I have installed 2 ARGON chips now and just wanted to let people know they are working good. I ordered 3 more right away. This install method is referred to as the miss a pin because no pins must be soldered to side by side. This makes it just easy enough for me to do it. Get a Jewellers mask!


Shot of ARGON install showing entire install.
Close up shot.
Video Showing ARGON Boot of SMG backup



Known Bugs,

1 ) A few of the games lock eventually if you just leave them playing their intro video in a loop.
2 ) Occasionally it seems to need to try twice to read a backup. (but it does read it fine just wastes a few seconds)
3 ) If you eject a game during play (why would you) You can't just put the disk back in a resume like normal.
4) A few games including SMG are known to have some freeze/lock issues

This chip is updatable via the optional Injectus programmer. I expect to be able to get the programmer by end of January and once they are ready for sale I expect a update will follow that will probably address and correct all of the above issues. (who is going to buy the programmer if there is no update

Because of the update feature a 20 inch long (really I measured) ribbon cable is included. I am just feeding these cables out the beside the USB port and they curl up like a pig tail. lol. I cover the end exposed connectors of the ribbon with some electrical tape to protect it.

This was the hardest install i have ever done. I remember when i was scarred to do the xbox 1.6 rebuild now i can do those in my sleep. If anyone is thinking of trying this my suggestion is find a old hard drive or something with small .5 mm chips on it and try soldering some 30awg kynar onto the pins. I practiced for a hour every day untill my chips arrived and it paid off big time. (you should see the mess i made of the first couple i tried)

Thanks for reading my review.

I have had a lot of my customers ask about this update ribbon cable.
Some of them thought i cut a hole in the side of thier Wii when they heard.
I decided to make something up in photoshop showing exactly how it looks when assembled.



That should solve all those questions

Nice review! I am waiting for the Infectus2 to be released here in Canada/USA...it should come with the USB programmer making that flat cable handy

So Galaxy is working with the Argon?

Galaxy boots but is known to have some freezing issues.

A firmware update came out yesterday for ARGON. Too bad almost no one has the programmer yet to update it. The chip can be updated with Infectus 1 or 2 however not thru the ribbon cable. You have to solder wires (on the bottom of ARGON) to update it thru infectus. The ribbon cable only works for Injectus.

So far i have installed 4 Argons.

So it sounds like you have done a few Argons eh? Have you had any problems yet?

I am anxious to get the Argon, but a bit hesitant because there arent many reviews yet.

I have a co-worker who used to build motherboards with tiny points, so installation wont be a problem.

In addition, i noticed Modchip.ca has the argon AND the injectus. I was going to order from there because that was the only site i can find with the Injectus. I think its important to have because if for some reason an update is needed, I don't want to have to wait. It will also save on shipping, and they claim shipping to the US in 48 hours for 10 bucks. The injectus is an additional 25 bucks, which seems a little high, but I think its absolutely necessary. The total with shipping comes to $95 USD.

If you order from modchip.ca they have already updated their chips to a newer firmware that is expected to address most of the known bugs. Another update is coming in Feb. so you still best get a programmer.

$25 is really not bad for a USB programmer. If it was a serial port programmer that would be alot cheaper to build. For me the cost of $25 get divided into the 5 machines i already chipped and into the perhaps dozens more i will be doing.

I plan on grabbing 2 more chips and a programmer on my next order. I am getting a brand new Wii in a few hours. My local Toys r Us has 30 at 9:30am I guess i should get there at 7:30

One thing kinda pissing me off is that Infectus announced you will need to connect 3 more wires to get the region free feature working so Chip will be a 16 wire install in about a day when the new wiring diagram is released. 13 wires is all you need for basic install.

I still think ARGON is the best solution.

I should be able to confirm the bug fixes are working within 6 days once i have my programmer.

My review of Argon:
I've installed 2 of these chips (they are early version 1.0 that were pre-ordered). They were much easier to install then d2ckey.

My biggest problem is Argon originally advertised all functionality of D2Ckey in 13-wire solution, and updateable to cover any future copy protection. This was not at all what I received.

So far with both chips using fw1.0:

1. all backups are recognized when inserted (after spinning and stopping the disc 3 times)
2. less than %50 of games will play without freezing during fmv sequences (freezing and drive resets are apparently fixed in fw1.1/1.2)
3. no import support (althouth in Feb. fw1.3 is supposed to allow imports to boot, but requires an extra 3 wires, where they go has yet to be announced)
4. no gamecube support (somehow all threads regarding gamecube & argon were combined in to one, and then it was deleted from Infectus Forums, very sneaky).

