Recently I was given a (old) Xbox 1.0 for free. I decided to extend it with an VGA port.
What do I have to do to get my VGA port to work?
I soldered the port directly to the motherboard after JaredC01's diagram/guide.
I only get a signal with my old CRT monitor (another CRT doesn't even work) and even then only when it boots.
Also the screen is too green (and too dark) - the Microsoft logo isn't white but green.
(Btw: I don't have a HD cable)
Greetings,
Anna
Edit: Already checked the cables - they're all in their right places and isolated from one another.
Full Version: Can't Get Vga To Work
You need a VGA BIOS or a softmod that supports VGA, or you could use FrostyTheSnowman and Xman954's VGA Boot Disc
For Kingroach NDURE 3.1 you run NDTS (E:\ndts\default.xbe) and select Nkpatcher Settings then one of the RGB options. HOWEVER, there's a small bug in the ndts config (E:\ndts\config.xml), so you should replace it with this version first.
Edit. It's too long, so I can't paste it here. Just don't select RGB67 as the nkpatcher option. I'll find somewhere to host the modified config. Meanwhile, here's the bit of config.xml you need to change - it's the section from NKPatcher Settings down to the start of the "System" part of the menu - just cut and paste into your current ndts config.xml
For Kingroach NDURE 3.1 you run NDTS (E:\ndts\default.xbe) and select Nkpatcher Settings then one of the RGB options. HOWEVER, there's a small bug in the ndts config (E:\ndts\config.xml), so you should replace it with this version first.
Edit. It's too long, so I can't paste it here. Just don't select RGB67 as the nkpatcher option. I'll find somewhere to host the modified config. Meanwhile, here's the bit of config.xml you need to change - it's the section from NKPatcher Settings down to the start of the "System" part of the menu - just cut and paste into your current ndts config.xml
CODE
<!Modified by Heimdall 2009>
<!I've relabelled the options to make them a little bit clearer, and fixed a minor typo that meant you couldn't select RGB 67 - it installed retail 67 instead>
<List Text="Nkpatcher Settings" Sort="off" Auto="On">
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher.67 (With Basic)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.67" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.67(F+G) single boot (power and eject = hacked dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\bs67\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher.67 (With Retail)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.67" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.67(F+G) dual boot (power = hacked dash, eject = retail dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rt67\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher.06 (With Basic)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.06" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.06(F only) single boot (power and eject = hacked dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\bs06\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher.06 (With Retail)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.06" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.06(F only) dual boot (power = hacked dash, eject = retail dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rt06\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher RGB.67 (With Basic)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.67" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.67(F+G) single boot (power and eject = hacked dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rgbbs67\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher RGB.67 (With Retail)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.67" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.67(F+G) dual boot (power = hacked dash, eject = retail dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rgbrt67\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher RGB.06 (With Basic)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.06" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.06(F only) single boot (power and eject = hacked dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rgbbs06\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher RGB.06 (With Retail)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.06" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.06(F only dual boot (power = hacked dash, eject = retail dash).) Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rgbrt06\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
</List>
<!End of changes>
<!I've relabelled the options to make them a little bit clearer, and fixed a minor typo that meant you couldn't select RGB 67 - it installed retail 67 instead>
<List Text="Nkpatcher Settings" Sort="off" Auto="On">
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher.67 (With Basic)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.67" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.67(F+G) single boot (power and eject = hacked dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\bs67\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher.67 (With Retail)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.67" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.67(F+G) dual boot (power = hacked dash, eject = retail dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rt67\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher.06 (With Basic)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.06" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.06(F only) single boot (power and eject = hacked dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\bs06\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher.06 (With Retail)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.06" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.06(F only) dual boot (power = hacked dash, eject = retail dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rt06\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher RGB.67 (With Basic)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.67" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.67(F+G) single boot (power and eject = hacked dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rgbbs67\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher RGB.67 (With Retail)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.67" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.67(F+G) dual boot (power = hacked dash, eject = retail dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rgbrt67\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher RGB.06 (With Basic)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.06" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.06(F only) single boot (power and eject = hacked dash). Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rgbbs06\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
<List Text="Use Nkpatcher RGB.06 (With Retail)" Sort="off" Batch="True">
<Item Action="AskUser" Arg1="Nkpatcher.06" Arg2="This will install Nkpatcher.06(F only dual boot (power = hacked dash, eject = retail dash).) Continue?"></Item>
<Item Action="Delete" Arg1="C:\bios\bios.xbe"></Item>
<Item Action="copy" Arg1="E:\ndts\files\C\bios\rgbrt06\bios.xbe" Arg2="C:\bios\"></Item>
</List>
</List>
<!End of changes>
What's with the "&nbs" at the bottom of your config file? It seems like it's not complete...
