|
|
|
Help a n00b to the PS2 scene
|
|
|
SirWhack
Newbie
|
31. July 2006 @ 15:10 |
Link to this message
|
|
Hi there,
Please bare with me here, I'm pretty much a noob to the ps2 modding scene and would like a few answers to some probably basic questions. I've read through the stickies and they've helped a lot, but I'm still a bit confused on certain topics.
Firstly, I'm mostly interested in booting ps2 games directly from a hard drive. If I were to install a modchip, would it allow me to boot backups of games from the hard drive without the use of a swap disc? Is there some sort of dashboard available? (something equivalent to EvoX for the Xbox) Also, can I use any hard drive out there, of any size or are there limitations?
Second, what modchip would you reccomend for mainly booting off the hard drive? I also plan to go online with my ps2, does Sony scan for hardware modifications like Microsoft or can you play online with a modded console? If so, can you play online with backup games?
I apologize if these are common questions to you guys, but it seems a lot more difficult to find information for ps2 modding than it was for Xbox. I really appreciate any help, thanks in advance for the replies! :)
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
Member
|
31. July 2006 @ 20:58 |
Link to this message
|
|
If you want a modchip and you don't buy one of the big three (dms4, matrix, crystal, then you probably won't be able to go online since a lot of these lack turn off modchip features as yes, Sony does scan for them.
The modchips don't have a dashboard like interface (the xbox and ps2 were designed way differently which shut off that possibility for us) but they do have just about a 100% boot rate from a hard drive (again, assuming you get one of the big three).
The dms4 has a built in hard drive booting program and the other two you can load the latest hdloader (available at sksapps.com into the flash or the memory card).
Using a modchip you will not require a swap disc.
If you have one of the fat PS2's then all hard drives will work (if you get a western digital drive however, you have to make a slight adjustment to the network adapter which you can find how to by searching this site, it's not hard at all to do), if you got a Slim PStwo you have a lot more work cut out for you.
If you avoid the modchip let me know and I'll explain the other swap disc way.
V12 PS2 - DMS4 SE PRO, Diode Fix, HDconnect, 320gb HD
----------------
Tall Israeli: For anyone who doesn't smoke, this is like your mom taking your dreamcast away.
Wagh: god you're an idiot.
|
|
SirWhack
Newbie
|
31. July 2006 @ 22:50 |
Link to this message
|
|
Hmm, thanks a lot for the help. So all I'd need to do is install a DMS4 chip, and plug in a non-WD hard drive, and I should be good to go? Are there any adapters needed to connect the hard drive to the ps2? Sorry, don't have a ps2 in my hands yet, so not sure if there is an IDE connection port in the ps2.
Oh one last question about the whole modding thing, can I place a ps2 disc in the system and have it "uploaded" to my hard drive, so I wouldn't have to use the disc anymore or can I place it on my computer, then stream it to the hard drive through the network adapter with a crossover cable? It'd just avoid having to find the discs and all.
|
Senior Member
|
1. August 2006 @ 03:51 |
Link to this message
|
you'd also need to get a network adapter with the fat ps2 (if it's not included with the fat ps2 you get as they are usually sold seperately) 'cause that's what connects the hdd to the ps2 (ide connector is on the network adapter which in turn connects to the ps2) There's a number of ways you can install games on the hdd easiest being using hdloader directly on the ps2 and put in a disc and installing it (this takes about 20 min/game). next would be using winhiip to install the game's image to the hdd on the pc (faster then 1st option but, you have to keep installing/uninstalling the hdd on your pc), I think it's also possible to install through FTP connection but I'm not sure of this so I won't confirm it. As far as going online, you can turn off your mod (and most mods do turn off these days not just the "top 3" that were mentioned) and you can go online with the original. To go online with a backup you patch something called the DNAS ID and off you go.
|
Member
|
1. August 2006 @ 09:17 |
Link to this message
|
|
Is it not a better way use USB port instead Net Adapter?
|
Member
|
1. August 2006 @ 10:17 |
Link to this message
|
|
The USB ports on a PS2 (any model) are 1.1 which means that it would be about as twice as slow as using a disc, plus the compatability just plain sucks.
