Hacking Hardware Cheapmod Mini - a brand-new Cheapmod-based modchip for the OG Xbox

[SylverReZ]

The Cheapmod Mini is a low-cost modchip alternative for the Original Xbox. Based off the cheapmod schematics, the chip was made in a smaller form-factor while comprising of a single 49LF020 flash to store one 256k custom BIOS.

It allows the bypassing of most of the Xbox's security features and install a custom BIOS (e.g., Cerbios), region free capabilities for booting of imported and backup games, running homebrew applications, and various other advantages over stock.

Features:

• 256k LPC flash fitted for (1x256k) custom BIOS (e.g. Cerbios).
• Compatible with almost any Xbox revision - from v1.0, v1.1 to v1.6.
• Boot imports, backups and DVDs region free without any restrictions.
• Running unsigned code such as homebrew and multimedia players.
• Installation of a custom dashboard (e.g. UnleashX).
• Easy to upgrade the HDD (no HDD locking required).
• Very easy to install - just plug-and-play via pin header.
• Low-cost and affordable.
• Free and open-source.

Diagrams can be found on the official SylverReZ website.

Download

 

[Ryccardo]

Wait so this is just an LPC ROM connected directly to the bus?

Inb4 I can use my Aladdin Plus XT Whatever You Could Only Buy Before the OpenXenium to flash my PC

 

[SylverReZ]

Wait so this is just an LPC ROM connected directly to the bus?

Correct. Earlier modchips used this before we have chips like the Aladdin that fixed the address lines of the later 49LF020A/B with the address bug fix, they also rebuilt the LFRAME signal so you don't need to cut the LFRAME to install the chip iirc.

 

[SylverReZ]

 

[SylverReZ]

Cheapmod Mini's GitHub repository is finally up. https://github.com/m4x10187/cheapmod-mini

 

[SylverReZ]

Inb4 I can use my Aladdin Plus XT Whatever You Could Only Buy Before the OpenXenium to flash my PC

Most of the Aladdins are all clones, they have flash chips that cannot be programmed on the Xbox because the flash ID is incorrect. There's an option on the XgPro programmer software that lets you disable the ID check to allow flashing/reading the chip.

 

[SylverReZ]

Plans for a new Cheapmod Mini chip is in the works.

 

[wolffangalchemist]

Cheapmod Mini's GitHub repository is finally up. https://github.com/m4x10187/cheapmod-mini

I have a question regarding the chip used, if I understand it correct you have to use this chip for it to be flashed through the xbox itself. So could one if they say had a chip programmer and a 49lf002a or 49lf004a just sitting around write a bios to it with a chip programmer they already own and use it that way minus using the xbox to program it? it would still boot into said custom bios?

 

[SylverReZ]

I have a question regarding the chip used, if I understand it correct you have to use this chip for it to be flashed through the xbox itself. So could one if they say had a chip programmer and a 49lf002a or 49lf004a just sitting around write a bios to it with a chip programmer they already own and use it that way minus using the xbox to program it? it would still boot into said custom bios?

Only the 49LF020 chips will work because these have a flaw where it would accept any address sent as valid regardless, later chips such as the 49LF020A/B doesn't work with the cheapmod, neither does the Winbond or Atmel chips even if they look similar, it only applies to SST.

Regarding the programmer, somebody on another forum asked me a similar question to this one. If you are building your own, you must provide your own custom BIOS such as Cerbios or Evo-X M8+, they can be found at 'the usual places' (I will not provide links to Xbox custom BIOS's as they still contain M$ copyrighted code regardless if its legal or not.) Then, for the programmer, you could build a simple LPC programmer (CheapLPC) (example) but this will only work if your PC has a parallel port. Or, the most modern and recommended way would be to snag up a TL866II Plus or another programmer that has support for the 49LF020 PLCC-32 package.

Post automatically merged: Aug 5, 2023

If you come across these chips for sale, of which I doubt but who knows, ask the seller if they could program the chip for you with a BIOS of your choice.

