WiiKey or Wiinja Deluxe

[GingerMohawk]

Hi all,
Sorry to do this, it's another one of those nasty 'which one is better' threads; will it help if I say I really really need your help? Maybe.

I've done a bit of research and I've decided to get either the WiiKey or Wiinja Deluxe they both do what a modcip is supposed to but is there any sicnificant advantage one has over the other, for instance the WiiKey has 512 byte EEPROM does the Wiinja also have this?

Which one seems more reliable as in will recive updates reguarly and is more straight forward to update?

Is there any real difference in using wires or the quicksolder points?

Thanks for any help
Ginge

[dzenc]

Wiinja Deluxe does what it claims and has already seen firmware updates. WiiKey does *not* do what it claims (it has *no* audio-fix) and has never had a firmware update (despite promises). With the exception of the audio-fix (which Wiinja Deluxe *has* and WiiKey *does not*), they are pretty similar in functionality.

For the record, I own a WiiKey, but, based on what I know now, I would *not* get it again. I have never used a Wiinja Deluxe.

[Yopadato]

Just because of the Wiikey's bug with GC Audio-Stream Games, I don't recommend it. Since I've installed my Wiikey, I can't play anymore my Naruto ORIGINAL games! Same problem with Ikaruga, Wave Race, Eternal Darkness, and a lot more.

Now I think WiiFree is the best solution, but if you want a commercial modchip, I recommend the WiiD.

[GingerMohawk]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Yopadato - So your saying that some Original GC games don't work when you install the WiiKey?

[foobar2k]

Why no mention of the CycloWiz?

CycloWiz has proven firmware updates (some people claim to have bricked their wii with an update, but this sounds like user error) and has the joint best feature set.

Am I wrong?

[numms]

Why no mention of the CycloWiz?

CycloWiz has proven firmware updates (some people claim to have bricked their wii with an update, but this sounds like user error) and has the joint best feature set.

Am I wrong?

From my experiences, you are correct. I never picked up a soldering iron in my life and by following the guide here on MC I had ZERO problems. Installing it was easier than I thought (those small ass points on the board had me a little scared). The upgrade went smooth, and have no complaints whatsoever. The only problem I've found with cyclowiz is that anytime you mention it on these forums, people accuse you of being paid by them.

[davepsp]

personally i think u should go with the wiikey mine hasnt went wrong once:D

[numms]

personally i think u should go with the wiikey mine hasnt went wrong once:D
You running the real deal wiikey or the clone? I have a few friends who want to get their systems modded. I recommend the cyclowiz to everyone, but at 8 bucks for the wiikey clone, you really can't go wrong.

[TheLaw]

Why do people keep putting it down to money. How much a chip is should not influence your decision. By playing one back-up on your wii, you have saved money.

You need to make sure that the chip is installed properly, proven to be upgradable and is 99.9% compatible with all games that exist at the moment.

I have chipped quite a few wii consoles now and I would only use the cyclowiz. I have never had a return or a problem with any of them. Anyone with soldering experience should be able to fit it with the right tools(15watt iron, no more). The switch fits fine and all my upgrades have worked out fine, no cycles.

I am not telling you what to get but there is so much info(good and bad) out there that you should be able to make a very informed decision on your own.

[SpanKie]

I have to agree, the CycloWiz is the best option. It currently has the best compatibility (Wii & GC), great support and features.

[numms]

Why do people keep putting it down to money. How much a chip is should not influence your decision. By playing one back-up on your wii, you have saved money.

You need to make sure that the chip is installed properly, proven to be upgradable and is 99.9% compatible with all games that exist at the moment.

I have chipped quite a few wii consoles now and I would only use the cyclowiz. I have never had a return or a problem with any of them. Anyone with soldering experience should be able to fit it with the right tools(15watt iron, no more). The switch fits fine and all my upgrades have worked out fine, no cycles.

I am not telling you what to get but there is so much info(good and bad) out there that you should be able to make a very informed decision on your own.

I agree with you and completely understand, however, if someone doesn't want to pay 40 bucks for a chip, they won't - it's not worth it to them. Personally, I have a cyclowiz and am more than happy with it, and as I said in my post, I suggest it to anyone who listens. What can I say? I have cheap friends. If they can get it done at $8, why spend $40?

[dzenc]

Why no mention of the CycloWiz?