Edit: Ah, ok. THX!!!!!
Edit: Ah, ok. THX!!!!!
Can't download the file. It says something about "XML error: not well-formed"...
Try this text version. You'll need to rename it once you've downloaded it.
Thanks!
One more thing...
If i used the nkpatcher RGB .06 should the VGA work then? Or do I still have to change the BIOS? If so, how do I accomplish this?
One more thing...
If i used the nkpatcher RGB .06 should the VGA work then? Or do I still have to change the BIOS? If so, how do I accomplish this?
That's three things....... 
Yes.
No.
Flash the BIOS, or fit a chip, or use PBL to load a BFM VGA BIOS every time you boot.
Yes.
No.
Flash the BIOS, or fit a chip, or use PBL to load a BFM VGA BIOS every time you boot.
Now I'm confused... 
I have used the nkpatcher RGB .06 now but the boot screen is still green tinted. When XBMC loads after the boot screen I still got no image.
I have used the nkpatcher RGB .06 now but the boot screen is still green tinted. When XBMC loads after the boot screen I still got no image.
Anyone who can guide me through the VGA process?
Already did the first point - installing ndure 3.1.
Already did the first point - installing ndure 3.1.
I consider myself pretty knowledgeable in the art of Xbox VGA, but I don't do softmods. Flash your TSOP, and then we'll talk.
Help please?
Btw: I don't do hardmods except the VGA port. Is it possible to flash the TSOP with a VGA bios without physical tools (e.g. soldering iron, etc.)?
Btw: I don't do hardmods except the VGA port. Is it possible to flash the TSOP with a VGA bios without physical tools (e.g. soldering iron, etc.)?
Temporarily, try Frosty and xman945's VGA boot disc. This will confirm the basic operation of your VGA output. Burn it to DVD-R, and don't forget to put the config file on your hard drive (as per the instructions).
I'll have another think about the softmod solution later.
I'll have another think about the softmod solution later.
QUOTE(AnnaOlum @ Jan 30 2012, 10:09 AM) 
Is it possible to flash the TSOP with a VGA bios without physical tools (e.g. soldering iron, etc.)?
Conductive pen or paint. (rear window defogger repair kit).
@Heimdall It seems like the DVD drive is defective so i can't use boot discs.
@Movax Thanks, I red a bit about this topic and I think I can handle this myself with a soldering iron.
Is it neccessary to have the games "James Bond 007: Agent under Fire" or "Mech Assault" or can I do the TSOP flashing via a softmodded (ndure 3.1) box?
By the way: Is a TSOP flash comparable to a modchip? Can I run unsigned stuff with it?
@Movax Thanks, I red a bit about this topic and I think I can handle this myself with a soldering iron.
Is it neccessary to have the games "James Bond 007: Agent under Fire" or "Mech Assault" or can I do the TSOP flashing via a softmodded (ndure 3.1) box?
By the way: Is a TSOP flash comparable to a modchip? Can I run unsigned stuff with it?
Either it is or it isn't defective.........
If you mean "it reads some discs but not others", then you may need to try different media, or a different burner. If it will read an original game disc then it is basically working, and DVD-R burned at 4x or slower is universally readable on Xbox DVD drives, so try that.
If that doesn't work then you could use FTP to copy the contents of the boot disc to a temporary folder on the E partition on your Xbox, and run it from there.
If you mean "it reads some discs but not others", then you may need to try different media, or a different burner. If it will read an original game disc then it is basically working, and DVD-R burned at 4x or slower is universally readable on Xbox DVD drives, so try that.
If that doesn't work then you could use FTP to copy the contents of the boot disc to a temporary folder on the E partition on your Xbox, and run it from there.
Checked it. It's defective - it doesn't even read original discs. Just making weird noises.
OK, so you have to use one of the other options. 
You can TSOP flash without a game - just solder the points, then boot your Xbox into the softmod, and use Evox to flash your new BIOS to the TSOP chip.
The TSOP and a modchip are just holders for the BIOS. It's the BIOS that allows you to run unsigned code.
I'd seriously recommend that you try the Frosty/xman954 VGA solution first, just to confirm that your wiring is correct.
You can TSOP flash without a game - just solder the points, then boot your Xbox into the softmod, and use Evox to flash your new BIOS to the TSOP chip.
The TSOP and a modchip are just holders for the BIOS. It's the BIOS that allows you to run unsigned code.
I'd seriously recommend that you try the Frosty/xman954 VGA solution first, just to confirm that your wiring is correct.
Okay, I'll do that first.
QUOTE(Heimdall @ Jan 30 2012, 08:11 PM)
I'd seriously recommend that you try the Frosty/xman954 VGA solution first, just to confirm that your wiring is correct.
