Review of Max-Pic

[frankreynolds]

Work in Progress will be Adding/Editting things. Please pm me any corrections, if any should be needed.


This is a review on the new Max-Pic that is fully supported and endorsed by this forum PSX-Scene.com





About Max-Pic:

Max-Pic is the most powerful Pic based dev board available. It can be programmed many different ways just choose your favourite. Unlike most pic based boards this can not be bricked. If the Boot Loader is corrupted somehow, you can easily fix it by re-flashing Boot loader with FPC or ICSP (other Pic boards can be bricked with no way to fix) Your not limited to just using Max-Pic for jailbreaking your ps3. People in this forum have stated you can use this to Hack your xbox (I CAN NOT VERIFY for you as I dont know anything about hacking xbox's, nor do I own one) You can also use this for home Projects which is great. All this together makes Max-Pic on another level above the competition.

More Info can be found at: Max-Pic

The Specs:

*Disclaimer* I have copied the specs directly from the site. I have also added a few notes beside as well as edited some for more clarity. I can verify all specs below are true on the test unit I received.

* Use PIC18F2455/2550 MCU chip (I tested the 2455 with 24kb Flash)
* Comes with HID Boot Loader, you can upgrade via USB port directly
* Comes with the 8pin FPC port,you can program any compatible firmware to PIC chip via FPC programmer
* Comes with one standard 6pin ICSP port, you can program any compatible firmware with any ICSP programmer
* Comes with one RESET/BTL combo button, can use to reset the PIC or enter BTL mode for upgrade
* Comes with 28pin testing pin, very easy to link to the PIC chip with every pin and test
* Comes with 24 pin selector array, you can set almost PIC pin to LED status or pull down to GND
* Comes with 19 LEDs display array, you can see these pins working status
* Comes with the last "F0" LED demo firmware


Build Quality:

The build quality of this Max-Pic is excellent. I have tried moving around all the pieces, and they are on there very solid. All the 19 LED lights function perfect, and i'm glad they provided it with a LED/Boot Loader demo Firmware to test them.

Packaging:

Items Came in Anti-Static bags. Very well Protected in a Hard Box to avoid any damage.

Personal Experience:

My experience with Max-Pic has been very good. I have no major complaints, Max-Pic does what it says it should do with ease. Max-Pic came with LED demo light Firmware, so your must flash it before using to jailbreak ps3. This was done easily once I installed the Programs. Updating on usb is very simple 1. Put it in a computer usb port 2. Press Boot Loader button on Max-Pic 3. Choose Firmware/hex 4. Hit Program 5. Your done. It takes less than 10 seconds to update, via usb from plugging it in to taking it out. Updating with Serial Programmer provided takes a bit longer. The serial pic programmer is made specifically to update Max-Pic and P3Free/Pic-Fun via FPC Port. The steps are virtually the same as updating on USB, differences being you dont plug into usb you plug into FPC port via Serial Programmer. Updating via FPC and ICSP ports will allow you to unbrick your Max-Pic If somehow it does happen. There is awesome support Provided on this forum by Patrick and other owners/members. There are also up-to-date hex's compiled with working LED's thanks to ILLNESS and MODPRO. Does Everything every other Jailbreak device does for about half the price. My only complaint is the large size, as it blocks my other usb port so I must Disconnect my external hd to plug in Max-Pic. This i'snt a major problem as once PS3 is booted up you can disconnect it and plug in external once again.


Pros/Cons:

Pros:
1. SHOULD NOT BE STOLEN BY CUSTOMS/SONY
2. Great Product Easy to use
3. Very well Supported on this Forum
4. Great Customer Satisfaction Provided by Patrick and his team
5. Can be Upgraded many ways UBS/FPC/ICSP
6. Excellent and Quick firmware updates (thanks to ILLNESS and MODPRO)
7. Solid build quality

Cons:
1. It is a large board. (On my Fat PS3 with 2 usb ports, I must disconnect External HDD to Plug in Max-Pic then reconnect HDD after jailbroken)
2. PIC boards can have Boot Loader corrupted allowing you not to update via USB (Easily fixed Using the FPC serial programmer just re-flash Boot Loader and your good to go again)
3. Is a Dev Board so its exposed to elements a case to store it would be nice
4. Only has 24kb Flash (not a big issue is more than enough currently, is a con because other boards are coming out with 128kb flash)

[frankreynolds]

*Be sure to flash proper Hex releases with boot loader included. There is a possibility to brick/corrupt the Boot Loader of P3Free/Max-Pic, and then you will Have to Hard-Flash to update again via usb.*

Get the latest working Hex's direct from ILLNESS http://psx-scene.com/forums/546948-post3.html (iLLNESS's PSGrooPIC Hexes and Information Thread)

This Is how to Hard-flash P3Free and Max-Pic with the FPC serial Programmer.

*Required*You will need to download "PICPgm Programmer" Program, Which can be found a link below.
http://www.max-pic.com/download/winpicpgm_v1420.zip

Now you can update your p3free and max-pic via FPC serial programmer

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq9au0XgRIY]YouTube - How to hardflash P3Free and MaxPic[/ame]


This Is how to Soft-flash P3Free and Max-Pic via USB

*Required*
#1. Download these 3 files first and install them:
Microsoft .Net Framework V4.0 : Download details: Microsoft .NET Framework 4 (Web Installer)
#2. Microsoft VC++ 2010 (x86) : Download details: Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x86)

#3. Then download and run this http://www.p3free.com/download/P3FREE_Updater_V1.0.rar

Now you can update your p3free and max-pic via USB. Video Below
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbvUh4IruVg]YouTube - How to Soft-Flash P3Free and Max-Pic via USB[/ame]

Thank You for reading. Please post any errors with this tutorial here.

