Hacking What exactly do I need?

[Melchizedek]

Hello,

I would like to know what I need to buy exactly to build an open-source modchip that would work with a Wlip without having to solder it. More specifically, I would like to know:

1. The materials needed (with details please);
2. Where to buy them;
3. How to assemble them;
4. How to update the modchip once it's assembled.

Thank you!

 

[paul1991]

Go to sample.microchip.com
Order 12f629 12f683 microchips. Get 3 of each. Make sure you get the I/P.
Get a jdm pic programmer off ebay.

Program the chip with YAOSM, Wiifree, openwii Wiinja. Whichever.
Plug into wlip.
Place Wlip on driveboard.

Its how I did the ones that im selling. Its also telling people how to do it for cheap that I havenot sold any.

 

[kedest]

I suggest you program it with yaosm. It's still in active development (unlike WiiFree for example, that one doesn't support SMG) and very shortly a completely new version of the software will be released.

 

[Melchizedek]

I see a bunch of PIC programmers on eBay... Could you give me an example of which one I need to buy?

 

[Melchizedek]

Also, it would cost me $24.62 just for the microchips, is this normal?

 

[slacker99]

I see a bunch of PIC programmers on eBay... Could you give me an example of which one I need to buy?

It doesn't have to be complicated, just be able to use 8 pin pic chips. I got one for $13 off ebay just yesterday, it even comes with one pic chip

Like this Programmer on Ebay

And if I had seen that before I ordered one yesterday, I would have gotten this like tomorrow and not have to wait till the end of this week or next week.

 

[kedest]

Also, it would cost me $24.62 just for the microchips, is this normal?

No. That's way too expensive. A single pic chip should cost about $1.50 or so

 

[Strag0]

I use OpenWII. Their wiki tells you exactly what you need to build one. However, now you can order a kit from ebay (Atmega8l kit) that comes with everything you need. It costs about $17 total, that includes a Atmega Chip mounted on a PCB a programmer and the interface you solder in the Wii. It also comes with a Triwing screw driver to open the Wii.
The chip will need to be mounted on the outside but it works perfectly!

 

[Melchizedek]

Also, it would cost me $24.62 just for the microchips, is this normal?
No. That's way too expensive. A single pic chip should cost about $1.50 or so

Forgot to say that it was including shipping to Canada ($13 shipping).

Also, why do I need 3 of each exactly?
And do I need wires or anything else?

 

[kedest]

With shipping that's still very expensive. It's just a very tiny chip. Go check out a local electronics store. They might have the chip too.
And you need only 1 of course. there are no wires required, the wlip takes care of everything. And you might need a cable to connect the programmer to your pc. And a tri-wring screw driver to open up the wii of course.

 

[Melchizedek]

Why did Paul1991 tell me to buy 3 of each then?
What kind of cable do I need to connect the chip to the programmer?
After the chip is programmed with YAOSM, can I update it with a DVD?
If so, wouldn't it be easier to just buy a pre-programmed chip that I would update via DVD afterwards?

 

[kedest]

You plug the chip directly in the programmer. And the cable you need to connect the programmer to the computer. Which one depends on the programmer. There are USB-programmers and programmers that connect to your computer's serial port.
PIC chips can't be fully reprogrammed via a DVD. The new upcoming YAOSM has DVD partial upgrade support, but it can only upgrade a part of the chip. If a full reprogramming is needed, you'll have to use the programmer.

 

[acidrain]

Why did Paul1991 tell me to buy 3 of each then?

I assume it's simply because that's the maximum that you can order for free.

 

[Melchizedek]

Wii modchips will only work with 12f629 and 12f683 chips?

 

[Melchizedek]

So if I buy a programmer that has a female end (with 9 holes), I can plug it directly into my P4P800SE without having to use a RS232 serial cable? See pic:

 

[kedest]

Yes, that should work. I can do that with my programmer too, but I still use a cable because it's a really tight fit if I plug it in directly.

 

[Melchizedek]

Where did you guys find a programmer for $14 shipped? I can't find anything under $20... Perhaps you should post the auction number, as the links you gave me don't work.

 

[chrispinifer]

I'm interested in purchasing a 12f683 pic chip with Yaosm 2.0 on it as programmers cost too much on eBay with shipping. Where would I find this? Or is this kind of question now allowed?

 

[Melchizedek]

I'm interested in purchasing a 12f683 pic chip with Yaosm 2.0 on it as programmers cost too much on eBay with shipping. Where would I find this? Or is this kind of question now allowed?

I think you should still have your own programmer if you want to update the chip afterwards.

By the way, I realized that you can order microchips for free using a university account on samples.microchip.com... I said it would cost me a lot because I had used a Hotmail address to register.

 

[slacker99]

What about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/JDM-PIC12F629-Mini-Pro...1QQcmdZViewItem