii or a computer to transfer the ISOs. The issue with the former is that the USBLoader cannot (yet) read from anything connect via anything other than USB, so that would have to be something Waninkoko handles. The other issue is transferring ISOs to the drive if you build it in. Theoretically, it should be a fairly easy fix for the FlatMii devs to add functionality like that as it already spoofs ISO data to the DVD drive.

EDIT: Oh, I see you already have it working. I hope to see more information on this so I can really streamline my next modding escapade.

I'm not getting a flatmii, haha. I've alredy got it working without a DVD drive, the next step is to get those supplys that I listed in a previous post, and to make a tutorial. I'm not going to have a USB wire hanging out of my wii, either xD

Ben Hecks already provided a tutorial of how to make a wii laptop, btw. It's posted somewhere in this thread.

Lol, i just noticed your edit.

I basically just desoldered some things off of the control board, then used Kynar wire to complete the circuit. It works fine.

Yeah, I know about Ben Heck's tutorial, but it's not really anything complicated. Just moving around the ports, throwing on a screen, and fashioning a case for it. What was really going to make mine different is the size and the built-in HDD. Ben Heck's is nothing more than a Wii with a LCD thrown on it. If you separate the mobo and the DVD drive (or replace the DVD drive with a large HDD) you can allow for your "laptop" to be much thinner and allow for a larger screen (as opposed to the 7" one he has which simply will not work for my awful eye sight). Also, placing the LED arrays closer to each other would allow one to play closer to the screen. I would also have a built-in, or at least attached USB, keyboard.

About the removal of the board, that's pretty much how I assumed it would be done, but a FlatMii would be the easiest way for people without any modding/soldering experience.

 

[Darkzero51521]

Yeah, I know about Ben Heck's tutorial, but it's not really anything complicated. Just moving around the ports, throwing on a screen, and fashioning a case for it. What was really going to make mine different is the size and the built-in HDD. Ben Heck's is nothing more than a Wii with a LCD thrown on it. If you separate the mobo and the DVD drive (or replace the DVD drive with a large HDD) you can allow for your "laptop" to be much thinner and allow for a larger screen (as opposed to the 7" one he has which simply will not work for my awful eye sight). Also, placing the LED arrays closer to each other would allow one to play closer to the screen. I would also have a built-in, or at least attached USB, keyboard.

About the removal of the board, that's pretty much how I assumed it would be done, but a FlatMii would be the easiest way for people without any modding/soldering experience.

I'd love to do that mod, but I don't have the money or the resources. I can help you out a little though.


You're gonna come across a lot of issues. The USB loader won't work with the keyboard attached, so you're going to have to either make a on/off power switch, or make it detachable to the external USB port.

The heatsink, it's going to have to be replaced with a laptop's heatsink. Any old laptops would do, most certainly..The wii's processor is nothing special.

You'll need a multimeter to find good + and - charges and power sources if you want to make it really cool. I'd stick LEDs throughout it and give it a clear case, with a the Nintendo logo embedded on the back. It'd be possible to add a battery, too..that'd be annoying as hell though, i personally would skip that and just stick with the wall plug. Lol i have a old heatsink and some fans, and a 14" dell screen. I don't have much of anything else that would help me though.

I'd remove the GC save packs, being that i'd have no use for them. You could add additional SD slots, which would be cool as shit if the firmware supported it (

).

What i wouldn't know how to do right off the bat is the screen setup. I'd have to take a look at ben's tutorial. I'm sure you could split the connections though and add a video out in addition to your screen. That'd be a must for me.

lol i think honestly, if i got into that project, i'd put way too much work and money into it. It'd turn out looking sexy, but overall it'd be a waste of money IMO.

 

[nIxx]

Of course this will work the only thing is i don´t want to experiment to much with my Wii i have only the one

.
Anyway i like the idea so i will wait for your tutorial

.

