HQ NETWORKXbox One | Xbox | C64 14,205 HQ Network UsersHQ Network: 14,205 | Members OnlineGuests: 3539 |Guests OnlineMembers: 0

Xbox 360 Forums
Get involved in our Xbox 360 forum discussions..
Get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
360-HQ.COM :: 360-HQ J5 ION Drum Rocker GHWT, Rock Band 2 Converter J6
360-HQ J5 ION Drum Rocker GHWT, Rock Band 2 Converter J6
360-HQ.COM Forum Index -> Xbox 360 Case/Hardware modding Discussions
Post new topic Reply to topic  Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next  
 360-HQ J5 ION Drum Rocker GHWT, Rock Band 2 Converter J6 View previous topic :: View next topic  
 
 
 
 
forahobby
Administrator
Administrator




Joined: May 22, 2003
Posts: 23942
Location: NSW, Australia
XP: 3,060,024

Post Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 7:31 am   
Post subject: 360-HQ J5 ION Drum Rocker GHWT, Rock Band 2 Converter J6
Reply with quote
 
Current Project Status: Testing Kit extremely hard.. 99% Expert + most songs. -->> 100% Guitar Hero Compatible <<--

Printer Friendly Tutorial: here

Just a heads-up to let everyone on HQ know I have started a little project to make my own device which converts the "ION Drum Rocker" into a 100% compatible & configurable Guitar Hero Drum kit.

In other words, I'm making or should i say "HAVE MADE" the ION Drum Rocker drum kit wireless and 100% Compatible with GHWT, Metallica, GH5 etc etc. That includes with the extra cymbals , just about any configuration and a 5 lane highway for drums, "that's right 5 not 4" on all currnet Guitar Hero titles..

IMPORTANT NOTE
To complete this mod you need an old donor GHWT wireless kit (or similar) and a few hrs of your time. The project is basically now complete and the unit works flawlessly! - YOUR ION DRUM KIT IS LEFT UNTOUCHED!



Tutorial In Progress..

360-HQ.COM is not responsible for those users who attempt this modification. Although this tutorial isn't very difficult you do require alot of expensive parts so it's not recommended for newbies.

Introduction
This tutorial will explain in great detail how to build your own "J5/J6 ION Converter". When completed this custom module enables your "ION Drum Rocker Drumkit" to be configured in anyway you choose and makes full use of the 5 lane highway introduced since GHWT. (orange cymbal)

This custom module is 100% compatible with all current "Guitar Hero" series drumming games. It has been tested with the following games and works as expected.. Flawlessly lol.

100% Compatible with:
- Guitar Hero: World Tour
- Guitar Hero: Metallica
- Guitar Hero: Smash Hits
- Guitar Hero 5

I will do my best to add pictures through-out the tutorial but since i only have a simple mobile phone camera they may be of poor quality. Enjoy the tutorial and hope it helps out all our other members and guests!

Table of Contents
1. You might ask why am i doing this??
2. What you will need
3. How long does it take?
4. Disassembling the GHWT Drumkit
5. Creating the Custom Module/Enclosure
6. Wiring & Soldiering
7. Adjusting Sensitivity & Testing
8. Finished!

1. You might ask why am i doing this??
Since the release of GHWT the drums have a additional cymbal (green), which the original Rock Band game, & ION Drum Rocker do not support since there has been NO UPDATE PATCH Sad With this custom module you can play your ION drum rocker drumkit to its full potential..

2. What you will need
1 x Guitar Hero World Tour Drumkit (pickup on ebay cheap)
1 x GHWT Drum Tuning USB Cable (MIDI etc, for tuning)
1 x GHWT Drum Tuning Software (download here)
1 x Black Case Module/Enclosure (about $10)
6 x 6.5mm (1/4) Mono Phono Sockets ($2 each)
1 x Soldiering Iron & Soldier
8 x hrs - to create your masterpiece and then configure your kit

3. How long does it take?:
Well, that's up to you and your skills I guess?!? I took things slowly and it ended up taking me around 4-5 hrs to gut the old GHWT drumkit, drill all the holes in the custom box, mount the electronics & then soldier etc.. It then took me at-least another 1-2 hrs of configuration in GHWT with sensitivity settings via MIDI/USB.. But that just may be to the way i have my kit laid out.. I'll be testing on DJB's ION kit shortly.

Let's Get Started
First we need to disassemble the GHWT drumkit.. If you have already done this you can skip to the next step.

