==================================================
Wii Modding Information Guide
==================================================

Please post any corrections that need to be made or added. There is a Modchip comparison chart from Nintendo-scene as well.

************************************************** ********
IT IS HIGHLY SUGGESTED NEVER TO UPGRADE YOUR WII FIRMWARE FROM AN IMPORT GAME, AS IT COULD BREAK YOUR WII MENUS.
************************************************** ********

==================================================
Making Backups
==================================================

If you are looking to backup your Nintendo Wii games then use the LG GDR-8164B drive. The LG GDR-8164B is the original DVD-ROM drive available that will read Wii game discs allowing you to backup your original game disc. A list of other compatible drives can be found on the Afterdawn forums link provided by Lazerus1107.

DVD Drives for Wii & Gamecube Backups

If you don't already know Verbatim is one of the most all time recommended dvd-r's for making game backups. make sure you get Verbatim DVD-R 16x people say to burn them at 4x or 8x.

Here is a detailed Tutorial for making backups from Nintendo-scene.
http://wiki.nintendo-scene.com/index...ii_Disc_Backup

==================================================
Types of Chips
==================================================

First thing to know is the types of chips the Wii has and their compatibility.


GC2-DMS – so far no pins cut and are moddable
GC2R-D2A – so far no pins cut and are moddable
GC2-D2B – found with/without pins cut but both are still moddable
GC2-D2C – so far no pins cut and only compatible with .: D2C MODCHIP :.
GC2-D1 – so far no pins cut and only compatible with .: D2C MODCHIP :.
GC2-D1A – so far no pins cut and only compatible with .: D2C MODCHIP :.

Nintendo-scene.com made a great F.A.Q. and Tracker:
WiiTracker F.A.Q by twistedsymphony - http://forums.nintendo-scene.com/ind...sg2440#msg1271
Search your Serial - Nintendo-Scene Wii Serial Tracker

==================================================
Mod Chips - ***Comparison chart***
==================================================

ARGON - :: InFeCtuS ::
.: D2C MODCHIP :.
The InFeCtuS Argon Wii is based on an Actel FPGA and programmable through a JTAG. It has the same features as the D2CKEY, but is externally programmable. The Wii firmware, WIIKTUS, requires 13-wires for D2C hardware. InFeCtuS sell an USB JTAG interface for updates.

Argon D2C Chip - The No Leg Install - All alternate via points 4 u! by boxxdr
Argon - No Leg Install - MaxConsole Forums



Availability: Available (Released in January 2008)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chiip - Main Page - Chiip-Wiki
A modchip created by Cadex, the first free Wii modchip to be released. The latest firmware, v0.9.1, supports features such as original game playback (Wii and GameCube), backups from the same and different regions (Wii and GameCube), Gamecube homebrew, DVR+R/DVD-R/DVD+RW ability without the need for bit-setting, DMS/D2A/D2B chipset ability. The firmware is designed to run on ATmega8L-8 and ATmega8-16 AVR chips.

Although the project claimed Open Source from the beginning and a code release has been announced[1], so far no source code has been released. With none of the announced updates to the web site and project data in several months, the project is likely to be considered abandonded, even though its last version remains available and operational.

Availability: Available (Released in 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cyclowiz V2 - CycloWiz - The first and only upgradable Wii modchip, shipping now!
The 2nd modchip to be released. The CycloWiz's firmware can be updated via DVD. PDF Manuals, Upgrade, Tools, Tutorials can be found on their website under support.

CycloWiz Perfect Switch Install Guide (Pics) by Kakkoii - CycloWiz Perfect Switch Install Guide (Pics) - MaxConsole Forums

New firmware (3.6 BETA) by Roxy Park
We have a new firmware in beta-test (V3.6) that seems to run "protected" games fine. Be warned that not all the chip features/setups where tested yet, so if you want a firmware that has been completely tested, please wait a few more days.
Download firmware 3.6 BETA



Availability: Available (Released in February, 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

d2ckey - Home - d2ckey
.: D2C MODCHIP :.
The only mod that works on a Wii with d2c chipset. D2CKey mod chip is specially designed for the D2C drives and as such it will NOT work on other models of Wii. Due to the number and types of soldering that the D2CKey needs (over 30 fine solder points), the team behind it advise that only people with considerable soldering experience install the chip.

