Harcroft

Harcroft

@harcroft.ca

No one of consequence, archiver of original Xbox DLC, friendly neighborhood Canadian Xbox collector. https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox:Unarchived_DLC

602 followers40 following244 posts

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

Quote of the day right here!

Squibbus@squibbus.gay

they should give me $56k to buy up a bunch of original xboxes so i can dump their hard drives for any unpreserved DLCs before dkoldies gets to them

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

A bit bigger general update on XCAT finds and general status: www.reddit.com/r/originalxb...

reddit.comFrom the originalxbox community on RedditExplore this post and more from the originalxbox community
Harcroft@harcroft.ca

11 Original Xboxes were purchased in Japan to our man in country, hardly. So far we've found all 5 missing Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix DLCs and the critical Crimson Skies Update 2 from Japan/Asia. All files have been shared with Rocky5 and Insignia for distribution! consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard drive for any content that has yet to be archived and upload it directly to the servers of the XCAT Team...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

11 Original Xboxes were purchased in Japan to our man in country, hardly. So far we've found all 5 missing Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix DLCs and the critical Crimson Skies Update 2 from Japan/Asia. All files have been shared with Rocky5 and Insignia for distribution! consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard drive for any content that has yet to be archived and upload it directly to the servers of the XCAT Team...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

August 8th a PAL region Xbox console, serial 4052****1605 uploaded the 2 missing DLCs for SWAT: Global Strike Team to the XCAT database. That title is now fully archived! The DLC will be shared with Rocky5's downloader and Insignia. Thank you XCATters! consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard drive for any content that has yet to be archived and upload it directly to the servers of the XCAT Team...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

I will be at a small game swap in Hamilton, ON today with an OpenXHD demo system with side by side dual analog+OpenXHD HDMI video out, S/PDIF over mini TOSLink audio out, and debug into on screen from the OpenXHD itself. Come buy some games and see the difference an all digital solution makes!

Harcroft reposted

OpenXHD
@openxhd.org

Outputting HDMI is one thing, but doing it *correctly* is another thing entirely, and how do you know you've done it correctly? By building yet another board! This is our "test sink" which receives an HDMI signal, decodes it, and displays info about the incoming video stream and metadata.

Harcroft reposted

OpenXHD
@openxhd.org

Video mode switching demo using Evox M8+ bios which has stock 5838 BIOS video modes. Captured using a dual input Datapath VisionAV-HD scaled to 1280x720 with OBS. OpenXHD top, YPbPr through a THS7376IPWR video amp bottom. We aim to be BIOS agnostic so you can use your favorite bios.

Harcroft reposted

OpenXHD
@openxhd.org

When working out the kinks in handling the pixel bus clock things went a bit off the rails. Don't worry, we fixed it :)

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

The firmware dev guys working behind the scenes on OpenXHD are incredibly smart.

OpenXHD@openxhd.org

One of the biggest challenges early on in firmware development was 1.6 support (there is no datasheet for the proprietary Xcalibur encoder). We used a homebrew app to cycle through all possible video modes with a logic analyzer hooked up the SMBus interface. Worth noting there are over 100 modes!

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

I was unable to find 2 sources for the exact 3.5mm port we are using. I was able to find two entirely different parts that I could make fit in the same footprint from different suppliers The cost of just the combo port was over $6 CAD while the cost of the LED and 3.5mm TRRS port is roughly 50c CAD

OpenXHD@openxhd.org

Early in the design process we wanted more I/O on OpenXHD. A 3.5mm jack and TOSlink port would not fit next to the HDMI port, so we started with a combo 3.5mm TRS/Mini TOSlink port. That was quickly replaced with a 3.5mm TRRS jack and a red LED firing at the back end of it for mini TOSlink S/PDIF.

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

Iterating gets expensive. This isn't even the final form! Also thicc traces do not save lives.