 

[Beware]

Yeah, I know about Ben Heck's tutorial, but it's not really anything complicated. Just moving around the ports, throwing on a screen, and fashioning a case for it. What was really going to make mine different is the size and the built-in HDD. Ben Heck's is nothing more than a Wii with a LCD thrown on it. If you separate the mobo and the DVD drive (or replace the DVD drive with a large HDD) you can allow for your "laptop" to be much thinner and allow for a larger screen (as opposed to the 7" one he has which simply will not work for my awful eye sight). Also, placing the LED arrays closer to each other would allow one to play closer to the screen. I would also have a built-in, or at least attached USB, keyboard.

About the removal of the board, that's pretty much how I assumed it would be done, but a FlatMii would be the easiest way for people without any modding/soldering experience.

I'd love to do that mod, but I don't have the money or the resources. I can help you out a little though.


You're gonna come across a lot of issues. The USB loader won't work with the keyboard attached, so you're going to have to either make a on/off power switch, or make it detachable to the external USB port.

The heatsink, it's going to have to be replaced with a laptop's heatsink. Any old laptops would do, most certainly..The wii's processor is nothing special.

You'll need a multimeter to find good + and - charges and power sources if you want to make it really cool. I'd stick LEDs throughout it and give it a clear case, with a the Nintendo logo embedded on the back. It'd be possible to add a battery, too..that'd be annoying as hell though, i personally would skip that and just stick with the wall plug. Lol i have a old heatsink and some fans, and a 14" dell screen. I don't have much of anything else that would help me though.

I'd remove the GC save packs, being that i'd have no use for them. You could add additional SD slots, which would be cool as shit if the firmware supported it (

).

What i wouldn't know how to do right off the bat is the screen setup. I'd have to take a look at ben's tutorial. I'm sure you could split the connections though and add a video out in addition to your screen. That'd be a must for me.

lol i think honestly, if i got into that project, i'd put way too much work and money into it. It'd turn out looking sexy, but overall it'd be a waste of money IMO.

Oh yeah, this is certainly not something that I would jump into. I had planned on just making the keyboard detachable as I knew the USB loader won't work unless the HDD is the only USB device. I wasn't totally sure about the GCN memory card slots. I'd probably remove one of them, but there are plenty of GCN games I still love. Additional SD card slots would be great, but not very effective since the Wii now supports SDHC.

As far as the screen goes, I planned something similar to Ben Heck's setup with the screen built-in, but video out ports still on the back so it could be used as a laptop and as a home console. It's really the same process for most consoles if you get the correct screen and is detailed pretty well around Ben Heck's website.

The battery would be a real pain in the ass to get working and I figure most people are stuck carrying around their charger anyways, so it wouldn't be that much of an issue to just carry the plug around.

Another option for working with the heatsink is to just bend down the pins, but I have an old busted laptop that I planned on pulling the heatsink out of anyways.

I figure I would start out with some frankensteined freak of nature, but eventually I could fashion my own, stylish case. I'm not a huge fan of LEDs, but it would definitely end up at least as sexy as the Wii currently is.

I have most of the tools and supplies, the only real issues are the screen and case, but the case would really be an afterthought. Everything else is just some basic soldering and relocating of ports and such (something that is also very well documented by Ben Heck and other forum users). I'm thinking you doing this is the real kick in the ass I needed to actually get this done.

 

[Darkzero51521]

I have most of the tools and supplies, the only real issues are the screen and case, but the case would really be an afterthought. Everything else is just some basic soldering and relocating of ports and such (something that is also very well documented by Ben Heck and other forum users). I'm thinking you doing this is the real kick in the ass I needed to actually get this done.

Haha, well, i'm not gonna race you

Everything i've ordered so far comes in thursday/friday. I get paid friday, so i can order my last part then..Which would take like, 2-3 days to come in. At that point i could create a full tutorial.

 

[Beware]

I have most of the tools and supplies, the only real issues are the screen and case, but the case would really be an afterthought. Everything else is just some basic soldering and relocating of ports and such (something that is also very well documented by Ben Heck and other forum users). I'm thinking you doing this is the real kick in the ass I needed to actually get this done.

