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How to Create a Zero Key (PIC) For Net Booting and CF on NAOMI Chihiro and Triforce

Forgive me if this is the wrong place to post.

I've been meaning to learn how to program PICs and thought this would be a cool starting point since it is tested code and well documented flags. Since I saw a couple of people mention success with a PICKIT 2, I picked up the current model (4) and a few of the chips. First problem: MP-LAB does not accept *.bin files. If I knew what software created the bin, maybe I could back out the compiled *.hex binary?

Does anyone have advice? Thanks.
 
Hmm, maybe I can bait out some advice if I better define the question.

Several times the author, rtw, mentions posting a *.hex file. Several other people refer to a hex file. Later one person mentions having to convert the *.bin to a *.hex file. However, the hex file no longer seems to be posted, only the two *.bin files. Is there still a *.hex somewhere?

As for testing idc’s posted hex, MPLAB IPE reports: “Warning <filename> contains code that is located in addresses that do not exist on the PIC16F628A” I guess it is too large, or written for a different MCU.

Maybe if I knew what hardware and software used the *.bin I could just go and buy that as a starting point?

- rtw appears to use an unknown Elnec programmer and the PG4UW software. Very expensive, but I bet you get what you pay for.

- zeruel85 and Mrhide use dthe TL866II-Plus programmer and xgpro software? Software seems to have a flag inversion problem.

- anabelgator and D_N_G used the top3000 programmer and unknown software.

- Niko used the GQ4x4 programmer. There seemed to be a big/little endian problem in the software that required effort to work around.

- Tailsnic Retroworks had success with a TL866CS, which is no longer made.

- I was wrong. Finisterre never said he was successful with the pickit 2. He was pointing out support challenges with the original chips used by SEGA. I also see a top3000 in the background.

Any advice? Or, am I wrong, and this is a terrible place for a beginner to start?
 
UrQuan3 said:
Any advice? Or, am I wrong, and this is a terrible place for a beginner to start?
Click to expand...
I use a TL866A with the MiniPro v6.85 software. I use the .bin files directly with the MiniPro software. I've never needed the .hex files you mention.

Device selection:
mini pro select device.png

configuration flags:
mini pro settings new.png
 
Ah, what the heck. The TL866II is cheap. I don't have all that much to lose.

the .hex is for the Microchip software. (pickit programmers)
 
Thank you both. That seems to be what I needed. MPLAB read the file, set the flags, recorded, and verified.
...
I can't test it. (Oh look, NETDIMM firmware version 3.13, not 3.17 !@#!). Oh well. That's a project for another day.

EDIT: I don't want to derail a thread focused on the zero key. I will post back after I have sorted my other problems out.
 

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UrQuan3 said:
Thank you both. That seems to be what I needed. MPLAB read the file, set the flags, recorded, and verified.
...
I can't test it. (Oh look, NETDIMM firmware version 3.13, not 3.17 !@#!). Oh well. That's a project for another day.
Click to expand...
were are you located, there are a few people who can update the flash for you. (myself, mitsurugi-w , and i am sure others , you can if your ok with replaced tsop48. ) mitrurugi-w probably has the update gdrom which makes it 5000x easier.. ( I have to do flash replacement ) - he was offering free upgrades if you bought the cf kit from him.

​

 
Got it. I was trying to upload the wrong NETDIMM update ROM. The steps above absolutely create a valid zero key using the PicKit 4. Thanks everyone.
 
stj said:
it takes less than 30 seconds to desolder and resolder a tsop package including cleaning.
when i used to "repair" ;) cable boxes it took longer to get a reliable connection in the tsop socket adapter than to actually lift and re-solder the chip.
Click to expand...
Those were the good old days, I also used to repair cable boxes along with sat cards, etc...Jerrold/Tocom boxes, etc....then moved onto digital boxes, cloning, etc...
 
I'm very new to this scene, so please excuse the terrible questions.

But can I use this chip to boot any other Naomi GD-Rom? I don't like the idea of swapping them out with how hard they fit, I would just rather swap the GD-Rom itself
 
an interesting option would be to fit a zif socket to the gd unit.
 
Because the discs are encrypted?

stj said:
an interesting option would be to fit a zif socket to the gd unit.
Click to expand...

Well, if we're talking of original key chips and discs, a ZIF socket isn't needed. Legit keys come in small plastic housings. They take like 5 seconds to pop off. No idea what issue @RadiantAnsel has with them. There's a small locking tab that you have to press and then you just pull the key off.
 
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