PassKey to PassMe2
From PHWiki
The original author of this method is Jakelshark. Full credit goes to him for this guide. I have only modified it slightly in order to be more Wiki-fied.
The Nintendo DS console being released currently is programmed with a special firmware that does not allow the usage of the PassMe device and other variants of it. However, in order to counter this, a newer release of the PassMe, ingeniously called the "PassMe2", arises to bypass the prevention code in the firmware.
At the time of writing this Wiki (November 13th, 2005), the GBA Movie Player team has not yet released any updated version of their PassKey device for use with the M3/G6 devices, however has announced a tenative release of the PassKey2 sometime late-November.
In the meantime, a developer going by the handle "Jakelshark" has devised a method of altering the PassKey device to act as a PassMe2, thus allowing recent DS devices to work with the M3/G6 in DS mode. This Wiki is, more or less, a guide on how to go about doing such a thing.
Contents |
FAQ
Q: What is a PassKey and how do you use it?
A: The PassKey is a commerical version of a PassMe. The PassMe was a security bypass that uses the signed authenticity of one card to launch homebrew applications and hardware. To use a PassKey, insert an offical DS cart (Metroid Prime Demo for example) and put the switch on the Pass and turn the DS on. To play the cart you can just flip the switch and the DS will load the card instead.
Q: What is a PassMe2 and why do I need it?
A: Nintendo released new firmware for the DS which included a security fix for the PassMe, the PassMe2 is the newer version of the bypass and is needed for all DS's with the new firmware.
Q: How do I know if I have the new firmware?
A: There is no real way as of yet other than seeing if a PassMe/Key actually works, but for a rule of thumb I would say if you have gotten a non-silver DS since August in North America you most likely have the new. For outside of North America, all non-silver have the new as far as I know. And Im not too sure about silver ones, but if they were made after about Winter 04/Spring 05 then you may or may not have the new firmware.
Q: So what is this flashing all about?
A: Since the PassKey is a PassMe and new firmware doesnt allow PassMes, you need to reflash your PassKey into a PassMe2. This is a guide on how to do this
Tools Needed for Flashing
PassKey Screwdriver JTAG (will give directions on assembly) and a means to connect to PassKey (solder/header) PC with 25 pin printer port
Tools Needed for JTAG Construction
Printer cable ($5) OR 25 pin male port Soldering Iron w/solder 1/4 watt 4.7 KOhm resistor 2x6 header (optional) multimeter (optional but very useful)) power source (2 AA battery holder) 2 AA Batteries
It will be about $10 total in costs if you already have Solder Iron, solder, and multimeter
Removing the PassKey from the covering
Take apart the PassKey, there are 8 screws (4 large and 4 small) to be taken off. Carefully remove the top outer two, then the two outer on the next row and remove the two pieces that come off. Then remove the 4 small screws and pull off the card (suggestion to tap the LED out). Now, CAREFULLY bend the pins holding the clear cart insert so you can remove the plastic below it (about 20-30 degrees). Push on the plastic parts holding on the circuit to loosen and pull it out. And you SHOULD see 6 small headers (2 larger than the other 4)
JTAG Construction
If you already have a JTAG or can borrow one you may skip ahead. There are two main ways to construct a JTAG, one is either cut up an extra 25 pin printer port and then use a multimeter to tell which wire is which pin, or you can buy a male header and wires (this is easier but costs more, but only like $3). Now the pins you want (or wire touching this pin) are 2, 3, 4, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 25. You can simply refer to this hopefully easy to understand diagram
Recap on Wiring
PIN 2 = TDI
PIN 3 = TCK
PIN 4 = TMS
PIN 8 = solder together with 11 and 12
PIN11= ^^
PIN12= ^^
PIN13= solder to TDO and 1/4 2k4OHM resistor
PIN15= solder to VCC, positive power of the power source and also the resistor
PIN25= solder to GND and negative power of the power source
Solder all the wires to the right heads (or use the 2x6) and also solder the 3 wires together and also put in the power source and resistor.
Programing Part
With your PassKey hooked up to the JTAG, hook the JTAG up to the PC, insert batteries and run this software (download this after registration). Now run iMPACT. Start a new project and click on "Configure Devices," "Boundary-Scan Mode," "Auto connect and config cable." Hit ok and then select the JED file. The JED file you want can be found [1]here. Please note that the list of compatible games is updating and changing. Now that you have selected the JED, right click the chip and select "erase" and check the option to take off write protect. Then right click the chip and select program and check erase and verify. And now you have a PassMe2! Remove the chip from the header/solder and put it back into the casing
New Method
From darkfader's site, download the sav game for the game programmed for your PassMe2. Rename the sav to sram.dat in the root and make sure you have the latest firmware (e11 or up) on your M3. Launch into GBA mode without your PassMe2, then pop it in and turn off the DS. When you launch it should go to NDS mode. You should never have to write to the SRAM again.
Old Method
First you want to download this gba file by PepsiMan, and put it on your M3. Then use the following steps
Remove PassMe2
Insert M3
Turn on DS
Go to GBA mode
Run the GBA program*
Select the correct setting for the SRAM write and press A
Insert PassMe2
TurnOff DS
TurnOn DS
Enjoy M3 in NDS mode
- Note: Some people have had problems with this part, you may want to remove your M3 after running the GBA program and putting it back in before you select the code and write to the SRAM. But this is just an extra step you can take if you are having problems.
Notes from the Editor
After flashing your PassKey to a PassMe2, the LED and switch no longer work and so far there havent been any sucessful codings to make the switch and LED work.
The correct SRAM code can be found on the back of your DS cart or here
I HIGHLY recommend installing FlashMe because the PassMe2 Steps are long and annoying
I, Jakelshark, am not at this moment in the buisness of selling PassMe2s, reflashing PassKeys, or JTAGs. Maybe at a later date, which I doubt as the commerical PassKey2 is about to ship
Extra Links
Natrium's site and tutorial on making a JTAG, but note that the head is different for a PassKey!! Good place to get SRAM codes and project files my webpage
Known Publishings
GBATMW PocketHeaven Leo's
If you want to publish this guide, you may as long as the version is credited and more or less verbatium. Latest versions can be found at GBATMW
Version History
- November 5th
+ Original Guide written
- November 6th
+ few gramatical corrections
+ cleared up some gray areas for some people
- November 9th
+ did my own PassKey wiring guide
+ added some links to darkfader's stuff
- November 27th
+ cleaned up some redundencies
+ cleaned up some more gray areas and added some more general information
+ final version?
- December 1st
+ Added a small note to the guide
- December 3rd
+ Added a new method on using the PassMe2