Also when I ordered the chip I expected it to have a usb connector similar to the Infectus chip to allow programming of updates. When I received the chip it came with this flat cable, and now they say you have to buy a $30 programmer.

I have faith that infectus will be able to deliver what was promised, but who knows how long it will take them to develop and how many wires we'll have to add... If you want a chip that is known to work now with all features, and are good at soldering 0.5mm ICs then get d2ckey. If you want flexibility to update if nintendo makes any changes to the copy-protection, and you don't care too much to wait for import or gamecube support get Argon.

thats interesting about the gamecube. I never had a gamecube so im interested to see if this is fixed.

I tried looking around on this topic and not seen much.

Syntaxerror: since you have done a few installs, can you verify if gamecube is supported in v1.1?

If so, im going to go ahead and get the argon.

Even if there is an issue, since this is hooked up to a programmer there should always be a fix (since the chip can always be reprogrammed). The 4 extra wires that are needed for foreign games are very easy to solder based on the new diagrams so no big deal there. As for the price, just get the Infectus2 which comes with a USB programmer (for 69$ CND total) thus eliminating any extra cost.

Its a $15 dollar difference... and modchip.ca looks like they have the infectus2 in stock... guess ill be placing an order.

They can't have it in stock since it is only going to be released on Jan 22nd
As for modchip, they are going to receive their stock this friday (Jan 25th). I am on the waiting list myself.

moving this post to a new topic...

I am a bit baffled...why would any one chose the argon over the I2?

Its not a matter of choice, Aragon was on the market, Infectus2 was officially released on the 22 Jan. So the ones who couldn't wait got the Aragon...

Results from another tester of the latest firmware 1.3:

First test:

PAL Wii + Argon (13+4 wires) with firmware 1.3

NTSC Wii game Katana Samurai Warriors (Region NTSC - No Patch) - Boots
NTSC Wii game Katana Samurai Warriors (Region patched NTSC -> PAL) - Boots

PAL Wii game Super Mario Galaxy (Region PAL - No Patch) - Boots
PAL Wii game Super Mario Galacy (Region patched PAL -> NTSC) - Boots

And guess what, GC support!! But not full-region free...

GCOS disc (homebrew) - Boots
PAL GC Game Flushed Away - Boots
NTSC GC Game PacMan Fever - No Boot

So what to say but great results so far! Cheesy

Good job guys! Now just a little focus on full GC support and I think you're done for the moment Wink

EDIT: I had to put the PAL TV Settings to 60Hz instead of 50Hz to make the NTSC backup boot. If put on the 50Hz the NTSC game loads and then freezes.

Nicely done! I thought you were waiting for the Infectus 2 tho? Or was this the infectus2 with the Argon firmware?

Its the review of someone else, I am on the waiting list for the Infectus2...

I am still waiting for my programmer and still running ARGON v1.0
I have added the new 4 EASY wires to my current installs in anticipation of Firmware 1.3 that has been released. I also was inspired by a guy that did what is being called the "No Leg Install" to make my own ARGON install diagram. So here it is..

HIGH QUALITY VERSION

LOW RES VERSION



You really need a Fiberglass brush tool like the Lenline 70-450 to properly prepare the contacts for soldering.

I just did one and it worked out really good for me. You of course have to remove the circuit board but it’s not much work at all.

Here is a picture showing what the wires look like when soldered perfectly using my diagram above.

I have had a few people message me on my website and ask if its hard to get to the bottom side of the DVD circuit board so i made up this quick picture to help.

NOTE: In step 3 you just need to unlock the ribbon cable. In step 6 it will slide out perfect if you carefully wiggle the board.

Make sure when re-installing the board you attach the wires shown in step 1 and 2 to the same places or i am sure we will be reading some really interesting posts They normally are still lined up perfect when you replace the board. Just double check.

Can you post your details of you "every other pin" method?

I haven't seen any information on that from the alternative Pin methods for the argon.

EDIT: Found it.

http://www.techsick.com/articles-argon-d2c...all-guide.shtml

I find this one to be much better for the Miss a Leg. (I have been incorrectly calling it the miss a pin install)

ARGON/INFECTUS Miss a LEG Install.

Infectus has posted their diagram for the infectus2 argon install and is basically the same as above...

There is no mention of international support for the infectus2. I don't see any wiring diagrams for infectus2 with the "optional 4 more pins"

I would imagine the infectus2 supports this as it uses argon firmware... What pins would be used?

