Is the US Gamecube optical drive unit compatible with a Japanese PCB?

[Lum]

Anyone know for certain? I'm exploring my options to get real JPN mode, it's necessary for some games to correctly play. May as well get the more remote possibilities covered.

[paul.strickler1]

Yes.

As far as I know, it's never been tried. However, I am certain that it would work.

You can attach an NR drive to a standard cube of any region and an NPDP drive to a standard cube of any region.
I don't think that a stock drive would give you any issues.

[Bad_Ad84]

As I understood it - jp games only have problems on PAL consoles. US consoles have the jap fonts in the bios and work just fine.

[Lum]

Could be, I'm not leaving that to chance. I don't want to use a region switch US console for my special project if it'll have problems.

[Bad_Ad84]

Probably worth checking first.

[Lum]

I don't have that soldering ability yet. My attempt failed. Such tiny wire and contact points.

[Bad_Ad84]

Quote I found about the situation:

It looks like the font problem is only when using Freeloader - having the hardware switch doesn't cause any text weirdness on VS3 or FMC

[Lum]

Yeah Freeloader doesn't itself actually cause the problem. A modchip won't toggle language either.

[Bad_Ad84]

Yes, freeloader or modchip is the same in respect of running "out of region" games.

A hardware switch will work just fine, there is no need for a jap cube.

[Lum]

I have the equipment to find out. Problem is finding an newb-proof way to get solder onto nano sized contact points.

[Mystical]

I have the equipment to find out. Problem is finding an newb-proof way to get solder onto nano sized contact points.

spare boards (any old pc cards etc.) and lots of practice

[Lum]

True, it isn't cost effective sending into somebody else to add the switch right now. I'll be getting a modchip install whenever my order arrives.

[Borman]

Use a thin wire, and you should essentially be able to test it by putting the wire into the contact points. Worked fine as a quick solderless method back in the day.

[APE]

Given the region control can be subverted with a switch I don't see why American optics wouldn't be compatible with a Japanese PCB. Most modchips just patch the drive for backups and not much more AFAIK. At least the XenoGC does.

[Lum]

Use a thin wire, and you should essentially be able to test it by putting the wire into the contact points. Worked fine as a quick solderless method back in the day.

Edit: Not possible to attach wire there. I desoldered point R5! o_o

This cube will likely need the point drilled out to re-expose the board's trace.

[Bad_Ad84]

Drilled?

I suggest you step away before you break it =/

[Lum]

Indeed. I sure can't think of a way to bore holes that tiny to find connections inside a PCB. >_>

[Bad_Ad84]

You do not drill. There is no need to do that... ever.

[Lum]

Perhaps if a pinhole remains, thin enough liquid solder could flow into the exact right spot to make a connection. I don't own any microscope to find out.

[Bad_Ad84]

The hole is a via. The connection is going from 1 side of the board to the other. You could just solder on the other side.

Or you can expose the trace...

No microscope is required.