V12 PS2 - DMS4 SE PRO, Diode Fix, HDconnect, 320gb HD
----------------
Tall Israeli: For anyone who doesn't smoke, this is like your mom taking your dreamcast away.
Wagh: god you're an idiot.
|
Member
|
1. August 2006 @ 10:30 |
Link to this message
|
|
I´m going to install all that HDD stuff in my pstwo v12.
Alredy tried and everything looked fine, but didn´t wait to see the loading times.
So you´re saying the loading time of the game is longer just when the game is starting, or all over the game, changing screens and everything?
The fact is that I have both ps2 and pstwo, which one is the best to do it?
I´m waiting for a Matrix Infinity being delivered, because I´m using Swap Magic for now.
|
Member
|
1. August 2006 @ 11:02 |
Link to this message
|
|
Yes USB compatability sucks so if you want to experience increase in time and not have to use a disc go with the hdloader modchip option on your older fat ps2.
I've personally tried the usb program and it sucks, all over the game, especially during fmv sequences (it stutters and pauses every 2 damn seconds).
There is a way to get an IDE hard drive on a slim but it's gonna cost you, you need both a dms4 pro chip (must be a dms4, no exceptions) and either HDConnect or HDCombo, combo will make your PS2 look like a fat PS2 with the hard drive inside of it while HDConnect leaves the hard drive outside of the case.
This is not cheap but if you really want it on your slim then go this route and don't go anywhere near usb drives.
V12 PS2 - DMS4 SE PRO, Diode Fix, HDconnect, 320gb HD
----------------
Tall Israeli: For anyone who doesn't smoke, this is like your mom taking your dreamcast away.
Wagh: god you're an idiot.
|
Member
|
1. August 2006 @ 11:12 |
Link to this message
|
|
Member
|
1. August 2006 @ 12:23 |
Link to this message
|
|
I believe that problem is because of the type of program he used (the memory devolution), the actual retail disc (or a ps1 disc memory card exploit) setup will shut off the disc spin either once it's fully loaded or when a game is launched.
V12 PS2 - DMS4 SE PRO, Diode Fix, HDconnect, 320gb HD
----------------
Tall Israeli: For anyone who doesn't smoke, this is like your mom taking your dreamcast away.
Wagh: god you're an idiot.
|
|
raiderj
Member
|
1. August 2006 @ 15:32 |
Link to this message
|
|
In my opinion the only way to go about booting games from a hard drive is using the Toxic OS loaded on a DMS4 Pro chip, especially if you're starting from scratch. I've modded several of these configurations and they work quite well.
Recommended configurations:
V12/V13 Slimline PS2
--------------------
DMS4 Pro (SE/non-SE) - Flashed with Toxic OS 0.41
Laserfix (not needed on v13)
HD Combo
ANY IDE hard drive.
Fat PS2
-------
DMS4 Pro (SE/non-SE) - Flashed with Toxic OS 0.41
Network Adapter
Any non-Western Digital Hard Drive (Unless you mod the network adapter)
Wastes of Time/Money
--------------------
USB hard drive
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
2. August 2006 @ 05:17 |
Link to this message
|
|
agree with the above. The more expensive route for sure.
But by far the easiest and most effective.
DMS4 Pro & ToxicOS V0.41
|
|
SirWhack
Newbie
|
2. August 2006 @ 17:09 |
Link to this message
|
|
So would you guys say it's worth the extra 12$ to go from a Crystal Chip to a DMS4? I guess I'll be getting a slim ps2, SCPH75001. (Not really what I wanted, but I'm getting it at a good price and it's sealed)
Just another quick little question. Seeing as how I'm getting a SCPH75001 PS2, will I need an extra part when I order either the Crystal Chip or DMS4? I keep hearing something about a laserfix... is that needed?