CycloWiz has proven firmware updates (some people claim to have bricked their wii with an update, but this sounds like user error) and has the joint best feature set.

Am I wrong?

Because IMHO, Cyclowiz is *poorly* engineered. Any chip that requires 12v for firmware updates is fundamentally broken. Using 12v is *very* risky -- see all the people who *thought* they hooked it up right, but instead sent 12v down one of the 5v lines, thus bricking their Wii. Nope, not a good design at all.

They didn't even choose a chip with enough space to hold all of the firmware. Once you update to V3, you only get half the firmware (either D2A or D2B firmware), but not both. Again, it works, but it's just a really bad design.

It sure seems like firmware updating was thrown in as an afterthought.

[sl2obel2ts]

get wiinja deluxe. install it outside. ;)

[dzenc]

So your saying that some Original GC games don't work when you install the WiiKey?

Correct. Not only does WiiKey have no audio-fix for backups, it actually breaks certain *original* GC games.

[uzi]

Correct. Not only does WiiKey have no audio-fix for backups, it actually breaks certain *original* GC games.
does the cd crack in half?

[davepsp]

You running the real deal wiikey or the clone? I have a few friends who want to get their systems modded. I recommend the cyclowiz to everyone, but at 8 bucks for the wiikey clone, you really can't go wrong.

the real deal from modchip.it :D

[SpanKie]

Because IMHO, Cyclowiz is *poorly* engineered. Any chip that requires 12v for firmware updates is fundamentally broken. Using 12v is *very* risky -- see all the people who *thought* they hooked it up right, but instead sent 12v down one of the 5v lines, thus bricking their Wii. Nope, not a good design at all.

They didn't even choose a chip with enough space to hold all of the firmware. Once you update to V3, you only get half the firmware (either D2A or D2B firmware), but not both. Again, it works, but it's just a really bad design.

It sure seems like firmware updating was thrown in as an afterthought.

Ok, we know what we're talking about. :eek:

Why would a Wii with a D2A chip need instructions for a D2B chip ... :rolleyes:

I guess now that TC has proven everyone completely wrong and made all the know-it-all a*ses eat there words they need something else to say to defend there chip of choice.

The installation instructions for the Wiz are so easy and straight forward to install. If the installer makes a mistake with a wire; being its a 6, 12, 32, 10000000 volt and damages there system, this is no way the chips fault. I've seen many other blotched install jobs that destroying Wii from all chips. If you cannot install the chip properly, you don't install it. Its that simple!

I'm looking back over the resent months on how many posts were made about there Wii's getting damaged and the funny thing is, everyone blames the chip.

As for the update, this was an announce feature of the chip prior to it ever hitting the streets.

IMHO, all the chips have poor design flaws ... each one could have done something different or better. However, the Wiz's design held through for proper alignment on all drive boards for the quick solder install method.

Well, to sum it up ... if all these issue are a major concern, your best option is to go with a free alternative and build your owe. This way, you can make the board, its features, etc anyway you want.

[GingerMohawk]

Thanks for all the reply's, didn't mean to start a Cyclowiz bashing contest but I never included Cyclowiz in my options because the place I'm buying from don't stock them.

I'm going to go for the Wiinja D I think, the only thing I'm not to keen on is the wires, they look messy but heh I'll not see them so I'm sure I'll cope.

Thanks again all.

Ginge

[foobar2k]

Thanks for all the reply's, didn't mean to start a Cyclowiz bashing contest but I never included Cyclowiz in my options because the place I'm buying from don't stock them.

I'm going to go for the Wiinja D I think, the only thing I'm not to keen on is the wires, they look messy but heh I'll not see them so I'm sure I'll cope.

Thanks again all.

Ginge

From what I've heard the Wiikey isn't a joy to quicksolder. Most recommend doing a wired install.

Wiinja Deluxe sounds like the way to go.

[dzenc]

Why would a Wii with a D2A chip need instructions for a D2B chip ... :rolleyes:

It wouldn't. But that's not the point. It is just another indication of a bad design decision. If you are planning ahead for upgrades, it's wise to leave room in the FLASH for future expansion. The difference in cost for the parts (vs. the profit margin) is negligible.

If the installer makes a mistake with a wire; this is no way the chips fault.