This is what I did so far:
1. Soldered the VGA port after JaredC01's diagaram/guide to the motherboard (LM1881 circuit and wires correctly isolated)
2. Softmodded the Xbox with XboxHdm 2.2 USB & ndure 3.1
3. Extracted the files from FrostyTheSnowman's and Xman954's VGA Boot Disc v1.0 and transferred them to my box through FTP
4. Wrote down the steps to get to the boot disc xbe
5. Connected the pins 9 + 10 and 13 +14 for VGA mode
6. Started the box and repeated the steps for getting into the vga boot thingy
Result:
No Success... What did I do wrong? Like I said: I even get a signal (even if it's green tinted) on bootup but after that nada.....
1. Soldered the VGA port after JaredC01's diagaram/guide to the motherboard (LM1881 circuit and wires correctly isolated)
2. Softmodded the Xbox with XboxHdm 2.2 USB & ndure 3.1
3. Extracted the files from FrostyTheSnowman's and Xman954's VGA Boot Disc v1.0 and transferred them to my box through FTP
4. Wrote down the steps to get to the boot disc xbe
5. Connected the pins 9 + 10 and 13 +14 for VGA mode
6. Started the box and repeated the steps for getting into the vga boot thingy
Result:
No Success... What did I do wrong? Like I said: I even get a signal (even if it's green tinted) on bootup but after that nada.....
OK, here we go <takes deep breath>:
First off, instead of connecting together lines 9 to 10 and 13 to 14 (mode 1+3), you want to connect lines 11 to 12 and 13 to 14 (mode 2+3). This should get you a centimeter further (progress is progress, nonetheless).
Secondly, One thing that I have noticed after I reviewed the entire topic is that you stated above that after you built your adapter, you could only get an image (although green), on one of at least 2 tested monitors. This tells me 2 things.
1. The monitor that you were able to get the green image on actually supports sync on green, and that your LM1881 chip is not necessary with this monitor.
2. It is possible that your LM1881 circuit is still not built correctly. The fact that you got no image at all on the other monitor means that it does not support a Sync on Green signal (and is possibly at this point, exactly what your xbox is still outputting) and thus, your LM1881 is either not connected correctly, was damaged during this project, or was Dead On Arrival.
Note: There is a very slim possibility that this monitor (the one that cannot get a signal at all) is just very picky in that is does not like the non-standard VGA signal that the LM1881 produces AND ALSO does not support S.o.G. This leaves very small (but existent) doubt to second point (2), however I am 85% sure that point 2 is true.
First off, instead of connecting together lines 9 to 10 and 13 to 14 (mode 1+3), you want to connect lines 11 to 12 and 13 to 14 (mode 2+3). This should get you a centimeter further (progress is progress, nonetheless).
Secondly, One thing that I have noticed after I reviewed the entire topic is that you stated above that after you built your adapter, you could only get an image (although green), on one of at least 2 tested monitors. This tells me 2 things.
1. The monitor that you were able to get the green image on actually supports sync on green, and that your LM1881 chip is not necessary with this monitor.
2. It is possible that your LM1881 circuit is still not built correctly. The fact that you got no image at all on the other monitor means that it does not support a Sync on Green signal (and is possibly at this point, exactly what your xbox is still outputting) and thus, your LM1881 is either not connected correctly, was damaged during this project, or was Dead On Arrival.
Note: There is a very slim possibility that this monitor (the one that cannot get a signal at all) is just very picky in that is does not like the non-standard VGA signal that the LM1881 produces AND ALSO does not support S.o.G. This leaves very small (but existent) doubt to second point (2), however I am 85% sure that point 2 is true.
Lol, tried that with the pins a few seconds before you posted and now I got a signal in XBMC!!! It's a bit dark but it's just a matter of configuration.
Just have to try emulators and games...
Thanks for your help!!!
If I run into another problem I'll report it here.
Just have to try emulators and games...
Thanks for your help!!!
If I run into another problem I'll report it here.
Now, do you get a signal with either monitor that you tested?
By now I only have tested one monitor (which works). I'll test my HDTV and the other CRT monitor tomorrow.
(It's 12pm right now on my side)
(It's 12pm right now on my side)
Is that working with the softmod and with the Frosty/xman954 VGA BIOS?
No, just the softmod. Maybe it has got something to do with the x2config.ini (from the VGA boot disc ) which I put on E: ?
No, the VGA part is hard coded in the BIOS, the config just tells the BIOS where to boot the dash from.
Hm... Okay. Then I really don't have a clue why it works now all of a sudden.
Because the softmod VGA patch needs the video output to be in mode 2+3.
All right, learned something new again. Thanks!