Metroidz Modz D2Pro Review - D2Ckey Review

Installation Guide - Resources - d2ckey



Availability: Available (Released in October, 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

d2pro - d2pro : Home
.: D2C MODCHIP :.
Another D2C modchip by the d2ckey creators. d2pro is now confirmed to be region free with the addition of 4 wires. So, we basically have 3 'modes' now: 19 wires (region free mode, rock solid), 15 wires (standard mode, rock solid), 13 wires (lite mode, a little shaky!).

Metroidz Modz D2Pro Review - D2Pro Review



Availability: Available (Released in February, 2008)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Duowii - DuoModchip.com - Team Omega
This modchip for the Nintendo Wii has features including upgrades, Wii & GC backups, GC homebrew and more! A quicksolder pattern on the PCB board removes the need for wires. All you need to do us solder onto the designated parts and you're finished. This ModChip also has features including Stealth Mode, the ability to play both WII and Gamecube backups, GameCube homebrew and imports.

Installation Guide - Untitled Document



Availability: Available

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Openwii - openWii.org
The first GPL-licensed (as of 2.01) open source modchip. Written in C. Source released before binaries. OpenWii was the first open-source modchip to support firmware updates via DVD.

Availability: Available

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wasabi - Wasabi Wii Modchip - Compatible with DMS, D2A, D2B, D2C - Upgradable from DVD - Simply the best
.: D2C MODCHIP :.
The Wasabi team has announced their new mod for the Wii which is the first ever mod to work on all Wii revision from DMS to the latest D2C drives. It claims an easier install than any other chip for the D2C drive as it is only 9 wires, with three of them connected to a pin/via. It is also claimed it is as clean as DMS/D2b chips giving full control ove the drive's firmware with no dynamic pathcing needed.

Install Video of the Wasabi
Install Video of the latest and greatest modification for Wii - Wasabi - MaxConsole Forums



Availability: Available (Released in March, 2008)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WiiBuster - WiiBuster.com
WiiBuster modchip was the fifth modchip to be released. It has many of the same features but the modchip doesn't have a large number of users.

Availability: Available (Released in 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wi-ic - wiic(www.wi-ic.com)
The Wi-ic is capable of Wii and Gamecube backup play, supports multi-disc games, Gamecube import play with swapping, Gamecube homebrew play. Wii import and homebrew play is unconfirmed.

It has 5 wires that can be installed with a quick solder or gold-plated solder pads. Contains a failsafe update mechanism allowing it to recover from a failed update using the Disc Channel or Photo Channel which requires an extra wire to be soldered. An extra wire on the chip allows for a disabling of the chip to be used.



Availability: Available (Released in 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wiid - WiiD - Wii Drive Modchip
The Wii Drive Modchip or simply WiiD shares many similarities with the commercial modchips that preceded it. The WiiD, like its competitors, can also have its internal firmware updated via DVD. The upgrade process is rather primitive where the only indication of a complete firmware flash is a disc read error (DRE) screen. The WiiD supports all Wii and GC backups of the same region of the console and as of firmware v02 has become region free with most titles.

WIID Firmware v03 update - Fix Super Mario Galaxy error #001
Download Firmware v03

Developer support from The WiiD team is apparently slow or non existent as seen from this thread.
Wiid heads unite: Request Firmware - MaxConsole Forums



Availability: Available (Released in March, 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wiifree - http://psx-scene.com/forums/wiifree
Another Open source modchip for PIC 12F629, 12F675, 12F683, 16F628, and 16F628A chips. It is written in JalV2 and the source code is always released with the binary. It has all the functions of a regular commercial modchips but it's free. WiiFree is regularly updated and the latest version is 2.51b. To update WiiFree the chip needs to be reprogramed with a Pic Programmer.

You need an easy connect kit to install them.
Easyconnectkit - Wii Free Easy Connect

Availability: Available

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WiiJii PIC 12F629 Test Kit - WiiJiiChip.com
A PIC-based kit made for easy Install into any project requireing a PIC 12F629. The Kit Includes a Pic 12F629 chip mounted on circuit board, an external header that gets wired in, and a JDM programer. Programming software is available on the site and works with any JDM programer that supports the 12F629.