Agreed, but again, it doesn't go to the point I was making.

It's not that it's "wrong" or "broken," it's just that it's another example of a poor design decision. I don't think these were done maliciously, it's just inexperience. I say this as someone who has 15 years of software and hardware design experience.

If you accidentally mis-connect a 5v line on the Wii, chances are it won't break anything, because the other lines are 5v as well. If you mis-connect a 12v line, you're screwed. Take a look at some of those pictures in the forums with chips that have burn marks on them. Ouch.

No one is saying that it's not the fault of the person who mis-connected it, but that's not the point. Why give people the option of screwing up when it's just as easy not to? We all know that half the people who are installing these things have no business being in there in the first place. Why make it any easier for them to brick their consoles? Why give them an excuse to blame the chip?

There is absolutely no reason to use a chip that requires 12v. None. It's just a bad choice.

At least the Cyclowiz team seems to be trying to do the right thing. I'll certainly give them credit for that. Despite all of the hurdles that they put in their own way, they did come through with an update. But do you really want a chip from a team with great intentions, but bad engineering skills?

I think I'll pass.

To me, the Wiinja team just seems like the most experienced team. They were first. They got it right the first time, and every time since. And they've delivered exactly what they've promised.

That's just my opinion. Feel free to disagree. (And I'm speaking as a frustrated WiiKey owner (!) -- I don't even own a Wiinja.)

-Dan

[SpanKie]

There is no doubt that some things could have been done differently. I even believe this to be true for other chips as well. Nothing is perfect (perfection is in the eye of the beholder) Looking back over the years; across a lot of the platforms, no chips were perfect. Each had there pros and cons.

But in all fairness, I don't think TC is incompetent or lack skills. It could just be possible in a rush to the market they made some bad decisions. Like you mentioned, they have over come the obstacles.

Prior to the chips release and after, I've read the forums and the countless threads across the Internet of folks pretending to know and placing false claims on the Wiz. This chip was bashes so bad that it hurt and discredited not only the chip but the team. Heck, even some site are still listing incorrect information on the chip and saying its not upgradeable. With all the assumptions whether some being true or not, TC has delivered and pulled through. If being able to update the chip was as hard and difficult as folks mentioned and said "not possible"; TC did it, so in that case they must be fairly smart to accomplish it which makes them and the chip very creditable.

It seems like all the things people complained and bashed about it have now been corrected... so naturally, people need to find new things to come up with to continue there stance and argument. So far I heard two things now that hold this argument, one being the need for a switch and now the design. Both are completely irrelevant.

I don't hear folks bashin' the WiiKey for such a bad design? Its design opened the door for a flood of clones. Now with the clones available the chip and the name WiiKey is worthless. To WiiKey owners this is almost like a slap in the face. Whether WiiKey is behind the clones or not (as I've read some people are speculating). I'm not sure the road map for the WiiKey team, only know they are working on an update, who knows even if there will be one now because of the clones. Only time will tell of course but as a WiiKey owner who paid $40 for a chip when they could have only paid $8 (or less) for the same product, I would be pissed and pressuring the WiiKey team to do something about it and get the update out there and make sure it only works for the authentic chips. They say their working in it, but are they going to be able to do it. Is it possible with a 1:1 clone. Lets start making threads saying they can't and bash them like people did to TC saying its not possible and it can't be done.

Sure why not, lets throw out all our WiiKey's ($40 pieces of junk that doesn't work like promised and could have purchase for $8 instead). We'll all buy the WiiD instead and bash the **** out of the WiiKey and team :rolleyes:

Our arguments could be almost the same was what people bashed the Wiz for ... no updates, false promise, chips doesn't work as stated, and making our $40 chip worth s*it because of the clones.

Ok, I'm done ranting ... :D :) :D

I hope you can see where I'm coming from and my point is comes across correctly.

[SpanKie]

I haven't really looked into this so I'm throwing this out there blind ... but has anyone verified or know for sure that 12v is what is being used for the update?

My next install I think I'm going to test this.

[dzenc]

I'm actually *angry* at the WiiKey folks, since I bought something from them based on a lie (they claim that they have an audio-fix). Mistakes I can put up with (if you correct them), but misleading your customers is just bad news.

As I said, as someone who spent $50 on a WiiKey, believe me, I'm no fan of theirs.

