More 510/610 Hacking Fun

[bertrik]

I can't really give a step-by-step instruction (you already know how to enter service mode), but here's some things to keep in mind:
* PAUSE is the key that writes values or executes actions. If you get lost in the service menu, don't press pause. Use STOP to go back a few steps.
* Make sure you make a note of the original values in registers 0x61 and 0x62.
* The katakana (or is it kana?) bit is bit 1 (value 0x02) in register 0x61. You need to know hex/binary code to be able to tell if the bit is already set or not. If you don't I can help you, just tell me the number in register 0x61.
* Don't change any other bits. Some of the other threads describing hacks tell you to change the register contents to 0xfe (or something like that). This is bad because it sets a lot of other bits at the same time without actually knowing their effect.
* What firmware version do you have?

[SharkyMark]

PAUSE is the key that writes values or executes actions. If you get lost in the service menu, don't press pause. Use STOP to go back a few steps.

I read about this. I'll avoid the pause key.

Make sure you make a note of the original values in registers 0x61 and 0x62.

Alright, I went into the service menu and scrolled to 060 F Code. When I press FF I go to 061 where 3 digits are running and 3 are steady (being SF0). Same things for 062 (the steady three being S65). Do you mean by writing down the original values I have to go through all the running digits?

The katakana (or is it kana?) bit is bit 1 (value 0x02) in register 0x61. You need to know hex/binary code to be able to tell if the bit is already set or not. If you don't I can help you, just tell me the number in register 0x61.

It's Katakana. With Kana they just mean Katakana and Hiragana. I have no idea how to continue from here. I don't know any hex/binary code.

What firmware version do you have?

I have firmware version 1.400.

[bertrik]

You don't need to write down any other values, reg. 61 and 62 should be enough. Don't mind the running digits, they don't have any significant meaning.
To enable katakana, go to register/F-code 61 and change the SF0 into SF2, then press pause to write the value, then press stop a couple of times to get back to the root menu, then disconnect power.
The katakana bit works for my MZ-N510 with version 1.600. I can't give any guarantees for other versions, but I think it will work (I've read it works on a MZ-R700 too). When editing the name of a track, you use pause key to switch between uppercase/lowercase/numeric/japanese.

[SharkyMark]

I changed the value and ........ I'm a very very very happy person (by which I mean that it works).

Betrik you are the best. Thanks a lot

To say it in Japanese Domo Arigato (Thank you)

[motaboy]

I hacked my N510 (Ver 1.500) to enable Line-Out. Great, but I want to make the battery indicator to show more power as well. From everything I read I understand that it's in the same 61 bit setting which I changed to get the Line-out.

Is there a way to get the line-out AND the battery indicator, but nothing else?

P.S
I see I got the 1.500 ver... what's the difference between the newer 1.600? Is there a way to find out? am I missing something?

[bertrik]

You just need to add 80 (hex) to the current number in register 61. You probably have 40 (hex) there now (because of the line-out hack), so adding 80 (hex) results in c0 for the new number. You can do this in Microsoft Calculator (Start menu / Accessories / Calculator). Set it to hex mode, then simply add 80 to the current number.
After some time with this bit set on my N510 I did find out a problem with it: during NetMD download the Minidisc sometimes shuts down in the middle of a recording session. I think this is because recording probably takes much more power than playback. Because of this I do not recommend setting the bit.

[motaboy]

Originally posted by bertrik
After some time with this bit set on my N510 I did find out a problem with it: during NetMD download the Minidisc sometimes shuts down in the middle of a recording session. I think this is because recording probably takes much more power than playback. Because of this I do not recommend setting the bit.

Would you agree though, that when play back, the unit always flashed the battery WAY to early? Sometimes it'll flash for a long period of time, I'll leave it, turn it off, and the next time I play a disc it'll show at least 2 lines in the indicator.
Won't the hack fix this? Cuz if it won't help in that area, well the whole hack ain't worth it.

[bertrik]

I haven't used my MD enough with and without this hack to tell if it really makes a difference for playback time.
I'm also not completely sure what the bit is actually supposed to do. It adds a menu OPTION/POWER/PwSave. Perhaps it's meant for MDs with a backlit remote.

[motaboy]

Guess I'll skip it, I'm pretty used to my MD's craze. I can tell when it's still got guice and when it's about to die.

Unless someone tells me otherwise, I'll stick with the Line-Out hack.

[Martach]

I'd like to enable both the Katakana and the line out hack on my N910. I have successfully applied the katakana hack, my bite 61 is now F2. The problem is that if I understand bertrik's instructions correctly, I should add 40 to enable the line out hack. This makes the bit's value more than FF, making this operation impossible. Have I missed something or have anyone got any ideas? Or maybe Iäll just have to choose...