OpenXHD@openxhd.org

Early in the project we decided to migrate from Ryzee119's 20 pin flex cable design, to the standard 24 pin connection the community was already using. This is from mid 2024 using a very early flex cable with overly thick and too densely packed traces causing pixel bus crosstalk. < HDMI | YPbPr >

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

I used up 1/2 of the 500g spool of the orange basic PLA that came bundled with my current 3D printer on iterating on these. The standoffs may see further imrpovements, but the current 3mm and 12mm models are functional. The original AV port plug was designed by EqUiNoX improved by EMAXX.

OpenXHD@openxhd.org

After many iterations and testing we have settled on a 12mm riser above the AV port screw mounts for users who want to install OpenXHD and keep their AV port. These and other 3D models will be available for free when OpenXHD releases. The "Sidequest Prototype" flexes are for an upcoming project...

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

I have been hard at work getting a final round of hardware out as Clegg polishes the firmware.

OpenXHD@openxhd.org

Preview boards and installation kits are being prepared and sent out to firmware developers and testers.

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

XCAT news! Our last find was almost 2 months ago. Console 2051****3402 found the last missing roster update for ESPN NBA Basketball (2K4) NTSC. All DLC for this game is now archived and is available on Rocky5's downloader. consolemods.org/XCAT Please keep on XCATing!

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard ...

Harcroft reposted

Derf
@consolemods.org

Fixed my oscilloscope tonight and played with some vector stuff. Managed to adapt a vector brick breaker sample to use a 360 controller.

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

New XCAT finds for march! Console 4262****4402 uploaded the oldest RF update from Spinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow on the 15th. Console 3043****5102 uploaded the final Mechassault update from Japan last night. XCAT is kicking butt preserving OG Xbox Live history! Keep on XCATing! consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard ...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

The first XCAT find of 2026 is here! Console 2156****4105 uploaded the Italian update 4 for Halo 2 from an 80gb Maxtor HDD. The last find was Halo 2 Japanese update 5 in December. XCAT is preserving the history of Xbox Live. Please run it even on old HDD upgraded consoles. consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard ...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

Happy New Year! To go with the recent Hardware update, I have an update from the OpenXHD firmware dev team for you. Thank you Clegg and everyone else on the dev team for your hard work! I also spent the last week reorganizing some hardware for an easier to hand assemble layout for the new board.

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

Merry Christmas Xbox fans! It has been two very challenging years, but work continues on the OpenXHD project. Hardware is complete, pending updates from the FW dev team. Speaking of which, there is a FW dev team! Things are moving along quicky now and I will have more news for you soon!

Harcroft reposted

Derf
@consolemods.org

I got cozy and wrote some homebrew for Xbox-Scene's Modfest 2025! This is a simple app that lets you set your Xbox 360's clock past 2025. I learned a lot and even documented a couple SMC commands on Free60 wiki. Get it on ConsoleMods or the Homebrew Store! consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox_36...

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

Ridiculous project of the week: Unhappy with the 2MB storage limitation on Pico Zero and Tiny boards, I decided I needed more. A random discarded 16MB chip should enough!

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

It is a good week for xbox preservation! Console 1153****3505 uploaded Battlefield 2: Modern Combat Update 2 PAL for France, Germany, and Italy. We are only missing the newest update for Asia regions now. Please remember to run XCAT on all your old original Xbox HDDs. consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard ...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

LD50_II from the NorCalHalo group uploaded 2 previously unknown ESPN College Hoops (2K4) DLCs! NCAA Schedule Update 1 NCAA Roster Update 1 They have been passed onto Rocky5 to add to his downloader, and should be available to download soon! consolemods.org/XCAT

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

Another Original Xbox preservation win. Console 4133****3905 uploaded the missing PAL update for (ToCA) Race Driver 2 XCAT is working to preserve original Xbox Live history and provide for the future of Original Xbox online gaming. consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard ...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

XCAT strikes again! Thanks to our friend hardly in Japan we have recovered another lost DLC for Thousand Land on original Xbox. The recovered DLC is already on Rock5's downloader. Please help recover lost Xbox Live content. Run XCAT on every OG Xbox hard drive you can find! consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard ...

