Wii Mod

Description

This mod follows a similar pattern to that of the GameCube Mod. The chip directly interfaces with the Wii, changing the running memory to allow backups. Unlike the previous mod, this will require an incredible level of soldering prowess to complete successfully. I'll also be programming my own chip using the YAOSM∞ software.

Process

After disassembling my Wii, I realized that the original unit I purchased had the updated D2C chip and would require a 30+ point solder job... something I'm not comfortable with. Instead, I purchased a used Wii from Gamestop and swapped the drives - First ensuring that the used unit would behave properly with the D2C drive. I then proceeded to mod the used Wii's Drive - a D2B with cut drive pins. I was forced to file down the protective black coating on the drive chip after the contact lifted from one of the missing feet. This was probably due to the overheated soldering iron. Three hours later, the drive looked like this:

Stupidity causes problems

I opted to test the drive prior to actually attaching the mod chip to ensure that I didn't screw things up. I started the Wii with a Genuine Raving Rabbids Disc in the drive. The disc spun up, clicked, then clicked again and spun down. Going to the Wii Disc Channel would result in a "Disc unreadable" error. I reconnected the drive and tried again. No change. I looked over my solder points for bridges, but nothing was bridged. Tried again... no change. I searched online, and couldn't find anything addressing this particular symptom. I talked to my old roommate who modded his own Wii successfully, but this didn't sound familiar to him either. He asked if the drive ever worked... and that's when I realized I had never tested the un-altered drive.

I removed all the wires, undoing 3 hours of work and tried again. No change - still the "Disc unreadable". Eventually I realized that the disc was upside down. I flipped it and all was good. The drive could read Wii discs, but not backups.

Success!

The following day I spent an additional 2 hours working on re-doing my previous solder job. The wires were attached and tested by Sunday evening. I finished attaching the +3.3v and Ground wires on Monday evening and Tuesday I programmed the YAOSM chip with the latest version of mod software. Tuesday evening, I attached a temporary socket and plugged in my mod chip. SUCCESS!! I then spent approx. four hours getting the final socket mounted to the exterior of the Wii. I marked the location of the 8 legs of the socket on the Wii and drilled 8 holes with a 1/64" bit to allow the legs to fit for an exterior mount. The legs of the socket were not long enough to reach through the Wii case and through the PCB, so I ended up using my Dremel to sand down the Wii case and PCB. This wasn't fully successful and I had to use solder to extend the legs.

Finalizing Process

The final mount job was completed at aprox. 10:30pm. Pics below.