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Several months ago, we decided to try a modification inspired by many projects that can be found on XBox-Scene. The XBox communicators are very handy, but only if you play much online. We had a spare XBox that we were willing to modify and one of those was to provide more features at the controller. (All of our mods can be seen in the XBox Modifications album in the Photo Gallery) This mod allows for a USB connection and a power button at the first player controller. This could be extended for all players, but we found it unnecessary.

This modification is fairly simple and would make countless Electrical Engineers cringe at the process, but it works and doesn’t require a new circuit board be made. First, the required tools must be gathered. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, knife, soldering iron, USB receiving port, and a pair of heavy duty cutters. For the USB port, you can either purchase a part similar to this or do as we did and cut one from a USB-to-PS2 keyboard adapter.

Start by opening the communicator case to show the circuit inside. Using the soldering iron, remove all of the components excluding the button, headset plug, and black connector. Now it is time for destruction!

There needs to be space for the USB connector and the button must be isolated from the rest of the circuit. Start with cutting the traces on the circuit board surrounding the button. You can ensure it is completely isolated by using a multimeter with continuity testing. This will make sure there is no unexpected results from pressing the button. Next make space for the USB connector by cutting a section from the corner opposite of the button. It should look something like this picture when finished.

Now for a bit of background information. The XBox controllers are based on USB even with the same color scheme except it includes a yellow wire apparently for the vibration for the controller. USB uses red, white, green, and black wires. This is what we will be connecting to the USB port. The yellow wire will be used to connect from the button in the communicator to the power button on the XBox.

Now, use jumper wires to solder the leads from the black plastic connector to the USB port following the wires from the controller. Or by following the image below. For the button, using a continuity tester in a multimeter, solder the yellow wire to one side of the button and a black wire to the other side.

Hot glue or super glue the USB connector through the hole where the orange dial was originally and close up the communicator case to finish the communicator part. Next, you will need to open the XBox to get to the front plate. For more pictures of the opening of an XBox case, see this album. Cut the yellow wire for the first player connector near the motherboard and run a jumper wire to the front panel power button as shown below.

Close up the XBox and you are finished! The communicator button will now turn on and off the XBox without any need for software and the USB will support limited USB mass storage devices as XBox memory storage. You could also potentially plug other modified XBox controllers into the USB port or a USB keyboard if you have Linux installed. The headset plug was left on the circuit disconnected only to provide a sort of plug for the top hole to prevent dust intake. This could be filled with hot glue or numerous other materials.

Enjoy all of the features!

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