PS1/2 PS2 SCPH-70003 (V12) Hacks in 2018

[Freckles]

Hi all,

I've just dusted off my PS2 and thought i'd have a go at seeing what the hacking community achieved all those years ago. From what I've seen, i can install FreeMCBoot however, with a 70003 (V12), i also have the HDD connections still on my MOBO. I really want to have an entire PS2 collection at my fingertip. By this i mean, i'd Like every PS2 game on a HDD ready to boot whenever. From what I've seen its about balancing the pros and cons of each of the following:

HDD installation:
In 2018, the IDE drives are long gone, but i can get an IDE to SATA converter and I've heard of people using 2TB drive, maybe even more? This would give best loading speed but not best compatibility.

Network Installation:
This gives slower playing and FMV issues but can have as big HDD as you'd like. I've even seen someone pull apart a WD Mycloud and place it into the PS2 itself!.

Have i missed anything? Has there been massive improvements in one or both areas? I'd really like to have a PS2 collection attached internally or at least externally but i'm unsure which of the two options is best.

Thanks in advanced

 

[Sakitoshi]

i also have the HDD connections still on my MOBO

do you mean that you have the mod already installed? if so, cool.

I really want to have an entire PS2 collection at my fingertip. By this i mean, i'd Like every PS2 game on a HDD ready to boot whenever.

while that is tempting, it is also unpractical and a waste of time and resources in my opinion. as you use larger drives you lose software compatibility (not game compatibility, all games seem to work fine). winhiip doesn't support drives larger than 1TB (I think) and 256 games and while you don't need to use winhiip to manage your drive it is the best and only tool to repair the partition system in case of something happening.

HDD installation:
In 2018, the IDE drives are long gone, but i can get an IDE to SATA converter and I've heard of people using 2TB drive, maybe even more? This would give best loading speed but not best compatibility.

hdd is the faster and more compatible method there is. in the past you could have problems with some games because hdd loaded things too fast but that is completely corrected with the new mode 1 (accurate reads) that limits the read speed for those games.
I've seen sata ethernet adapters for the fat models, people using ide to sata converters paired with 2.5'' drives and even ide to sata kits to mod an adapter and all those seem to work no problem, but I've never tried any as I have a 50001 and a 200gb ide drive already.

Network Installation:
This gives slower playing and FMV issues but can have as big HDD as you'd like. I've even seen someone pull apart a WD Mycloud and place it into the PS2 itself!.

fmv stutter is caused more often than not by bad performance of the samba share device. I have two mini router (pic) that work perfect as long as I plug something formatted in fat32, if I plug something in ntfs the performance decreases and the fmv start to stutter. the same is truth when I use my main router (a tp-link wr1043nd v1 running openwrt 15.05). for what I've investigated it is a problem with the cpu usage of the ntfs-3g driver on linux. everything goes perfect when I use a windows pc or a raspberry pi 3, all cases running though my home network, though I usually plug the mini router directly to the ps2.
for games larger than 4gb in fat32 you can split them with usbutil, it will read them no problem through samba shares.

 

[Freckles]

do you mean that you have the mod already installed? if so, cool.

Thank you very much for your reply, very helpful indeed!

No, i haven't installed any HDD mod yet. Looking at this in further detail, it doesn't look like i'll be able to either due to the requirement of the DMS4 Pro chip which is no longer available seemingly anywhere. It looks like people have been able to use up to 2TB HDD's after a bit of faffing around too. Looks like for the moment, i'll be stuck with a samba network setup unless yourself or anyone knows of a way of getting the maxdiypower IDE/SATA Hard Drive Connection Tool working without a modchip or with one that's available!

Just found another cool mod where someone ditched the HDD altogether and used SD cards to store games on! Brilliant!

Does the mini router you have pictured run a samba share? would you say speed for games and FMVs are acceptable?

 

[Sakitoshi]

No, i haven't installed any HDD mod yet. Looking at this in further detail, it doesn't look like i'll be able to either due to the requirement of the DMS4 Pro chip which is no longer available seemingly anywhere. It looks like people have been able to use up to 2TB HDD's after a bit of faffing around too. Looks like for the moment, i'll be stuck with a samba network setup unless yourself or anyone knows of a way of getting the maxdiypower IDE/SATA Hard Drive Connection Tool working without a modchip or with one that's available!

you can find some kits called "hd combo" or "hd pro", but looks like even those are disappearing. if you can't get a hold of one of those I don't know what else can be done.

Just found another cool mod where someone ditched the HDD altogether and used SD cards to store games on! Brilliant!

yup, using a ide/sata to sd card or ide to compact flash adapter is also a possibility, but you need to take into account that sd cards offer less space for the same price.

