ZhongTaiko User Manual - Old Black E-Box
ZhongTaiko User Manual Old Black E-Box
Your Old Black E-Box uses the same black circuit board as the PC E-Box, but supports both PC and Nintendo Switch. Switching between platforms requires a special firmware tool on your PC.
1. What's in the Box
Before you start, make sure you have everything:
| Item | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| M8 Screw Set (bolt + nut + 2 washers) | x4 | Small bag of metal hardware |
| Wooden Stands | x2 | Curved wooden pieces that hold the drum up |
| E-Box + Cable (Black version) | x1 | The electronic converter box that connects your drum to your device |
| ZhongTaiko Drum | x1 | The main drum unit |
2. Assembly -- Attaching the Wooden Stands
The wooden stands raise the drum off the table and angle it for comfortable play.
- Flip the ZhongTaiko drum upside down so you can see the metal L-brackets on each side.
- Place one wooden stand on the outside of each L-bracket. The curved part should face outward.
- For each hole, use one complete screw set. Thread them in this order:
Nut → Washer → Wooden Stand → L-Bracket → Washer → Bolt - Tighten each screw firmly but don't over-tighten -- you don't want to crack the wood.
3. Connecting to PC
Your Black E-Box has the same Pentagon + Rectangle connectors as the PC E-Box.
- Plug the drum cable into the Pentagon (5-sided) connector on the bottom of the E-Box.
- Plug the Rectangle (USB) connector into your PC.
- LED lights up -- connected!
4. Connecting to Nintendo Switch
- Plug the drum cable into the Pentagon connector.
- Plug the USB into the Switch Dock.
- LED lights up -- connected!
5. Switching Between PC and NS Modes (Firmware Tool)
Unlike newer E-Boxes that auto-detect the platform, the Old Black E-Box stores its platform mode in firmware. You need a Windows tool to switch between PC and NS modes.
- Download the Mode Change tool: Download ZhongTaiko Mode Change
- Extract the .7z file (you may need 7-Zip).
- Install the included USB driver if prompted.
- Connect the E-Box to your PC via USB.
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start → Device Manager) and find the E-Box under COM ports. Note the COM port number (e.g. COM3).
- Run the Mode Change program, select the correct COM port, and choose your target mode (PC or NS).
- Click Apply. The E-Box firmware is now updated!
6. Sensitivity Adjustment
The Old Black E-Box has the same 4 blue adjustment knobs as the PC E-Box. Use a small flathead screwdriver.
| Knob Position (left to right) | What It Controls | In-Game Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1st — D (leftmost) | Left KA (left rim) | Blue notes — left rim hits |
| 2nd — J | Right DON (right face) | Red notes — right center hits |
| 3rd — K | Right KA (right rim) | Blue notes — right rim hits |
| 4th — F (rightmost) | Left DON (left face) | Red notes — left center hits |
Clockwise (CW) = Less sensitive (reduces ghost notes / false triggers)
Counter-clockwise (CCW) = More sensitive (helps register lighter hits)
7. Troubleshooting
⚠️ Troubleshooting
Drum works on PC but not Switch (or vice versa)?
You need to switch firmware modes using the Mode Change tool. The E-Box can only be in one mode at a time. See Section 5 above.
Mode Change tool doesn't detect E-Box?
- Install the USB driver from the download package.
- Check Device Manager for the COM port.
- If you see a yellow warning icon, right-click → Update Driver → Browse → select the driver folder from the download.
Need Help? Contact Us!
We're a small team based in Taiwan, passionate about bringing the arcade taiko experience home. If you run into any issues, don't hesitate to reach out!
Email: [email protected]
Website: taiko.ac
Discord: Join the ZhongTaiko Community