Features:- PicoLoader ODE kit made specifically for the Panasonic Q
- Picoboot style mod that keeps the original disc drive
- No soldering to the Panasonic Q motherboard
- Includes 2x Panasonic Q flex PCBs, diode, 3D printed bracket and screws
- Raspberry Pi Pico not included – soldering required to fit your Pico and the diode to the flex
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Care must be taken not to fold or hard crease the flexDescription:The PicoLoader is a straightforward and cost effective Picoboot style modification, here in a version designed by Makeo specifically for the Panasonic Q. It is ideal if you want to run homebrew such as Swiss on your Q without permanently modding the motherboard or sacrificing the original disc drive.
The PicoLoader emulates a disc drive during boot, loads a homebrew app (usually Swiss) and then hands control back to the original drive, so you can still play your physical discs.
Installation is through a flex PCB that fits into the drive connector, so nothing is soldered to the console itself. Your own Raspberry Pi Pico (not included) and the supplied diode are soldered to the flex PCB before fitting. The Pico needs the PicoLoader firmware loaded from a PC, so you will also need a micro USB cable and a computer.
Warning! Installation Caution — Please Read FirstDo NOT fold the flex ribbon cable!The flex cable is very thin, and internal traces can break if sharply creased. Only bend it to form smooth curves, no hard folds. A spare flex and a fold key are included, but we cannot replace flex cables damaged during installation.
Take extra care during soldering: Flex PCBs can delaminate if overheated. We recommend low melting point solder and keeping iron contact time as short as possible.
This kit is for the Panasonic Q only and is not compatible with a standard Nintendo GameCube. There are no dedicated step-by-step instructions for the Panasonic Q; follow the normal PicoLoader installation guide together with the Panasonic Q notes on the PicoLoader wiki, and the Makeo community Discord for help.
https://github.com/makeo/PicoLoader
https://github.com/makeo/PicoLoader/wiki
What's in the Box?- 2x Panasonic Q flex PCBs (one spare)
- 1x Fold key to help shape the flex
- 1x 1N5819 Schottky diode
- 1x 3D printed bracket
- 2x M2 screws
- 1x Drive plug (for installs without a drive)
What else will you need?- Raspberry Pi Pico (not included)
- Soldering iron and solder, low melting point solder recommended
- #2 and #0 or #1 Phillips screwdrivers
- Tweezers
- Micro USB cable and a computer to load the firmware to the Pico
- SD2SP2, SD Gecko or similar for storage with Swiss
License and recognition:Open Source & Community-Powered
Open-Source license under the GPL-2.0 license
Special thanks to Makeo for developing this project with help from the community, including Silversteel, TeamOffBroadway, Extrems, emukidid and everyone involved in creating Swiss, and novenary (9ary) for gekkoboot.
DIY part. This is a DIY part for you to fit yourself. Fitting needs care and, where stated, soldering or other technical skills – see our
fitting guides. We're not responsible for damage caused by incorrect fitting, or for an existing fault in your console. Replacing a part may not fix your fault, as faults can have more than one cause. This doesn't affect your statutory rights.
Safety information:
- Not a toy. Keep out of reach of children.
- Small parts – choking hazard.
- Soldering required – ventilate, beware hot iron.
- Switch off, unplug and remove any batteries before fitting.
- Fits listed models only – do not force.
- Fitting guides: zedlabz.com/blogs/guides
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Brand / manufacturer: Makeo · Importer / seller: Assecure Ltd (ZedLabz), The Outbuildings, Grove Farm Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8LR, UK · support@zedlabz.com
EU responsible person (for authorities only): FFB Estonia OÜ · Päevalille tn 6-15, Haabersti linnaosa, 13517 Tallinn, Harju maakond, Estonia · finance_estonia@fulfillment-box.com
