Learn some useful hardware hacks

Hardware enthusiasts are rarely satisfied by the performance of components straight out of the box any more. Most of us have tried modifications that result in either faster speed or greater features, which in turn encourages a search for various tweaks early in the life of a new part ­ or to deliberately buy one that has a good reputation for this kind of thing.

While overclocking processors is the most visible and widespread form of performance hacking, the projects that most interest me are those involving consumer electronics ­ devices that, from the outside, look like closed systems with as much chance of tweaking as a domestic fridge.

Over the years, my favourite ‘upgrades’ have included equipping a Tivo PVR (personal video recorder) with networking facilities, hacking an Xbox to boot Linux and run other programs, and swapping the hard disk on a Sky+ box to achieve longer recording times.

The reason all these things are possible without a degree in electronics, is because most use standard PC parts and recognisable software. All these devices have a processor that might be persuaded to run modified code to expand the feature-set.

One of the more intriguing hacks of recent times does just this with a range of Canon Ixus and Powershot digital cameras to include options normally reserved for much pricier models.

CHDK it out
The Canon Hacker’s Development Kit, or CHDK for short, can equip many basic Ixus and Powershots with Raw recording and live histogram facilities, long exposures and a variety of bracketing features, not to mention options to fine-tune the bit rate of video modes or remote control the camera over a USB connection.

Many of these features, especially Raw support, were previously reasons to go for pricier models instead, but if your camera is compatible with CHDK you may be able to enjoy them for free.

As with all modifications and tweaks, you run CHDK at your own risk. Compared to many hacks, CHDK is remarkably discreet and, technically, shouldn’t invalidate your warranty.

Software is copied onto an SD card and executed by first starting the camera in Play mode, then choosing Firm Update from the Menu if nothing further happens. The camera will then reboot with new menus and features. At no point does it change any code within the camera so that once you remove the card, or switch off the camera, CHDK effectively disappears without a trace.

Most cards will need to be write-protected for CHDK to work, and since it also only works on Fat 16 file systems, large cards will need a small Fat 16 partition created for it.

Head over to the CHDK wiki page for a list of supported models, the code and how to get it working, but check the firmware version of your camera, too, as some revisions aren’t supported.

If you want to find out the firmware version of an Ixus or Powershot, but there’s no menu option to display it, first create an empty text file using Notepad and save it in the root of your memory card with the name ‘ver.req’, ensuring there’s no .txt file extension.

Then, with the card inserted in the camera, start it up in Play mode, hold down the Function/Set button, then press the Disp button. The firmware version should be revealed.

At the time of writing, CHDK mostly supported older Canon models running Digic 2 or Digic 3 image processors, including popular models such as the A620, A640, A720 IS and G9. Towards the end of 2008 though, Canon began releasing models that used its latest Digic 4 processor, including the Powershot SX10 IS, which has already become a big seller.

The SX10 IS launched alongside the higher-end SX1 IS, which recently enjoyed an official firmware update to equip it with Raw recording facilities; good for SX1 IS owners, but frustrating for those who bought the SX10 IS.

Thankfully the SX10 IS has become the first Digic 4 model to get a CHDK port, which unlocks Raw recording capabilities, among other features. At the time of writing though, it was a limited beta version that only worked on models running firmware version 1.01a.

My test camera reported version 1.00c, so sadly I can’t report on its effectiveness, but those with compatible firmware are reporting some success.

CHDK is one of the most exciting and useful hacks around, and proves you don’t always have to upgrade to a pricier model to enjoy certain features. We hope Canon takes notice of CHDK’s popularity and considers equipping more than just its top models with official support for Raw and live histograms.