Tutorial written by : GuyBrush
Last edited: September 22, 2003

I've done this mod for two reasons! I wanted status LED's, so that I know what function is on/off and I didn't want to have huge toggle or rocker switches all over my XBOX, sticking out like mutated appendages. I wanted a neat finish.

Anyways, you need one of these dipswitch type things (don't know what they're called, but they're used on the X2 pros and the Matrix). I got this one with 8 switches so that it gives me options for future mods.

(looks something like this, but with a complete housing)

You can use any SPST switch. Mounting will be the same as in the other hundred tuts on xbox-scene. We'll mount it on the back of the box (You know the routine... open BOX, remove the drives, mboard, dremel/drill an opening for the dipswitches.....etc).

I hotglued it in place and insulated all the connections to it so that it doesn't short out anything. I connected wires to all the pins and heat shrinked them cos it would be a bitch to do later (we've glued it in place permanently!). Just coil the wires you don't use neatly and tape then to the inside shielding of the box. I only had 3 switches left. I've used 3 for the 3 jumpers on my X2lite and two for my Ultimate Jewel Mod (see xbox-scene tuts). One as in the tut and another to turn off the entire Jewel.

You need LED's with relevant resistors and Relays. But this is dependant on which circuit your going to follow. I designed two.

First up we have the simple design:

[click for larger image]

Nothing complex about the design. Just remember to get the right resistor for your LED on the +5volt source. I haven't supplied any pics of the Relay cos there are a lot of different designs. Just ask for a "Double Pole Single Throw 5volt Relay". You could also use a 12 volt one. Remember to get a relay that is small so it can be mounted inside the case with your other mods.

Basically the relay acts like a DPDT switch. When it receives power it magnetically switches the two internal switches to the on position. One which enables the mod chip jumper (ON) and the other which completes the LED circuit so that it goes ON.

Design Number 2:

[click for larger image]

Also quiet easy, just a little harder to follow. Here, the main difference is that we're using a "Double Pole Double Throw 5volt Relay." It also has two switches but each switch has a further two states. When the relay is off (no power) the switches complete one circuit which will allow you to power the tri-colour LED to one colour (RED) and when there is power (switch relay on) it completes the switches the other circuit on thereby activating the modchip and the alternate (GREEN) colour.

Just have a good look at the diagram and you'll have it figured in no time. Again remember the relevant resistors and if you can't get tri-colour LED's then you can use 2 separate LED's, just remembering again the resistors.

This is good for the bank switch as you are able to see which bank is selected. Also good for the flash protect jumper so you no if its protected or not - RED (danger) it's not protected, GREEN (ok) your chip is flash protected.

Remember heatshrink is your friend, use it everywhere! If you want you could also mount the relays on a strip board and make the complete circuit neater and easier to handle-only applicable if you're doing all three switches using the above methods.

This design can also be applied to other modchips that donot have status lights. All you've got to do to end it all is to mount the LED's on your box. If you want a flat top LED, just use some sandpaper and grind it down (not too much though!). Sand it down with fine sandpaper to give it a smooth finish and the finish it off with a little plastic polish. Beats having round knobbly LED's sticking out of your case. Now they can all be flush with the housing.

Little tri-color LED info:

I'd like to thank XBOX-SCENE (specially Xantium) and TEAM Xecuter for my X2lite! Without it, this tut would not exist.