Archive for the ‘mod’ tag
Cheap DIY Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter
After seeing the unusually high price tag of a Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter, I almost had a heart attack. $99.99 retail. Let me say it again, FREAKING $99.99; is Microsoft out of their mind? I mean, routers and wireless adapters cost much less than that! Luckily, there is a way to create an adapter with a La Fonera wireless router.
Basically, the La Fonera is loaded with a third party firmware called DD-WRT. The firmware allows you to put the Fonera into client bridge mode. This basically lets the Fonera connect to your home wireless network and pass that data through the ethernet port to your Xbox. Its kind of like one of these Linksys gaming adapters, but cheaper and with more capabilities.
Here’s the full guide:
http://fonerahacks.com/index.php/Tutorials-and-Guides/Xbox-360-Wireless-Adapter-Using-the-La-Fonera.html
NOTE: You must have a La Fonera with DD-WRT firmware loaded onto it before this will work. If you need help installing DD-WRT to the Fonera, see the guides here
Battery Pack for the Fonera
Here’s a really cheap way to make a battery pack for the Fonera. It runs off of 4x AA Batteries, which would give the Fonera 5-6 volts (depending on type of battery). The AC adapter that comes with it says it provides 7.5v on the plug, but I measured 8.5v with a DMM. I knew 4x AA batteries would work because I have another Fonera running off of 5v power from the USB bus.
1. First, you need to get a battery holder. I found this one from Radio Shack to be perfect. It’s great because it has an on/off switch built right on and it’s only $1.99.
2. Cut the connector off of the Fonera AC adapter. Leave about 2-3 inches of wire on the end.
3. This is important. You need to figure out which wire is positive and which is negative. On the AC adapter that came with my Fonera 2200, the dotted lines indicated the negative wire and the writing indicated positive.
4. Solder the wires together (red to positive, black to negative). Use flux if you’re having trouble making the solder stick.
5. Then you’re going to have to cover the solder points. I used electrical tape to cover each point individually, then I wrapped the entire area with the tape.
6. Throw some batteries in and you’re done. Use velcro or double sided tape/adhesive to attach the battery pack to the Fonera. I would estimate about 8 hours with the wireless on, but it may vary depending on the batteries used.
