Satoshi Matrix

November 20, 2012

With CoinOps and a 750 GB harddrive, I really love my Xbox. It's the perfect all in one stop for me, and I find myself more and more just booting up CoinOps for console games rather than playing the original hardware.

But even so, there are problems I've noticed and reading around online some fixes I could possibly undertake.

I'd like to make my main Xbox preform as good as possible with three more mods.

Since this is a dedicated community of Xbox owners and hardware minded gamers, I'm hoping this will be a good place to ask.

subject 1:

80 mm fan

I've read that replacing the stock 40mm fan with an 80mm one will increase airflow and reduce the overall noise the fan produces. Some I've seen claim to be as quiet as 12 dB.

Have any of you replaced your stock fan? What is your experience? I'm thinking of going with this one: eBay Auction -- Item Number: 190674391169 1?ff3=2&pub=5574883395&toolid=10001&campid=5336500554&customid=&item=190674391169&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]

Is there any problem with using a 12v fan?

Subject 2:

80 pin Ultra ATA Ribbon

Another thing I've read about is that using an 80 pin IDE ribbon instead of the stock 40 pin reduces load times by about 25%. Others claim the bus isn't fast enough to cause any difference. Can anyone tell one way from the other? I've been thinking of getting one of these:

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 370692430377 1?ff3=2&pub=5574883395&toolid=10001&campid=5336500554&customid=&item=370692430377&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]

Is there any problem with going with this?

Subject 3:

128 MB RAM update

I've got a 1.3 Xbox that I've been debating about getting the 128 MB RAM upgrade done to.

Can the added ram be applied to any model Xbox from 1.0 to 1.5? (I know 1.6 removes the support) Once the extra RAM is soldered, is there any specific process to be done to activate the RAM or will XBMC and other programs simply recognize it right away?

I've heard that CoinOps uses the extra RAM. Will games like Dead or Alive arcade function with it? I'm not planning on upgrading the CPU, at least not yet. Just the RAM. What effect does it have in CoinOps?

Will the extra RAM have any effect - positively or negatively - on normal Xbox games?

Thanks in advance.

November 19, 2012

That's your choice, but you ought to learn to solder on your own. Soldering is a very handy skill when dealing with electronics. It allows you to make modifications, your own circuit designs, all sorts of things. You really shouldn't avoid a mod as simple as this.

November 17, 2012

As I said on Famicom World....

Using a soldering iron isn't rocket science. it's simply a iron that heats a point of metal that then melts a metallic-like substance called solder. You don't need to spend much - a standard 6watt soldering iron and a small spool of solder should cost no more than $10-15 altogether.

Before you being to fix try out soldering on junk electronics - go to a thrift store and buy a crap radio, vcr, whatever. Or ask relatives, friends, neighbours, whatever it takes. With some junk electronics, you can learn how to solder effectively. The general rule is that less is always better. You don't want to apply too much solder.

Also, look up youtube videos. There's plenty of teaching tools online so you really don't need to be too afraid of soldering.

All that said, don't be an idiot - the key solder in soldering iron is iron. If you are absent minded, you can easily give yourself a nasty burn, destroy what your working on, or even cause an electrical fire. Remember, safety first. I don't want to hear you ended up in hospital because you lit your hair on fire or something

Seriously though, just be careful, gain some basic skills working on junk electronics first and this mod will be a breeze. Remember not to apply the solder in the brightly lit parts of that image as those are the actual contacts that go into the system. You don't want solder in there.

November 16, 2012

I'll have to get around to this, as it seems a pretty popular request. The problem is I can only take post mod pics - I'd need another Super 8 to take photos of.

November 14, 2012

Well it's designed for the Super Famicom/Euro SNES shape. The boxy US and SuFami Jr designs will make it unstable. Go to a hardware store and get rubber feet for the bottom and make it as level as possible.

November 12, 2012

There will be more of these in the future. This is just the beginning.

November 12, 2012

I'm a little confused as to why there's a market for GBA clones at all. The GBA isn't that old, the GBA SP is a superior design to these exposed screen handhelds, most GBA games are very cheap to buy used, and you can play them on a tv via the GameCube GBA Player.

If you want something that emulates GBA in a portable, why not simply go with a modded PSP? That route you get a far bigger screen along with emulation for many other systems.

November 12, 2012

Well, the more important mod you want to do is add in the capacitor to reduce jailbars, but this one is pretty simple too. As far as I am aware, there are at least three revisions of the Super 8, and I would doubt they all require the same fixes.

Just do a visual check and add solder to the pins that have physical disconnects. Make sure you don't add solder too low or else it will interfere with the connection to the system, and you don't want that at any cost. Be smart about it, and also be careful. From the looks of it, you could easily damage or even break the pin connector. It wasn't designed to be accessed by the end-user.

Keep in mind that it is often the case where you're better off removing the Super 8 when you're just playing SNES or SFC games.

November 11, 2012

Ah. So it's got something to do with the bios. How exactly do I reflash the bios? Auto Installer Deluxe?

