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DS Flash Equipment > Flashme with a passKEY done (photo incl)

#59121 - qwench - Sat Oct 29, 2005 8:19 am

I have a new black nds with unfortunatly the new firmware, a m3, a passkey, a pcmcia wifime compatable device, a flashadvance card and metroid demo(eur).

Actually:
- passkey does not work with new firmware (tested)
- wifime does not work (not tested, but red in another thread)
The only way to go now is the jtag cable to flash the passkey. Schematics are available for passme, but not for passkey.
So, here are some pic of my passkey. On the rear, we can see 6 pins wich should match the 6 jtag pins, but no infos is printed on the board.

Can someone have a look and bring some light ?

front
rear

Thanks

Last edited by qwench on Sat Nov 05, 2005 3:00 pm; edited 1 time in total

#59134 - Thomas - Sat Oct 29, 2005 11:57 am

I looked at the photographs a bit, but I could only trace the lower 2 connections of the JTAG pins, which are GND and VCC. I can't see where the other 4 pins go to, since the connector is in the way.

So you'll have to do it yourself. Just pick a pin of the JTAG connector and check (with a multimeter) to which pin of the CPLD it is connected. Look up which function that particular pin has (It's in the datasheet, but I have included a table to look it up), and with a bit of luck it should match a pin of the JTAG fuction.

By the way, pin 1 is next to the dot in the lower left corner of the IC. From then on, count counterclockwise.

[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]

#59532 - qwench - Wed Nov 02, 2005 2:08 pm

Thank you for the help.
I locate the pinning of the passkey and updated the picture

I will now build the jtag cable.

#59818 - qwench - Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:49 am

Ok, got the 3.3v power, got the parallel connector and got a passkey connector.

To do this week end:
- build the jtag cable
- flash the passkey to passkey2 for one game cartridge.
- load my flashadvance sram with latest flashme
- flash the nds firmware

I will post result monday.

#59920 - qwench - Sat Nov 05, 2005 2:59 pm

YESSSSSSSSSS

I works !
I build a JTAG cable for passkey, load the sram of my old gba flash extreme, merge a loader to the nds flashme V5 and write it to the flash card and it works like a charm !
Just have to erase the xilinx chip first (to overwrite the write protection).

I will post full procedure and maybe photos on monday !

Thanks to all people working on nds hardware !!

#59960 - Jakelshark - Sat Nov 05, 2005 11:49 pm

check this page out for latest guide, but I think its pretty final now
http://leo.rampen.ca/m3wiki/index.php/Jakel_passkey2


Tools Needed for Flashing

  • PassKey
  • Screwdriver
  • JTAG (will give directions on assembly) and a means to connect to PassKey (solder/header)
  • PC with 25 pin printer port



Tools Needed for JTAG Construction

  • Printer cable ($5) OR 25 pin male port
  • Soldering Iron w/solder
  • 1/4 watt 4.7 KOhm resistor
  • 2x6 header (optional)
  • multimeter (optional but very useful))
  • power source (2 AA battery holder)
  • 2 AA Batteries

It will be about $10 total in costs if you already have Solder Iron, solder, and multimeter


Removing the PassKey from the covering
Take apart the PassKey, there are 8 screws (4 large and 4 small) to be taken off. Carefully remove the top outer two, then the two outer on the next row and remove the two pieces that come off. Then remove the 4 small screws and pull off the card (suggestion to tap the LED out). Now, CAREFULLY bend the pins holding the clear cart insert so you can remove the plastic below it (about 20-30 degrees). Push on the plastic parts holding on the circuit to loosen and pull it out. And you SHOULD see 6 small headers (2 larger than the other 4)


JTAG Construction
If you already have a JTAG or can borrow one you may skip ahead. There are two main ways to construct a JTAG, one is either cut up an extra 25 pin printer port and then use a multimeter to tell which wire is which pin, or you can buy a male header and wires (this is easier but costs more, but only like $3). Now the pins you want (or wire touching this pin) are 2, 3, 4, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 25. You can simply refer to this hopefully easy to understand diagram

[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]

Recap on Wiring
PIN 2 = TDI
PIN 3 = TCK
PIN 4 = TMS
PIN 8 = solder together with 11 and 12
PIN11= ^^
PIN12= ^^
PIN13= solder to TDO and 1/4 2k4OHM resistor
PIN15= solder to VCC, positive power of the power source and also the resistor
PIN25= solder to GND and negative power of the power source

Solder all the wires to the right heads (or use the 2x6) and also solder the 3 wires together and also put in the power source and resistor.


