GameCube XenoGC Installation and Laser Adjustment Guide
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- In this video I walk you through the installation of a Xeno GC mod chip for the Gamecube, and also show you how to adjust the laser to read burned discs.
Things used in video:
XenoGC Chip - amzn.to/370ElyE
2032 Battery Holder - amzn.to/2ENw45a
3mm Slow Flashing RGB LED - amzn.to/2Suq09R
Things I use all the time:
iFixit Toolkit - amzn.to/2ZiyjXw
Soldering Iron - amzn.to/38Y61G6
Solder - amzn.to/34HUl7a
Soldering iron tip cleaner - amzn.to/2EJniov
Flux - amzn.to/35Pe7ir
Solder sucker - amzn.to/2PPp8up
Silicone Wire - amzn.to/35QoLWa
Auto Wire Strippers - amzn.to/2MnnIFn
Flush Cutters - amzn.to/394s265
99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol Aerosol - amzn.to/2Mo1vqG
Multimeter - amzn.to/2s44Y7b
*These are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn a commission on any purchases you make through these links. This really helps out the channel and I appreciate the help!*
It's great to see a video so professionally done, no annoying music, no stuttering or waffling on, this really was superbly done man, the ease with which you present it makes it look so simple, which of course it isn't, but everything from the workmanship, the presentation, camera positioning - brilliant, thanks very much, and of course I subscribed too.
I agree on that. I hate people that put bloody techno or rock music when your trying to learn something!
@@adamlw7181 I do use music, but I try to keep the video in rhythm with it and keep the volume low when im talking. Glad you guys liked it!
@@RETROCUTION What did the guy say when you told him abut the Chips in the gameC , forgive the pun !
I was like 16 years old when i've installed my first ModChip, It was the XenoGC on my black GameCube.. The happiness was true xD
Phenomenal video! Great camerawork, audio, easy to follow dialogue - the moment you tested the GB Player with Metroid Fusion I was like, "my man has taste"
I finally moded mine, and I think it turn out ok, so far I havent been able to tested just yet, because dont have any burn disc just yet, but it feels awesome do solder and do something your self. Thank you I used your video as a guide and it was perfect. It help me with everything.
I have yet to see another GameCube with those fan attachments on the sides until seeing your video. I have them on my spice orange cube and I was never able to find anything on it but they seem to be a Japan only accessory for keeping your internals cleaner. Interesting stuff!
Modded a few cubes back in the day. I always used quality media instead of fucking with the POT. People always went on and on about Ridata discs being the best for the cube.. but if they were you wouldn't need to adjust anything to read them. Made in Japan Maxell discs (Full size and mini) read every time on stock settings of every cube ive ever tried:)
I have an orange spice from Japan I love, I decided to do alternating blue/white LEDs in the controller port, then did just a cheap SPDT slide switch hidden in back vent for region free, and of course EON to get 480P for lot cheaper than those holy grail components... but it always bugged me I couldn't do backups...decided to take my stock US unit out of storage and put in 8$ Xeno chip off eBay...shocked it really worked! Your video is perfect start to finish though, thanks for throwing only important details! This laser pot/battery trick works on Dreamcast as well people, so good advice to learn.
very relaxing videos, you should do a extensive one where you 128mb ram mod a Xbox, it's one of the toughest things to do :)
love the LED you added to it. Very nice. I want that LED for my Gamecube now...
You men, are my Superhero of the past!
Awesome work as always man. I love watching your videos. I've got a mini trinitron just like that I use it all the time. Going in to service mode and tweaking a few things on it make it the ultimate mini tv for anything up to the xbox 360 :)
Just a line to say Hi, and I hope your're keeping well, take care my man.
Thanks! You too, brother.
This along with The PS3 are two pieces I would love to have in my collection
thanks for the inspiration! i think im going to do this soon, glad i can put my soldering skills to use on something fun
These videos are fantastic, keep em coming, dude. 🤘🏼
Thank you for this tutorial. Maybe after watching this 29 more times I'll have the guts to order the Xeno chip and modify my GameCube
If you're not comfortable with this, check out the new GC Loader. It is plug and play and you can play games from SD card. You'll have to wait for the next round of preorders tho. Available here: shop.dansprojects.com/gc-loader-pnp.html
awesome video man I have learn a lot and you explain really well how to install the chip and how to regulate the disk readear.. thanks man!! you got your self a new sub from me...
Well I like your vids. Good quality in them. I hope you will grow and make more vids
This video has been very helpful. I want to play a few burned games too, so the burned discs will in fact just play on thier own without an action replay or Swiss. I just need to adjust the lazor. That multimeter though is very high in price
You can use any basic multimeter for this adjustment, you don't need the same model I have.
