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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternative Solder Points

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

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

Replacement Parts List

Spoiler: Parts

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

Spoiler: READ THIS

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.

 

[mattytrog]

It's not working for me. I dragged the files onto it, plugged it in with an adapter, and attached a battery. The lights go on but nothing happens. I don't think it's accepting my files? Whenever I move the new ones in, it disconnects after copying them. And if I delete all of the files and plug it back in, they all come back.

Did you put trinket in bootloader mode prior to dragging the files over?

 

[Deleted User]

Did you put trinket in bootloader mode prior to dragging the files over?

Yeah, but I just tried the files from the sam-fusee-launcher github and it worked

 

[mattytrog]

Yeah, but I just tried the files from the sam-fusee-launcher github and it worked

I think you are going through the Arduino IDE rather than just dragging the files over.

3 Simple steps:

1. Connect Trinket to computer. A drive called circuitpy will open if its new. If not don`t worry. Double-press reset to get into Bootloader mode
2. TRINKETBOOT should be displayed. Extract, Drag and drop the 3 files in your download from the OP to TRINKETBOOT
3. Trinket resets and commences operation.

I`m struggling seeing whats hard or what didn`t work for you to be honest. Puzzled???

Forget the Arduino IDE. Not needed.

 

[Deleted User]

I think you are going through the Arduino IDE rather than just dragging the files over.

3 Simple steps:

1. Connect Trinket to computer. A drive called circuitpy will open if its new. If not don`t worry. Double-press reset to get into Bootloader mode
2. TRINKETBOOT should be displayed. Extract, Drag and drop the 3 files in your download from the OP to TRINKETBOOT
3. Trinket resets and commences operation.

I`m struggling seeing whats hard or what didn`t work for you to be honest. Puzzled???

Forget the Arduino IDE. Not needed.

I'm not using the IDE, just dragging the files over.

 

[mattytrog]

I'm not using the IDE, just dragging the files over.

If you are in the TRINKETBOOT drive, then everything is right.

Faulty trinket or more likely, USB cable. If in your TRINKETBOOT drive you have the 3 files as listed in OP, then you are doing something wrong. Connecting it up wrong or something.

Double-check everything you are doing. If you flash a method 3 file to a method 1 wired install or visa-versa, this will give you problems as the pins are programmed differently.

 

[Deleted User]

If you are in the TRINKETBOOT drive, then everything is right.

Faulty trinket or more likely, USB cable. If in your TRINKETBOOT drive you have the 3 files as listed in OP, then you are doing something wrong. Connecting it up wrong or something.

Double-check everything you are doing. If you flash a method 3 file to a method 1 wired install or visa-versa, this will give you problems as the pins are programmed differently.

Well which one do I use for an external dongle? Both method 1/2 and gemma aren't working

 

[mattytrog]

Well which one do I use for an external dongle? Both method 1/2 and gemma aren't working

Gemma won`t work. Different board (though same SAMD chip)

Use any for external dongle. Are you entering RCM correctly?

 

[Deleted User]

Gemma won`t work. Different board (though same SAMD chip)

Use any for external dongle. Are you entering RCM correctly?

Yeah. Like I said the one on sam-fusee-launcher works but these don't

Well fuck. After switching back and forth like 5 times between the two packs to make sure, now suddenly yours works. No idea why. I swear I was messing with this, rebooting over and over to get it to work, and now it just does.

 

[mattytrog]

Yeah. Like I said the one on sam-fusee-launcher works but these don't

Well fuck. After switching back and forth like 5 times between the two packs to make sure, now suddenly yours works. No idea why. I swear I was messing with this, rebooting over and over to get it to work, and now it just does.

Interesting...

There are no issue with the files.

Glad you got it working at last!