Haha, well, i'm not gonna race you

Everything i've ordered so far comes in thursday/friday. I get paid friday, so i can order my last part then..Which would take like, 2-3 days to come in. At that point i could create a full tutorial.

Wonderful! Can't wait to give it a read!

 

[shtonkalot]

Firstly, great work Darkzero51521, both on your progress and your ability to fend of the trolls and naysayers without getting too nasty

I basically just desoldered some things off of the control board, then used Kynar wire to complete the circuit. It works fine.

I'd be interested to know how much of the drive you had to keep. I realise you are planning a tutorial but I was hoping for maybe a sneak peek picture of the optical drive remnants hooked up to the Wii.

Hope all continues to go well, sounds like it's in the bag.

All the posters saying 'this sucks' or 'what's the point' why even bother posting? It doesn't add anything to the thread but garbage posts that make the interesting bits harder to find.
And if you can't be bothered to read the whole thread don't ask a question that has likely been covered...

See, you keep your cool over this better than I do Darkzero51521

 

[--JoCa--]

Lol... I imagine a white notebook with a NINTENDO logo (the classic one) in low level (err... dunno if that's how you say "baixo relevo" in english). When you open it, a 17" screen with a neat infrared bar ontop of the screen. Where the keyboard lay, there's actually a DVD drive with the Wii logo, also in low level. Gamecube controllers ports are just behind the place where the keyboard was supposed to be, but the memory card is on the right side, just besides the SD card slot. The HDD is internal, of course, but there's a USB port for connecting it into the PC so you can dump ISOs directly. There`s also a LED that indicates when the Wii`s turned on or charging, just like the DS (also Wi-Fi or Sleep mode).

/dream


XD

 

[Darkzero51521]

Firstly, great work Darkzero51521, both on your progress and your ability to fend of the trolls and naysayers without getting too nasty

Thanks

QUOTE(' date='Apr 7 2009, 12:34 PM) I basically just desoldered some things off of the control board, then used Kynar wire to complete the circuit. It works fine.I'd be interested to know how much of the drive you had to keep. I realise you are planning a tutorial but I was hoping for maybe a sneak peek picture of the optical drive remnants hooked up to the Wii.

Hope all continues to go well, sounds like it's in the bag.

All the posters saying 'this sucks' or 'what's the point' why even bother posting? It doesn't add anything to the thread but garbage posts that make the interesting bits harder to find.
And if you can't be bothered to read the whole thread don't ask a question that has likely been covered...

See, you keep your cool over this better than I do Darkzero51521

Actually, I'm not sure I even had to solder those additional wires on there to complete the circuit. I just did it to be safe, next time it'll test without them. There's not much left of the DVD drive, just the control board and a small panel that had to be kept.

I've already re-soldered the components back, and reassembled my Wii. Allthough the Wii will run fine without them, i knew i'd have to make a tutorial later.. So i put it all back together until I get my final bits of equipment. I didn't see any point to leaving my Wii wide open for a week while i waited for the parts, haha.

If anyone's wondering, the last parts are;
-Cutting tool for dremel [arrives thurs]
-2000 grit sandpaper [arrives thurs]
-Female USB port [arrives friday, maybe saturday]
-500GB hard drive (i'm replacing my computers hard drive with the 500gb and putting the 250gb in my Wii.) [gets ordered friday]

I don't remember if i've already posted it or not, but I no longer have any intentions of putting a fan in there. I'm pretty sure it'll fair fine, and if it doesn't, I can easily add one.