@@RETROCUTION yeah, I found a multimeter that's a lot cheaper. The particular brand your using is over $200 right now
@@RETROCUTION Now I'm having the problem of it not being able to read the disc even at 150 ohms. You think I should raise it to 336 like you?
@@fireboltthunder2360 May just be your discs. Do original games play ok?
@@RETROCUTION the regular games play just fine
thanks so much for this also cool idea with the rgb led im gonna try that
ABS pieces that break off like that can be welded back on with a drop of acetone on the interface. Works great and when done right it looks like new.
Great work, did not know its was so easy to hack GameCube ;D
This video was very helpful. Thank you.
6:08 Rossmann approved this
I like your Background Musik
very nice video dude!!! Thank you very much!!!
Are you able to change the language to English for the settings menu side of things, when the disc doesn’t load? Also, my current GameCube was reading discs intermittently and when I cleaned the lens it stopped. Have I damaged the lens do you think, or would adjusting it to a better range (guided by a multimeter) fix it? Thanks for this video, I’m so grateful. My first soldering set is in the mail and I look forward to getting started.
Always helpful
Profitional work good jop man
Thanks! Appreciate that!
A appreciate the thorough video my friend
thanks
Wonderful stuff! 🇬🇧
moar videos!
great content man.
Great video.
Excellent tutorial man, my Xeno GC arrived in the mail a few days ago and I'll be fitting it in the next couple of days. I had no idea that laser adjustment would (might?) be needed, since some tutorials on UA-cam just show how to fit the chip. Is it a given that it won't read burned games, or is there a chance it may work? I'm wondering if it depends on which brand discs you use...
Some mini DVDs are better than others. RIDATA from my experience are really good. But you’ll still probably have to adjust your laser a little bit. Just test it before putting it back together like I do in the video. If you don’t already have a multimeter, any cheap one should do. Just make sure to record the resistance on your laser before you do any adjustment so you know your starting point. Go down little by little until your GameCube reliably plays the burned discs. You want to keep it at the highest resistance you can while still having it read the discs. Good luck, and if you have any other questions just reply here or send me an email.
@@RETROCUTION Thanks! Really useful info. I appreciate it! Adjusting resistance looks pretty easy, just needs patience (already have a multimeter). I bought a small pack of TDK discs from a local store near me yesterday, and have burned a couple of ISOs to test later. I've set a few hours out of my day to do it all. Fingers crossed!
@@muckersTGN Awesome! Good luck!
You'll be pleased to know the Xeno chip installation went swimmingly! Plays Japanese and US games now (PAL GC). My only problem now is burned/backup games. I adjusted the pot and got it measuring 338 (I couldn't get closer to 350!) but still to no avail. I wonder if there could be a problem with the backups. Any way to tell if it's the laser or backups?
i just be sad that there no more videos in you channel for 6 months till now
I apologize for that, but don't worry I'm coming back soon. I'm currently setting up a new studio space to film at.
its ok.. good luck 👍
Those pieces that broke up are usually a result of not aligning the top and the bottom parts of the case when reassembling the GC.
This was a great in-depth tutorial, do you still mod gamecubes? I appreciate your craftsmanship and care! Please let me know! 🦾
awesome!
thanx for the tuto, but excuse me, is there a difference between japanese GC & US one, cuz I've a japanese one & I set the laser at about 190 ohms, otherwise the disc will not turn (excuse my bad english), other qst plz, what mini dvd do you use ? Thnak you for your attention !
Every laser will be different, you just need to adjust until you find the sweet spot for your console.
@@RETROCUTION thank you for your response, I apologize for the qst, what mini dvd you used in the video, I have verbatim -RW and ritek -RW but they don't work ! thank you
The GameCube is known to be picky about the discs it likes. I am using ridata/ritek mini dvd-r in the video. The problem may be that your discs are rw. There are some discs on ali Express that are $15 shipped for a 50 pack and they’re supposed to work good. I just got some but haven’t tried them yet. I will get back to you with a link.
@@sony0534 I just got these discs here. I haven't tried them yet, but the reviews say they're working good with Gamecube. www.aliexpress.com/item/32957325002.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.1.1e0c2f1dYhOeFC&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0%2Csearchweb201602_6_10065_10130_10068_10890_10547_319_10546_317_10548_10545_10696_453_10084_454_10083_10618_10307_537_536_10059_10884_10887_321_322_10103%2Csearchweb201603_52%2CppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=46edd599-8ad2-4cd2-8e65-edaf7ed59945-0&algo_pvid=46edd599-8ad2-4cd2-8e65-edaf7ed59945&transAbTest=ae803_4
@@RETROCUTION thanx alot for your kindness
nice - subbed
I have never messed with my laser plays both just fine.
sometimes that happens, that's why I tested it before touching the laser.
