Review: WiiFree Easy Connect Modchip

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WiiFree Easy Connect Modchip
Manufacturer: WiiFree Easy Connect
Site:
Price: 12.00 €

Overview : WiiFree is an open source Wii modchip. It required you to load your own code onto a PIC12F629/675/683. In order to load the code, you would need to purchase a programmer as well as the PIC chip. Now there is an easier way to install and upgrade WiiFree.

This is a clean and very cheap solution, which makes the installation of PIC 12F629/675/683 in your Wii console extremely fast and easy; allowing the upgrade of the WiiFree code without any problem.

*Every PCB comes with a brand new PIC12F629 bundled.

Features

• Run GameCube originals
• Run Wii originals
• Run Wii back-ups
• Support for D2A and D2B!!
• Support for 12F629 and 12F683 chips (the installation for the 12F683 is the same as the 12F629)

Quality/Usability : I wont go into full detail as to review the WiiFree open source modchip (will review it later) but will review the WiiFree Easy Connect itself and its installation. As we first brought the news of WiiFree Easy Connect and the first images of Easy Connect in our hands, we now bring you the first review.

WiiFree Easy Connect comes included with a PIC12F683 and cables. When you first receive the Easy Connect the two boards are connected together. You will have to bend them in half to have two separate pieces. Dont worry, its already been sliced so that the break would be even. The board itself is not as thick when compared to other commercial modchips on the market such as the WiiKey, CycloWiz, etc.

On the bigger board, it contains the PIC12F683 chip which contains the WiiFree open source as well as the 8-pin socket to hold the PIC in place. As of this review, WiiFree 2.45 is the latest version available is preloaded onto the PIC so that all you have to do is just solder and install the Easy Connect and you're ready to go. This is great for those who dont have a JDM programmer (used to upgrade/flash PIC chips). The board also has two LEDs. This lets you know if the installation is successful or not. This board is to be placed on the outside of the Wii for easy access to the PIC incase you want to upgrade WiiFree when there are new releases.

The smaller board has the quicker solder points to be soldered onto the Wii mobo. The solder points are so small that you can only do quicker solder. Its very hard to do wire installs unless you're very skilled at doing so. Most people prefer wire installs as it is easier to remove when needed rather than quick soldering.

Other than the small soldering points, its fairly simple. On one end of each board is a small clamp like device that you pull out slightly, insert ribbon cable with blue sticker facing up (included) and close the clamp. This will hold the ribbon cable in place on the board. No soldering required.

Once the smaller board has been soldered onto the Wii and all cables have been connected, you can place the bigger board on the outside of the Wii case. You can route the cable through the side of the USB port or through the vent opening on the back of the Wii case. Usually, the 8-pin socket that holds the PIC12F629 are soldered onto the Wii case with wires to the Wii mobo by drilling 8 little holes and held in place with glue. With WiiFree Easy Connect, you wont have to drill any holes on to the Wii case. You may want to get double sided tape or something to hold the Easy Connect to the case. If not, you can just let it dangle freely.

Conclusion : Overall, the WiiFree Easy Connect is an excellent solution to those who do not want to damage their Wii case by drilling holes. It would have been nice if the points on the Easy Connect were bigger to allow wire installs rather than the quick solder method. Would have been also nice if maybe they had included double sided tape or some way to attach the Easy Connect to the Wii case. With the inclusion of the PIC12F629 and WiiFree already preloaded, this is great for those who do not have a JDM programmer or PIC12F629. Since it comes with a PIC12F926 and if you have a JDM programmer, you can install any open source modchip whether it be OpenWii, Chiip, Yaosm, WiiC, WiiREZ, Wiip! and many more.

Since the PIC chip is removable, you can purchase or request sample PIC chips online and load your preferred open source code to that PIC and swap PIC chips. That is if you still prefer to keep the WiiFree. Regarding the JDM Programmer that lets you put open source code on to the PIC chip, there are two ways of getting one. #1. Make your own by following these instructions. Or #2. You can purchase them online either on gaming sites or through eBay by typing in "jdm programmer" in the search field. You will need to have a RS232 cable (serial) handy in order to connect the JDM Programmer to your computer.

Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal.

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