Availability: Available (Released in May 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wiikey - WiiKey.cn :: Official Site of the WiiKey Modchip

In early January 2008, the official Wiikey website was taken offline, and has remained offline since then. This has led many to believe that the modchip was abandoned by the development team. It has been reported that the team stated they were forced to take the site offline as a result of multiple hackers targeting the site, and it became unmaintainable. Development on the WiiKey would supposedly continue, however.

The WiiKey has, for the most part, the same features as the CycloWiz, except the WiiKey is a lot smaller. It is updated with a DVD. Installation diagrams, Update and recovery disc images, and Setup disc images can be found on their website under resources.

Guides for WiiKey wired installation, Soldering with pins cut, Modding guide by thecheekymonkey
http://www.eurasia.nu/modules.php?na...wnload&cid=124

Wiikey Super Mario Galaxy beta fix guide by Deeked
Download 1.9g-beta

Wiikey Config Disc 1.9s
Download cfg 1.9s



Availability: Available (Released in February, 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wiinja - interstate
The first announced Modchip for the Wii. Supports playback of backup discs but only in the format of its own region. The Wiinja Deluxe, released on February 26, can upgrade and play imports.

* Non Swap/Direct Boot
* Boots Own Region Wii Backups Directly
* Boots Own Region Gamecube Backups Directly
* Boots All NTSC JAP/USA on NTSC Wii
* Boots NTSC Backups/Originals on PAL Wii Partially
* Boots PAL Backups/Originals on NTSC Wii Partially
* Boots Directly Gamecube Original/Backups Imports Partially
* Boots All Gamecube Import Backups by SWAP
* Supports all the Wii Versions/Drive currently available
* D2B Drive Support and Improved Read Method (No DRE)
* AudioFix,Multidisc, Multigames & Viper Multigames
* Easy Soldering & Remove / 5 Wires+Optional RESET
* Support DVD-R/DVD+R & DVD+RW/DVD-RW without Booktype
* Universal EUROPE/USA/JAPAN Wii Console Supported
* Hardware Disable Option Using Pin3+SW2 (Poweron+Reset)
* Stealth Mode
* Recovery Mode for Bad Upgrade
* Upgradeable by DVD/Internet

WIINJA DELUXE & WIINJA DELUXE LIMITED EDITION Upgrade 4 Released *FIXED*!! - Download
Adds SUPER MARIO GALAXY Error 001 Support,Improves DVD9 and rest of medias reading.



Availability: Available (Released in January, 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wiip - TCNiSO Embedded Development Assembly Experts
Open source, OpenWii AVR-based mod chip design. Gerber files available. [2] Note: All Wiip material is currently unvailable from official site as of September 17, 2007 with the explanation: "All content has been removed pending a copyright review."

Availability: Unavailable

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wiip2 - Team Xecuter
In June 2007, Team Xecuter announced the "Wiip2" modchip to remedy several hardware related shortcomings of the original "Wiip" project. Their web site featured a thorough description, discussions and prototype pictures, however, by now all Wiip2-related material and forum threads as well as the pre-order possibility have been removed from their web site.



Availability: Unavailable

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WiiRez - wiirez.com
Another drive chip for the Wii. The installation of this chip is moderately different as the chip is grounded on two points, and requires a separate wire to be soldered for the update function. Also, it requires ANOTHER wire to be installed if the user desires to play multi disk games. This is the first modchip to have a quick solder option, but require wires to be installed for multidisk functionality. The installation is difficult, and the functions are less than par.



Availability: Available

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wlip - Wlip
A Spanish company has debuted a solderless adapter for use with PIC based Wii mods such as open source chips. The retail price of the adapter alone is 24.95 Euro's with nothing else include and the team promise it will take just a few minutes to install.



Availability: Unavailable

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yaosm - http://psx-scene.com/forums/yaosm
A free PIC-based modchip writtin in GCBasic. It started as a rewrite of the popular WiiFree and it was the first modchip to use automatic region configuration. It's always released with source code and precompiled hex files for a wide range of suitable PIC chips (12F629, 12F635, 12F675, 12F683, 16F627, 16F627A, 16F628, 16F628A, 16F630, 16F636, 16F639, 16F648A, 16F676 and 16F684.)

