Retro GEM Wii Installation: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 13:52, 17 December 2025

Retro GEM Logo

Introduction

Disclaimer

This kit is for advanced installers only. Install at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for damage to your console and/or kit.

Important Information

The kit is compatible with all Wii Models. There are three different installation types depending on your Wii Motherboard. These will be referred to as 6 Layer, 4 Layer, Wii Mini.

6 Layer Models:

RVL-CPU-01
RVL-CPU-10
RVL-CPU-20
RVL-CPU-30

4 Layer Models:

RVL-CPU-40
RVL-CPU-50
RVL-CPU-60

Wii Mii:

RVK-CPU-01
RVK-CPU-02

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

https://youtu.be/231tQfbZO_k

Kit Contents

Wii Main Flex
USB Sniffer Board
USB Sniffer Flex
Mini HDMI Adapter Board
Male HDMI Adapter
150mm 18p FFC Cable
FR4 Mount
M1.6 Screw mount (2x)
M1.6 Screw 3mm (2x)
Wifi Antenna
.5mm Thermal Pad

Items Required

Temperature Controlled Soldering Iron
Leaded or Lead Free Solder
Non-Corrosive, No Clean Flux (Amtech 559 / Kester 959T)
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Multi Meter
Exacto Knife
Small screw Phillips screw drivers
Side cutters

Step 1 - GEM Jumpers

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.

Retro GEM jumper information Tool

https://docs.pixelfx.co/fxdigital-config.html

Step 2 - 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).

Step 3 - Installing the GEM Mount & Flex

6 Layer

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.

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.

@@ Line 82: / Line 82: @@
 The Wii by default uses leaded free solder. If you are using leaded solder please take the proper steps to solder wash the AVE.
-WII_6_POINT.JPEG
+[[File:WII_6_POINT.JPEG|500px]]
-WII_6_FLEX1.JPEG
+[[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.
-WII_6_FLEX2.JPEG
+[[File:WII_6_FLEX2.JPEG|500px]]
 Solder the GEM PCB mount and install the supplied M1.6 mounts
-WII_6_MOUNT.JPEG
+[[File:WII_6_MOUNT.JPEG|500px]]
 === 4 Layer ===