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Retro GEM Wii Installation: Difference between revisions

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Here is a video installation of a 4 layer board. Please use it for references and techniques.
Here is a video installation of a 4 layer board. Please use it for references and techniques.


https://youtu.be/231tQfbZO_k
<!-- embedded video link for https://youtu.be/231tQfbZO_k -->
<youtube>231tQfbZO_k</youtube>


=== Kit Contents ===
=== Kit Contents ===
Line 55: Line 56:
* Side cutters
* Side cutters


== Step 1 - GEM Jumpers ==
== GEM Jumpers ==


== Step 2 - Disassembly ==
Set the Retro GEM Jumpers and attach the WIFI antenna along with the mini HDMI connector. Make sure the mini hdmi is plugged in all the way sometimes it can be stubborn to insert fully.


== Step 3 - Installing the GEM Mount & Flex ==


== Step 4 - Attaching the GEM and Initial Testing ==
[[File:WII_JUMPER.JPEG|500px]]


== Step 5 - Finishing Up ==
 
Retro GEM jumper information Tool
 
https://docs.pixelfx.co/fxdigital-config.html?c=wii
 
== Disassembly ==
 
This guide will not go over the disassembly of the Wii. Guides are available online.
 
Please make sure the heatsink is attached to the Wii when doing any power on testing. M2 screws and Nut can be use a temp solution to hold the heatsink in place without the bottom plastic. Allowing you to boot the console and still have access to the back side of the motherboard. For the Wii to display an image the WIFI/BT Dongle must be attached (Sometimes it sticks to the top metal shield during disassembly).
 
== 6 Layer Installation  ==
 
=== Area Prep ===
 
Prep all the areas highlighted in the picture for soldering. (Some vias might have solder mask that needs to be scraped off)
 
[[File:WII_6_POINT.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== Main Flex ===
 
Solder the flex to the AVE as shown in the photos.
The Wii by default uses leaded free solder. If you are using leaded solder please take the proper steps to solder wash the AVE.
 
[[File:WII_6_FLEX1.JPEG|500px]]
 
After soldering the Wii cable bend and secure as shown in the photos. Take note of the alignment of the flex cable with the Wii Motherboard screw area. Stay out of the gold circle as pointed out by the blue line. The solder mask will have to be scraped for the two ground connections to the flex. Then solder all the flex arms to their corresponding points.
 
[[File:WII_6_FLEX2.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== GEM Mount ===
 
Solder the GEM PCB mount and install the supplied M1.6 mounts
 
[[File:WII_6_MOUNT.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== HDMI Mount ===
 
Install the Mini HDMI connector. De-solder some of the area around the points to get a better fitment. Make sure the PORT is flat and squared out with the console when attaching.
 
[[File:WII_6_HDMIMOUNT.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== Wiimote Sniffer ===
 
Breakdown the small flex cables to two small cables. Just grab them with your fingers and pull apart.
 
Attach the cables as shown to the USB Sniffer board. Pay attention to the orientation of the cables, the traces should be on the solder side.
 
[[File:WII_SNIFF1.JPEG|500px]]
 
Solder to the main flex next. Again pay attention to the orientation.
 
[[File:WII_SNIFF2.JPEG|500px]]
 
Before soldering the other side of the sniffer. Prep the sniffer by partially removing the 3M tape backer . Get your alignment and solder the flex. Take careful note of the orientation. As the hookups for the 4 layer and Wii mini will be on the top side.
 
(Take note that flex on the 6 layer is flipped vs the 4 layer when connecting to the motherboard if following a video tutorial with a different mainboard)
 
Ignore the GEM and white HDMI cable these will be installed in the next step
 
[[File:WII_6_USB.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== HDMI FFC ===
 
Attach the white ffc cable to the GEM's HDMI port as shown.
 
[[File:WII_WHITEFFC.JPEG|500px]]
 
Flip the GEM over and install the main FFC connector. Attach the GEM loosely as show with the white FFC cable going underneath. Make sure its not snagged by any components.
 
[[File:WII_6_MOUNT2.JPEG|500px]]
 
The white ffc cable needs to flipped 180 to make the correct mating orientation. Follow the steps closely to bend the cable and then plug into the mini HDMI cable. Do not pinch the FFC cable too tight, just light pressure is all that is needed. Tighten down the gem screws after the HDMI cable is routed.
 
[[File:WII_6_HDMIMOUNT2.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== Enable 480p ===
 
Bridge the pins shown to enable 480p support, FYI this will also disable composite support.
 
[[File:WII_6_BRIDGE.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== Open OSD ===
 
Now is a good time to check the installation. But remember to keep the heatsink attached when testing.
 
Open up the OSD
 
-WiiMote A + B + Home -
 
-GC Controller L Trigger + R Trigger + DPad Right + X
 
After confirming the GEM is working its type to finish up the install.
 
=== Shield Cuts ===
 
If using the bottom metal shield you must use the supplied thermal pad. The bottom metal shield can be omitted and thus the thermal pad is required in this instance.
 
The metal shield needs to be trimmed (Side cutters, fatigue bending etc) to clear the HDMI port as shown. Once trimmed, install the thermal pad on the back of the gem. Then use some side cutters to trim any plastic on the bottom side. THis area is where the HDMI port goes. Reassemble the bottom case and motherboard and route the Wifi antenna as shown. *Make sure its not pinched when securing the heatsink.*
 
[[File:WII_6_SHIELD.JPEG|500px]]
 
Now is another good time to check the install. The fan can be install to do longer testing. There is nothing more annoying than putting the console back together only to have to completely disassemble again.
 
