2.1. Normal Installation
The following procedure covers the complete installation of PicoLoader, including the flex cable, Pico, and a diode. Take your time and be very careful with each step.
Note
These are the instructions for the normal installation with soldering.
The setup instructions for the solderless modules can be found here.
- Raspberry Pi Pico/Pico 2 (with castellated holes)
- PicoLoader Flex (gerbers, Flex PCB, 0.11mm thickness, ordering guide)
- 1N5819 Schottky Diode
- 3D Printed Mount (stl, PETG, ABS or ASA recommended)
- 3D Printed Fold Key (stl, highly recommended, makes folding easier)
- 3D Printed Drive Plug (stl, only needed for installs without the drive)
- 2x M2x5mm self-tapping screws
- 4.5mm Gamebit screwdriver
- #2 Phillips screwdriver
- #0 or #1 Phillips screwdriver
- Soldering Iron
- Tweezers
- Kapton/Scotch Tape (optional)
Test that your GameCube setup works correctly before you begin the installation.
Remove the 4 Gamebit screws (Sometimes these are #2 Phillips instead).
Flip the GameCube upright and remove the top part of the shell.
Remove the front and back IO panels without detaching the cable connecting the front IO panel.
Use a #2 Phillips Screwdriver to remove the 10 screws holding the disk drive assembly.
Move the fan and power assembly aside to remove another 4 screws.
Use a #1 or #0 Phillips Screwdriver to remove the 4 screws holding the ground contacts for the front IO.
Remove the disc drive assembly.
Caution
It's highly recommended to use the Fold Key and not do the folds by hand.
If you want to do them by hand, you continue at step 3b.
Fold the flex precisely at the white center line and nowhere else. Afterwards, insert it into the center of the Fold Key such that it wraps around the center spoke.
Important
Ensure the cable is not upside down. The DVD side text should be on the outside after the current step.
Turn the Fold Key over and fold both sides over the outer spokes of the Fold Key. Press on the flex for it to keep its shape.
Caution
Do not press on the part of the flex that is not inserted into the Fold Key.
Remove the flex from the Fold Key and continue with step 4.
Caution
Do not sharply fold or even crease the cable. Only add curves to the cable, or the cable will be destroyed.
Furthermore, do not fold or bend too close to the gold contacts. Fold exactly along the edges shown below.
The cable needs to be folded along these edges. Take your time and make precise folds.
Fold the cable to get the following result.
Important
Ensure the cable is not upside down. The DVD side needs to be on the inside and the GC MOBO side on the outside after folding.
Gently place the cable in the drive connector on the GameCube motherboard.
Fold both sides of the cable down.
If you do not want to use the drive, you can use the drive plug instead.
Continue with Step 5b if you want to keep your disk drive.
Slightly bend the RF shield if there is not enough room to pass the cable through.
Caution
The RF shield has sharp edges. Consider using Kapton/Scotch tape to protect the flex cable.
Gently lower the drive onto the GameCube and pass the cable through the gap in the RF shielding. Ensure that the cable is behind the plastic post.
Push the drive downward until it is fully seated.
Caution
Ensure that no part of the cable is pinched and stop immediately if too much force is required.
Temporarily secure the mount to the GameCube. This will make further steps easier.
Use a #1 or #0 Phillips Screwdriver to screw the cable and the Pico to the mount.
Caution
Ensure to screw into the right holes of the Pico. Otherwise, the cable might be damaged.
Important
There should not be a gap between the 3 parts of the sandwich.
Flip the GameCube on its side and solder the Pico to the flex.
Caution
Do not hold the soldering iron on a pad for extended periods. Otherwise, the mount will melt.
Tip
You do not need to solder the 3 pads at the bottom of the Pico.
Remove the mount again and screw it into the other post for soldering the diode.
Solder the diode to the back.
Important
Ensure that the diode is oriented correctly. The white stripe on the diode has to face the USB port.
Reattach the mount to the GameCube.
Tip
One screw will be left over after installation. You can place this screw at the designated spot on the mount to not lose it.
Important
Before testing, screw the disk drive down. This ensures that the flex cable has a solid connection to the GameCube and drive.
Congratulations! You are now ready to install the firmware, upload the payload and test your installation!
Next Step: Software Installation