How do you create a ARGC Master Code?

**hawkeye2777** · 08-22-2008

As the topic says, how would I go about making a master code for ARGC? I figured I should know before my Gamecube gets back, as I'll have to create 3/4 Master codes for the unhacked games I have. I was analyzing a few master codes that were made, so I think I know how to set up the first 8 digits of the Master Code.

C424F2EC 0000FF00//Skies of Arcadia: Legends [NTSC-U]
C40959EC 0000FF00//Animal Crossing [NTSC-U]
C41E84A4 00000800//Luigi's Mansion [NTSC-U]

This is the hook that GCNrd assigned for NHL Hitz 20-03 [NTSC-U]:

80275DAC

So, would the first 8 digits be like this?:

C4275DAC

Now, what values would I use for the last 8 digits? What would I have to find? All help is greatly appreciated.

**Power Marshall** · 08-22-2008

Wow, pretty good, hawk!
To tell, idk but I hope someone who knows will post to help you...

**hawkeye2777** · 08-22-2008

Rune, Ralf, or maybe HG may be able to help me with this. Either way, I await someone's help.

**Power Marshall** · 08-22-2008

Rune should be able to help...

**nensondubois** · 08-22-2008

Here http://www.arcentral.net/FAQs/TLBMC.php - This should help you in your quest of creating a Master code.
I used this document years ago when I did GC hacking. I can't now because I sold the stuff needed because I knew I wouldn't be able to now. And after three years of not using it, forgetting what'd you'd need for it I still have some docs. The only things I remember needing for GC hacking is a computer, PSO, GCNrd, and a disk for launching homebrew apps.

**Power Marshall** · 08-22-2008

Nice, nenson! This should help hawk out, I bet...

**hawkeye2777** · 08-23-2008

Originally Posted by nensondubois

Here http://www.arcentral.net/FAQs/TLBMC.php - This should help you in your quest of creating a Master code.
I used this document years ago when I did GC hacking. I can't now because I sold the stuff needed because I knew I wouldn't be able to now. And after three years of not using it, forgetting what'd you'd need for it I still have some docs. The only things I remember needing for GC hacking is a computer, PSO, GCNrd, and a disk for launching homebrew apps.

Thanks... but that's not exactly what I needed. That's a guide on creating TLB Master Codes; those aren't needed for all games. What I need is help on regular Master Codes. Still, thanks for posting that link.

**Ralf** · 08-24-2008

Quote from GCN AR CODES TYPES EXPLANATION by kenobi:

If Size = 2 (0.3.2) : Master Code (C4XXXXXX Y1Y2Y3Y4)
-----------------------------------------------------

Y4 = Master Code Number.
0x00 : executed only once, just before the game bootup.
Only one (m) code can have the '00' number (the others will be skipped),
and it must be the very one in the (m) code list (else it'll be skipped).

0x01~0x0F : executed continuously during the game execution.
(2 (or more) master codes that have the same Master Code Number can't
be executed correctly if they are put one just after another.
Only the first one will be executed, the other(s) will be skipped).

Y3 = number of codes to execute each time the AR "has the hand".

Y2 AND 0x03 = Master Code Type :

Type 0 : create a branch to SUBROUTINE 1.
(Save : R0 R3 R28 R29 R30 R31)

Type 1 : backup 4 asm lines from the game, and write a Branch to MAIN ROUTINE.
(Save : R3 R28 R29 R30 R31, Destroys : R0?)

Type 2 : create a branch to 1 copy of SUBROUTINE 1.
(Save : R0 R3 R28 R29 R30 R31)

Type 3 : create a branch to MAIN ROUTINE START (will execute the 4 asm lines backed up
in Type 1, if any).
(Save : R0 R3 R28 R29 R30 R31)

Note : Putting random numbers in Y1 should change the encryption, thus "signing" your
code (untested).

Note : Don't use the Type 1 alone with a Master Code Number >0, else the AR will backup its own
hook, and enter an infinite loop. So put a conditional code type make that this code isn't
executed more than once.

NHL Hitz 20-03 Hook: 0x80275DAC
Master Code Number (Y4): 00 or 01
Number of codes to execute (Y3): 255
Master Code Type (Y2): 00 (Code Type 2 is common too)

So C4275DAC 0000FF00 or C4275DAC 0000FF01 should work fine.

**nensondubois** · 08-24-2008

Wouldn't game IDs help?

**hawkeye2777** · 08-24-2008

Originally Posted by Ralf

Quote from GCN AR CODES TYPES EXPLANATION by kenobi:

NHL Hitz 20-03 Hook: 0x80275DAC
Master Code Number (Y4): 00 or 01
Number of codes to execute (Y3): 255
Master Code Type (Y2): 00 (Code Type 2 is common too)

So C4275DAC 0000FF00 or C4275DAC 0000FF01 should work fine.

Thank you Ralf for that explanation. I nearly forgot about Kenobi's Code Type document. It's a little confusing, but I think I'll figure it out once I do it. Thanks again.

nenson: I believe Game IDs are only used to encrypt codes.

**nensondubois** · 08-24-2008

Since I did this before, I would know that they do in some cases.
Are you taking code requests?

**hawkeye2777** · 08-24-2008

Originally Posted by nensondubois

Since I did this before, I would know that they do in some cases.
Are you taking code requests?

I can, yeah. See my codes thread in Gamecube Hacking. I should get my Cube back on Tuesday.

**nensondubois** · 08-25-2008

Gameboy Player (NTSC)
Disable Z Button Message
Disable clear border around screen
Stop Gamecube light from blinking (I don't know the border number off hand.)

**Power Marshall** · 08-25-2008

It seems like you know, nenson...

**hawkeye2777** · 08-26-2008

Originally Posted by nensondubois

Gameboy Player (NTSC)
Disable Z Button Message
Disable clear border around screen
Stop Gamecube light from blinking (I don't know the border number off hand.)

1. Don't have it.
2. Don't think it's possible, as it is real GBA hardware or something.