I just want the fan speed to be something more reasonable. I've never heard of anyone's original Xbox overheating, so I have no idea why the previous owner would have set up his system with such a high fan speed.

Is the constant LED cycling also caused by the weird fan speed? How do I fix that?

November 11, 2012

I just picked up a nice original Xbox locally that's been modchipped and given a 320 GB harddrive. It boots to XBMC, has sizable F: and G: partitions and even with controllers, component cables, and two USB to Xbox adapters.

However, there is an annoying problem. Whenever the system initiates a program such as an emulator or runs a disc, the fan speed goes CRAZY.

I can configure XBMC to override the fan speed to a constant 20%, but something - perhaps the modchip - is interfering with that, causing the fan speed to be more like 70%, which is extremely loud. In addition, whenever the fan speed issue arises, the system also cycles the eject LEDs from green to red to orange and then repeating. This is not as annoying as the fan speed issue, but I've been unable to change this either.

Some info if it helps:

When the system boots, the Xbox logo is orange, and instead of saying "Microsoft", it says "BOXX DR"

Originally softmodded using the mech assault 1 save exploit

Revision: 1.2 or 1.3

Modchip: DuoX 2 GS

Detected BIOS: X2 5035 137gb+

Kernel Version: 1.0.5035.1

dashboards installed: M$, XBMC, Avalaunch, UnleashX

I'm not really that knowledged in Xbox troubleshooting, as the Xbox I've had for years and years has never had issues related to the fan speed.

Anyone know how I can solve this fan speed issue? I already have gone through XBMC to override it to a constant 20%, but any time I'm not in XBMC because I've launched a program or game, the fan returns to its very loud 70% state.

Would I be better off installing another fan? I've read about 80mm fans that produce as little sound as 15dB.

thanks.

November 6, 2012

I'm a big fan of CoinOps, and would like to use my own custom tracks for the background music, but unforutnetely the files need to be in .wma format. I use a mac, and I've been compeltely unable to find any sort of mp3 or wav to the .wma format that CoinOps reads.

First I tried using the online service Zamzar.com, but XBMC can't read it and CoinOps crashes when it tries to run .wma files from there.

Next I asked a friend to convert a few files. AGAIN, problems. This time XBMC plays these files perfectly, but CoinOps only plays the first two seconds and then repeats those two seconds on an endless loop! GAHH!

So I'd like to ask someone who can convert .wav files to CoinOps ready .wma to please convert a few custom tracks. CoinOps only supports 16 tracks I'm told, so I hope it's not too much to ask.

I've zipped and uploaded the files in three parts.

http://www.mediafire.com/file/hvb11d1tbi074oc/wma_conversion_part1.zip

http://www.mediafire.com/file/tz538dc3zbdzm5b/wma_conversion_part2.zip

http://www.mediafire.com/file/fybk4duzbuk50su/wma_conversion_part3.zip

Thanks!

November 2, 2012

The thinking back, kids these days take for granted that their handhelds have vivid backlit screens on handhelds with rechargeable batteries. They have no concept of playing on a non back lit system that when your batteries died, that meant you couldn't play anymore until you went to the store.

November 1, 2012

Most of my early memories of the GBC are dominated ironically by two NON color games that came out that year - Pokemon Red and Blue.

October 31, 2012

The Wikipedia launch dates on several of the Game Boy Color titles was wrong. Super Mario Deluxe was a Game Boy Color launch title. I should know, because I recieved Super Mario Deluxe, Tetris DX, and Wario Land II along with shiny new translucent purple Game Boy Color for Christmas in December 1998, shortly after launch. I remember playing them all through Spring semester as a senior in high school. I graduated in May 16th 1999, and I remembered playing the crap out of my Game Boy Color during spring semester while I should have been doing homework. If the Wikipedia date is to be believed, then why do I have memories of playing it at school?

You simply are remembering wrong. Mario DX definitely wasn't a launch title. It didn't come out until mid 1999, and was one of the first major GBC games to ONLY work with the GBC and not the GB or SGB.

In fact, from PocketGamer magazine:

SMB DX:

US/CAN release date: May 01, 1999

Europe: June 10, 1999

Japan: March 01, 2000

So there's no way you played it in 1998.

October 31, 2012

Only if you like that annoying scrolling when you push up or down.

Well, that's a limitation due to the GBC's screen resolution not matching the Famicom. Once you get used to know it runs, the limitation won't bother you anymore. It's like when people complain that the Sonic games for GameGear are impossible to play vs the Master System versions. It's only true for the first little bit.

The GBC release isn't anything amazing. It's a straight port with just a handful of additions added to the mix (Most of which are pointless). The only thing you're really missing out on was the ability to save in SMB and a fun multiplayer mode. But saving isn't terribly important in SMB and the multiplayer mode isn't something I suspect most people ever got much mileage out of to begin with. I don't even remember thinking much of the Boo racing mode they added. And the version of the the Japanese sequel that's unlockable was pretty shoddy.