Programing Part
With your PassKey hooked up to the JTAG, hook the JTAG up to the PC, insert batteries and run this software (download this after registration). Now run iMPACT. Start a new project and click on "Configure Devices," "Boundary-Scan Mode," "Auto connect and config cable." Hit ok and then select the JED file. The JED file you want can be found here. Please note that the list of compatible games is updating and changing. Now that you have selected the JED, right click the chip and select "erase" and check the option to take off write protect. Then right click the chip and select program and check erase and verify. And now you have a PassMe2! Remove the chip from the header/solder and put it back into the casing

New Method
From darkfader's site, download the sav game for the game programmed for your PassMe2. Rename the sav to sram.dat in the root and make sure you have the latest firmware (e11 or up) on your M3. Launch into GBA mode without your PassMe2, then pop it in and turn off the DS. When you launch it should go to NDS mode. You should never have to write to the SRAM again.


Old Method
Preparing the M3
First you want to download this gba file by PepsiMan, and put it on your M3

Using the PassMe2 steps
Remove PassMe2
Insert M3
Turn on DS
Go to GBA mode
Run the GBA program*
Select the correct setting for the SRAM write and press A
Insert PassMe2
TurnOff DS
TurnOn DS
Enjoy M3 in NDS mode

*Note: Some people have had problems with this part, you may want to remove your M3 after running the GBA program and putting it back in before you select the code and write to the SRAM. But this is just an extra step you can take if you are having problems.

Notes from the Editor:

  • After flashing your PassKey to a PassMe2, the LED and switch no longer work and so far there havent been any sucessful codings to make the switch and LED work.
  • The correct SRAM code can be found on the back of your DS cart or here
  • I HIGHLY recommend installing FlashMe because the PassMe2 Steps are long and annoying
  • I, Jakelshark, am not at this moment in the buisness of selling PassMe2s, reflashing PassKeys, or JTAGs. Maybe at a later date, which I doubt as the commerical PassKey2 is about to ship




Extra Links


Version History
- November 5th
+ Original Guide written
- November 6th
+ few gramatical corrections
+ cleared up some gray areas for some people
- November 9th
+ did my own PassKey wiring guide
+ added some links to darkfader's stuff
- November 27th
+ cleaned up some redundencies
+ cleaned up some more gray areas and added some more general information
+ final version?
- December 1st
+ Added a small note to the guide
- December 3rd
+ Added a new method on using the PassMe2

Last edited by Jakelshark on Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:03 pm; edited 5 times in total

#60009 - qwench - Sun Nov 06, 2005 7:53 am

Good job !
I checked this tutorial and it is very well done. No errors.
I didn't use the PepsiMan GBA file yet, but It seems to work... I will test it with another nds soon.

#60014 - natrium42 - Sun Nov 06, 2005 9:28 am

Good instructions :)

Jakelshark wrote:
First you want to download this gba file by PepsiMan, and put it on your M3. Also put on the SRAM file (the other file in the zip from the previous step)

Pepsiman's program has the complete SRAM image, so no need to put the SRAM file from the ZIP onto M3.
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#60053 - Jakelshark - Sun Nov 06, 2005 7:25 pm

awesome, fixed it and now it should be perfect...

#61943 - sobi - Fri Nov 25, 2005 4:39 pm

I buildt myself a JTAG cable using these two tutorials. I managed to successfully reprogram the passme using both the "Xilinx iMPACT" program, and the playxsvf (yes, i programmed it two times). But i wont get the new passme2 to run my M3. in both cases i flashed it with Mario DS Usa version, and used the corresponding SDRAM save. When i shut down, insert the passme, and boot again, nthing happens. I only get the dual white screen of misery frown.gif Does anyone know what might be wrong? i think ive tried anything..