But I also like to give credit where credit is due. The Wiinja folks seem to have done everything right. The only real "flaw" in their design is the lack of PCB (no quicksolder), but that's a pretty minor flaw in my eyes. Of course, your priorities may be different, but at least anyone buying a Wiinja knows *up front* that it's not a quick-solder design. There's nothing misleading about it.

People certainly didn't know up-front that the WiiKey didn't support audiofix (since they *still* claim otherwise), nor did they know up-front that a Cyclowiz update risked bricking their Wii if they incorrectly wired up the 12v line, or that the chip had very limited expansion room in it's FLASH.

Since it's a software problem, WiiKey even had the opportunity to *fix* their mistake by releasing an update, but they have not done so. IMHO, clones or no clones, that's pretty poor customer service.

-Dan

[Cantenna]

BIG Sacm .

I get load errors whenever i enable region free or enable drive speed 6
Wave race freeze
Lied about firmeware update

dont have any creditbility

My wiikey cost 150

:mad:

[fallout1]

I installed 2 Wiija Deluxes so far and they do exactly what they advertise! Easy to install, good features.. Easy to upgrade.. Easy to remove.. Blah blah blah... Very happy so far.

[SpanKie]

I installed 2 Wiija Deluxes so far and they do exactly what they advertise! Easy to install, good features.. Easy to upgrade.. Easy to remove.. Blah blah blah... Very happy so far.

I definitely agree here (and with you dzenc). The Wiinja held true and I don't think I ever really read any users posts on problems with the chip (with the exception of bad installs that is... LOL).

Well, I'm hoping that the WiiKey team can pull through on the update ... time will tell.

[duros]

Wiikey is a solid chip despite the gc audio issues. Not a huge thing in my book so far...

If they fail to release any firmware as they mention on their site, i'll be pissed. Enough people own the wiikey that something will surely develop if all else fails.
I'm sure they'll release at least one firmware update if they want to retain any respect in the chip biz.

[Krusty2515]

GUYS you are all arguing about the faults of your modchip


The only 2 modchips that live up to what they say

the WiiD and the Wiinja Deluxe

The cyclowiz is a pretty dangerous chip and the wiikey hasent been updated

The WiiD has been out for a month and 2 updates have already come out for it.


Just get a WiiD its cheap and its the best and easiest one to install

[ericlin0122]

why not get a clone wiikey?
Only $7

[t0lerence]

Just to add my 2p, the Wiikey quicksolder is silly but I WOULD NEVER recommend doing this anyway, ALWAYS wire install so that if you eed to, it can be removed later. Unlike a quicksolder where you can end up lifting all the solder pads.

I have installed Wiiinjas as well as Wiikey and at the moment, my preference is for Wiikey...just waiting for an update atm...

[numms]

GUYS you are all arguing about the faults of your modchip


The only 2 modchips that live up to what they say

the WiiD and the Wiinja Deluxe

The cyclowiz is a pretty dangerous chip and the wiikey hasent been updated

The WiiD has been out for a month and 2 updates have already come out for it.


Just get a WiiD its cheap and its the best and easiest one to install

How is the cyclowiz "pretty dangerous"??
In addition to that, how is the need for two updates in a month a GOOD thing?

[SpanKie]

GUYS you are all arguing about the faults of your modchip


The only 2 modchips that live up to what they say

the WiiD and the Wiinja Deluxe

The cyclowiz is a pretty dangerous chip and the wiikey hasent been updated

The WiiD has been out for a month and 2 updates have already come out for it.


Just get a WiiD its cheap and its the best and easiest one to install

The Wiz isn't dangerous ... the installers are. You have to be a moron to mess up a Wiz install.

I don't even consider the WiiD a comparable chip ... its just another copy cat trying to make a buck. From what it seems, they update a lot because they probably use modified open source code. Why else would they have so many updates. The Wiinja, Wiz, and WiiKey are not constantly updating. But the open source ones are ... oh, and the WiiD too. Seems fishy to me ;)

[numms]

The Wiz isn't dangerous ... the installers are. You have to be a moron to mess up a Wiz install.
That was pretty much the point I was making.

I'm a total noob and had no problem installing the cyclo in my wii. I think this guy putting a post out there saying that the cyclowiz is dangerous doesn't know what he's talking about. Follow the directions and there's zero problems.