Cygnos360 is a Modchip that allows you to have more than one kernel version on your xbox 360. Currently users can only have either a vulnerable kernel version (4532 or 4548) OR the current kernel version that is neccessary to use xbox live and play the newest games. Cygnos360 enables you to conveniently switch between your "live kernel" and your "homebrew kernel".
You can also use Cygnos360 to switch between PAL and NTSC kernels.
NOTE: Cygnos360 does not contain any kernel image! It is shipped empty! Cygnos360 does NOT enable "backups" it is NOT for the DVD drive. You need to have an infectus programmer or another programmer to flash the Cygnos360
Cygnos 360 features
-adds secondary NAND flash to your xbox 360 that you can switch to
-fits directly on the bottom side of the onboard NAND flash
-needs only one wire running on your board (to the lifted CE leg of the onboard NAND)
-uses easy to solder "quicksolder-pads" which at the same time make sure it is neatly fitted to the mainboard and does not fall around
- you can downgrade directly onto the Cygnos360 NAND flash instead of the onboard flash.
- has solder pads for an external switch
- comes with on PCB status LED
- comes with solder pads for optional external status LED
- manufactured with high quality flash, PCB and components
In the Xbox 360, on-board NAND-flash memory stores important data like the hypervisor, kernel, and key vault.
Through installation of Cygnos 360, the onboard NAND-flash memory is complemented with another NAND-flash memory contained on the Cygnos 360 printed-circuit board.
Being able to choose between both NAND-flash memories opens up a variety of new fascinating possibilities. The following list tries
to give you an impression about what can be done with Cygnos 360:
- choose between the newest kernel for playing games or a vulnerable kernel for running Linux
- play imported games or movies by switching your region code
Please note that some of the possible uses of Cygnos 360 require you to know your Xbox 360 CPU key. At the moment, this key can
only be extracted by booting a vulnerable kernel, such as version 4532 or 4548. If your current kernel version is newer than 4548, you will have to downgrade, which is up to date only possible with non HDMI Xbox 360 models (as far as we know production dates earlier than July 2007 are safe)
A kernel version older than 4532 does not pose a problem, since it can be upgraded to either version 4532 or 4548. Downgrading the Xbox 360 as well as programming Cygnos 360 assumes the temporary installation of an Infectus 1 or 2 mod-chi