[wizjish]

Very Nice Review. You have covered all the important areas.
Can you add a couple of pics of the program that is used to flash this board.

Cheers

[dcemureviews]

Nice review. More information about the possibilities on what the Max-Pic can do for us and its potentials.

Personally, majority of reviews I see are just based on looks and stuff we already know such such as it runs only on 3.41 or it loads HEX, etc. Reviews should be more indepth as to what it can do and the possibilities or potentials of it.

I'm still trying to figure out what all these caps do and what each one does. If I wanted to, I could of just posted the same thing and been the first to post a review.

Maybe its where I'm coming from since I do reviews but its just my opinion. But like I said, great job on it. Just seeing such a huge device with lots of options should have a lot more indepth information as to what the product is.

For me, I try to go into as much detail as possible. I am the eyes for potential buyers as I have the product in front of me whereas they do not. Not to mention, this also helps the manufacturers improve on their product. Even if its "flawless" in your eyes, theres always room for improvement.

[remainnameless]

Nice review. More information about the possibilities on what the Max-Pic can do for us and its potentials.

Personally, majority of reviews I see are just based on looks and stuff we already know such such as it runs only on 3.41 or it loads HEX, etc. Reviews should be more indepth as to what it can do and the possibilities or potentials of it.

I'm still trying to figure out what all these caps do and what each one does. If I wanted to, I could of just posted the same thing and been the first to post a review.

Maybe its where I'm coming from since I do reviews but its just my opinion. But like I said, great job on it. Just seeing such a huge device with lots of options should have a lot more indepth information as to what the product is.

For me, I try to go into as much detail as possible. I am the eyes for potential buyers as I have the product in front of me whereas they do not. Not to mention, this also helps the manufacturers improve on their product. Even if its "flawless" in your eyes, theres always room for improvement.

This is why I am holding back on my review. I was also sent a test kit. I am going to do a couple more things like JTAG a Xbox 360. I also want to TRY and destroy it and see what kind of recovery is available.

I'll have a review up as soon as I have a complete idea of what's possible with this baby.

To OP:
Good review. I enjoyed reading it.

[frankreynolds]

Very Nice Review. You have covered all the important areas.
Can you add a couple of pics of the program that is used to flash this board.

Cheers

Thanks for feedback Wizjish im just waiting to get gfs camera back. Then can make videos and get some more pics. Thats why i have reserved a spot. I will also be linking things when im back home currently on my blackberry.

Nice review. More information about the possibilities on what the Max-Pic can do for us and its potentials.

Personally, majority of reviews I see are just based on looks and stuff we already know such such as it runs only on 3.41 or it loads HEX, etc. Reviews should be more indepth as to what it can do and the possibilities or potentials of it.

I'm still trying to figure out what all these caps do and what each one does. If I wanted to, I could of just posted the same thing and been the first to post a review.

Maybe its where I'm coming from since I do reviews but its just my opinion. But like I said, great job on it. Just seeing such a huge device with lots of options should have a lot more indepth information as to what the product is.

For me, I try to go into as much detail as possible. I am the eyes for potential buyers as I have the product in front of me whereas they do not. Not to mention, this also helps the manufacturers improve on their product. Even if its "flawless" in your eyes, theres always room for improvement.

I have tried to test numerous hex's/firmware's, and I cant really figure out what it can do that p3free/pic-fun cant. Other than it would be far better for home projects due to numerous LED lights for home projects that would need confirmation a certain part of the project is working. Also it can be connected many different ways vs. P3free/pic-fun. I also have yet to figure out what the caps are for and a few other things, but when I do I will update my review. Just wanted to get one posted for those who were buying specifically for ps3 jailbreak which this is more than enough. Thanks for the feedback, your reviews are great from the ones I have seen, hopefully I can improve this soon.

[dcemureviews]

This is why I am holding back on my review. I was also sent a test kit. I am going to do a couple more things like JTAG a Xbox 360. I also want to TRY and destroy it and see what kind of recovery is available.

I'll have a review up as soon as I have a complete idea of what's possible with this baby.

To OP:
Good review. I enjoyed reading it.

Have any links about this JTAG for Xbox 360?

I have tried to test numerous hex's/firmware's, and I cant really figure out what it can do that p3free/pic-fun cant. Other than it would be far better for home projects due to numerous LED lights for home projects that would need confirmation a certain part of the project is working. Also it can be connected many different ways vs. P3free/pic-fun. I also have yet to figure out what the caps are for and a few other things, but when I do I will update my review. Just wanted to get one posted for those who were buying specifically for ps3 jailbreak which this is more than enough. Thanks for the feedback, your reviews are great from the ones I have seen, hopefully I can improve this soon.

Cool. I just didnt want to sound like a d!ck or anything. Just giving constructive criticism. Cant wait to see what stuff you find out.

[remainnameless]

Have any links about this JTAG for Xbox 360?

I haven't really gone through it completely looking specifically for USB Nand SPI, but here is a link:
https://docs.google.com/View?id=dnfmv5h_30dw33vpf4

You would have to read some of the "USB Nand SPI Flasher" links. There are schematics linked from that page.

[patrick]

1. It is a large board. (On my Fat PS3 with 2 usb ports, I must disconnect External HDD to Plug in Max-Pic then reconnect HDD after jailbroken)

you can use one USB extension cable to "fix" this issue.

[frankreynolds]

you can use one USB extension cable to "fix" this issue.

Thank you, I didn't even think of that. I have one from I don't know where but it works.