If you didn't already know, the USB Gecko can run software in 2 operation modes. One is D2XX mode which is what all USB Gecko applications are coded in and there is also VCP (Virutal COM port).

The disadvantage to VCP mode is that it doesn't support USB 2.0 packet sizes up to 64k like D2XX mode so its much slower, also its much harder to handle error correction in this mode. The huge advantage to this mode though is that its easier to write cross platform applications for.

Why I am explaining this, is that there are some great applications that USB Gecko use the VCP mode for. One is GDB the free GNU debugger which is supported in libogc & devkitpro. The other is Wii Load the open source loader which comes bundled with the Homebrew Channel.

Now to switch the USB Gecko to VCP mode is really easy, as the drivers are a combined driver, so really all you have to do is tick a box in device preferences. Here is how to do this step by step.

1. Install the USB Gecko drivers, if you havn't all ready. The drivers come on the CD or you can download them here. The driver install manual can be found here.

2. Now you need to go to the device properties so you can change the mode. To do this you have to click the windows Start bar, then click Control Panel then System. Once you have done this, you will see the System Properties dialog you then need to click the Hardware tab and then the Device Manager Button

3. Now you clicked Device Manager, you will see your PC devices listed. The USB Gecko will be listed under Universal Serial Bus controllers which is at the bottom of the devices. I have highlight the the USB Gecko on this picture:

4. With USB Serial Convertor highlight, click the right mouse button, then select properties, the click the Advanced tab like shown in the next image:

5. Now simply, tick the 'Load VCP' box and click OK. You must now remove the USB Cable and then reinsert. The device will now load as a COM port under USB COM Port with the COM Port number displayed. On my PC it shows as USB COM Port 3, but it can be any number. Please make sure you remember which COM Port number as this will be needed in VCP applications.

Here is my the device manager showing on my PC with the USB Serial Port installed as COM 3 after step 5.

Thats it. You will only need to do with once, and will just need to remember which COM port the USB Gecko is installed to when using applications such as Wiiload and GDB. I will be making tutorials for both these applications.

Support Forum on this topic can be found here: