Apex AD600A DVD Player

How to upgrade a newer Apex DVD player, to have the LOOPHOLES menu.

By David Salamon, 07-07-00

I thought I would confirm for everyone that it is indeed possible to fix the newest Apex units with the ESS 4318 chip to run the older loophole code. I upgraded my unit which was purchased recently from Circuit City with the N4 firmware and no loophole menu.

To help all of you along, I will provide here a list of parts you you need and what steps to take to perform the upgrade. Recommended sources are JDR (www.jdr.com) and Digi-Key (www.digikey.com)

Parts required:

1. 32K x 8 static RAM chips 15ns SOJ package, quantity 2 (JDR part 32KX8-15SOJ, cost $2.29 each)

2. 0.1 microfarad ceramic SMT capacitors 0805 package, quantity 2 (Digi-Key PCC1840CT-ND, cost 0.29 each, or local Fry's Electronics part 1750348 cost $0.99 for 2)

3. 512K x 8 EPROM 120ns, 32 pin DIP package, quantity 1 (JDR part 27C401-120, cost $9.99 each)

Upgrade Steps: NOTE: this upgrade involves soldering surface mount parts, so you should have a temperature controlled soldering iron and sharp tip. Steady hands are required!

1. Solder the SMT capacitors in the spots labeled C21 and C22 on the Apex main circuit board. These are right next to the RAM chip spots.
2. Solder the two SOJ static RAM chips into the two empty surface mount IC spots on the board. You may want to tape the chips in place while you solder one or two pins first, then remove the tape. Don't overheat the chips!
3. Download the A8 code from here.
4. Program the EPROM with the A8 code using an EPROM burner.
5. Pull out the N4 chip and put in the new EPROM chip with the A8 code.
6. Close up the Apex. Now you have a loophole unit.

Hope this helps everyone.

David