Wiikey - Quicksolder or Wired install?

[SWnerd525]

I just ordered a Wiikey and had originally planned on having a friend quicksolder it for me, but all I keep hearing is how quicksoldering really isn't the best option. What are the pros and cons of quicksoldering versus the pros and cons of a wired install? Also, I was wondering if anybody could show me some install pics from a successful quicksolder install.

[cravavr3]

The wiikey pcb has a critical error making quicksolder a bit problematic. Aka solder mask is not on bottom and on sides for making solder connected easily to PCB and DVD drive.

Wire install all the way!

[Lush78]

Plus with a wired install, it would be much easier to remove if you ever wanted to...

[hacktek]

Wire it!!!!

[IBNobody]

Use wires, and jam the WiiKey in the bottom corner under the drive's wire routing clip.

[SWnerd525]

does anybody have any pics from a good wired install? Where would I put it and how would I secure it there?

[hacktek]

Search the forums, there's millions of pics of good installs. To secure the chip you can just use double sided tape or electrical tape over it (even if you use double sided tape you should put electrical tape on it, at least over the soldered points, same on the board).

[c0rderr0y]

Just did a wire install .... was fairly tough only because the points were smaller than I have dealt with before. Anyone know where I can get a good 30AWG wire stripper :confused:

[Dreamcazman]

I wire installed my Wiikey the other day, I found it pretty simple after having done a few PS2's. The points weren't as small as I thought they would be. I just used double sided tape to hold the chip in place.

Here is a pic of my installation.

http://home.austarnet.com.au/cary/wiikey install.jpg

[Spykemike]

Just did a wire install .... was fairly tough only because the points were smaller than I have dealt with before. Anyone know where I can get a good 30AWG wire stripper :confused:

Just use your teeth :D

[Firecrack]

I do not recommend the quicksolder method. There is a solder pad near the point 4 that is almost certain to be shorted. Personnally, i used an hybrid method with very short wire. It is a bit harder to do than with long wire but it is very clean and easy to remove.

http://www.ps2-scene.org/m37r01d/Wiikey%20review.html

Be sure to check everything using a multimeter after your install.

[cravavr3]

Stripping 30 gauge wire is easy, heat end with soldering iron if too much plastic melts just cut the wire to length needed.

[opnr2000]

Just use your teeth :D

Seriously, you can bite the ends. Thats how i did my install

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/1959/p1000975en1.jpg

[BentZero]

Isn't it a good idea to keep the wires as short as possible? I've seen some installs that have the chip just above that yellow grid in the picture above.

[grabb]

Seriously, you can bite the ends. Thats how i did my install

Being on the safety commitee at my office, I feel obligated to mention that this is a BAD idea. First, your dentist will be unhappy with you. But far more important, do not put anything in your mouth that has been near lead solder! You should be working in as sterile an environment as possible, and wash your hands thoroughly after working with lead. Lead is a poison which the body has no efficient means of disposing of. This means that your lifetime exposure to lead is cummulative, and you need to do everything possible to avoid exposure to it. While the wires themselves have no lead in them, they have almost certainly been contaminated - and even if they haven't, don't take the risk. You do not want lead poisoning.

[SWnerd525]

Thanks for those nice, clear pictures! Would folding over a piece of electrical tape be just as good as using double sided tape? Also, once the wires are good and soldered, should I use some tape to secure them to the PCB and some over the solder points? DreamcazMan, I really like the where you placed the chip in the black area off to the side of the PCB. What kind of tape is that and did you have to modify anything to make it fit there? Sorry, I know I'm full of questions, but I just want to make sure I get this right the first time. Everybody's input has helped me a lot, thanks!

[Dreamcazman]

DreamcazMan, I really like the where you placed the chip in the black area off to the side of the PCB. What kind of tape is that and did you have to modify anything to make it fit there? Sorry, I know I'm full of questions, but I just want to make sure I get this right the first time. Everybody's input has helped me a lot, thanks!

I got the idea from Steve-O 2006 on the forums here for the placement of the chip. Seems to work well and fits perfectly, didn't have to modify anything. The tape I used is sticky on both sides and is like thin foam, it's a little spongy, around 1-2mm thick. Any supermarket has it, it's nothing special.

[hacktek]

I do not recommend the quicksolder method. There is a solder pad near the point 4 that is almost certain to be shorted. Personnally, i used an hybrid method with very short wire. It is a bit harder to do than with long wire but it is very clean and easy to remove.

http://www.ps2-scene.org/m37r01d/Wiikey%20review.html

Be sure to check everything using a multimeter after your install.

That looks like it's hard as hell! How is removing it easier this whay than with just normal wires?

[Topher84]

I just modded my wii last night using the wiikey. Must say it was by far EXTREMELY EASY! I still don't see how people messed up that bad on here and this was my first soldering experience ever! I do suggest using the wire method because it will be easier to remove the chip in the end because you don't have globs of solder sitting there.
Tips:
RADIOSHACK is your friend!
- 30awg wire
- they sell a little wire wrap tool w/ a 30awg wire stripper tool for like $5