 
=== Case Cut ===
Part of the top case must be trimmed for the Mini HDMI to clear. Just small cut and file as needed.
 
[[File:WII_CUT.jpeg|500px]]
 
=== Antenna Placement ===
 
After testing, put the console back together. Install the WIFI antenna as shown
 
[[File:WII_6_WIFI.JPEG|500px]]
 
Congrats you made it!
 
== 4 Layer Installation ==
 
=== Area Prep ===
 
Prep all the areas highlighted in the picture for soldering. (Some vias might have soldermask that needs to be scraped off) Solder the flex to the AVE as shown in the photos.
The Wii by default uses leaded free solder. If you are using leaded solder please take the proper steps to solder wash the AVE.
 
 
[[File:WII_4_POINT.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== Flex ===
 
[[File:WII_4_FLEX.JPEG|500px]]
 
After soldering the Wii cable bend and secure as shown in the photos. Take note of the alignment of the flex cable with the Wii Motherboard screw area. Stay out of the gold mounting holes. The solder mask will have to be scraped for the two ground connections to the flex. Then solder all the flex arms to their corresponding points.
 
[[File:WII_4_FLEX1.JPEG[|500px]]
 
=== GEM Mount ===
 
Solder the GEM PCB mount and install the supplied M1.6 mounts
 
*Pay careful attention to not put the PCB MOUNT on top of any components on the Wii PCB. There is a small resistor pack can be shorted without careful attention to this area. If this resistor pack is shorted, it must be replaced [https://www.digikey.de/en/products/detail/panasonic-electronic-components/EXB-28V101JX/256275 Link to Replacement resistor pack]. More details can be found on the discord here: https://discord.com/channels/1101136714916962364/1425610417505570959/1435257770441183376 *
 
[[File:RA20.png|500px]]
 
[[File:WII_4LAY.png|500px]]
 
=== HDMI Mount ===
 
Install the Mini HDMI connector. Desolder some of the area around the points to get a better fitment. Make sure the PORT is flat and squared out with the console when attaching.
 
[[File:WII_6_HDMIMOUNT.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== Wiimote Sniffer ===
 
Breakdown the small flex cables to two small cables. Just grab them with your fingers and pull apart.
 
Attach the cables as shown to the USB Sniffer board. Pay attention to the orientation of the cables, the traces should be on the solder side.
 
[[File:WII_SNIFF1.JPEG|500px]]
 
Solder to the main flex next. Again pay attention to the orientation.
 
[[File:WII_SNIFF2.JPEG|500px]]
 
Before soldering the other side of the sniffer. Prep the sniffer by partially removing the 3M tape backer . Get your alignment and solder the flex. Take careful note of the orientation. As the hookups for the 4 layer and Wii mini will be on the top side.
 
Take note that flex on the 6 layer is flipped vs the 4 layer when connecting to the motherboard.
 
[[File:WII_4_USB.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== HDMI FFC ===
 
Attach the white ffc cable to the GEM's HDMI port as shown.
 
[[File:WII_WHITEFFC.JPEG|500px]]
 
Flip the GEM over and install the main FFC connector. Attach the GEM loosly as show with the white FFC cable going underneight. Make sure its not snagged by any components.
 
[[File:WII_6_MOUNT2.JPEG|500px]]
 
The white ffc cable needs to flipped 180 to make the correct mating orentation. Follow the steps closely to bend the cable and then plug into the mini HDMI cable. Do not pinch the FFC cable too tight, just light pressure is all that is needed. Tighten down the gem screws after the hdmi cable is routed.
 
[[File:WII_6_HDMIMOUNT2.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== Enable 480p ===
 
Bridge the pins shown to enable 480p support, FYI this will also disable composite support.
 
[[File:WII_6_BRIDGE.JPEG|500px]]
 
=== Open OSD ===
 
Now is a good time to check the installation. But remember to keep the heatsink attached when testing.
 
Open up the OSD
 
-WiiMote A + B + Home -
 
-GC Controller L Trigger + R Trigger + DPad Right + X
 
After confirming the GEM is working its type to finish up the install.
 
 
 
=== Shield Cuts ===
 
If using the bottom metal shield you must use the supplied thermal pad. The bottom metal shield can be omitted and thus the thermal pad is required in this instance.
 
The metal shield needs to be trimmed (Side cutters, fatigue bending etc) to clear the HDMI port as shown. Once trimmed, install the thermal pad on the back of the gem. Then use some side cutters to trim any plastic on the bottom side. THis area is where the HDMI port goes. Reassemble the bottom case and motherboard and route the Wifi antenna as shown. *Make sure its not pinched when securing the heatsink.*
 
[[File:WII_6_SHIELD.JPEG|500px]]
 
Now is another good time to check the install. The fan can be install to do longer testing. There is nothing more annoying than putting the console back together only to have to completely disassemble again.
 
 
=== Case Cut ===
Part of the top case must be trimmed for the Mini HDMI to clear. Just small cut and file is needed.
 
[[File:WII_CUT.jpeg|500px]]
 
=== Antenna Placement ===
 
After testing, put the console back together. Install the WIFI antenna as shown
 
[[File:WII_6_WIFI.JPEG|500px]]
 
Congrats you made it!
 
== Wii Mini Installation ==
 
Coming Soon
Retrieved from "https://wiki.pixelfx.co/index.php/Retro_GEM_Wii_Installation"