Talk:Homebrew Channel

Have the tools been released?

I think i remember someone mentioning, that after they release the homebrew channel, they will release the tools they used so others can start customizing their channels. I have not been able to find these tools, anyone else? Or is there a released date for them?

System Update

On the next Wii system update, if Nintendo blocks this, will it brick my system?

Note: discussion about the "old" Homebrew Channel has been moved to Talk:Homebrew_Channel_(archive).

Wads

Is there any chance future releases will support launching of .wad files off the sd card? That would be awesome!

Icons

Many icons : http://www.wiigen.fr/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=43&topic=5504.0

I just uploaded a small Icon Pack for the homebrew channel. robertle 04:44, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

I've created a page for icons at Homebrew_Channel/Icons and am in the process of uploading icons from both of these setes, as well as from a few other sources.

Meta.XML

in French : http://www.wiigen.fr/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=43&topic=5508.0

Are Homebrew Channel updates digitally signed?

Are there any mechanism in place to make sure Homebrew Channel updates are really from the Homebrew Channel team? Felix123 02:38, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Not yet, but we plan on addressing that within the next two releases. Bushing 04:42, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Removal..?

That method still leaves the tickets and such in your data.
Are there any plans to have a full uninstaller, or is it just going to stay there until Nintendo decides to take the offensive against it? - トウメイ

This was already addressed at http://hbc.hackmii.com/faq.php Bushing 04:42, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Some potential beta bugs?

Thanks for releasing this guys...I can have my Zelda save back on my Wii again :)

That said, I think I've found a couple of issues.

• My Ninty LAN adaptor doesn't seem to be supported as the "networking" always fails. No biggie for now, but it'd be nice to mention it somewhere to save others trying if it's not actually supported for now.

iirc we had reports of a working lan adapter. recheck the network settings in sysmenu/options. does the icon on the lower right stop blinking? dhewg 05:38, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

• Booting ELFs from the menu fails when my GameCube memory card is in the slot. There's at least a note about this in one of the readmes/FAQs, but I'm intrigued as to why loading from the SD fails when it's present? It seems to load the icons and meta data fine, but just sits at 0% when I actual click the load button.

thats a bug in the libraries used, should be fixed soon dhewg 05:38, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

• Doesn't respond to the power button on the remote. Trivial, but just something I noticed.

yes, we know about that one too, we'll look into it dhewg 05:38, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

• When I press the home button, the channel shows me an IP adress "192.168.0." - the last byte (3) is missing. Tz 06:26, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

• The apps load fine, but they can't find the roms directory, and I keep getting an error that's something like "Exception occurred!"

• For some reason, when I have the SD Gecko with SD Card in it in slot A (haven't tried slot B) the channel says reading from SD or whatever, then sits at the main menu, with no apps. The channel still works fine, just there's nothing to click on :P You can quit the channel with the home button still, and the cursor still works, so it hasn't crashed. This seems to be a different problem than the 0% loading that other people have - Shambler

Mr jrt 04:40, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

thanks for the feedback!

• When I load Wii64 it shows the Wii64 logo, but before the spinning N shows up it crashes and shows CODE DUMP and a bunch of hex. I have to hold down the power button on the Wii for ~5 seconds to shut if off.

• Network is not working when there is a gamecube memory card in slot B. The network symbol is not blinking and wilload is not working.

• Black screen after exiting homebrew channel when there is a gamecube memory card in slot B. Reboot is sometimes not working.

• One time I got the message that the system files of my WII are defect while launching homebrew channel. I couldn't start it and needed to power off. Then it was working again.

This is the way forward

There's no doubt in my mind that this is the 'next step' on from Twilight Hack, if you haven't downloaded it you're missing out. Outstanding work!

It's obvious this is geared and ready for app encapsulation (.wiibrew?), this is a good thing as it simplifies matters for end users and gives developers more creative control over they're content.

What I'm wondering is, and I realise I may have overlooked a discussion somewhere, what's the status of an end user friendly delivery system? To you and I installing Twilight Hack and then using it to install the Homebrew Channel may seem straightforward but to Mr and Mrs "afraid of our PC" it may seem intimidating.

