Wiip
Overview
The Wiip (otherwise known as "Wiip!") is an open-source modchip that can either be purchased pre-built for $20, or you can build it yourself. The Wiip was developed by TCNiSO and uses the OpenWii AVR firmware. This mod allows you to boot backup discs and supports any region of your choice. The chip is compatible with the early DVD drive chipsets (from DMS to D2B).
The main selling point of the Wiip is that the project is fully open source. Unlike commercial chips such as the Wiinja and the WiiKey, which remain closed, TCNiSO has provided gerber files and schematics, as well as firmware binaries and documentation for building your own modchips. They further state that other users can make modifications to their code to keep up with the latest updates in the near future when necessary, should updates block the chip's operation.
History
Wiip was the third modchip released for the Wii. The first production run boards were shipped in a limited quantity on February 28, 2007. These early modchips were not programmed by default, and required that the end-user have the necessary programmer to do so. Mainstream production of the chip took place in mid-March of 2007. As of April 30th, over 500 modchips have been produced and/or sold.
In addition, developing both the firmware and PCB design for the Wiip chip, TCNiSO also manufacturers and sells the chips near cost with the aide of Team Xecuter. One of the reasons why the Wiip project started was to hinder other modchip makers from making gross profits. Wiip was priced at $20, more than half the price of other modchip makers on the market.
A technical marvel of the Wiip was that it was the first modchip to be able to be upgraded by the end-user. While another modchip promised DVD upgradability, it was never accomplished until nearly three-months after that modchip was released.
On September 17, the Wiip was discontinued due to pressures from Nintendo's legal team.
Firmware Updates
Wiip! uses the OpenWii firmware and source can be downloaded from the OpenWii forums here
- 3/30/07 Released OpenWii v2.01
- 3/29/07 Released OpenWii v2.0
- 3/23/07 Released OpenWii v1.3 Source
- 3/20/07 Released OpenWii v1.3
- 3/17/07 Released OpenWii v1.2
- 3/9/07 Released OpenWii v1.1
- 3/7/07 Released OpenWii v1.0
Features
As of firmware revision 2.01, Wiip's features are:
- DMS / D2A / D2B compatible
- DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW compatible
- DVD Speed Fix
- Run Wii / Gamecube backups
- Region Free (Partially)
- Setup Disc operational with or without Gamecube controller
- Includes LPT (Parallel) upgrade cable
- 10 MHz AVR microcontroller with 2KB of EEPROM (SMD type)
- Customizable (via open source code)
- Boots Wii games (DVD+R / DVD-R media)
- Boots GC games and homebrew (version 1.1+)
- On board DIP switch (enable/disable mod, enable/disable stealth)
- Works on DMS, D2A and D2B chipsets!
- Supports PAL/JAP/NTSC games!
- Diagnostic LED (slow blink = running, fast blink = booting backup)
Technical
The Wiip was originally developed on the Atmel AT90S microcontroller. As of version 1.3 the code as been expanded to also support the Atmel ATTINY microcontroller as well. In addition to the source code the PCB schematics are also available from TCNiSO.