I cannot agree with this. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe is a more fully featured version of Super Mario Bros. ever released, and the additional content puts the GBA's Mario Advance games to shame. The core game [and hidden one] in fact are NOT ports. They both exhibit physics tweaks, pallet corrections, and numerous bug fixes. Mario DX has battery backed saving, the ability to play as Luigi as player 1, an interesting score attack mode with hidden red coins and a yoshi egg in every stage, and hey, did I mention it's also got the full version of Super Mario Bros. 2? It also has an extremely clever multiplayer race, the hi-score table from Vs Super Mario Bros. and admittingly some weird stuff like a 12 month calendar that can up to the year 3000, a fortune telling mini game, GameBoy Printer support and other weird little things like that.

Overall, Super Mario Bros. Deluxe is not only better than any of the other ports, I'd say it's probably also the best Mario platformer to grace any system called GameBoy. In comparison, the Famicom Mini versions of both SMB1 and SMB2 are just quickly slapped together ports of the original games for the fast buck. In terms of history, it would have been cool if Nintendo released a version of Mario DX for the GBA to make use of the greater resolution, but even still, the GBC version kicks ass.

October 29, 2012

Here's your reason:

With Mario DX already existing, there was absolutely no point to port SMB1 to to the GBA. The Famicom Mini release was made to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Famicom.

Go buy yourself Mario DX. It's easily better and more fully featured than any of the Mario Advance ports.

October 25, 2012

What I can promise is a fair and total assessment of the entire library for the GB/GBC. Exactly where everything to plan is yet to be seen.

October 25, 2012

Well, you'll definitely see my talk about Donkey Kong '94 somewhere along the road, but it won't necessarily be in the top 10. My opinions have changed somewhat since I did my original top 25 list. All of those games will reappear on this much expanded one, but they won't be in the same order. You should know that since I put Star Trek 25th in the 90s where before it was in the 20s.

In any case, you're in for many more surprises.

October 25, 2012

Hey long time no see, Top 100 GB thread!

Time FINALLY to unveil part 3, #80-71! enjoy! Hopefully the next part won't take as long.

http://satoshimatrix.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/top-100-gameboy-games-80-71/

October 24, 2012

The clone is based on the Famicom, and the Famicom doesn't have the signals to begin with for Player 2 Start and Select. They simply do not exist. Instead, the signal is for the Microphone, which is unused by the Super 8.

Battletoads, like on every other clone, crashes on stage 2.

The Super 8 does produce DPCM.

October 24, 2012

Mayflash Xbox to PS2 Adapter

Mayflash NES/SNES to Wii Adapter 2.0

Dream Connection II Adapter Review

NES and SNES RetroPorts review

Gamecube to N64 Adapter Review

Modified Mayflash NES/SNES to Wii adapter

October 24, 2012

For a while now, I've started a few review series on my youtube channel. Among them is a series I call the Adapter Factor.

This series aims to showcase the best controller adapters out there that allow you to use game controllers designed for one console on a completely different one. For those unfamiliar, there are a dizzying array of these adapters, and not all of them work as well as promised. Therefore, I review as many as possible to ensure others can make informed decisions when choosing adapters.

Here's a collection of my current reviews. You can expect more of these such reviews in the future, so stay tuned! If there's anything you'd particularly like me to cover, let me know and I'll try to get around to it. Of course, I can only review adapters I own.

Mayflash Universal Adaper for 360/PS3/PS2/USB Review

Super NES to Super Famicom Adapter Review

[image coming soon]

homemade SNES to NES and NES to SNES Controller Adapters

Tototek PS2 to SNES Adapter Review

41BGdRFW-%2BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Game Elements PS2 to Xbox/GC Universal Control Pad Converter Review

October 23, 2012

another day, another video!

This time it's the SGB Commander for the Super Famicom/SNES.

October 22, 2012

Hori Real Arcade Pro 2 SA [PS2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roIa9SC6LKk

Super Hori Commander [sFC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWcNpGP-J54

SNES & SFC Controller Differences

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIorZopj4SY

22210431-260x260-0-0_Logitech+CDLS+PRECISION+CONTROLLER+2+4GH+XBOX+CDLS.jpg

Logitech Cordless Precision Xbox Controller [Xbox]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNMjsaVYZdo

cordless-precision-controller-for-playstation-3-1vbs-460.jpg

Logitech Wireless Precision PS2 Controller [PS2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKkGWYg7G9A

October 22, 2012

For a while now, I've started a few review series on my youtube channel. Among them is a series I call the Controller Chronicles, named of course after the long running public broadcast of yesteryear, The Computer Chronicles.

This series aims to showcase the best gaming controllers on the market with some thoughts on their design, performance and pricing. You can expect more of these such reviews in the future, so stay tuned! If there's anything you'd particularly like me to cover, let me know and I'll try to get around to it. Of course, I can only review controllers I own.

The newest entry in this series is the HoriPad Mini 64.

Video review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rft8c7nW3A

Previous reviews:

Hori Pocket [PS1/PS2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnI27j2MLoU

Nyko Kama Wireless Nunchuck [Wii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtC-OWpVwzw

HipGear Xbox ScreenPad [Xbox]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ND_FGGNp0

415J8GUp-KL._SL500_AA300_.jpg