This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:21:11
The video introduces "Project Stellar," a groundbreaking mod chip for the original Xbox, developed by Dustin from Make Megahertz. This innovation aims to simplify Xbox modding with its onboard RP2040 processor, FPGA, 8MB RAM, flash memory, and OLED display, all running on Stellar OS. The video covers the unboxing, installation, and features of the Stellar chip. Key components include the chip itself, an LPC rebuild quick solder board, and several accessories. Installation involves firmware updates and BIOS validation, tailored for all Xbox revisions and paired with the Xbox HD Plus HDMI kit for enhanced functionality.
Throughout the video, the presenter details the step-by-step installation process, emphasizing the ease of use compared to traditional methods. Stellar OS simplifies software setup, offers a polished interface, and integrates HD Plus settings directly. The mod chip supports CPU-modded consoles, potential ISO loading, network device setup, simpler hard drive configurations, and future updates.
Stellar OS is praised for its user-friendly design, making it accessible to novices while offering future expansion with more advanced features. Although not all functionalities are currently active, the future potential is highlighted, along with recommendations for professional installation by red herring32.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Tito introduces “Project Stellar,” a new mod chip for the original Xbox created by Dustin from Make Megahertz. Unlike previous mod chips, Project Stellar aims to simplify and revolutionize the Xbox modding process. Distinguished by its OLED display and extensive IO options, Stellar features an onboard RP2040 processor, FPGA with 8MB of RAM, and flash memory. It aims to centralize and streamline Xbox modding, reducing the need for users to seek information from various sources, thus making the process less cumbersome and more accessible.
00:03:00
In this segment, the presenter introduces the Stellar mod chip, highlighting that it comes with its own operating system, Stellar OS, which offers a polished user interface and various features, although not all are currently supported. The Stellar chip acts as a self-contained computer with extensive I/O capabilities, making it updateable and compatible with physical accessories. The video will cover what comes with the Stellar kit, its installation into an Xbox, its major features, pros and cons, and overall thoughts. Key components of the kit include the Stellar mod chip, LPC rebuild quick solder board, d0 quicksolder flex, pin header, standoff, and a longer screw. The presenter also mentions the compatibility of the Stellar mod chip with every revision of the original Xbox and its pairing with the Xbox HD Plus HDMI kit. An updated version of this kit can connect directly to Stellar for better control via Stellar OS. The Xbox used for demonstration is a 1.6 revision, previously featured in another video. The Stellar kit was provided by Castlemania Games, and viewers are encouraged to use a provided coupon code for discounts.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter explains how to install the Stellar mod chip into an original Xbox. He starts by opening up the Xbox, which involves removing six Torx screws from the bottom. He notes that for his particular installation, he can leave the motherboard in place, but this might not be the case if the Xbox is completely stock and you need to install header pins for the mod chip or an HDMI kit. After removing the hard drive tray and the DVD drive, the installation of Stellar can commence.
The first step in the installation involves updating the Stellar firmware to the latest version. This requires pressing a button near the USB-C port on the Stellar chip while plugging it into a computer. The computer will recognize the device and prompt the user to download the latest firmware from the Project Stellar GitHub page. The presenter notes that this step might be unnecessary if the latest firmware is pre-installed.
After downloading and dragging the firmware file to the Stellar device, the process completes and the device can be unplugged. Next is the initial setup, which involves connecting Stellar to the computer again, this time without pressing the button. Once connected, the user navigates to the Stellar website to complete the setup by selecting an unmodified Xbox 5838 BIOS image file. The setup process will validate the BIOS image to ensure it is correct.
00:09:00
In this segment, the focus is on installing the Stellar mod chip in an Xbox console. The process begins with disconnecting the Stellar from the computer. The original HD Plus HDMI board is removed from the Xbox by unplugging the ribbon cable and desoldering some wires. After removing the old board, a new HD Plus board is installed. It’s mentioned that there’s an upgrade kit available for about five dollars that allows compatibility with Stellar without needing a completely new kit.
Next, the process for removing the old Zenium chip and preparing for the Stellar installation is outlined. Since the Xbox is a 1.6 revision, the LPC had already been rebuilt in a prior mod. The keyed header on the Stellar requires trimming pin 4 for installation. The Stellar chip is then attached to the header pins and secured with a screw.
For those also using the HD Plus mod, it can be connected to Stellar via an included interface cable. Upon powering on the console, the successful installation is confirmed by the OLED lighting up and the LED blinking green. The final steps are to reassemble the console by placing the hard drive and DVD drive back, completing the installation process.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the creator discusses the installation and features of the Stellar OS on an Xbox, highlighting its ease compared to earlier methods requiring significant software prep work. Soldering is still necessary for the HD Plus kit, but the software portion is largely simplified with Stellar. After installation, the Xbox displays a new boot animation in 720p, enhancing the visual appeal. The main dashboard of Stellar OS provides system overviews, such as temperatures, RAM, and fan speed, with a clean UI and descriptive options beneficial for beginners. The system settings page mimics the stock Microsoft dashboard but includes a manual region setting for games, which can be useful for titles with region-specific differences. The HD Plus settings are now integrated into Stellar OS for convenience. Lastly, various enhancements are available, including improved CPU compatibility and the ability to enable 720p animations, enhancing the overall Xbox experience.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses several innovative features available for a 1.4 GHz swap Xbox console, including compatibility improvements for CPU-modded consoles, future ISO loading capabilities, and network device setup for RetroNAS integration. There is also a mention of a simpler hard drive setup via Stellar OS, an assisted setup for the Insignia service which mimics Xbox Live for the original Xbox, and a backup feature for system keys from the EPROM. Additionally, the video covers the potential for managing controllers, such as the Xbox One controller, and the ease of checking for updates online. Despite some functionalities still being disabled, the segment highlights the promising future-proof hardware of Stellar and its broad potential for enhancing the Xbox platform.
00:18:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the pros and cons of Stellar OS, particularly its impact on Xbox modding. They express excitement for potential future add-ons, such as a front panel with an LCD, and appreciate the ease of installing Xbox HD Plus without complicated software settings. The user-friendly design, with explanations for each menu option, is highlighted as beneficial for those new to Xbox modding. The speaker acknowledges that while Stellar OS currently offers basic mod chip functions, many promised features are still in development. They emphasize the future potential of Stellar OS and recommend reaching out to a professional installer, red herring32, for assistance with installation.