Bowlsnapper Posted June 19, 2023 Report Share Posted June 19, 2023 On 6/19/2023 at 2:59 AM, nikeymikey said: I still have an X3 installed with an Xapt3r.. Still going strong. Was my first hardmod back in the 00's I remember the Xapt3r. I considered it back in 2004 when I got my X3, and I was like, "nah, FUCK that." Lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 7 hours ago, Dempsey_86 said: I don't think so. I also think you need to be careful with bigger pads that you don't have contact with the via's around the chip. Do we even need the pads on the underside? I did these flex cables designs over a year ago. From what I can remember... I thought that pads on the underside didn't really make scenes to me. We only solder the top side... If I remove them then we could do without the vias. If continue with pads on both sides I will need to reduce the via size, which in turn will make the cable more expensive... Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 Also when I got these made the manufacturer insisted that we plate the castellated holes on the edge of the pads. I just wanted to get the ball moving so I agreed... I don't think it was a good idea... Looking at it now, pad length definitely needs to be reduced. And via size if we continue to go with pads on both sides. Reduce size and remove plating on castellated holes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixspeed Posted June 20, 2023 Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 @NeMesiS loaded question for you - reading back through your posts on the HDMI adapter, it seems that you’re pretty much close to completion, ya? Is it feasible that we’ll see a finished connector from you in the near future? Really excited to hopefully see another option come together possibly. Also, do you have any way for us that can’t directly help, support your work/time? cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 I actually suffer from Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) So I'm going to need you guys to tell me when to chill out. Is the above QSB good enough? I still think the hole for the capacitor could be moved upwards by about 0.4 to 0.6mm Otherwise I'm pretty happy with the design. For this design I will improve it but that's just an example of the little things I fuss about. Much of what I fuss about it the over appearance. I put alot of time into making things look good. Often way too much time... I've done two versions of the HDMI mod but am just not liking the overall look of it. Plus I hadn't fully decided how to go about connectivity which I might just use JST-SH connectors for everything and do without solder pads... I might just go 4-layer PCB design which will give me more design options and less headaches. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnie-Burger Posted June 20, 2023 Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 41 minutes ago, NeMesiS said: I actually suffer from Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) So I'm going to need you guys to tell me when to chill out. Is the above QSB good enough? I still think the hole for the capacitor could be moved upwards by about 0.4 to 0.6mm Otherwise I'm pretty happy with the design. For this design I will improve it but that's just an example of the little things I fuss about. Much of what I fuss about it the over appearance. I put alot of time into making things look good. Often way too much time... I've done two versions of the HDMI mod but am just not liking the overall look of it. Plus I hadn't fully decided how to go about connectivity which I might just use JST-SH connectors for everything and do without solder pads... I might just go 4-layer PCB design which will give me more design options and less headaches. I think it looks really good as is. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowlsnapper Posted June 20, 2023 Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 56 minutes ago, NeMesiS said: I actually suffer from Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) So I'm going to need you guys to tell me when to chill out. Is the above QSB good enough? I still think the hole for the capacitor could be moved upwards by about 0.4 to 0.6mm Otherwise I'm pretty happy with the design. For this design I will improve it but that's just an example of the little things I fuss about. Much of what I fuss about it the over appearance. I put alot of time into making things look good. Often way too much time... I've done two versions of the HDMI mod but am just not liking the overall look of it. Plus I hadn't fully decided how to go about connectivity which I might just use JST-SH connectors for everything and do without solder pads... I might just go 4-layer PCB design which will give me more design options and less headaches. Love the beginning of that post. At least we know we'll get a well refined design. Lol. Probably won't be many flaws. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dempsey_86 Posted June 20, 2023 Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 6 hours ago, NeMesiS said: Do we even need the pads on the underside? I did these flex cables designs over a year ago. From what I can remember... I thought that pads on the underside didn't really make scenes to me. We only solder the top side... If I remove them then we could do without the vias. If continue with pads on both sides I will need to reduce the via size, which in turn will make the cable more expensive... Thoughts? Well, before I solder the flex I tin the pads on the underside, then I position the flex in the chip and just tack the points. The flex won't move anymore after this and then I do the top side. I think Dustin does both sides to make the flex attachment more secure when bending the flex afterwards. But maybe this is overkill, I don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 2 hours ago, Dempsey_86 said: Well, before I solder the flex I tin the pads on the underside, then I position the flex in the chip and just tack the points. The flex won't move anymore after this and then I do the top side. I think Dustin does both sides to make the flex attachment more secure when bending the flex afterwards. But maybe this is overkill, I don't know. Makes sense.. Better to be safe then sorry I guess.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 For scale you can see that the XeniumICE modchip is only slightly larger than an Aladdin. Edge of the modchip lines up nicely with the edge of the motherboard. I'm very satisfied with how it turned out... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 What was it that Ace Ventura used to say... Like a glove... I did the pinout the edge connector in a way that if you plug it into the programmer the wrong way it just won't power up. Pad 1 on both sides are 3.3v, Pad 10 is not connected. Pads 2 and 9 are GND. 6 pads on top side for FLASH programming and 4 pins on bottom side for the CPLD. This left us with 2 spare pads which I used one for an alternative location for D0 and another for Recovery which requires grounding to be enabled, theres a GND pad next to it. As for the connectors: RGB (4pin) = 5v RGB (output) MB (2pin) = D0 and GND (motherboard connection) FAN (3pin) = SCL, SDA and GND (i2c for PWM fan controller) DISPLAY (8pin) = SCL, SDA, MISO, MOSI, SCK, INPUT, CS and GND HDMI (6pin) = SCL, SDA, 2x 5.0v and 2x GND I try not to double up on the same connector unless it has the same pinout. I wasn't sure what to do for the HDMI connector as I hadn't design the HDMI mod yet. So I just allocated it a 6 pin connector... 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 21, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2023 (edited) Working prototype... Edited June 21, 2023 by NeMesiS 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShinGoutetsu Posted June 21, 2023 Report Share Posted June 21, 2023 1 hour ago, NeMesiS said: Working prototype... Awesome work man! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowlsnapper Posted June 22, 2023 Report Share Posted June 22, 2023 On 6/20/2023 at 3:56 AM, NeMesiS said: For scale you can see that the XeniumICE modchip is only slightly larger than an Aladdin. Edge of the modchip lines up nicely with the edge of the motherboard. I'm very satisfied with how it turned out... And it's facing the proper direction, unlike an Aladdin, and not hitting those 2 caps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nier Posted June 24, 2023 Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 @NeMesiS I have bought a couple of 3d print kits (dvd elimination and hdd conversion) from you in the past at your ebay store and they are AMAZING. I would hate for you to close shop and disappear. So the dual fan hdd caddy is a great idea and design. I would totally buy it! I do think that the hdmi mod for the ogxbox is where you'll make more $$$. Keep up the great job mate. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 Cheers @Nier, glad you liked the 3d prints and thanks for the support. GitHub - kooscode/xenium-programmer: OpenXenium CPLD and FLASH programmer I'm preparing to get things together for the next prototype batch. The programmer is something I want to do so I can test the edge connector on the modchip. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 (edited) I drafted a simplified version of the programming PCB including a basic stand. Couldn't find any evidence of the buttons having been implemented into the programming software. I'll have to update the GPIO as I changed it up to make routing traces easier. Flipped the RPi Zero upside down as I thought it looked better plus it moved the SD card to the left-hand side while keeping the USB and HDMI ports to the rear. I would like to get this to the point where it won't require a TV connection. Only requiring a single push button to program both the CPLD and FLASH memory. This will take a bit of work to make it happen. I could see adding additional features but for now I just want to get a basic programmer working. Edited June 24, 2023 by NeMesiS 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowlsnapper Posted June 24, 2023 Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 Just now, NeMesiS said: I drafted a simplified version of the programming PCB including a basic stand. Couldn't find any evidence of the buttons having been implemented into the programming software. I'll have to update the GPIO as I changed it up to make routing traces easier. Flipped the RPi Zero upside down as I thought it looked better plus it moved the SD card to the left-hand side while keeping the USB and HDMI ports to the rear. I would like to get this to the point where it won't require a PC connection. Only requiring a single push button to program both the CPLD and FLASH memory. This will take a bit of work to make it happen. I could see adding additional features but for now I just want to get a basic programmer working. Streamline that process, man. I love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 Made some final touches to the PCB design, had a little fun with the silk overlay. Ready for prototyping... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtomcat Posted June 24, 2023 Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 2 hours ago, NeMesiS said: I drafted a simplified version of the programming PCB including a basic stand. Couldn't find any evidence of the buttons having been implemented into the programming software. I'll have to update the GPIO as I changed it up to make routing traces easier. Flipped the RPi Zero upside down as I thought it looked better plus it moved the SD card to the left-hand side while keeping the USB and HDMI ports to the rear. I would like to get this to the point where it won't require a TV connection. Only requiring a single push button to program both the CPLD and FLASH memory. This will take a bit of work to make it happen. I could see adding additional features but for now I just want to get a basic programmer working. I’ve done a lot with the code and buttons (as well as extra LEDs to show where in the programming process it is. https://github.com/dtomcat/XP-chip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 4 hours ago, Dtomcat18 said: I’ve done a lot with the code and buttons (as well as extra LEDs to show where in the programming process it is. https://github.com/dtomcat/XP-chip Nice work... What are the functions of all the buttons? What did you use for an OS? Any suggestions? I thought about having 3 buttons or so, each for a separate programming profile. Or even the possibility of backing up a modchip to be used in a profile later on. And the ability to program up to 5x modchips by power cycling through them one at a time. Any help would be much appreciated... I've been wanting to tryout ChatGPT with something practical, I'll post my results soon... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 I was taking a shot in the dark but here are the ChatGPT results for the following files: xenium-programmer https://chat.openai.com/share/c8e9ee10-9ed3-46f4-98f1-30670b323690 xenium-programmer-pi https://chat.openai.com/share/66c02543-1ddb-4a02-81f9-8ac210d475a4 Basically, I was asking ChatGPT to add a button to the code. I did this with both of the above files, giving us a couple of options. I know there's more involved but that's as far I'm going to take it until I get the next prototype batch of PCBs ordered. Where I'll have a good 2 to 3 weeks to play around until things arrive. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 I've been experimenting with some ideas to improve installation for the HDMI mod. Above is a draft for a PCB to cover over the removed video connector holes. Excuse the Gerber viewer as it didn't seem to want to render some of the cutouts. My first idea was to solder a PCB to the underside of the video connector then to pass a wire through but the only wire that I could fit was a 28/30awg Kynar wire. I didn't think this ended up being as practical as I first thought. Which brings me to the next design... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeMesiS Posted June 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 (edited) I made an alternative design to go "on top" of the video connector pads/holes. Now we are able to route 5v, GND and SPDIF to a connector. Looking at it now, it would probably help to put that connector on a 45 degree angle. If I need to, I can reduce the size of the PCB to within the white lines. I may need to do this for the top side as it may interfere with the mounting bracket. What's everyone's thoughts on this concept? Would it make installation easier? I definitely see the benefits of having connectors especially if you need to remove the motherboard from the console. EDIT: Are we just grounding the pads for Mode 2 & 3? If so I could remove two of the through holes... Edited June 24, 2023 by NeMesiS 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtomcat Posted June 24, 2023 Report Share Posted June 24, 2023 (edited) 2 hours ago, NeMesiS said: What are the functions of all the buttons? Sorry. Still kinda drunk lol so picture is better than me typing lol I used same OS as original. I chopped up his code for my use (status LEDs) first LED is programming CPLD with bit bang firmware. Second is writing flash. Third is verifying flash, and fourth is programming CPLD with OX firmware. Edited June 24, 2023 by Dtomcat18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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