Thanks!!
|
|
raiderj
Member
|
2. August 2006 @ 17:16 |
Link to this message
|
|
A 75001 is a v14 I believe, so no laserfix is needed.
I would say a Crystal chip or a DMS4 would work fine for playing backups.
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
3. August 2006 @ 03:56 |
Link to this message
|
|
depends what you want to do.
With the Crystal Chip V1.1 hacked firmware you can get, it will auto patch back up for online play. Perfect for the online gamer.
The DMS4 Pro on the other hand has a lot of stuff geared towards people who want to add a hard drive, use a cheat disc, or play homebrew games or ELF files.
But with a V14 you do not have to worry about the hard drive much because you would only be able to get an external USB type.
A V12 or V13 can be put into an HD Combo Case with an internal one, and the older, fat PS2 can take the internal one. But the V14 is lacking a solder point to do the internal drive.
Just for kicks if you are in the USA tell me what they are charging for a V14 with the chip installed (premodded) so i can make sure your not getting ripped off.
|
|
SirWhack
Newbie
|
3. August 2006 @ 06:24 |
Link to this message
|
|
Okay, thanks for the help you two!
Steimy, I'm actually in Canada. But I'm buying the sealed ps2 off someone, and then I'm just going to order the chip. I plan on installing it myself. I had no problems installing chips on the Xbox, so I doubt it'd be much more difficult on the ps2. So I guess I'll go with the Crystal Chip, though I wanted to install a HDD. Ah well, shit happens. ;)
|
|
raiderj
Member
|
3. August 2006 @ 08:03 |
Link to this message
|
PS2 modchips are much harder to install than X-Box chips from my experience.
http://www.raiderj.com/images/ps2
Those are pictures of some of my installs to see what's involved. I'd make sure you're up for a solder challenge before you install yourself. Good tools make things easier though.
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
3. August 2006 @ 10:23 |
Link to this message
|
|
well if you want a hard drive you would need to buy
either HD Advance 3.0 (internal HDD) or USB Extreme (external HDD)
and how easy it will be will depend on the version you buy.
That or get the DMS4 Pro chip and just manually patch your games for online play before you burn the back up.
The choice is yours. Either one will play back ups and will be a good choice. Just make sure you download and installed the hacked firmware for the Crystal Chip (hope it is V1.1) before you try playing any back up discs.
|
|
raiderj
Member
|
3. August 2006 @ 10:27 |
Link to this message
|
|
I think he's buying a v14 PS2? If so, then he won't be able to connect a hard drive regardless of the chip.
The USB hard drive setup doesn't work very well.
|
|
BenJeremy
Newbie
|
4. August 2006 @ 15:16 |
Link to this message
|
|
You could go my route... I found a guy via Google, of all places. He was selling systems on iOffer pre-modded, fat PS2s for a decent price. I upped my offer to upgrade to the DMS4 Pro SE, as well as adding the network adapter (he only charged $15). He's busy, so it took better part of a week to get it shipped.
Let me tell you, unless you have a no-solder solution, PS2s are a stone-cold biatch to solder. I can solder Xboxes in my sleep, but I have a PS2 still in pieces after I gave up trying to solder those damn ultra-small DVD controller points (back in 2002)... last year, a friend, who is an electrical engineer, failed to finish the job. After I boxed the PS2, I installed a homemade FlashROM as my first Xbox mod (31 wires), and it still a lot easier than the 7 DVD controller (of 24 total) wires I was trying to solder on the PS2 for a Magic 3 chip. Before that, I had soldered plenty of PIC mods into PSXes and PS2s.
