Disclaimer: RGH modding voids your Xbox 360 warranty, may brick your console if done incorrectly, and could lead to bans if used online improperly. Proceed at your own risk and ensure compliance with local laws.

Corona (AI Guide)

Prerequisites

Before starting, gather these tools: JR Programmer (for NAND reading/writing), Xbox 360 Opening Tool or equivalent, T8 & T10 Security Torx screwdrivers, HY883 Thermal Paste, AMTECH NC-559-ASM Flux (or equivalent), and 60/40 Tin Lead Solder. You'll need a low-wattage soldering iron (15-30W), 30 AWG solid core wire (e.g., Kynar wire), and a PC with JRunner with Extras software (Github Repository). A USB drive is required for dashboard updates and homebrew installation. Store NAND backups on an external drive. Verify your Xbox 360 boots to the dashboard before proceeding. Soldering experience is recommended, as Corona's solder points are small and delicate.

Overview

The Xbox 360 Slim Corona, introduced in 2011, is the second motherboard revision for the Xbox 360 S (Slim) console, featuring a redesigned layout with improved power efficiency. Found in later matte 4GB and 250GB models, it uses a 16MB NAND chip and draws 9.6A at 12V, distinguishing it from the earlier Trinity motherboard. Corona is highly compatible with RGH 1.2 using the Ace V3 chip, offering reliable boot times (5-30 seconds) for running homebrew, emulators, and game backups. It typically pairs with the exploitable Philips & Lite-On DG-16D4S DVD drive, supporting firmware modifications without PCB replacement.

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How to Identify

Manufacture Date: July 2011 onwards, check the serial number sticker on the back.

Memory Chip: 16MB NAND, smaller than Phat models.

Header Pads: NAND header pads are offset (not aligned vertically), unlike Trinity's aligned pads.

CB Version: Check in JRunner after NAND dump; Corona typically has CB 9230-9231, exploitable for RGH 1.2.

Before You Take the Xbox Apart

Ensure your Xbox 360 is on dashboard version 2.0.14719.0 or later for RGH 1.2 compatibility. Download the update from Microsoft's official website or transfer it via a USB drive. If the console is already modded, avoid updating via Xbox Live to prevent overwriting hacks. Use T8 & T10 Security Torx screwdrivers for disassembly, and test the console to confirm it boots to the retail dashboard. Back up game saves and profiles to a USB drive.

NAND Read/Write Wiring

Using the JR Programmer, 60/40 Tin Lead Solder, and AMTECH NC-559-ASM Flux, solder 30 AWG solid core wires to the NAND points on the Corona motherboard, as shown below. Use a low-wattage soldering iron (15-30W) to prevent board damage and ensure clean joints without solder bridges. Apply Kapton tape or electrical tape to insulate wires and prevent shorts. Note that some Corona models may have missing bridges on the NAND points, requiring careful inspection before soldering.

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Connect the JR Programmer to your PC and launch JRunner with Extras. If JRunner detects the Xbox version (e.g., "Corona 16MB"), proceed to read the NAND. If detection fails, use a multimeter to check for loose connections or cold joints, ensure drivers are installed, and verify the JR Programmer is seated correctly.

Is Postfix Required?

Some Corona models require a postfix modification to enable RGH 1.2. Check the postfix traces on your motherboard - if they are present and connected, you may need to cut them. The postfix traces are typically located near the NAND area and can be identified by their thin copper lines. If you're unsure, consult the modding community or check for specific postfix guides for your Corona variant.

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Reading the NAND

In JRunner, click Read Nand to extract the console's firmware and console-specific data. JRunner performs two reads to verify accuracy, saving the NAND file to the Output folder. If the reads don't match, check soldering, USB connections, or update JRunner to the latest version. Save at least two backups of the Output folder to an external drive, naming them clearly (e.g., "Orig_NAND_Corona.bin"). Test the console to ensure it boots to the retail dashboard before proceeding.

Installing the Ace V3

Using the Xbox 360 Opening Tool, disassemble the console to access the motherboard. Install the Ace V3 chip near the southbridge, as shown below. Solder 30 AWG solid core wires with 60/40 Tin Lead Solder and AMTECH NC-559-ASM Flux to connect points A, B, C, D, E, F, GND, and 5V on the Ace V3 to the corresponding motherboard points (e.g., PLL_BYPASS, CPU_RST, POST_OUT). Apply HY883 Thermal Paste to the CPU/GPU when reapplying heatsinks. Use a low-wattage soldering iron (15-30W) to avoid damaging the board and ensure clean joints without solder bridges. Set the Ace V3's jumpers to "Slim" mode for Corona.

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Programming the Chip

Connect the Ace V3 to your PC via the JR Programmer. In JRunner, select the "RGH 1.2" tab, choose your motherboard (Corona 16MB), and click Program Timing File. Use timing file "Corona_Slim_10" (6.0-6.5ms delay, ~288,000 cycles @ 48 MHz) for Corona. If boot times are slow, try alternative timings from Octal450's timing files pack (e.g., Corona_Slim_9 or 11). After programming, set the Ace V3 switch to "ON" and disconnect the programmer. Verify connections with a multimeter to ensure no shorts.

Writing the NAND

In JRunner, load the NAND dump and click Create XeLL to generate a bootloader for homebrew. Click Write XeLL to flash it. Boot the Xbox into XeLL (blue screen) by pressing the eject button; the CPU key will display on-screen or via network connection. Enter the CPU key into JRunner's CPU Key field to validate it. If valid, select dashboard version (e.g., 2.0.17559.0), click Create XeBuild, and then Write Nand to flash the hacked dashboard.

Test the console: it should boot into XeLL with the eject button and the custom dashboard (e.g., Aurora or Freestyle) with the power button. If using a stealth server for online play, install it via USB after flashing.

Troubleshooting

  • Console Doesn't Boot to XeLL: Check Ace V3 wiring, ensure jumpers are set to "Slim," and verify timing file. Reflash XeLL if needed.
  • JR Programmer Fails to Detect NAND: Inspect solder joints with a multimeter, test USB connections, update drivers, and try a different USB port or cable.
  • Slow Boot Times: Adjust Ace V3 timing in JRunner (try Corona_Slim_9 or 11) or clean solder points for better contact.
  • Console Bricks: Restore the original NAND backup using JRunner's Write Nand option.
  • Postfix Issues: If RGH 1.2 fails consistently, check if postfix traces need to be cut or modified for your specific Corona variant.

Resources

Join modding communities like Se7enSins (Se7enSins) for support. Download JRunner, XeLL, and XeBuild from trusted sources like Octal450's GitHub (Github Repository). Verify dashboard updates from Microsoft's official website (Xbox Support). Always use reputable sources to avoid malware.