Hacking Homebrew GCN PicoBoot - GameCube IPL replacement modchip using Raspberry Pi Pico

[yo1dog]

My gamecube has the xenon chip can I leave it or do I need to remove it?

https://github.com/webhdx/PicoBoot#will-it-work-if-i-have-xenogc-installed

Will it work if I have XenoGC installed?
Yes, you can use it with XenoGC intalled.

 

[yo1dog]

USB extension cable won't work. You still need to have access to BOOTSEL button in order to flash Pico. Also don't install it this way - you're blocking SP1 port which you gonna need when M.2 Loader drops. There are only 4 screws to undo in order to program PIco - what's so difficult about it? Also you only need to update Swiss on the SD card, there aren't going to be many updates to PIcoBoot. I think the nearest update will include OTA update feature but for that you'll need to switch Pico with Pico W.

I can mount a button on the side as well! Kidding.

Yea as I said I'm not sure if I was being clever or practical (or neither). Very easy to re-route the wiring regardless. As I am developing and testing my custom fork of IPLBoot, it is nice having it so accessible. Though I could simply keep the GC case off ha.

 

[johw]

https://github.com/webhdx/PicoBoot#will-it-work-if-i-have-xenogc-installed

can I use 0.50mm wires to install the mod?

 

[yo1dog]

can I use 0.50mm wires to install the mod?

That's what I used.

 

[yo1dog]

@hdx Got a weird one for you: Could the length of the wiring cause it not to work? It works every time when I plug the wires straight into the pico. But if I add a 6" extension it never works! I confirmed continuity with my multimeter...

 

[hippy dave]

@hdx Got a weird one for you: Could the length of the wiring cause it not to work? It works every time when I plug the wires straight into the pico. But if I add a 6" extension it never works! I confirmed continuity with my multimeter...

Can't speak for this mod in particular, but wire length can have a negative effect in general if the circuit is tightly timing-related or the signal strength degrades too much (if the wire is only 6 inches I'm guessing the former)

 

[Manpoops]

Im using some thin wire that's about 7 in long and it doesn't work for me. I tried on 2 different consoles. Should I be using thicker wire or a shorter length? Or both?

 

[tech3475]

USB extension cable won't work. You still need to have access to BOOTSEL button in order to flash Pico. Also don't install it this way - you're blocking SP1 port which you gonna need when M.2 Loader drops. There are only 4 screws to undo in order to program PIco - what's so difficult about it? Also you only need to update Swiss on the SD card, there aren't going to be many updates to PIcoBoot. I think the nearest update will include OTA update feature but for that you'll need to switch Pico with Pico W.

Apparently it is possible to force the Pico into Bootsel mode without pressing the button:
https://www.hackster.io/news/herman...eset-no-button-boot-flash-script-2d85e5da5ad4

Untested by myself.

 

[yo1dog]

Apparently it is possible to force the Pico into Bootsel mode without pressing the button:
https://www.hackster.io/news/herman...eset-no-button-boot-flash-script-2d85e5da5ad4

Untested by myself.

Nice. Thanks for sharing.

 

[nikeymikey]

How was this not front page news?

 

[yo1dog]

Made some updates to iplboot and created a pull request:
https://github.com/seewood/iplboot/pull/1

Added support for all controllers and buttons plus some other features. Got it compiled and flashed to my pico now. Works great! Uploaded the binaries if anyone wants them. Experimental so use at your discretion.
https://github.com/yo1dog/iplboot/releases/tag/mike-r1

I can finally get around my broken P1 controller port! Now I just gotta do the same for Swiss.

 

[SodaSoba]

I can finally retire my shinehax softmod and move to to much better Swiss loading method!! And with direct abilities to load Gameboy interface without all the jumping through hoops! Man oh man.
Finally After waiting for hyperboot with seemingly nothing and looking for older modchips this Pico IPL loader appears! Can't wait to crack open my cube and get this thing running.
This should be front-page news it's a breakthrough

 

[dilav]

Great work webhdx, glad to see a IPL chip available and a cheap and easily obtainable one at that.

 

[KirovAir]

How was this not front page news?

@Costello Some love for the purple cube maybe?

 

[yo1dog]

@hdx The first 2 work. The third does not. I double checked continuity. Pico powers on but video out is blank screen. Only difference I can figure is the extra 6 inches of wire.

 

[tech3475]

Nice. Thanks for sharing.

Seems there’s also an API to force it into Bootsel mode:
https://raspberrypi.github.io/pico-sdk-doxygen/group__pico__bootrom.html

 

[Kioku]

Got the Pico installed... But... It doesn't always boot into Swiss. Sometimes it takes a power cycle.. Hmmm

 

[SodaSoba]

Got the Pico installed... But... It doesn't always boot into Swiss. Sometimes it takes a power cycle.. Hmmm

Shinehax is like this from time to time, perhaps it's Swiss?

 

[Kioku]

Shinehax is like this from time to time, perhaps it's Swiss?

No idea. My first foray into the GameCube scene. Don't know what to expect..
Redid some of the joints on the Pico... Testing out boot now. If that doesn't work, I guess I'm triple checking the mobo joints. I was worried I damaged a leg on the IPL chip.

Secretly hoping this is just something that may happen, and I don't have to tear my GameCube apart.

Edit: Will be reinstalling Still getting inconsistent boots. The light is green, but no image. If I take the SD2SP2, I can still boot using the Xeno and Swiss disc. Will try shortening the wires.

Edit: Never crossed my mind that it may be the wire I'm using. Need recommendations for some good wire to use on small boards like these.

 

[driverdis]

No idea. My first foray into the GameCube scene. Don't know what to expect..
Redid some of the joints on the Pico... Testing out boot now. If that doesn't work, I guess I'm triple checking the mobo joints. I was worried I damaged a leg on the IPL chip.

Secretly hoping this is just something that may happen, and I don't have to tear my GameCube apart.

Edit: Will be redoing the install tomorrow. Still getting inconsistent boots. The light is green, but no image. If I take the SD2SP2, I can still boot using the Xeno and Swiss disc. Will try shortening the wires.

Edit: Never crossed my mind that it may be the wire I'm using. Need recommendations for some good wire to use on small boards like these.

I used 26AWG solid insulated wire for mine and it works fine. wires are about 5 inches long and I have only had Swiss fail to boot once when I first installed it and it has been fine ever since.