V1.6b/X3CE/3294v16 Halting during Flash

[willdo]

Hi all. This is my first post, though I've been reading these forums for a while now.

My dillema is this: After having installed my X3CE into a 1.6B, the flash process stops at about 20%. Of course, I was attempting to flash 3294V16 to the first 1MB bank (on on off off), with no luck.

Before attempting to try flashing the second bank, I re-installed FlashBIOS 3.0.3 back onto the first bank. Sucessfully, oddly enough.

Flashing to the second bank (off on off off) went exactly the same way, 20% into the process, the green bar stopped moving.

I've read the next step is to disconnect the swithbank, so as to write to it's default state, the 1st 1MB bank. Still, the same exact problem.

For each step, I've tried HTTP, CD-RW and DVD+R methods, with no luck. At one point, I even tried using a non-V16-Plus file, just to find out. Then BIOS V3108. Same results. It seems the only BIOS I can successfully install are FlashBIOS files, of which only 3.0.3 will allow me to boot properly. Every X3 BIOS halts at 20%.

Any ideas, hints, or advice? Any help would be appreciated.

-Will

 

[adam.giles]

I assume you got you bios files from the "usual places".
You also unrar-ed the file.
You then tried to flash the v16_plus .bin file.
You switched flash protect off on both the chip and the switch panel.
You are using the standard switch panel and not the pro-switch.

 

[willdo]

Your assumptions are spot on, friend. The BIOS files I used were from the sources listed per instructions, and all equal (except the 256K FlashBIOS files) 1MB. I've re-downloaded 3294 more times than I can count, just to be sure.

The Switch being used is stock, and no pins are damaged as far as I can tell. I also checked the X3CE's switchpanel pins, and they too are in good shape. I've rechecked all solder joints, as well. The flash-protect switches are in their proper places for flashing, with the red led lit. Both power led's are lit, as well.

And my hair is falling out at an accelerated rate.

Thanks for the quick reply, Adam.

 

[willdo]

Oh, sorry, forgot to mention that yes, I used the v16_plus file for both 1MB banks, except after frustration ensued where I tried using a non V16 BIOS. Both files give the same result, locking at 20%.

 

[adam.giles]

Have you tried disconnecting the switch panel from the chip, at the chip end?

I seem to remember something about pins 13 and 14 being involved in the X3 bios (although I think it only affects it after flash), so it might worth re-checking those points

 

[matt77303]

** [font=verdana, arial, helvetica] I seem to remember something about pins 13 and 14 being involved in the X3 bios (although I think it only affects it after flash), so it might worth re-checking those points **

yeap this will only affect after the flash, if you get flash bios up and then flash with the x3 bios and apon restart you get a blank screen, then recheck lpc 13 + 14. ( older x2 or evox bios will work as they dont require point 13 + 14)

Matt
[/font]

 

[willdo]

Quote from adam.giles:
"Have you tried disconnecting the switch panel from the chip, at the chip end?"


That's a good idea! It'll be a bit difficult, with how tight that connection is, but I'll give that a try.

Thanks again, guys, for your help. I'll post with my results.

 

[willdo]

Well, unfortunately removing the switchpanel connector from the X3CE didn't work. What's next?

 

[Rookio]

Getting the chip flashed in a known working xbox.

 

[adam.giles]

Getting the chip flashed in a known working xbox.

Sounds like the only way left.

 

[willdo]

Ok, will do. But one last question from me to the pro's:

Do I have to use a V1.6+ Xbox to flash a v16_plus Bios?

If not, I know of a working V1.4 with an X3 in it. It's my audio/video source for my car. If that'll work, today would be a good day.

 

[adam.giles]

Yeah, you can flash the bios with any X-box, but obviously once it's flashed with a 1.6 bios, it won't work in a non 1.6 box.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[willdo]

Ok, an update. I flashed the (problematic) X3CE (2nd 1MB bank, left FlashBIOS 3.0.3 on 1st) in a V1.4 box, which normally uses an X3. The flash went well, as far as I could tell. Green bar went to 100%, and the box shut off. True to form, the box wouldn't load with v16plus.

Ok, all's well. I swapped the X3CE back into the 1.6b, and fired her up. Drumroll anyone?

On, off, on, off, on, FRAG.

Ok, what gives? Any ideas?

 

[willdo]

Sorry about the tone of my last post. If any of the guru's got the impression that I've become impatient, I appologize. Though I am, in fact, impatient regarding the might-as-well-be-stock XBox, I'm actually quite pleased with the help you guys have given me thus far.

It's very frustrating to have a streak of successful mods under my belt, only to have this one kick my butt. I'm sure even some of the guru's have been where I am right now, and like me, have asked someone for help. Did you find it as frustrating as I do?

Either way, thanks again, guys, for your help. I owe you a beer. Or six.