 

[aos10]

i found this on twitter

Mod chip works :)
I've tested a few configurations with rcm strapping, hardware auto RCM and software RCM. Easiest by far is software auto RCM and a easy 4 wire install. Oh no case bluge :) pic.twitter.com/wSDfGB3G7K

— evilsperm (@Aboshi2011) July 17, 2018

Mod chip works I've tested a few configurations with rcm strapping, hardware auto RCM and software RCM. Easiest by far is software auto RCM and a easy 4 wire install. Oh no case bluge

Were going to start taking preorders so we can get things rolling at the fab house Our minimum run needs to be 1k units to keep the price down I'll post more info and pricing later today when we hear back from the last of the fab house but so far it looks like we have a winner

 

[iriez]

Yes. If you flash Hekate to the trinket (use the TEST files!) you can configure Hekate to Autoboot and it will.

If changing from method 3 to method 1 or 2, please change your trinket wiring. This step is not optional!!

I am planning on using sx os. I would like to understand the timing window better for getting the trinket into bootloader mode using RST double tap to GND. Could you try to explain to me what the appropriate timing would be to get the trinket into a flashable state?

Like, perhaps...the moment I hit power is the same moment I try to double tap RST to GND...?

Thank you!

 

[mattytrog]

I am planning on using sx os. I would like to understand the timing window better for getting the trinket into bootloader mode using RST double tap to GND. Could you try to explain to me what the appropriate timing would be to get the trinket into a flashable state?

Like, perhaps...the moment I hit power is the same moment I try to double tap RST to GND...?

Thank you!

OK...

The best time to program the trinket prior to fitting.

However, if this is not possible, you can boot the switch, let it boot up, once it is on the home screen, plug switch into PC. Try and look for the lights on the back. count from 1 2 3 in seconds so you have the rhythm in your head. Use a clock if you need to. So you need 1 second - press, 1.5 second - press

So, if we have this
.......................1.......................2.......................3.......................4.......................etc seconds
....................press.....press...........trinketboot?.no? Again...............press.....press...................................... press reset button

Just a double-press. Will take a few tries. Might need to single-press just to reset trinket too. Keep trying. Hard to explain. If you can`t do it, press quicker or slower.

There is a knack to it. I say press, but what i mean is "touch-reset-wire-to-GND"

You will know when you hit it. Trinketboot will pop straight up and LED on trinket will be green.

 

[Summitatem]

Have you had any issues with the 40AWG magnet wire?

 

[Gianga]

The Gemma m0 flash that with the same data as the tinker m0 in arduino?

 

[mattytrog]

Have you had any issues with the 40AWG magnet wire?

None.

 

[crow132]

None.

oh, i was about to ask you if 30 awg magnet wire is good for fixing my usb, but i guess it is

 

[mattytrog]

oh, i was about to ask you if 30 awg magnet wire is good for fixing my usb, but i guess it is

If you can solder it to the pins at that pitch on the back of USB-C connector, then go for it

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Think I may see if this can be a support thread and make a new guide in tutorials section

Covering common damage / faults etc...

 

[subcon959]

I used 30AWG Kynar wire, it worked fine.

 

[Xandroz]

after reading you guide honestly want to thank you for the most wll done guide.

i want to ask your opinion on something.

now ill be getting the trinket in 2 days. im on the latest ofw, have sx os and dont care about the efuses etc..
i want to go with a method to allow the trinket to shutdown when not in use to reserve battery, and im not going with autorcm

from what i got is method 2 is the best option

because i move around between stock and ofw and i dont mind booting with volume up

but my issue is, if i want to run the sx loader alone to load other payloads from it, will it be possible or not and whats with the slow booting regarding this method

 

[subcon959]

after reading you guide honestly want to thank you for the most wll done guide.

i want to ask your opinion on something.

now ill be getting the trinket in 2 days. im on the latest ofw, have sx os and dont care about the efuses etc..
i want to go with a method to allow the trinket to shutdown when not in use to reserve battery, and im not going with autorcm

from what i got is method 2 is the best option

because i move around between stock and ofw and i dont mind booting with volume up

but my issue is, if i want to run the sx loader alone to load other payloads from it, will it be possible or not and whats with the slow booting regarding this method

With method 1 there is no need to be scared of autorcm as it always powers off the Switch properly and doesn't drain the battery. It's also easy to use other payloads by just putting them on the sd card and turning the Switch on while holding vol+.