Infectus has been tight lipped about where the extra wires will go on Infectus. They have responded over and over that they will tell us where they go when they have a firmware for the Infectus that uses them. I am sure the wait will not be much longer. The code can't be that differn't.

I hope its soon. My modchip will be here in a couple of days, and I dont want to have to do and "additional mod" once its up and running...

So got my Infectus2 and installed it using the alternative method. I tried installing it to the pins but always got them to close and it created conflict. So at the end I decided to flip the board and use the alternative method. It worked from the very first attempt using the alternative method should have done it all along.

So far every backup I have worked!! Origrinals worked as well!! All good for now, I am a happy customer!

Did you use my diagram or put all of the points on the bottom? I was hoping to see some pictures of other peoples installs.

Y a I forgot to take some pictures. The only picture i can take now is of the back of the WII where I have the USB programer

The flat cable they provided is pretty long but I am guessing its because the Infectus2 is for other consoles as well and the WII is the smallest one

Am I right in saying to get to the back of the DVD circuit board I will need to de-soldier and re-soldier 6 extra wires as shown in the diagram above in points 1 and 2.

Yes, you are correct. I should really have documented exactly what you do in each step.

When you remove the wires they tend to stay in the exact same position and same order so it just takes a few seconds to tap them all back on again when you are done. I suspect this is done by hand in the factory during assembly.

What is the best way to de-soldier those 6 wires, and also is there any good guide out there to get to the back of the circuit board. I am really keen to see the wiring arrangement pics as the wires will be on both sides.

To remove them all i do is grab onto one wire at a time with my tweezers and gently pull up while appling heat (320c) a hold them away from the solder pad for 3 seconds untill cool then move to the next one.

If you have concerns about these 6 wires then the ARGON install may not be for you. Not trying to be rude but you need to know this install is EXPERT only. Too many people are messing up there wii's. I am charging $150CDN installed once i have chips that is.

I will have more pictures soon however my order from modchip.ca is taking very long. They claim my oder completed on sunday but it still has not been shipped. I have heard lots of good about these guys but they are not being honest with me on this order.

Thanks for replying.

I appreciate the fact it is a difficult install as I have only installed 1 wiikey before. I am slightly concerned using the top method as the legs look a bit too close to each other.

I think I will be able to manage the soldering but I am not good at reading diagrams hence I am looking forward to more pics.

Also I have query regarding the new diagram with extra 4 wires for multi region games, I have two wii systems
that are pal and LEH139 above. Do I only connect one out of the four wires for pal?.

I am awaiting 2 argon chips from modsupplier.com, I am in the uk so i guess it will take a while for the delivery even though they say the order is shipped.

I am in USA and need an argon chip. I am giving a Wii to my girlfriend for valentines day and need to mod it. Anyone know any us suppliers pm me thanks!

I didn't have to desolder nothing! You can easily remove it without disoldering anything in order to get to the back of the board, simply detach the flat cables and thats it...

You need to connect all 4 extra wires. Only difference for a PAL console is you will connect the point i labeled SX to the V pad on ARGON.
You might also want to refer to the official diagram from infectus at this link

Or just refer to this.

SX -> SX = USA
SX -> Y = JAP
SX -> V = PAL







Good one,

I never really thought of leaving them connected but you are absolutly correct. I think i will still take them off during install. I perfer having the drive mech out of my way while i work.

btw. modchip.ca still has not shipped my order even though they "COMPLETED" my order on sunday.

VERY ANGRY with modchip.ca ! I am trying modchipcentral for my next order.

You're not the only one. I ordered my 2 argon chips and programmer on the 18th. i've been waiting patiently as they send me tickets saying they will ship tomorrow. They will ship in 2 days. They will ship on monday. They will ship in a few days etc.....

Then I get an email saying it shipped but the programmer is again delayed. I was going to give them a few days before I issued a chargeback but seeing they shipped half my package. I guess i'm SOL and at their whim for when they decide to get around to shipping my product.

Please let me know how modchip central turns out for you. I'm liking the no leg install and am gonna be picking up 12-15 more chips. I definately will not send 800$ to a company who's pre-order page is basically "You're product is expected to ship on [$TODAYSDATE+2]

Thanks!

I got my mod chips today from modchip.ca. Like you mentioned my order came without the injectus programmers i had ordered. I also got confirmation from modchipcentral for a programmer plus 10 chips so i am going to be stocked for a few days at least. I should have everything by tuesday.

So i have been promising pictures of my NO LEG INSTALL and now that i got some chips here we go!