It's also the only available modchip (as of April 30) that allows one to configure and choose between two different speed settings.

Super Mario Galaxy and partial Action Replay support
Download Yaosm 1.9

You need an easy connect kit to install them.
Easyconnectkit - Wii Free Easy Connect



Availability: Available (Released in April 2007)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yowii - Best Wii Modchip - Program Yaosm, WiiFree, and other Mod Chip Codes
Yowii now comes pre-flashed with Yaosm 2.0. It's also 100% compatible with WiiFree and other codes. It offers quick solder install or 5 wire install. The 5 wires are attached to a plug which then plugs into a connector on the chip. The same connector is also used for programming the chip and the wire is long enough to attach the chip externally.

Tutorials for Yowii chip installation
Disassemble the Wii
Yowii Quicksolder install guide
Yowii internal wire install guide
Yowii external wire install guide

Tutorial for JDM Programmer
Programming the Yowii modchip
Programming the Yowii modchip with winpic800



Availability: Available

==================================================
Utility Programs
==================================================

Trucha Signer 0.2
This program let you extracts files, replace files, and insert a "trucha signature" in a Wii disc partition, the source data could be an ISO image or just be read straight from a DVD drive (backup copies).
Download Trucha Signer 0.2

This program requieres the "common key" available in a Keyset in the window registry (use the example Keyset provide as a template and add keys on it).
Use this key searcher to extract your keys from the system update WADs present in a Wii ISO.
Key finder encuntra claves @ ElOtroLado.net

RegionFrii v1.21 ~ compatibility chart ~
an application which is used to patch Wii games in a bid to make them playable on foreign region consoles. The update allows you to see more information on the title you are patching, includes injection/extraction functionality and more. RegionFrii should be used if you don't have a modchip that patches your game on the fly, and your playing a game thats not from your region.
Download RegionFrii v1.21

WiiBrickBlocker v1.3R2
Software that enables you to patch an Iso file before you burn it. A Wii DVD consists of 3 partitions, one of them is the update. The WBB modifies these partitions and replaces one of them without any update. You just have to choose your Iso file, and click Patch, it only takes 30sec... After that you can burn your Iso and the game will launch without an update so you will be able to play your import game. To run, the WiiBrickBlocker needs the .NET Framework 2.0 module. You only need to use WiiBrickBlocker when you are using a game that is not from your region that has an update. An update from a foreign region will semi brick your Wii, which can fixed by using an update from your own region.
Download WiiBrickBlocker v1.3R2

WiiScrubber v1.0
Drastically reduce sizes are Wii ISO with WiiScrubb v1.0
It removes all garbage data from wii isos and fills it with 00s for better compression.
Wii Sports = 100mb, Excite Truck = 900mb the list goes on.
Download WiiScrubber v1.0

==================================================
Other useful Info
==================================================

Guide: How to disassemble the Wii by Divineo.se/Console.se
step 7.2 they don't mention the 4 screws that hold the unit down to the board
Download

Wii mod compatability thread by AceMilo
Wii mod compatability thread - MaxConsole Forums

HOWTO: Wii Internal Gamecube Memory Card Mod by foobar2k
Wii Internal Memory Card Mod - MaxConsole Forums

HOWTO: Fix dead drive that doesnt eject/insert discs by slaskhink
HOWTO: Fix dead drive that doesnt eject/insert discs - MaxConsole Forums

Selfbooting Multi-Emu-Disc for Wii by Rudi Rastelli
Selfbooting Multi-Emu-Disc for Wii (SNES & NES & GBA) - MaxConsole Forums

N64 emu on wii – tutorial by jakefell
N64 emu on wii - tutorial - MaxConsole Forums

Wii Maintenance Mode by FiJ
Wii Maintenance Mode - MaxConsole Forums

:smile:

__________________

i have just phoned and spoke to someone at this web site below and they have the WiiKey in stock and deliver world wide.

UK CUSTOMERS WE OFFER FREE DELIVERY ON EVERY ORDER! (WORLDWIDE SHIPPING TO ANY COUNTRY OUTSIDE THE UK IS JUST £3.95)


Nintendo Wii Chip Mod Services | Wiikey | D2CPro | D2CKEY | UK Based |

hope this gets you a key jerry

If you know of any other web site please post for others