Just got an XDK... now what?

Before I start asking dumb questions, I'd like to say hi... and be gentle.

My XDK just showed up in the mail and I literally have no idea what to do with it (or what it even CAN do, for that matter). I noticed that the PSU is different from the retail, and that it won't run retail games. The sidecar has a 100GB drive in it that has nothing loaded on it, I had to create a profile when I got it. My question is what now?

Can I make retail games run on it?
What is an XEX file? I assume it's like an EXE for the 360, but I want to be sure...
Is there a way to FTP stuff to it, or do I have to use the USB ports attached to the sidecar?
Is there a 'noob repository' somewhere here that puts stuff in simple terms?
Is 100GB too small? Should I crack it open and put in a 320?
Can I run an SNES or MAME emu on it?

Anyway, please point me to links and give me some friendly advice as to what I can do to tinker with it.

Thanks

 

Um why did you get an XDK? And where did you get it? I mean it's alot of money to spend if you don't know anything about it.

Hawk

 

Yes, what's the point of getting one if you don't have at least a basic understanding of the 360 in the first place?

OP, you should probably get an SDK and start reading.

 

I guess get the SDK and start learning. If you are not a programmer, Hacker, or collector I recommend selling it.

 

None of these, but you have to start somewhere, right?


Thanks for the support ASSEMbler, but I was really hoping there was a 'new guy' thread somewhere around here that would explain some of the basics. Trying to read the engrish at Xbox-Scene really hurts my head.

 

1) Can I make retail games run on it?
2) What is an XEX file? I assume it's like an EXE for the 360, but I want to be sure...
3) Is there a way to FTP stuff to it, or do I have to use the USB ports attached to the sidecar?
4) Is there a 'noob repository' somewhere here that puts stuff in simple terms?
5) Is 100GB too small? Should I crack it open and put in a 320?
6) Can I run an SNES or MAME emu on it?

lets break it down, and make it simple

1) Yes,use xboxbackupcreator.exe to extract an iso file for the game you want, then use xbox360gh.exe on the dir thats created.
*Then use QWESTION 3's answer* or burn to data disc and run from launcher.

2) Yea essentially there similar, i think it stands for xenon executable, xenon meaning xbox360

3)Yes, download an xbox 360 SDK of the interweb and use a program called xbox360 neghborhood, its an ftp program specificly desighned for this, it is very user friendly imo.

4) in some catagories yes, if your looking to, erm... mod halo,
most, if not all other information is doccumented somwhere on this site, just read, and if you have any qwestions, just ask

5) 100gb is just fine, unless you want more, id say thats more of a matter of opinion.

6) yes, regular xbox360 homebrew works on xdk's aswell, use xbins to see what's available.

sorry if its a bit sloppy, rough night.
anyone else can feel free to add-on bits of info

 

Your a bit like me. I've just purchased a dev kit (just waiting on delivery).

I had a JTAG console previously, and found it didn't really do what I wanted. Then E74'd.

Shame.

 

Ok, so to clarify my current abilities and experience with the console: I'm a former filthy pirate who got caught in the Christmas ban wave (while running a legit copy of MW2, no less). I understand how to use the flash and backup tools, but quit paying attention to the 'scene' when the kiddies started the argument as to whether or not to charge for the 'LT firmware'. I found out about jtagging and bought a Jasper just for this. I also own an XDK (the console that was just shipped to me), but do not have the SDK. I know I shouldn't ask for it here, and I'm ok with that. I don't want to use the XDK as a 'mod teh halo' box, but I actually want to LEARN more about what I'm doing, not follow some random instructions I find on a website. I know how to use a hex editor, have a good understanding of object oriented languages, and can pretty much figure out anything else as long as someone leaves basic instructions online somewhere.
What I'm looking to do is figure out file structure and play with more of the actual tools that were created for this thing, not be a goofball script kiddie. Make sense?

 

Do you know C++?

-Doom

 

Like I said unless you are a collector / a programmer / or a tinkerer you = boned and the only thing you can do with it from there is just pirate games which I don't approve of really.

 

Either offer help, as ASSEMbler astutely pointed out, or simply remain silent.

Repeating yourself is not helpful, especially when you're not offering up anything new or useful.

The point of this forum is not to tell people to get rid of their kits. The point is to help those that want to learn to do so.

If you want to help, give him a place to start learning.

-hl718

 

Good worlds -hl718
So what's now? when Natal released?

New SDK not leaked same like XDK.
So what's now?

 

Heres what to do, Don't leak, Don't go on partner net (or xbox live as it says on your xdk), Dont run a recovery off you HDD. if you don't do any of those things everyone here will be happy.

 

I'm not going anywhere near a network Jack with it. It still has the old 'blades' dash, and I'm not willing to update the firmware or use an SDK until I can find out what it can do.
If I wanted to be a pirate and a jackass I would have just turned around and went straight to Xbox sky... no thanks.
Is there somewhere that has decent documentation of the tools and workings in a one stop shop?

 

I like to call it the SDK Documentation

-Doom

 

I simply said unless you can use it you can't I just made it simple. I didn't mean anything by it.

 

Doom is right. Believe it or not, the SDK help files explain pretty much everything you need to know in detail.

I normally hate reading help files but once you start reading, they hook you. Like a good book that you just don't want to put down.

 

Learn C++ and read the documentation like a book and tinker with the open source samples this will give you an idea of what you need to do to make use of your kit.

 

If you're completely new to Xbox 360 development I would suggest putting the dev kit on the desk for now and spending some time with a retail Xbox 360 and the XNA sample code.

You'll want to use C# to start, but it'll introduce you to the basics.

If you just jump right in with the SDK it is going to assume an advanced level of programming knowledge.

-hl718