Do not hold this to me, but I THINK the following will be the required tools to finish this project for anyone who wants to prepare:
-2.5" HDD (make sure the hard drive and enclosure are compatible first!)
-Small enclosure that fits it tightly, with a compatible adapter board (my enclosures board is less than a half an inch long and im having space issues)
-Dremel with cutting tool
-High grit sandpaper (at least 1000)
-8" - 12" USB female to male adaptor
-Bubble wrap, or some kind of low-insulated plastic cushioning
-Soldering Iron (might even be able to avoid using it)
-Measuring tape
-Needlenose Pliers
-Triwing screwdriver
-Small philips screwdriver



QUOTE

Lol... I imagine a white notebook with a NINTENDO logo (the classic one) in low level (err... dunno if that's how you say "baixo relevo" in english). When you open it, a 17" screen with a neat infrared bar ontop of the screen. Where the keyboard lay, there's actually a DVD drive with the Wii logo, also in low level. Gamecube controllers ports are just behind the place where the keyboard was supposed to be, but the memory card is on the right side, just besides the SD card slot. The HDD is internal, of course, but there's a USB port for connecting it into the PC so you can dump ISOs directly. There`s also a LED that indicates when the Wii`s turned on or charging, just like the DS (also Wi-Fi or Sleep mode).

Low level? You mean Embedded? :]

Like i said, a real Wii laptop would take a lot of work. I'd love to do it if i had the money ;x

 

[golden]

All the posters saying 'this sucks' or 'what's the point' why even bother posting? It doesn't add anything to the thread but garbage posts that make the interesting bits harder to find.
And if you can't be bothered to read the whole thread don't ask a question that has likely been covered...

See, you keep your cool over this better than I do Darkzero51521

first of all, i have no idea where you are getting that people said "this sucks". if you find people's differing opinions to be trolls and garbage then you're a moron. i simply stated that i am strongly against the removal of the DVD drive because of what could happen in the future with the console and that it seems dumb to do so but i didn't say anything more to it than that because it's his console and he can do whatever he wants after i have said my opinion about it. However, the idea of adding a HDD to the wii i have nothing against and i actually am completely for it. great job to him since he seems to be successful.

in addition, darkzero, can you post pix of your project in progress so I can see what you are doing? I am pretty curious. thanks

 

[Darkzero51521]

in addition, darkzero, can you post pix of your project in progress so I can see what you are doing? I am pretty curious. thanks

Haha, sure, if you want a pic of a Wii sitting on my dresser, and my tools. xP

I just put it all back together, as I stated in my previous two posts. I need those supplies before I can continue.

And I don't think that shtonkalot was aiming that post directly at you. A mod removed like 5 of some others guys posts because of how much he flamed me just because i'm sticking a large HD in my Wii @_@

 

[Knocks]

Congrats on figuring out the DVD thing. I guess you've decided to do without Metroid for now?

 

[dinofan01]

Man you are so dumb. If you want a wii with a hard drive theres only one goo solution... steal one from the Nintendo world store. duh....

 

[maduin]

Man you are so dumb. If you want a wii with a hard drive theres only one goo solution... steal one from the Nintendo world store. duh....

they're probably doing the same thing we're all doing now, just using a USB HDD, but they just tuck it underneath a pedestal so you can't see the the actual drive, I highly doubt that it's actually integrate into the machine, and judging from your post, you don't even know that we can load games through USB...

 

[shtonkalot]

No probs with the lack of photo Darkzero51521. I will be patient and wait for the tut...
I know what it's like opening and closing console cases, particularly after you've just stuffed some new gear in them.

first of all, i have no idea where you are getting that people said "this sucks".That wasn't a direct quote, that's why I didn't use the " quotation marks. I never meant that someone said in those exact words "this sucks" just messages in that spirit. Here's one of yours from earlier that I think fits the bill.

because it's retarded to just get rid of the f***ing DVD drive just because you think it's cool to have only a HDD in a wii case. you have no idea what might happen in the future for the console so it's stupid to basically just take your console's optical drive out when you can just make the case slightly bigger, not huge, just a little bigger to accommodate a HDD in. I added the bold to make my points clear and censored the swearing because I don't think it's necessary to have to make your point clear. Kids read this site too.

if you find people's differing opinions to be trolls and garbage then you're a moron.