By ordering from the pre-mod guy, I got a "fat" PS2 (I think it's a version 7, as that's what he seems to prefer) and no hassles. I just installed the hard drive today, and the kids are playing it right now.
|
|
paws613
Newbie
|
9. August 2006 @ 13:47 |
Link to this message
|
Another noob...I was browsing the internet and this thread was so helpful I registered just to post in it ^^.
I have a couple of questions:
I got this service installed on my slimline v12 PS2:
http://www.modchipstore.com/Playstation-2-Official-DMS4-Lite-Pro-...
(^I chose the 'Pro' chip to be installed)
So now I'm hearing I need to buy 1) a hardrive, 2) a 'laserfix' (where/how do I get/do one of those?), and 3) HD Combo?
Man...I'm dumb as hell. I thought this was going to be easy-peasy. Basically, here are my questions:
So I'm about to buy a harddrive off of newegg, and here are my questions:
1. Is a game about 3 GB?
2. If I just buy the harddrive, is that all I need to get this thing up and running? Or are there more wires/connectors/software that I have to purchase to make it work?
3. Is it just going to be a plug-in-back job? I know that my PS2 was made to accompany the FFXI HDD, but what about a different one?
4. Considering that the harddrive can't fit inside the system, it will be in the open air. Will this keep it cool enough? Or do I need to buy some computer fans?
This is the harddrive I'm thinking of buying:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16822152020
<(O.O<(^.^<)
|
|
raiderj
Member
|
9. August 2006 @ 14:01 |
Link to this message
|
|
1) Games range from CD size (~700MB) to dual-layer DVD size (~9GB). However, most games are about 4GB in size and fit on a single layer DVD.
2) If you have a v12 PS2 & DMS4 Pro, then an HD Combo/laserfix/hard drive will finish off the needed parts.
3) Slimline PS2's cannot natively accept hard drives, hence the need for HD Connect or HD Combo. Definitely get an HD Combo. Any non-SATA hard drive will work.
4) The HD Combo has dual fans that cool the hard drive, so you're fine there. HD Connect does have the drive in open air - and I don't recommend it.
Your link to the hard drive doesn't work.
To connect the HD Combo requires a decent amount of soldering - I would be very confident in your abilities before installing the chip & HD Combo.
I've had excellent luck buying all my chips & related from www.mod-chip.com. Just ordered 3 DMS4 Pro SE chips and an HD Combo (arrived yesterday).
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 9. August 2006 @ 14:02
|
|
BenJeremy
Newbie
|
9. August 2006 @ 18:04 |
Link to this message
|
Having done a ton of searching on the subject, I've heard that the Laser Fix really doesn't help (In other words, a "Myth Busted").
Apparently, the big laser killer is DVD-RW discs (RW, not "-R"), which require more power to resolve in the pickups, causing the drive laser head to overheat. I've never trusted Sony drives, and apparently they delved deep into the Sony cheapskate bag of tricks when they developed the Slimline (Which is apparently very notorious for laser failure, compared to the "Fat" PS2s, which already have had a problem).
At any rate, what Raderj said will work... the HD Combo box, as I've seen them, apparently will house any PATA IDE drive. Unlike the network adapter, which is looking for a specific form-factor with the power and IDE connector, I think the HD Combo just has regular PC-style cable-based connectors.
Good luck.
|
|
raiderj
Member
|
9. August 2006 @ 18:08 |
Link to this message
|
|
Any references to the laser fix not being useful? I was under the impression it was very needed for the v12 PS2 (but not later versions).
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
BenJeremy
Newbie
|
9. August 2006 @ 19:33 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
Any references to the laser fix not being useful? I was under the impression it was very needed for the v12 PS2 (but not later versions).
I wish I had bookmarked the article... what I remember was that they had a ton of rather impressive screenshots captured from a digital o-scope on the effectiveness of the "fix"
I don't imagine you'll see it linked on mod-chip sponsored web sites, given the conclusion.
Ultimately, I imagine it can't hurt, but I just avoided getting anything other than an old-style PS@, just to be safe.
|
|