I fully appreciate that this is in no way a simple matter, I'm just wondering how it could be achieved, especially without provoking Nintendo? Or is keeping suited to people who understand the risks and intent the way not to provoke Nintendo? nliwilson 06:15, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

You want a http://jailbreakme.com style site? Felix123 06:30, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Not entirely sure what you mean Felix123? I'm not asking for, or trying to steer toward anything I'm asking the questions you see on screen, nothing more, nothing less. If the answer is "it's not a priority" or "no plans for the time being" I'm perfectly happy with that, I have no agenda either way. nliwilson 06:50, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

I can't even figure out what you are asking -- please give an example of what "an end user friendly delivery system" might look like. Bushing 06:57, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Ironically that's kind of what I'm asking you!:D jailbreakme.com is one example, alternatively something like an install CD image (no simple matter I know). By "end users" I mean in terms of the industrial phrase, People who want to be able to stick a disk in and have an install wizard pop up, I know this has not been a focus so far but an outstanding UI and moves toward an app encapsulation format would seem to nod in that direction. If you're not sure what I'm asking that suggests its actually been not been a focus whilst developing this Homebrew Channel and that's my answer. nliwilson 07:18, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Well, you'd only be able to have an "easier" installation (presumably without SD cards?) if someone found a vulnerability in the Internet Channel. A CD image to burn would only work if the Wii was chipped. Of course the question is, why would Mr and Mrs "afraid of our PC" want homebrew in the first place? And would they check this site before updating their Wii or running new games? Almost certainly not. Cue a shiny white brick and emails of complaint. So it's probably better for both them and us that they don't tinker around right now. Sgspencer 07:25, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Sorry, that website is an easy way to hack iPhones. To install homebrew apps on an iPhone, you just need to visit the site using the iPhone. Felix123 07:33, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Sorry if I caused any confusion, coming from a home and small business support background I can tell you that, for example, DSGi's "Digital Support" department in the UK regularly got calls from people who can't understand why this thing they found on the web doesn't work on they're PS2/PSP or why this thing they found on the web turned they're PS2/PSP in to a door stop and why Sony won't repair it. There is a demand from people who'd struggle with simply installing Twilight Hack and thinking end user support ways I thought that could be something you where aiming at, if anything this is a compliment to just how good this beta is. This has taken up a bit of space because I failed to to explain myself clearly sorry,please delete my entries if appropriate.

Wiimote Flicker

First i wanna say im sorry for my english.

Well i have a problem with the Homebrew Channel, basically everything works Perfectly and you guys outdone yourselves, it really is excelent, but what want to ask is if it's normal that my Wiimote is always flickering, i mean, when o point to the screen the hand appears and i can move it perfectly but many times if i move it goes up and down, and disapears and appears, like if was flickering ?

Thank you

Do you have other light sources around?Felix123 07:04, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Does it also happen in the main Wii menu? Wipe the end of the wiimote? Sit closer to the TV? Sgspencer 07:12, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

I have the same problem, and it doesn't happen in the Wii menu, only in the homebrew channel (and also in the ScummVM menu, games). I think the problem is that my tv is infront of a window, and the wiimote is set to be too sensitive.

it's a problem with the wiiuse code. it's too sensitive to ir-sources. that's afaik something that's being worked on Adan0s 09:33, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

I found something interesting that you may wish to try when experiencing "Wiimote Flickering" If your sure its not the light, the angle or any of the normal sensitivity things try plugging in your Nunchuck. I discovered this a long time ago, when I was using bluetooth and glovepie, that you get far better results with both. Sypher 16:52, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Installing the Homebrew Channel from the ten-minute demo?

I was unable to install the beta7 version directly from the 10-min limit preview, so I worked around it in this way: I used the preview version to launch a loader, which I then used to launch the installer. If you returned you copy of the Twilight Princess and have the demo installed, you too can join in all the fun!

Wiiload?

There was no guide on how to set it up.

• I had to chmod 755 wiiload for OS X in order to use it. nliwilson 12:50, 25 May 2008 (PDT)
• Step-by-step guide here. Flyne 16:19, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

So this is why I couldn't - get on - all day - yesterday.

There were so many people down - load - ing this. Bletotum

SendElf

I have written a windows GUI client for the TCP loading part, no more messing around with the command line!--henke37 12:06, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Found a Bug

Once, when I loaded the homebrew channel, the screen flickered for a second, and then the forward arrow jumped to under the programs, this also happens on every subsequent program screen, and doesn't fix itself until you restart your wii. Click here

Also, would it be possible to return to the wii menu without the safety screen?

why is it fliping me off?

the cursor is the middle finger pointing not the index finger is than for a reason or accident?

It's intentional, obviously, and it's because it's funny.

Haha, I never even noticed that, and I've been on the Homebrew Channel quite a bit today. --67.170.78.135 20:37, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Is there any way to switch to a non-flipping off cursor? I would say something like an arrow would be fine, but I know that my family is going to raise concerns at me if they notice it. Thegamefreak0134 05:10, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

- It - is - not - ... Bletotum

Just thought I'd mention...