That seems like a flame to me, you did just call me a moron. It's not that I can't deal with your negative opinion it is just that you (in this particular case) appear (in my opinion) to be breaking the forum rules with such comments. That is inflammatory and it would be easy to take offence to being called a negative name like "moron", I believe that it was your intention to offend me.
From the Forum Rules, Flaming, Trolling & Harassment section:
"Do not "flame", "bash", "troll" or harass others. Blatantly offensive comments or actions directed at others will not be tolerated. While we do allow members to debate and voice their own opinions, there will be a limit to how far a heated debate can go before it is closed by staff. If you harass someone you will be disciplined. Period." and "Flaming, even in self-defense, is strictly prohibited. If you have something to say, say it respectfully or not at all."
Can you honestly say your comments have been made respectfully?
QUOTE

i simply stated that i am strongly against the removal of the DVD drive because of what could happen in the future with the console and that it seems dumb to do so but i didn't say anything more to it than that because it's his console and he can do whatever he wants after i have said my opinion about it.

I'm pretty sure He (or She?) doesn't need to wait for your opinion to "do whatever he wants". And I don't believe that is what you "simply stated". "because it's retarded to just get rid of the f***ing DVD drive just because you think it's cool to have only a HDD in a wii case. you have no idea what might happen in the future for the console so it's stupid to basically just take your console's optical drive out " does not equal "i am strongly against the removal of the DVD drive because of what could happen in the future with the console and that it seems dumb to do so".
If you had simply stated that you didn't think it was a good idea (even using inflammatory words like "stupid" rather than say "a bad idea") then I wouldn't have issue with you breaching forum rules or with your apparent disrespect for other forum members.

I have myself in replying to and quoting your (in my opinion) flaming risked deletion of this comment. Again from the rules: "Replying to a flame post will likely result in the removal of your post as well." But I am fine with that, it would help get the thread cleaner.
However with the influx of both new users and many returning posters (like myself) after the recent events in the Wii scene I believe there is a lack of moderation in this particular forum at the moment. Hopefully we (All tempers) can work out what is acceptable and make a difference when it comes to issues like this.

Darkzero51521, I am sorry for adding more clutter to your thread. Hopefully you will see it as I intended it, that is an attempt to rectify certain issues within the thread that are hindering my (and I assume others) ability to follow the topic. Again I applaud your ability to remain so neutral and sticking to your guns with so many negative comments.

Moderators, if you read this and decide it should be deleted can I ask that you leave the comments to Darkzero51521 at the top of the post and edit out the text below possibly adding comment as to why it was deleted, just to make it clear what is a delete worthy post.

 

[Darkzero51521]

Congrats on figuring out the DVD thing. I guess you've decided to do without Metroid for now?

The couple games that require a DVD, I can do without. I kind of feel like Wanin will patch the USB loader again at one point anyways

I know what it's like opening and closing console cases, particularly after you've just stuffed some new gear in them.

Ahaha. I haven't stuck anything in it yet, as of right now it's just a regular Wii

QUOTE

Darkzero51521, I am sorry for adding more clutter to your thread. Hopefully you will see it as I intended it, that is an attempt to rectify certain issues within the thread that are hindering my (and I assume others) ability to follow the topic. Again I applaud your ability to remain so neutral and sticking to your guns with so many negative comments.

It's fine =]

I think it's best just to ignore it. Most people who disagree with what I'm doing will be stubborn and continue to argue their point, and I don't see any reason to argue about what I'm doing to my Wii with someone else on the internet who has no say lol. When I make the tutorial, i'm more than sure that more people will like it than there will be people who will dislike it.

 

[nIxx]

As long as it works and as long as they don´t need to solder

 

[ohyeah]

I probably missed this, but why USB Loader requires the DVD drive to work? This could be fixed in a near future? Because my drive is screwed and sometimes I can't play games. :/