HI RES VERSIONS AT

ARGON NO LEG INSTALL PIC 1
ARGON NO LEG INSTALL PIC 2
ARGON NO LEG INSTALL PIC 3
ARGON NO LEG INSTALL PIC 4
ARGON NO LEG INSTALL PIC 5
ARGON NO LEG INSTALL PIC 6
ARGON NO LEG INSTALL PIC 7

Since they released the extra wire diagram for the Infectus2 I'll probably have to reopen my setup so if I don't forget I'll take some pictures as well

Howdy all.

just to explain we had a issue with some fedex delivery problems however all back orders have shipped out. Thank you for your understanding. - Took long time to manual update all chips to 1.3 by hand .

We are now, as well, offering discounts of 5 and 10 argon modchips.

Take it eazy everyone.
Chris
http://www.modchip.ca

I ordered an infectus 2 from modchipcentral on the 11th and it shipped today. Im really looking forward to the install, thanks so much for the pics I think they are going to help. Ill post some of my own pics if all goes well.

i just installed my infectus2

works a dream

what install guide did you use?

[Off Topic]
I'm glad to see that your issues are sorted out because I will say that I am very much pleased at how you took the time to call me by phone to verify my credit information given my shipping and billing were different. Does help to deter someone from using my CC with you guys I am greatful there.

I am still waiting for my chip. Should be any day now. I see it arrived in the destination country 5 days ago.

I look forward to receiving the programmer as well. Thank you Mod canada.
[/Off topic]


In regards to the "no leg" install. I have a question. I understand that you are phsically plugging in the wire through the VIA before applying solder?

If I understand correctly, a VIA is a hole in the motherboard that allows a trace to travel through the board and to the other side correct?

If this is the case isn't there a top board via that you can simply push the wire through?...

Rather then unsoldering the board, feeding a wire through and soldering to the via, why not just solder it to the via on the topside of the board?..Is this possible?

@ MODCHIP.CA

My beef with you guys is that my order status was marked as completed on Sunday - I tell my customers my order is coming. Then nothing ships for days, then Thursday i am told , ya by the way, the order we marked completed we never shipped and its not really completed we didn't get the injectus programmers but we will ship it today without the programers. Thank god i had the good sence to order a injectus from modchipcentral. They shipped it within 12 hours and i got it in 2 bussiness days. They also shipped me 10 ARGON's that i had preordered on the day they said they would get them . Shipped them overnight, and gave me a free injectus with that order. If i had waited for modchip.ca to get me my injectus i would still have customers running ARGON v1.0 and we all know the 1st version is horrible.




Not all of the via's are availible on the top. Some of them are under the D2C and the D1 chip.

I have tried doing this install by sticking some wires thru and soldering them on the other side. For example you could very easily stick R, A, I and B thru the top and solder them on the bottom side and then trim the wires, That would make for a very nice job.

The via's are full of laminate so i after i clean the tops of them with my lenline brush i cut my wires with a razor blade on a 45 so that they have a sharp point and then they can be inserted into the board perfectly. Sometimes i have to spin them a tiny bit like a drill to get them to go in. Leave about 2mm exposed copper so that there is enough room for the soldering tip.

I have made this job a tiny bit easyier. I made a printout that shows exactly how long to cut each wire to get a nice clean install.

Here is what it looks it. Download and print the proper .PDF at ARGON NO LEG WIRE LENGTHS



Here is a great picture to use a reference to see how I routed the wires. Notice that R goes under the ARGON and comes back up on the other side. Also notice that I feed E, C, G and RST thru that hole in the board.




I have also stopped putting the flat cable out the back of the Wii in favor of this cleaner looking spot thru Gamecube Card SLOT A



So to update my review abit - All of my customers are very happy with Argon v1.4
Every install I have done works perfectly. I have not had a single freeze issue anymore. Mario Galaxy is Working great. Now we just have to wait for SSBB USA to see how good it works.
Also Injectus worked very good. Takes about 6 minutes to update ARGON. I installed Injectus on Vista 64bit and XP Pro without any problems.

If anyone is trying to find a fiberglass burnishing brush I just so happen to have access to a few "slimline" brushes from lenline. I had a very hard time finding the slim so i grab a few extras for anyone on the scene that needs one. Just PM me or ask me on my website.

Thanks
BOXXDR

hey syntaxerror329 nice install

i have a question for ya, when u box ur wii back up, do u tape over the chip as it sits directly opposite some tin on the inner case?

ive still got mine open as i only completed it yesterday and was a bit worried about it making contact with something.

Where did you get that SD -> game cube slot card? I am also looking for WII memory of the same type (that I can put an SD card into).