I just thought I'd let Twiizers know that SNES9xWii 0.1.1 and FCEu for Wii can't seem to find the ROM directories, after trying several different locations on the SD cards, and RIN doesn't even boot. However, GenPlus and SMSPlus work fine.

Great work on the channel, it looks great on my Wii, and I can't wait to be able to use all homebrew on it! Y0u 13:28, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

I seem to have the same problem. Snes9x works if I launch it using the Twilight Hack, but seems to fail when I try using the Homebrew Channel to launch it. Kinkydarkbird 13:46, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Aware of it, it's an app issue not the channel. An update to the emulator is being worked on that solves this. Also, please only use for *Homebrew Channel* bug reports as we are not responsible for individual apps or emulators. Thanks! :) Stalkid64

Okay, I wasn't actually sure if it was an HB channel issue or an app issue.

SNES9X AND FCEU NOT LOADING ROMS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE EMULATORS, NOT THE HOMEBREW CHANNEL.

That should make it clear. Y0u 14:57, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

until they fix the problem, you could load one of the homebrew loaders. it works fine from there.

The unofficial Snes9x version by LoPsT is working fine in the Homebrew Channel for me. I have not tried FCEu yet. Zarox

Internal Gecko SD Mod Issues

Got some loading issues with ScummVM and Wii64. In order for Wii64 to load SD card has to be removed then reinsterted or otherwise hangs at 0%! ScummVM loaded once to main screen with backgroung image and every subsequental time had loaded on the progress bar then froze to a black screen or loads the games without background image and then hangs when trying to start the game!

Will this void my Wii's warranty?

Yes it will. Read page 36 of your Wii system manual, it specifically voids your warranty when you use any unlicensed products (and that includes Homebrew Channel) --67.170.78.135 21:00, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Nintendo is awesome about this stuff though. I never even got a warranty, and they replaced the thing, data intact, for free. :3 - トウメイ

I dunno, this doesn't seem to qualify for the definition of "product", which is "merchandise: commodities offered for sale", according to Princeton. Flyne 22:38, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Actually, it doesn't state anything about unofficial code/programs/software. The warranty is void when I use "unlicensed copying devices" and the like. I didn't use any unlicensed devices to install my Homebrew channel, I used a Nintendo SD card and an official copy of Twilight Princess. Thus, as far as I can tell from the licensing information that I have read, this is perfectly legit. However, considering how easy it is to remove from the system, I would recommend uninstalling the channel before trying to get the Wii repaired. Thegamefreak0134 05:13, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

There are files left behind. I wish I had noticed the void earlier. Bletotum

Wii system updates, game updates and the homebrew channel

I couldnt find any blogs on the answer to this so I'll just ask. If the Homebrew channel is installed and a new wii system update comes out will it brick your wii or will it not because there is nothing installed like a modchip.

It's possible, though unlikely as long as the Homebrew Channel cannot assist with piracy in any way. --67.170.78.135 21:02, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

For example, Installing Virtual Console .WAD files or to a lesser extent Region free unlocking. The latter is more acceptable, but the former is most certainly piracy. Sypher 23:56, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

For clarification: Nintendo would specifically have to include code to brick it. There's no chance of it bricking accidentally. Flyne 08:10, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

A 2GB SD card?

Hey, in the Readme.txt it tells me that I need to format a "<=2GB" SD card. So what does this mean? Do I need a 2 GB SD card in the Wii or can I use a lesser 256 MB card or... eh?

The Wii does not support SDHC, so you can't use any card larger than 2GB. --67.170.78.135 21:04, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

"<=" means ≤ which means "less than or equal to". Meaning cards need to be less than or equal to 2 gigabytes in size.

GC Linux

What does this app do??? Do you still have to putlinux on the Gamecube way e.g. Start up PSO and do the thing or use Action Replay or does the app make it so you can just run it without PSO or Action Replay. Also what would I require and how does this different to Linux Wii(or WiiLi)?

It's a native port of GameCube Linux, and doesn't require any old GameCube tricks to run. Also, WiiLi is a scammer's site and has nothing to actually do with Wii development. --Chungy 23:21, 25 May 2008 (PDT)

Wii memory requirements

How much free storage space in terms of "blocks" does the channel require? I'm almost out of storage space (about 15-20 available "blocks"). How much is a "block" anyway in normal units (KB/MB) ? Helsionium 00:43, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

It takes up 11 blocks. I'm not sure how much that is in kb but you can easily check: Put as blank SD card in of a known size and divide the number of blocks by the size to get the size of the blocks. Muzer 01:34, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

I believe a block is 128KiB, though I'm not 100% sure on that. --Chungy 02:24, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

Nearly, 128 KB. As a Example I have a total empty 240 MB-SD memory card (which are 252,649,472 B), which gives 1927 open blocks on the Wii. Dividing the free space with the open blocks gives one block's size in Bytes. This divided with 1024 (to convert Bytes to KB) gives a value about 128. --Arn 04:14, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

Out of region games

Does this hack in any way enable playing legally purchased out-of-region games, specifically Japanese only Densha-De-Go on a UK Wii? RWMJ 01:31, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

Using the included program, Gecko RF, you can. Compatibility is not 100% though. Muzer 01:34, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

Networking bug

At first: I'm running a PAL Wii with German set as language, system version is 3.2E. This problem has to do with the networking part of the HBC.