Edit: Just tested the other CRT Monitor - it doesn't work. I only get garbled output.
Edit: Just tested the other CRT Monitor - it doesn't work. I only get garbled output.
Yea, I'm thinking that your LM chip is still not working for some reason, but at least you ended up having a S.o.G monitor. Have fun!
My HDTV doesn't work too. I need output on it.
My LM1881 Chip doesn't work? Is there a way to test it? Perhaps with a multimeter?
My LM1881 Chip doesn't work? Is there a way to test it? Perhaps with a multimeter?
You need to provide more details. Are you saying you have two monitors and an HDTV with a VGA input? If so, have you looked at the manuals for all three to see what VGA modes they support?
At a guess I'd suspect that one of your monitors supports SOG, while the other monitor and the HDTV don't, and that xboxmods2977 is correct and your LM1881 chip is broken, but looking at the manuals might help confirm this.
Also, you might need to switch your Xbox into NTSC mode to get the higher VGA resolutions to work. I've never tried VGA on a PAL Xbox, but given the brain-dead implementation that Microsoft chose I'd be surprised if VGA gave you any reasonable resolutions unless you are in NTSC mode.
Finally, post some photos of your work - we might be able to spot if there's a wiring problem.
At a guess I'd suspect that one of your monitors supports SOG, while the other monitor and the HDTV don't, and that xboxmods2977 is correct and your LM1881 chip is broken, but looking at the manuals might help confirm this.
Also, you might need to switch your Xbox into NTSC mode to get the higher VGA resolutions to work. I've never tried VGA on a PAL Xbox, but given the brain-dead implementation that Microsoft chose I'd be surprised if VGA gave you any reasonable resolutions unless you are in NTSC mode.
Finally, post some photos of your work - we might be able to spot if there's a wiring problem.
I'm already in NTSC mode - I switched the box to it via Enigmah's PAL/NTSC switcher.
Regarding the wiring: Maybe I will desolder it and start from scratch.
Regarding the wiring: Maybe I will desolder it and start from scratch.
By the way - my HDTV is a LG 42PC51...
Another thing: Where can I find the Pixel8 VGA BIOS? No luck on the usual places...
QUOTE(AnnaOlum @ Jan 31 2012, 07:46 PM)
By the way - my HDTV is a LG 42PC51...
If you would like to connect your Xbox to this TV, you will have to either correct your LM1881 circuit (and pray that your TV accepts the signal), or connect to it via Xbox Component cables. Your YPbPr connections are on the back of the TV.
QUOTE(AnnaOlum @ Jan 31 2012, 10:40 PM)
Another thing: Where can I find the Pixel8 VGA BIOS? No luck on the usual places...
QUOTE(xboxmods2977 @ Feb 1 2012, 02:49 AM)
A bios change won't help you. Your issues are hardware related.
Yep, realized that now. Plugged out the LM1881 from its socket and it's still working on the first monitor.
Dang it! Switched the old LM1881 with a new one and it's still only working on the first monitor. Could it be the wiring?
Probably. Be sure to check your chip's orientation. Pin 1 is marked with a dot.
I checked that first. Like I said: Maybe I'll do the whole wiring from scratch to eliminate all problems
Yeah!!! Rewired it and now it works almost correctly. The only downside is that when i hook it up to my HDTV the picture constantly flickers and jumps on the screen. On another HDTV it works fine (but only 480p).
Is there a way to fix it?
Is there a way to fix it?
Probably not. You've gotten it to work properly on an HDTV (unfortunately, not yours), which means everything is set up correctly now. The issue is that the VGA signal that the LM1881 method produces is not spec identical to a true VGA signal. For this reason, some LCD TV's with VGA input simply do not like it. The only other alternative that may work better is the xbox internal VGA mod, explained here.
Side note: Do be aware that some HD TV's, using the VGA input, cannot display 1080i resolutions properly. You can try switching that resolution off and just leave the 480p, and 720p resolutions on and see if that makes any difference.
Side note: Do be aware that some HD TV's, using the VGA input, cannot display 1080i resolutions properly. You can try switching that resolution off and just leave the 480p, and 720p resolutions on and see if that makes any difference.
Dumb question: Could it be possible that it's not working correctly because I have grounded the pins 11 + 12 & 13 + 14 and have no VGA bios installed?
If you're not using a VGA bios, how did you get a working image on an HDTV via its VGA connection?
Via ndure 3.1?
Oh, yea. No different whether you are soft modded with a VGA bios, or hard modded with one.
Doesn't matter now - I think I botched my Xbox. Flashed the TATX_Debug_Dual_VGA_LameOne_beta BIOS on my TSOP and now it doesn't go further then the Xbox bootscreen.
Can I fix this?
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