Harcroft reposted

Hit Save!
@hitsave.org

Our latest podcast episode is up! Earlier this summer Hit Save director @jonasrosland.bsky.social sat down CrunchBite, current project lead on the #XLinkKai tunneling program, and got the story behind one of gaming's most enduring community-driven projects dedicated to connecting gamers worldwide.

hitsave.orgKeeping the Dream Alive: Twenty-Two Years of Free Online Gaming with XLink KaiEarlier this summer we sat down with CrunchBite, the third-generation developer and current project lead behind XLink Kai, the remarkable tunneling service that has been connecting console gamers acro...

Harcroft reposted

Derf
@consolemods.org

📢 ConsoleMods T-shirts are now up for sale on the ArtisticPixels site!! Huge thanks to @arielaces.bsky.social for making it possible for everyone to spread the love :) www.artisticpixels305.com/product-page...

artisticpixels305.comConsole Mods Relaxed Fit Tee | Artistic PixelsSpread the word now that ConsoleMods.org now comes in a stylish new way for your fit. Sporting the CM logo on the front and detailed logo on the back, you can show off your ConsoleMods dedication! 20%...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

OG Xbox archival news! The last missing Title Update for Project: Snowblind has been found. This game's XBL content is now fully archived! 5 PAL region DLC unlocks for Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix also found! Thank you zeealucard! Keep rocking consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard ...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

I have contacted LoveMHz again about the edited screenshots and lies he is hosting about myself and friends in the Xbox community on his blog. He has made it clear he is content dispensing these lies. I am a little surprised he is determined to lie to everyone with no benefit.

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

If he is so willing to lie to an entire community over simple HDD unlocking methods that have been proven to be around around for decades, I have to wonder how much he is willing to lie to his customers to earn a profit. I guess that's all in the marketing though, buyer beware.

Harcroft reposted

retrorgb.com
@retrorgb.com

Fuck it, let's try to help: Natalie makes cool shit and offers tons of info completely free. Links in the post: www.retrorgb.com/natalies-gam...

retrorgb.comNatalie's Game Boy Reverse EngineeringNatalie The Nerd has been archiving information needed to reverse engineer classic Nintendo handhelds and is hosting the information on her wiki for free.  This information includes scans of the PCB's...
Natalie@nataliethenerd.com

My SEO sucks. My wiki doesn't come up at all

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

The hits just keep on coming for XCAT! Yesterday Xbox 3123****4305 uploaded: Star Wars: The Clone Wars DLC: Kashyyyk Conquest for PAL regions. Star Wars: The Clone Wars PAL TU Ninja Gaiden older PAL TU. Today Xbox 1175****5105 uploaded an older German TU for Far Cry Instincts. consolemods.org/XCAT

consolemods.orgXCATXbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) is a utility that runs directly on an Xbox console to assist in finding unarchived DLC and other lost content. When the application is run, It will scan the Xbox hard ...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

Hopefully coming soon to an @insignia.live near you!

Harcroft@harcroft.ca

Did you know the Japan exclusive game Thousand Land had DLC? I didn't either until cheato of Alpha Archive found 5 of 18 previously unknown DLC maps just a few days ago. These maps have been archived and are now available on Rocky5's URL Downloader. consolemods.org/XCAT

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

Did you know the Japan exclusive game Thousand Land had DLC? I didn't either until cheato of Alpha Archive found 5 of 18 previously unknown DLC maps just a few days ago. These maps have been archived and are now available on Rocky5's URL Downloader. consolemods.org/XCAT

Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

This goes to show that we can still find lost Xbox Live content, even with an upgraded hard drive in your old Xbox. People took the time to copy their old saves and DLC to their new drive and that effort is paying off today! consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox:Or... consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox:Xb... 2/2

consolemods.orgXbox Title UpdatesGeneral information about all known updates for Original Xbox games that could be downloaded from Xbox Live. A title update is a patch for a game that was downloaded from Xbox Live. They were served a...
Harcroft
@harcroft.ca

I've took a break from posting about the Xbox preservation work during some ongoing health issues that I thought would be resolved by now. The work never stopped, I've just been quiet about it. I'll start posting news and updates on the bounty of new finds again starting today.