The first image shows, that my Wii has actually the manually assigned IP 192.168.1.24. Anyway HBC shows that the Wii's IP is 192.168.1.2. Changing it to 192.168.1.12 doesn't change anything. Sending files from PC to Wii only works with the IP given in the system menu.

HBC may should read the IP out of the system menu, if it's set there (as a suggestion). - Arn 04:44, 26. May 2008 (PDT)

The Homebrew Channel shows not the whole IP (a little bug) that´s why you only see 192.168.1.2 and not 192.168.1.24.So the IP in the system menu is the right IP.

yarp, that's a common bug for almost all non-english languages. it happens due to a string limitation but it's just a cosmetic bug. should be fixed in the next version. ;) Adan0s 08:14, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

Addition of a Refresh Button

Hey! Would be great if a Refresh-Button would be added. So you can put stuff on your SD card whilst the HBC is loaded and you do not have to go back to the WiiMenue and start the channel again anymore.

boot disc won't work

I've downloaded the self booting iso for the homebrew channel and burned it to a DVD but when i put it in my wii, it doesn't work :S

It will only work if your Wii has a modchip. Otherwise, you will need an SD card, and Zelda: Twilight Princess. --Chungy 10:55, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

i have yaosm 2.something and i have also tried with 3.0 but doesn't work :s

There are two possibilities:

1. Yaosm 2 is not able to read homebrew discs

2. There is a problem with the DVD medium (try changing DVD+/-R and brand), the burning speed (try 2x) or your burning application. [eventually more?] --Arn

 i'm using a DVD+RW could that be it? i'm going to buy some DVD-R's, probably tomorrow.

i'm using a DVD+RW could that be it? i'm going to buy some DVD-R's, probably tomorrow.

Backing up save data with copy protection (i.e. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Kart Wii, Elebits)

The only application that I see for save data back-up looks kind of sketchy (another language and user was banned) are there any homebrew-ish solutions for memory back-up?

Well, his one works. He was banned for creating other tools that allowed VC Piracy, this one works 100% fine. Muzer 10:25, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

It should be noted that you can't play online with a save from another console. - トウメイ

Homebrew-order

It would be nice if you would able to change the order of the homebrew-menu... not only via directory-creation date =(

I agree... directory-creation date is by no way the easiest way for me to find what I want! 78.151.107.62 11:40, 26 May 2008 (PDT)

Just create the dirs in the right order (or use linux and poke them)

Rumble Addition/More Menue Music

Hey! Another idea of mine would be that if you point on an application that the WiiMote rumbles. Also backgroundmusic in the HBC would be great!

Yes, it would be great if you could place a mp3 or whatever on the sd memory card at a certain place and the channel will loop it in the background. - arn`

Even better if those were options, for those who - wouldn't like that. Bletotum

Will I need Zelda: TP everytime I use the homebrew channel, or only for the one-time installation?

I don't own it.. wondering if I'll need to if I want to run homebrew often.

You need the TP Hack just one time to install the channel, if you want to go that way. - arn`

Two questions.

Does the gecko region free require a usb/sd gecko? If so, which one? - Or is - it - just - part - of - the - name - of - it?

What does the bottom right corner, left icon - mean?

Bletotum

Loggindg Usage in your Wii memory

I noticed if you goto the message board and look at the "Today" section, then it clearly shows Homebrew Channel usage. Wouldn't it have been more sensible to put it uner "Other" like some WiiWare games do, as Nintendo can see/monitor your other channel usage now?

If you wish for it to show up as "Other", then go in and out of another channel repeatedly, until your latest entry in that channel shows up as "Other". The Wii can only have so many game/time entries per day. Once that limit is hit, it shows further entries as "Other", and adds on to the total playtime of "Other". At this point, if you didn't use homebrew channel before that time, it too, will show up as "Other". CaitSith2

Two bugs I suppose

Installed the channel. When launching any application, remote not doing anything, have to pull the plug. After exiting the channel, reboot happens.

Girtsn