Thanks in advance!

seems like other people have similar problems :(
http://forum.gbadev.org/viewtopic.php?p=61940#61940

I'll try some other games and see if that helps.. too bad theres not so many EU files avaliable..

#61982 - tepples - Sat Nov 26, 2005 5:18 am

If you can build a JTAG cable, then can't you open the DS and build a PPFlash cable that just installs the FlashMe recovery code on your firmware?
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-- Who?
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-- I think he moved to Tilwick.

#61986 - josath - Sat Nov 26, 2005 5:56 am

sobi: what gba flash cart are you using?

#62031 - sobi - Sat Nov 26, 2005 6:22 pm

Josath: I use a M3 adapter.

#62144 - lambi1982 - Sun Nov 27, 2005 7:55 pm

I have the original passme and a new blue DS, I am able to load homebrew on it using the original passme. Does this mean I would be an=ble to add Flash me to this DS with flashme version 5?

is there any changes to the Blue DS that would be a problem with the new Flashme?

I was under the impression that the original passme did not work with the new blue ds's unless you had Passme2
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#62154 - Laintsurge - Sun Nov 27, 2005 9:32 pm

Well if your passme works. As I think you just said. Then yes you can use Flashme. Flashme works with all DSs I think. It's the passme (1 or 2?) and the flash cart (does it have/need sram) you got to worry about.
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#62192 - natrium42 - Mon Nov 28, 2005 4:39 am

sobi wrote:
But i wont get the new passme2 to run my M3. in both cases i flashed it with Mario DS Usa version, and used the corresponding SDRAM save.

There are two different vestions of USA edition of SM64DS. You should try programming your PassMe for the other version.
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#62197 - lambi1982 - Mon Nov 28, 2005 6:25 am

well it does work on the blue DS, I got the passme when they first came out, so it isnt updated or anything, but it does work.

I am using a EZF advance 3 256Mbit GBA cart which does support SRAM, but would it cause any problems for the Blue DS, and Doest flashME have to be loaded any different way, or the same as before???

I kinda dont even need to add flashme since I own a silver Modded DS too, just thought just incase I decide to add flashme, "I HATE THAT WARNING SCREEN"
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#62300 - sobi - Tue Nov 29, 2005 7:23 am

natrium42 wrote:

There are two different vestions of USA edition of SM64DS. You should try programming your PassMe for the other version.


I tried both USA versions -> no go.. :( I even tried the EU version. (/desperate)

Since then i've gotten myself a copy of polarium, but was not able to reflash the passme.. maybe i've shorted something on the chip.
So I guess i'll just order a passme2, and hope the same problems does not occur. (really shouldnt be a concern?)

When you buy a preflashed passme2, is it only able to hold data for one game passthrough? in that case, how to know which version of the marioDS passme?

I've got the Chihuahua Pink Daschund & Friends DS (EU edition)
Maybe its equipped with some unknown chihuahua-antihack code.

#62364 - sobi - Wed Nov 30, 2005 3:46 am

it finally works!

thanks to everyone who replied.

howto here: http://forum.gbadev.org/viewtopic.php?p=61940#61940

#66545 - darkserman - Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:56 pm

Hi there

First,I would like to thank you everybody out there working hard in the scene. Thanks ;)

Then, i have a DS wich needs a passme2, and i have got a passkey1.
i?m trying to build the Jtag to convert it into a passkey2, but i?m wondering why, the file with the connections(TCK, TDO, etc) on the Xilinx chip (thaht file is passkey2.gif) has been deleted from wverywhere it was on the net.

my passkey1, doesn?t have the 6 pads to solder on the back of it. then i have to solder on the xilinx but the schemes have been deleted i dont?know why.
Would you please help me on identifying the connections on the xilinx please, or maybe anyone has the *.gif and could e-mail it to me.