 

[wolffangalchemist]

Only the 49LF020 chips will work because these have a flaw where it would accept any address sent as valid regardless, later chips such as the 49LF020A/B doesn't work with the cheapmod, neither does the Winbond or Atmel chips even if they look similar, it only applies to SST.

Regarding the programmer, somebody on another forum asked me a similar question to this one. If you are building your own, you must provide your own custom BIOS such as Cerbios or Evo-X M8+, they can be found at 'the usual places' (I will not provide links to Xbox custom BIOS's as they still contain M$ copyrighted code regardless if its legal or not.) Then, for the programmer, you could build a simple LPC programmer (CheapLPC) (example) but this will only work if your PC has a parallel port. Or, the most modern and recommended way would be to snag up a TL866II Plus or another programmer that has support for the 49LF020 PLCC-32 package.

ok so basically if it's not a 49lf020 the xbox won't boot with cheap mod even if you flashed the bios with a programmer, gotcha. i already have they exact programmer and old winxp system(has a parallel port not that i use it much anymore was the slowest way to dump a 360 nand flash ever!) i use for this kinda stuff. do you know a decent source for getting a few legit 49lf020's? i assume that's the tricky part.

 

[SylverReZ]

ok so basically if it's not a 49lf020 the xbox won't boot with cheap mod even if you flashed the bios with a programmer, gotcha. i already have they exact programmer and old winxp system(has a parallel port not that i use it much any more was the slowest way to dump a 360 nand flash ever!)
system i use for this kinda stuff. do you know a decent source for getting a few legit 49lf020's? i assume that's the tricky part.

There's a seller on eBay located in Italy who sells old stock original chips. https://www.ebay.com/itm/124518077957
I bought two from him and they're all confirmed legitimate.

 

[SylverReZ]

If your Cheapmod Mini isn't working due to fragging, even though you've installed it correctly, then it could be down to a voltage issue. Make the following modifications as shown in the diagram. If your chip works fine, then this is not needed.

 

[Darksabre72]

There's a seller on eBay located in Italy who sells old stock original chips. https://www.ebay.com/itm/124518077957
I bought two from him and they're all confirmed legitimate.

hey the seller seems to not be able to ship it to usa but i did found a similar chip here: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802322842486.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
would this work?

 

[SylverReZ]

hey the seller seems to not be able to ship it to usa but i did found a similar chip here: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802322842486.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
would this work?

Nope, 100% it won't. Most of these you see on AliExpress are revised versions of the 49LF020 with a different marking, and therefore does not work with this mod.

 

[Darksabre72]

Nope, 100% it won't. Most of these you see on AliExpress are revised versions of the 49LF020 with a different marking, and therefore does not work with this mod.

ok thanks for the response and with the 1.6 xbox when your talking about lifting the pin are you saying to remove that cyan pin or adjust it?

 

[SylverReZ]

ok thanks for the response and with the 1.6 xbox when your talking about lifting the pin are you saying to remove that cyan pin or adjust it?

You lift the cyan pin.
https://web.archive.org/web/2005041....nu/wiki/index.php?pagename=XboxCheapmodOn1.6

 

[amxcs]

I got FRAG with this scheme.

By wiring the LFRAME like this - it works.

 

[SylverReZ]

I got FRAG with this scheme.
View attachment 406259

By wiring the LFRAME like this - it works.
View attachment 406254

Have you checked your soldering?

 

[SylverReZ]

A little update for everyone: I have ordered 5 new PCBs from JLCPCB for the Cheapmod Mini, and I'm planning on selling these on eBay. If you are willing to purchase these, then the link will be up just around the near end of January or somewhere in February.

 

[SylverReZ]

Modchip has been featured in one of Mundo Yakara Colombia's videos. I honestly enjoy watching him, got some amazing content for sure.
Note: Video is in Spanish.