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Week of September 29, 2002
FanCbox v.25 released
>> From xboxdeveloper:
[QUOTE]
Changes: Added support for EvolutionX 2.0-2.2 bioses, and a splitter, so once you patch, it will do a 256k or 512k cut for you. And some internal stuff.
[/QUOTE]
Download: here (without bios , just the win32 tool)
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(Saturday 05 October 2002 18:29 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
China-Messiah quits the Xbox modchip-scene
>> From china-messiah.com :
[QUOTE]
We will no longer be supporting X-Box modchips, and have removed Messiah-X from our available device list. This move is due to changes in the X-Box design which causes incompatibilities, and also the many currently available X-Box chip designs such as X-ecutor, Xodus, Pandora, Enigmah etc. etc. provide more required functions, and hence are more popular. We have no interest in further X-Box modchip development at this time.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 05 October 2002 14:45 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-S Dupe DB Complete
>> The database is now complete, it has a whole new look and in packed with 400+ releases. Enjoy!
(Any comments are welcome at syrus@xbox-scene.com or the forums :))
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(Saturday 05 October 2002 04:53 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Former DrinkOrDie Member Chris Tresco Answers
>> Maybe a bit offtopic , but a very interesting article on slashdot.
10 questions answered by Chris Tresco from Drink Or Die after the big scene bust last year.
Check it out here.
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(Saturday 05 October 2002 04:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-S Dupe DB
>> As you may have noticed, the dupe database has not been updated for a few days now. This is due to a new DB being made :)
The new DB should be done shortly, we're just finishing up some last minute things, so stay tuned :)
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(Saturday 05 October 2002 00:22 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBox FBA Port (A.K.A FBAx) Beta1
>> From nfo:
[QUOTE]
Ported from the windows version by TMaul and Lantus. Do not bug the authors of FBA for windows about the Xbox version as they won't know what you are on about.
Supports Toaplan2 and Capcom CPS 1/2 hardware
Known Issues
============
Some stuff that is not finished: mostly internal code structure, etc. The code is a mess in places.
Future versions
===============
Possible enhancements in future versions will include:
Changable rom directories.
RGB + scanline effects
Cheat dialog
Dip switch dialog
other stuff ?!?
[/QUOTE]
Download: n/a (build with MS SDK)
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(Friday 04 October 2002 21:07 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
128MB RAM Xbox
>> Dysfunction managed to install an extra 64MB RAM in his Xbox.
You can read his thread on the XboxHacker.net BBS here.
[QUOTE]
I now have a 128MB Xbox, I've verified the addional memory with some code I wrote, I can allocate/test 121MB of RAM, no problems, BUT, isnt there always a BUT:
1. Applications need to be compiled such that the 64MB memory limit flag needs to be NOT set.
2. You must have the debug BIOS loaded onto the board, the machine will work/boot OK but you wont see the additional 64MB
[/QUOTE]
read the full thread here.
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(Friday 04 October 2002 01:17 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xodus Programmer Schematics
>> The Xodus guys released the Programmer Schematics as required by GPL.
(Numbut's CheapLPC was released under GPL).
Check it out here if you are interested.
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(Thursday 03 October 2002 15:48 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Lik-Sang taken down by MS ?
>> From CNet news.com :
[QUOTE]
Microsoft appears to have shut down one of the world's largest distributors of "mod chips"--gray-market add-ons that allow Microsoft's Xbox and other video game consoles to play pirated games.
A representative in Microsoft's Australian subsidiary confirmed that the company has taken legal action against Hong Kong-based Lik Sang.
Lik Sang representatives could not be reached for comment, and Microsoft attorneys were unavailable to explain the exact nature of the legal action.
Though mod chips have bothered the video game business for years, Microsoft has been particularly zealous in fighting them. The company reconfigured the Xbox's innards partly to deter hackers and has sought to hire a mod chip expert.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to Jippy for mailing me this info.
Read the full article here.
There are also some very interesting discussions about this on SlashDot
Note that we received other (unconfirmed) information why lik-sang went down (not MS related). So we are not sure this news.com information is 100% correct.
We hope to receive more news soon.
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(Thursday 03 October 2002 15:17 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Updated tutorials
>> SniperKilla fully updated his great "Flashing The Xbox’s TSOP" tutorial.
Check it out here.
Superfro did a small update of his "Connecting a LG DRD-8160B as a replacement DVD-Rom, with full functionality" tutorial.
Check it out here.
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(Thursday 03 October 2002 03:53 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New Tutorial
>> HondaXbox sent us a new useful tutorial :
"Splitting a 1024kb bios into 256kb"
Check it out here
If you have a tutorial you want to share with us , or if you have a request for a new tutorial ... please contact us.
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(Wednesday 02 October 2002 00:05 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xodus Xbox-Scene review
>> Here's my review of the Xodus/Matrix Modchip.
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) : here
-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)
Buy now the NO WIRES & NO SOLDER Xodus/MatriX modchip from easybuy2000 (the official reseller) for $59 (WorldWide Shipping).
Special promotions:
*if you buy 3 you get FREE overnight shipping
*if you buy 10 you get 30% off.
Official Xodus website : xodus-chip.com
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(Tuesday 01 October 2002 23:13 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xodus/Matrix is here!
>> We just received the Xodus/Matrix sample from easybuy2000.
Here are a few pictures of the first No Solder & No Wires modchip for Xbox.
The Full Package : Modchip , Programmer & Washer  The Xodus/Matrix Modchip  The Programmer (to flash the modchip with a bios)  The Modchip connected to the Programmer  The bottom of the modchip (with pins) 
We will try to install the modchip asap and we'll post a review soon.
Buy now the NO WIRES & NO SOLDER Xodus/MatriX for $59 (WorldWide Shipping).
Official Xodus website : xodus-chip.com
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(Monday 30 September 2002 18:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Pandora V2 alias Aladdin news
>> We didn't hear any info about the Pandora2 the last few weeks , but they finally posted more info.
It looks like they are using the same solder-system as X-ecuter , but with only 1chip on the pcb (like Numbnut's Cheapmod design).
[QUOTE]
Only 1 Wire to Solder for quick installation
3.3V for increased stability
Plays All Original Games Including Imports
Plays all Personal Backups (All Media)
Plays All unsigned code & Modified XBE's (Custom code)
Universal Design- Plays On PAL/USA/JAP Consoles
Bios Detection (More stable)
Region Free DVD
Macrovison Off
DVD Reset
Eject Trick (Software version)
HDD Swap for Evolution X
Compatible with all version of Evolution-X
[/QUOTE]
Official webpage: pandorachip.com
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(Monday 30 September 2002 14:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
CPS and CPS2 on Xbox
>> XboxHacker.net posted information that Final Burn , an emulator for CPS and CPS2 hardware , will be ported to Xbox!
For more information & pre-release screenshots , check xboxhacker.net
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(Monday 30 September 2002 03:02 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Blue Xbox startup logo Mod
>> rekcah2000a released a small hack of the Evox 2.4/2.5 BIOS.
[QUOTE]
This zip containts 2 bios :
Evx2.4.colormod(blue).bin
Evx2.5.colormod(blue).bin
This is the EvolutionX 2.4 and 2.5 bios with Blue Xbox startup logo
[/QUOTE]
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(Monday 30 September 2002 00:51 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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