The original values of the Gamecube in potentiometer for me are 185 and it doesn't read the disc, do I have to lower it?
"i'll never make that mistake again" ....yes you will. i think i have 200+ screws from that corner alone from over the last 15 years.
0:56 The gamecube is a collectible, very negligent packaging!
Ok so here is the thing...
I have a game cube that does not read disks (bad laser I suppose) so for testing the problem, I disassemble a good GC that I have and changed its good optic laser for the bad one, but it didn’t work... the disc spins fine but just can’t make it read the disk, it’s strange because I changed the bad laser to the good one, logically it should work but it didn’t, I also calibrated the potentiometer from the starting point of 500kilo ohms to 200kilo ohms and still nothing... What could be wrong? Something within the potentiometer board?
Thank you.
cool video nice work man, how is the name to buy the BatterieHolder and the RGB lights ? any specific typ ?!
Just look up "2032 battery holder" and the LEDS I use are slow flashing 3mm RGB LEDS.
@@RETROCUTION thanks man really nice !!
Good job.
Thanks a lot for showing this. That said, is the resistance on the potentiometer applicable for an American GameCube, and a XGC Clone?
Yeah, it all works the same. However, your resistance values will probably be different. You want to adjust it until it starts reading burned discs, but you also want to keep the resistance as high as possible.
@@RETROCUTION So, it's still a bit stingy. That said, I've been using a resistance of 75-150 ohms. I'm just hoping that this higher resistance will work, regardless. Thanks for the info.
Hi which mini dvds do you recommend I should use if I want to make GameCube backups
I'd always recommend ridata/ritek but they're pretty expensive nowadays. I actually ordered some of these from AliExpress and they worked great. tinyurl.com/3xythb42
Hi, i was wondering where you purchased your mini dvds from? i cant really find any online unless they are 60 bucks for a 10 pack. ridiculous prices.
You can get a decent deal for them on Ali Express. Get the discs that have the bananas on them.
@@RETROCUTION Thank you! i ordered a bunch up.
Were those blank GameCube discs you burned off of?
They're just mini dvd-r discs.
What are those covers that cover the vents on the sides of the case. I have never seen those before and I can't find any pics of another GameCube with them like those.
Yeah I know! This GameCube was bought from a Japanese seller, so it may be an accessory they had over there.
1 million two on your last video are you coming back??
Yeah I'm still here. I have a really good project coming soon.
@@RETROCUTION glad to hear
You remind me a bit of Andrew from Binging with babish
Is that a good thing? Lol
@@RETROCUTION absolutely
Where would you recommend getting the xeno chip from? I prefer the exact chip you use... Many thanks!
It's become harder to find genuine chips these days, but the clone chips work fine. The cheapest place to the get them is on AliExpress/Ebay.
Sd2sp2 chip install video please
do you offer xeno chip service?
I dont understand why people bother with these xeno chips when we have Swiss which can boot any region disc and also give the ability of running backups from SD card
Well nowadays I would just throw in a GC Loader and call it a day! I actually have one that I haven't installed yet.
doesn’t that require an Action Replay to boot into Swiss?
thiefrules gc-loader, save game exploit or action replay
OK surprisingly the one console i never ripped open no wonder why you could beat the shit out of them and they kept on going.
I just happened to execute the procedure and yet no matter the potentiometer value, laser lights up, try reading the backup disc, but it won't boot. any chance of capacitors not filtering properly?
Are your genuine discs playing fine? Is your installation correct? If so, the problem could be with your burned discs.
@@RETROCUTION Rechecked xeno installation and it is fine. Got two laser units, none seem to read any discs. Only extreme lower or higher pot levels would result in different outcomes. Lower value makes the disc spin fast, but won't boot. Higher value would give the error screen.
@@rgbcrafts did they work before you installed your xeno chips?
@@RETROCUTION Second laser unit was told to be working before, but it is not now.
@@rgbcrafts I usually test everything before I start any mods just to be sure.
Would I have to install the mod chip to run a burned copy of action replay, or could I just adjust the pot and use the disc swap method?
You’ll need a modchip installed to boot anything other than official disks from your region.
What made the burnd disk work is it the modchip ? or the laser tweak ?? Plz replay thanks in advance
The modchip. The laser adjustment just helps to read the burned discs.
How should I safely remove a defective xeno mod chip? I got one from Amazon but it stopped working?
carefully desolder it with a desoldering pump and solder wick.