Thank you one more time ;)

#67307 - limai - Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:15 pm

I also have a Passkey that doesnt have the six pads on the back. Does anyone know how to reprogram it, or know of a howto?

Thanks.

#80025 - evhoria - Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:58 am

I soldered to what this picture shows me to solder: http://www.romcenter.com/photos/nds/keyjtag2.jpg

to the following pins:
Recap on Wiring
PIN 2 = TDI
PIN 3 = TCK
PIN 4 = TMS
PIN 8 = solder together with 11 and 12
PIN11= ^^
PIN12= ^^
PIN13= solder to TDO and 1/4 2k4OHM resistor
PIN15= solder to VCC, positive power of the power source and also the resistor
PIN25= solder to GND and negative power of the power source

Can anyone confirm that these two peaces of info are correct?
Here are my two results when attempting to program the card:
1. iMPACT method -
I create a new project
choose "Automatically connect to a cable and identify Boundary-Scan chain"
then my Passkey card red light turns on and at 11% (in less than one second) a dialog pops up titled "Question" - Ther eare many unknown devices being detected. Press Yes to continue or press No to stop. If I choose yes, iMPACT will freeze. No way around it.
2. XSVF Player method-
ERROR: TDO mismatch and exceeded max retries
ERROR at or near xsVF command #8. See line #8 in the XSVF ASCII file.
Execution Time = 0.015 seconds
No light turns on with this method

well that's pretty much where I'm at. Please someone help.
Let me know any info you guys can offer.

#80320 - ultrablade - Fri Apr 21, 2006 7:51 am

evhoria wrote:
I soldered to what this picture shows me to solder: http://www.romcenter.com/photos/nds/keyjtag2.jpg

to the following pins:
Recap on Wiring
PIN 2 = TDI
PIN 3 = TCK
PIN 4 = TMS
PIN 8 = solder together with 11 and 12
PIN11= ^^
PIN12= ^^
PIN13= solder to TDO and 1/4 2k4OHM resistor
PIN15= solder to VCC, positive power of the power source and also the resistor
PIN25= solder to GND and negative power of the power source

Can anyone confirm that these two peaces of info are correct?
Here are my two results when attempting to program the card:
1. iMPACT method -
I create a new project
choose "Automatically connect to a cable and identify Boundary-Scan chain"
then my Passkey card red light turns on and at 11% (in less than one second) a dialog pops up titled "Question" - Ther eare many unknown devices being detected. Press Yes to continue or press No to stop. If I choose yes, iMPACT will freeze. No way around it.
2. XSVF Player method-
ERROR: TDO mismatch and exceeded max retries
ERROR at or near xsVF command #8. See line #8 in the XSVF ASCII file.
Execution Time = 0.015 seconds
No light turns on with this method

well that's pretty much where I'm at. Please someone help.
Let me know any info you guys can offer.


Trust me--I learned the hard way. Just buy a passkey 2! :D

ultrablADe
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#80537 - evhoria - Sun Apr 23, 2006 6:56 am

LOL! Thanks man. I spent like a whole day trying to figure it out. Was hoping someone had an answer to my problem. Did you brake yours or lose a lot of time like me? Still looking for the answer.

#80631 - natrium42 - Mon Apr 24, 2006 4:08 am

Check your powersource. Recheck the wiring. This error can occur when some of the pins make bad contact...
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#80959 - spinal_cord - Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:14 am

I dont have an m3, does this work with either gbamp(2) or a regular gba flash cart?

#80974 - tepples - Wed Apr 26, 2006 1:21 pm

PassMe2 to FlashMe is easiest with a traditional GBA flash cart.
_________________
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-- Who?
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-- I think he moved to Tilwick.

#81048 - Dan2552 - Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:12 pm

lambi1982 wrote:
well it does work on the blue DS, I got the passme when they first came out, so it isnt updated or anything, but it does work.


Are you saying what I think you're saying!? PASSME1 works on newer firmware????

Ooooh i'm so confused

#81052 - JaJa - Wed Apr 26, 2006 10:35 pm

Some Electric Blue DSs shipped with V3 firmware.