4. Disassembling the GHWT Drumkit

4.1 Grab your old GHWT drumkit and start unscrewing 3 screws from the back of the drumkit as shown in the screenshot below.



Make sure not to drop the wireless/controller module when you unscrew the final of the three (3) screws.

4.2 Disconnect the main harness from the "Wireless/Controller Module" which connects the drumkit to the module. Shown in the screenshot below.



4.3 With the "Wireless/Controller Module" and screws in a safe place we can now start to unscrew the remaining screws from the GHWT drumkit so we can access the mainboard PCB (MIDI SYTHEIZER) which is inside.

4.4 Open the GHWT kit and remove cut the wires each of the drums/cymbals leaving enough wire so that you can also re-wire the kit back to its original state if you ever need or want to.. Smile Example screenshot below.

The PCB has printed descriptions for all it's connections but orange so don't be too worried.! Smile

4.5 Unscrew the Midi / Kick Pedal input area so it can easily be removed. There is only one (1) screw.

4.6 Remove the PCB Mainboard with all wires & MIDI / Kick Pedal section. You should have 2 x PCB's and the wires all together ready to transplant.


This is what you will be left with.

5. Creating the Custom Module/Enclosure
This is the tricky part.. If you rush the project at this stage it will more then like look very unprofessional and i doubt you will want it hanging around your expensive ION drumkit.. lol

A big thanx to BigJ for HQ for helping design the custombox and layout the holes evenly. etc

5.1 Grab your Case Module/Enclosure and do some measuring to determine how many of the 6.5mm (1/4 inch) mono phono sockets you can fit in your enclosure. In mine i was able to just fit 6 which is great Smile

5.2 Drill the holes and test that the new sockets will fit. Be careful not to damage the outer shell of your case, the inside is ok, no one will ever see that but you!

5.3 Install the new 6.5mm (1/4 inch) sockets in your new holes. (just to test how it looks)

5.4 Cut a spot out of the box to install the midi interface in the side OR you could just install soldier the kick pedal circuit to the last remaining INPUT that is left. That is what i have planned.. Smile

5.5 In this part we need to match up the holes so we can screw the lid to the base of the "Wireless/Controller Module". I used the 3 screws i had from taking out the "Wireless/Controller Module" and used them to screw it back to my base.. Very simple!

5.6 This is what you should end up with when you are done.. A Custom Module with 6 inputs on the back.. Now for the fun part wiring.



Time to move onto the next step.. Wiring & Soldiering.

6. Wiring & Soldiering
The wiring is pretty straight forward.. This is the way i have my sockets setup for the drumkit so its very easy to understand which plug is for what drum.. Smile



FROM RIGHT TO LEFT:
#1 - RED Pad/Drum (Red & Black Wire)
#2 - YELLOW Cymbal/Hi-Hat
#3 - BLUE Pad/Drum (Blue & Black Wire)
#4 - ORANGE Cymbal/Hi-Hat
#5 - GREEN Pad/Drum (Green & Black Wire)
#6 - KICK PEDALS (not ready yet)

7. Adjusting Sensitivity & Testing
This is fairly straight forward.. At this point you will need to use the USB Sensitivity Kit from Red Octane (or build your own) to connect via MIDI and set sensitivity for your individual kit.. With my kit I've always had a touchy "RED" pad so i had to set my sensitivity way down like 2-3 out of 10. I have no doubt depending on the way each user sets up their kits it may or may not need to be adjusted.

7.1 Setup the new module close to your ION drumkit and start connecting your cables..



7.2 Connect your USB to MIDI cable from your laptop to the MIDI slot of your GHWT wireless module and start testing things out.



If you need to adjust the sensitivity of any color you can just use your mouse and the cool Guitar Hero GUI to adjust every drumpad. When you hit the "SAVE" button it will send a command to the drumkit. You can't miss it!

7.3 With your new kit wired correctly and working the way a new kit should it's now time to finalize things and tidy up.. If you have purchased a enclosure/module from a electronics store this will be very simple.. You can just mount the board however you like and then screw things up tight like i have.

8. Finished!
Time to go and test it out.. GO thash your kit like you stole it.. lol
Just jokes, i love my ION so i try to hit it soft.. heheh

I finally got 100% on my ION using 5 lanes. I used to get 100% on my GHWT before but it wasn't like the real thing.. This is definately worth the hard earned coin and effort for any drummer or drumming enthusiast. I'm hoping everyone else who attempts this mod gets the same enjoyment from it.. It's buch better then the boring 4 lanes it used to throw up and it feels like a real drum kit with a 5th note on the highway and configurable cymbals and pads..