I'm having a hard time finding the battery socket? I install one in dreamcasts but it's not coming up in my searches for gamecube? Anyone have a link?
Here you go amzn.to/2xKFZVw
@@RETROCUTION Thank you
@@kelonbuncher6065 anytime
👍
So if I do this mod I will still be able to play original GameCube discs but also burnt discs?
That's correct
Do you still mod gamecube and if so, do you have any to sell?
Just so you know, when you increased the resistance to 336, you were effectively decreasing the laser intensity, not increasing it.
The starting resistance was 484ohms.
@@RETROCUTION oh my mistake, I thought you had increased it from a lower value.
@@AndehX No worries!
I purchased a busted gamecube with a XenoGC installed. Guy said the disc reader was shotty. When I turn it on a black screen pops up and it says "Xeno Shell v1.05" its kinda blurry, then the screen goes away and goes back to the normal TV screen. Then it comes backnon and repeats the process until i button smash A. Any idea what this could be?
Usually you have to hold START on the controller for the version screen to pop up. Not sure why it’s doing it by itself. Could be a bad chip or installation.
@@RETROCUTION Thanks for the reply man. would it be worth it do de solder it and try and install it cleaner? this guy who installed it looks like he had a field day with solder
@@Anthony-jy8iy Hard to say without looking at it, but if the install is shitty you might want to take it off and clean it up and install a new chip. There's also the new GC Loader mod that eliminates the disc drive completely and loads games from SD card if you'd rather not deal with it. I'm going to be doing an installation video of that soon. Available here: shop.dansprojects.com/gc-loader-pnp.html
What if I have try to adjust the pot. But still doesn't read would it be the laser at this point?
How low did you go? Did you try cleaning the laser lens? Are official discs reading?
@@RETROCUTION the pot. Was at 435 when I started so I went down in small increments until 200 nothing read. And its weird because I workes on two GCs. From what I remeber they both played. games.
@@link560633 If it's just having a problem with burned games, it could be bad media. Some blank mini-dvds are really bad quality. I personally use Ritek/Ridata discs. Or the green ones with bananas on them from AliBaba--those worked well for me, too.
Hey my gamecube light will come on for like 2 seconds but then go off and the fan will come on and stay on. What do you think could be wrong? Thank you!
Not sure about that one, tbh. Is it a stock gamecube or this happened after you modded it?
@@RETROCUTION No it is stock. It was running good then all of a sudden it would only turn on for like 5 seconds then shut off. It would even output sound and video but now it just turns on for like 2 seconds then shuts off. The fan continues to run but the light, laser and motor only stays on for like 2 seconds with no video or audio now. Any ideas? Thank you
@@noahz6980 Haven't experienced that before. You may wanna try asking over at the bitbuilt forums.
I just watched until the installation and had was super disappointed as it wasn't able to read the disc.
Is 350ohms the highest you can go? Can it still read them at 370 or 410?
You want to gradually decrease resistance from your starting point until the console can reliably read burned games. The final number (resistance value) will vary from console to console.
Is adjusting the laser still necessary if you aren't installing the mod chip to read burned discs? I'm installing mine to use with the japanese gameboy player startup disc. I need to know so that I don't mess anything up, as that would be very unfortunate...
Probably not because the factory made disks are much easier for the GameCube to read. Just test a few games before putting it all back together. If they read fine then you're good to go ahead and close it up without adjusting the laser.
@@RETROCUTION Thanks for the input. I just got somewhat nervous since I don't have a multimeter and would need to find one.
Love the LED how do I find one?
It’s a 3mm slow flashing rgb LED.
good day!I am the owner of gamecube with such a small problem - the former owner of the console almost killed her for a long time to restore and there was only a problem with the calendar.on the motherboard was torn off the resistor responsible for lowering the voltage from the battery (it seems R16 if I'm not mistaken)a big request if there are people who have an open console or motherboard ,please tell me the nominal value of the resistor,that is, ring the tester it!please))
I put the leisure for 130 oh and the gamecube is not reading the recorded media.
Is playing backups just as simple as burning the game ISO to a Mini DVD-R?
Yep!
@@RETROCUTION My dumb self was just copying and pasting ISOs instead of properly burning them. Got it working!
turning the resistance on the laser potentiometers too low might kill official discs, for the same reason the stock settings cant read home-burned discs. So just be safe lol
What’s a good number?
@@EmersonFitts anytime i change it, i go for just a little over what barely works. Unfortunately this means i put it in, check take it off * like 10 times, but the range is normally around 170-220 ohms ± 20 ish, but its mostly relative to the console. The starting resistance can vary a lot so ive always just played it by the console. so just do it until it just barely works and then maybe just a little tiny more. sorry this if this wasn't very concise, there is no finite good number, just until it works, and then a little less so it doesnt need to be changed the next morning. again sorry for this being so horrendously said lol
What temp is your soldering iron set at?
