What's in the easybuy2000 package:
-The Modchip
-The Programmer
-a Washer
What you need to install it:
-a v1 Xbox (build prior August 2002)
-a BIOS/Kernel
-a TORX 10
-a TORX 20
-a 9V battery
-milk (flashsofware for win32 and linux)
-the xodus installation guide : here
-good illumination in the room
-concentration ;)
First let's check what they advertise
:
*No Wires : true
*No Solder : true
*No technical experience needed at all : true
*Flash upgradeable (with programmer - included) : true
*All bios features currently available on competing "mods"
(can use any bios) : true , no bios is included in the package
thought. (but this is a good thing 'cause it keeps the Xodus/Matrix
legal)
1. Flash the Modchip:
I got no problems at all with this step. I connected the modchip
with the programmer and the programmer with my PC (via LTP port).
Downloaded milk (available for win32 & linux) and got a 256k
bios/kernel image.
I ran "wmilk -c -a ffc00000 -v -p mybios.bin" ... and
it flashed the chip first , then it did an error-checking.
Flashing the modchip is slower then with openxbox/pc-bioxx ...
it takes about 2mins. (for 256k)
You can only flash 256k-images , but all 'normal' bios/kernel
releases (all evox , x-ecuter , enigmah , xtender , ...) are 256k
so it's not a problem for normal users.
If the bios you got is 1MB , don't worry ... it's 4x the same
bios. Just split it in 4 parts and use the last part to flash.
Only those who need a devbox bios/kernel (512k) will need to find
another modchip.
The modchip is also flashable via Xbox software , but the software
isn't released yet , so at this moment you have to flash it with
the Programmer connected to a PC.
Also important is that the modchip has a "Xbox-flashing protection"
, only in "Writing mode" (mode4) it will be possible
to flash the modchip via xbox.
2.Install the Modchip:
Opened my xbox and removed the dvd so I could easily access the
LPC points.
To be honnest : I had to try several times till I got a green
led after fixing the screw , but once you get used to it you can
install it in 10secs.
The risk while installating it is very low , all you have to take
care of is to ground yourself before the installation (duh) &
not to scratch the motherboard while moving the chip.
Remove the screw near the LPC and put the washer on it. Then put
the Xodus on the motherboard and put the screw back.
Screw till about 50% and make sure the 3 holes match the 3 points
showed in the installation guide. It's easier to see if you point
a small light between the modchip & motherboard.
Power on your xbox and press on the pogo pins , if the led shows
red , move it very(!) slighty till you get a green light.
Keep the modchip into position and slowly screw till it's fixed.
Don't overtighten the screw , there's no need to anyway , once
it "feels harder to screw" the modchip is firmly fixed
into position.
3.Testing:
Put modchip into position2.
Xbox booted fine , flashed bios/kernel was active.
I tried to shake the xbox ... the modchip was still working fine
afterwards.
I managed to de-align the modchip by pushing with my fingers on
one of the sides of the modchip. But once again ... there is no
risk this would ever happen in 'reallife' ... the DVD-drive is
on top of the modchip , so there's no way something or someone
would push against the modchip.
The pins are gold plated , so there should be no corrosion.
POSITIVE:
+ Easiest Xbox modchip installation
+ No soldering , everyone can install this mod
+ Low risk installation
+ Legal (the tool itself atleast)
+ Flashable
+ Xbox-flashing protection
+ No need to take the xbox motherboard out of the case
+ Very easy to remove
NEGATIVE:
- Only 256k BIOS/Kernel (not a problem for normal users)
- Price ($59 is the most expensive xbox modchip , but you get
a quality modchip & Programmer ... compared to some PS2 modchips
it's still very reasonable)
(- Stability in the long term? - no problems whatsoever encountered
, only the future will show how stable these spring pins connections
are compared to normal soldered points)
Official xbox-scene website : www.xbox-scene.com