MORE COMING SOON!! sorry,, still playing and loving my kit!

talk soon

hobbs
http://www.360-hq.com



360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1132.jpg
 Description:
360-HQ ION Convertor v1 (prototype)
 Filesize:  282.44 KB
 Viewed:  4849 Time(s)

360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1132.jpg



360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1133.jpg
 Description:
360-HQ ION Convertor v1 (prototype)
 Filesize:  290.25 KB
 Viewed:  5014 Time(s)

360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1133.jpg



360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1134.jpg
 Description:
360-HQ ION Convertor v1 (prototype)
 Filesize:  254.43 KB
 Viewed:  4860 Time(s)

360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1134.jpg



360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1136.jpg
 Description:
360-HQ ION Convertor v1 (prototype)
 Filesize:  309.35 KB
 Viewed:  5336 Time(s)

360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1136.jpg



_________________________________________________________
HQ Network:
www.xbox-hq.com | www.xboxone-hq.com | www.360-hq.com | www.c64-hq.com


Last edited by forahobby on Fri Jan 01, 2010 10:42 am; edited 35 times in total


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
 
 
 
 
DJB
Administrator
Administrator




Joined: May 23, 2003
Posts: 4031
Location: NSW, Australia
XP: 58,364

Post Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:45 am   
Post subject:
Reply with quote
 
Very nice work indeed Smile

Let me know how it all goes.


View user's profile Send private message
 
 
 
 
forahobby
Administrator
Administrator




Joined: May 22, 2003
Posts: 23942
Location: NSW, Australia
XP: 3,060,024

Post Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 5:23 am   
Post subject: ghwt, rock band mod for ION DRUMKIT
Reply with quote
 
DJB wrote:
Very nice work indeed Smile

Let me know how it all goes.


Hey DJB,

Let me be the first to say this mod is kick f#!3king ass.. It is so much like a real drumkit now man, you will be shocked..

I only just gutted the GHWT and it's ready to be put together now with the new inputs etc.. I plan to have a switch to let you choose different configurations but that's a bit away. Time to get the drill out..

So far the mod has taken me around 4-5 hrs to make the custom module (so called J5) but mine is a J6 hehe.. I have 6 inputs and soon more.. The reason why I'm taking so much time is because I'm trying to make it look as professional as possible so i can mount to my ION kit and i know you will want me to make you one.

Here are some pics of me doing some testing after i finished making the box/module and soldiering things inplace.. Smile Sorry for the sloppy soldiering but its time for a new soldiering iron hhahah

See pics below....

I am currently writing a tutorial and will link you all to it when its complete..

enjoy!



360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1358.jpg
 Description:
Adjusting the sensitivity etc..
 Filesize:  344.78 KB
 Viewed:  5286 Time(s)

360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1358.jpg



360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1359.jpg
 Description:
 Filesize:  303.02 KB
 Viewed:  5555 Time(s)

360-HQ ION GHWT Convertor Kit_10-09-09_1359.jpg



_________________________________________________________
HQ Network:
www.xbox-hq.com | www.xboxone-hq.com | www.360-hq.com | www.c64-hq.com


Last edited by forahobby on Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:20 am; edited 1 time in total


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
 
 
 
 
forahobby
Administrator
Administrator




Joined: May 22, 2003
Posts: 23942
Location: NSW, Australia
XP: 3,060,024

Post Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 9:57 am   
Post subject:
Reply with quote
 
just updated some pics and part of the tutorial,, Smile
More pics and stuff to come for those who are interested!