666F
@@RETROCUTION thx
So I installed my mod chip and it lit up meaning it was getting powered. I tested a regular disk and it worked fine but when I tried a burned disk it would not even attempt to read it. Any suggestions?
Refer to this link here and check step 3: bitbuilt.net/forums/index.php?threads/xeno-gc-modchip-installation-guide.1044/
The LEDs on the xeno board should light up like examples 4 and 5. If it's not, then you need to check your soldering connections.
RETROCUTION I saw that right after I commented. According to that guide it’s connected properly. The interesting thing is that a completely blank disk or official game will start spinning but one with a burned file will not. I guess I will recheck my connections
In case anyone wants a more stable surface for this, take the top cover of the gamecube upside down and the drive fits in it perfect and holds it steady. Also idk why every video I watch, they remove and unplug yhe controller ports and unplug the fan/power switch assembly, when they can simply pop them.out of the way and leave them. Why create uneccisary work?
I want an Orange one too... Can you convert the whole thing to English ?
Yeah you can do a simple region mod to change the language.
@@RETROCUTION Thanks !
I cant believe you bought that trinitron for 9 dollars. lmaoooo I just bought my same one for 160... what a shame lol
Found it at a thrift store around 2016-2017. Pricing today is outrageous!
I saw a spark at 10:30
a spark?
@RETROCUTION Greetings, would you suggest another multimeter, the one you linked is no longer sold and is not sold in canada :(. I am new and don't know what to look for in a multimeter. is this one as good as the one suggested? Neotek www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01NAVAT9S/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A2N4NEZPB53SEZ&psc=1
My light under the ribbon only flashes red I'm so sad :
This is a great guide that includes LED errors under "Step 3 Testing" bitbuilt.net/forums/index.php?threads/xeno-gc-modchip-installation-guide.1044/
If your LED is showing that there is a problem just try reflowing your connections. Hopefully you can get it working. Good luck!
@@RETROCUTION Thank you so so much!
Hi, my gamecube starts the game, but then when pressing start I get an error? What does this mean? What should I do? Xeno chip installed.
Can you give me some more details? Is it a genuine XenoGC or a clone? Also, is it a burned game, or an import? I will try to help you out, I just need some more details.
RETROCUTION RETROCUTION yes, it’s a backup. Unsure of Xeno, was bought on eBay, followed a link from Modern Vintage Gamer here on UA-cam. GC will play originals fine, but when loading a back up, it will start, show some logos and a piece of intro video, then get “error- turn of GC and see instruction booklet...” message. I’ve left it run without touching any button and I still get error. Sometimes before intro video or at title screen of game.TDK mini disc used.
Seems I may have a clone chip, went to see seller pic and shows Xen8 :/
I tried a Sony full sized dvd, but that wouldn’t read at all. TDK are the ones that are starting but keep getting the error.
@@phunkymunky7210 If the burned games are launching initially then the problem is likely your media. The gamecube is very picky about what kind of discs it likes. The recommended mini DVDr brand for the gamecube is Ritek. Order some and give them a try. If your problems persist you may want to to try to clean the laser and adjust the POT.
Where can I get that CRT?
Go hunting at all your local thrift stores. That’s where I found mine.
i have two Xeno GC modded Gamecubes and i had to screw them down to 90 ohms until they worked o_o
does anyone have an idea?
Try different discs
That crack💔
I use Xeno with SD Card. Many games don't wark and I can't understand why. Why would some games don't work? I thought about regions. but if GameCube was modified with Xenocube, it's doesnt care what games to play as far as I know.
So, am I dowloading wrong games? Where should I download them and which versions? My gamecube is NTFC Japanese, some American games work, even some European games work, but Japanese version of Smash doesn't work.
WTF? Cube is totally fine hardware wise.
I’ve never tried to run games from SD card before, I just burn them to mini-dvd discs and play them that way.
Here's the compatibility list for booting from SD. Not every game is working perfectly from SD.
www.gc-forever.com/wiki/index.php?title=Swiss/Compatibility_List
Can I just pay you to do mine?
No language mod?
The guy preferred the menus to be in Japanese.
please ebay sellers always take care of packaging!
Damn Brother Pimp My Gamecube Please...
I want to ask you something please
What’s up?
@@RETROCUTION you are automation engineer?
No. I am just an electronics enthusiast/hobbyist.
I though the lower the number the stronger the lazer lol