360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_1.jpg
 Description:
Tutorial PIC 1
 Filesize:  304.83 KB
 Viewed:  5279 Time(s)

360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_1.jpg



360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_2.jpg
 Description:
Tutorial PIC 2
 Filesize:  318.56 KB
 Viewed:  5679 Time(s)

360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_2.jpg



360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_3.jpg
 Description:
Tutorial PIC 3
 Filesize:  304.22 KB
 Viewed:  5549 Time(s)

360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_3.jpg



360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_4.jpg
 Description:
Tutorial PIC 4
 Filesize:  291.06 KB
 Viewed:  5614 Time(s)

360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_4.jpg



360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_5.jpg
 Description:
Tutorial PIC 5
 Filesize:  259.09 KB
 Viewed:  5628 Time(s)

360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_5.jpg



360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_0.jpg
 Description:
Tutorial PIC 0
 Filesize:  391.27 KB
 Viewed:  5197 Time(s)

360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_0.jpg



360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_6.jpg
 Description:
Tutorial PIC 6
 Filesize:  318.69 KB
 Viewed:  5415 Time(s)

360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_6.jpg



360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_7.jpg
 Description:
Tutorial PIC 7
 Filesize:  219.51 KB
 Viewed:  4568 Time(s)

360-HQ_ION_GHWT_Convertor_Tutorial_7.jpg



_________________________________________________________
HQ Network:
www.xbox-hq.com | www.xboxone-hq.com | www.360-hq.com | www.c64-hq.com


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
 
 
 
 
forahobby
Administrator
Administrator




Joined: May 22, 2003
Posts: 23942
Location: NSW, Australia
XP: 3,060,024

Post Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:33 pm   
Post subject:
Reply with quote
 
tutorial just about ready for anyone who wants to attempt it.. Im happy with the outcome.. Loving it!
_________________________________________________________
HQ Network:
www.xbox-hq.com | www.xboxone-hq.com | www.360-hq.com | www.c64-hq.com


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
 
 
 
 
DJB
Administrator
Administrator




Joined: May 23, 2003
Posts: 4031
Location: NSW, Australia
XP: 58,364

Post Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:15 pm   
Post subject:
Reply with quote
 
Yup I'm interested to try this with my ION which has the double Roadie U Kick setup. Hopefully this will work and there will be no need for the GHWT Pedals.


View user's profile Send private message
 
 
 
 
HQM0NSTERB0Y
V.I.P. Lifetime




Joined: Jun 11, 2007
Posts: 714
Location: Newcastle, Australia
XP: 51,546

Post Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:10 am   
Post subject:
Reply with quote
 
PSYCHO....You r Mr.Mod...Bet the neighbours love it...

Good job man...

_________________________________________________________
http://www.360-hq.com - ENFORCER
http://www.xbox-hq.com - MODDER



View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website MSN Messenger
 
 
 
 
forahobby
Administrator
Administrator




Joined: May 22, 2003
Posts: 23942
Location: NSW, Australia
XP: 3,060,024

Post Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 1:18 pm   
Post subject:
Reply with quote
 
HQM0NSTERB0Y wrote:
PSYCHO....You r Mr.Mod...Bet the neighbours love it... Good job man...


thx, you know what im like anyway, rock band till 12am etc with you and the guys over.. Well, maybe not so much anymore but i still rock on bro.. heheh
I doubt anyone will be getting a go at the new kit.. Rock Band 1 Kit anyone?? lmfao

_________________________________________________________
HQ Network:
www.xbox-hq.com | www.xboxone-hq.com | www.360-hq.com | www.c64-hq.com


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
 
 
 
 
wes213
Administrator
Administrator




Joined: Feb 04, 2007
Posts: 10520
Location: Harrisonburg V.A.
XP: 75,002

Post Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 2:05 pm   
Post subject:
Reply with quote
 
Drum much? LOL

Keep on and soon the damn drums will play the track for you. Wink


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address Yahoo Messenger MSN Messenger
 
 
 
 
forahobby
Administrator
Administrator




Joined: May 22, 2003
Posts: 23942
Location: NSW, Australia
XP: 3,060,024

Post Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 2:30 pm   
Post subject:
Reply with quote
 
wes213 wrote:
Drum much? LOL


Been a drummer for many years now man, So it's really simple for me to jump on the 360 now and have a jam rather then going to a mates house.. heheh virtual jamming..

wes213 wrote:

Keep on and soon the damn drums will play the track for you. Wink


Can't a man have a hobby?? god dam u wes.. lol .. Well, with this unit i could just about create anything.. heheh Smile

_________________________________________________________
HQ Network:
www.xbox-hq.com | www.xboxone-hq.com | www.360-hq.com | www.c64-hq.com


Last edited by forahobby on Sat Feb 12, 2011 4:03 am; edited 1 time in total


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
 
Display posts from previous:   
  Post new topic  
 
  Reply to topic  
Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4  Next |
 All times are GMT | Page 1 of 4
Jump to:  
 

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum
 

Xbox Game Pass