Does the mini router you have pictured run a samba share? would you say speed for games and FMVs are acceptable?

yes, it does. it also works as a wifi client so you can do some networking on the ps2.
and while my main method of loading games is through internal hdd, I use it when I want to test a new game or if I don't feel like installing the game.
the fmv's play perfect or almost perfect for what I've tested as long as you plug a fat32 pendrive or usb hdd. if you are gonna use an external hdd you'll need a powered one or use a Y-cable.
drakengard fmv's plays flawlessly.
tales of the abyss opening plays without a hitch.
battle stadium don opening and ending fmv's do pause in like 2 parts for less than a second, the picture quality of those fmv's is one of the best I've seen on ps2 so those pauses are most likely because the videos have very high bitrates.

if you want one you can go to ebay and search "3g/4g mini router", those are very cheap so you can get a pair for a few bucks.

 

[Freckles]

Many thanks again for your reply, you've been fantastic! I've ordered a mini router, i like the sound of the wifi client, this i'll have to look into. I'll also see if i can source a HDD combo/pro

Thanks once again!

#Update: I've think I've found a version of the HD PRO Network Adapter which comes with a Mbo4.0, looking around, people have said that this is a poor way of playing games and to stay away from the knock off's (referring to the official Fat PS2 network adapter as the original). The same person is then told to solder directly to the HDD pins on his 700XX motherboard.

From what I've read, please tell me if what I've understood is correct, the chip can provide pins for HDD access if your motherboard doesn't have these already. However, for my 70003 model which does have HDD pins, i could still attach some HDD cables BUT... i'd still need a chip? would a MODBO 5 allow me to use these HDD pins to boot a harddrive on my 70003? if this is true, all i'd need is a MODBO5 and the cables?

 

[Sakitoshi]

Many thanks again for your reply, you've been fantastic! I've ordered a mini router, i like the sound of the wifi client, this i'll have to look into. I'll also see if i can source a HDD combo/pro

Thanks once again!

#Update: I've think I've found a version of the HD PRO Network Adapter which comes with a Mbo4.0, looking around, people have said that this is a poor way of playing games and to stay away from the knock off's (referring to the official Fat PS2 network adapter as the original). The same person is then told to solder directly to the HDD pins on his 700XX motherboard.

From what I've read, please tell me if what I've understood is correct, the chip can provide pins for HDD access if your motherboard doesn't have these already. However, for my 70003 model which does have HDD pins, i could still attach some HDD cables BUT... i'd still need a chip? would a MODBO 5 allow me to use these HDD pins to boot a harddrive on my 70003? if this is true, all i'd need is a MODBO5 and the cables?

there are 2 versions of those kits, for 7000x and for 9000x.
for what I can see the 7000x version (which is the one you'll need) needs to be soldered directly to the motherboard.
the 9000x version needs to be soldered to the modchip and then to the motherboard since those consoles don't contain the connections built-in.
I've also seen that the 7000x version also comes with a modchip, I assume that is only needed for 7500x 7700x and 7900x slims since only the 7000x motherboard has the connections, but we have no way to know.

 

[Freckles]

there are 2 versions of those kits, for 7000x and for 9000x.
for what I can see the 7000x version (which is the one you'll need) needs to be soldered directly to the motherboard.
the 9000x version needs to be soldered to the modchip and then to the motherboard since those consoles don't contain the connections built-in.
I've also seen that the 7000x version also comes with a modchip, I assume that is only needed for 7500x 7700x and 7900x slims since only the 7000x motherboard has the connections, but we have no way to know.

Thanks once again, i may purchase and see

 

[Freckles]

Hi Sakitoshi

I was hoping you could help me with the mini router (i ordered the HDD cables some time ago but they didn't turn up). I've managed to install OpenWRT to the minirouter you've mentioned. The Issues i'm currently having is i'm unable to get this to connect to the internet. As it only has one Ethernet port, this has to be connected to my PC in order for me to configure it, i'm unable to connect to the further internet with this router. I've tried internet connection sharing on my Windows 10 PC but once enabled, the router literally disappears, its inaccessible from a web browser, SSH and telnet. Also on CMD ipconfig /all, the ipv4 address is blank?!. I cant configure the router when plugging it directly into another router and wifi-ing into it. again, no ipv4 address. I'm really stumped on how to install the Samaba packages and why i can't configure this. I really don't know what to do to resolve this as i'm not to knowledgeable with networks. Any pointers you could give me to try to get samba working on this?

Thanks in advanced

 

[Sakitoshi]

I guess I should have warned you before but you shouldn't have installed openwrt, there is no need for what you need it and those minirouter's have little storage so you can't install many things and is easy to brick them because of that. or at least that was my experience with the one I installed openwrt to (rip in piece minirouter, you served me well).
if you still can somehow access it, install back the original firmware, it does the job perfectly fine.
if you can't then you'll need some more knowledge and equipment to connect via serial to flash the original firmware or get another minirouter.
I can't help you with the serial connection, I've never tried it and don't have the equipment to do it anyway, also this minirouter's are so inexpensive that I prefer to buy another one instead of wasting time trying to recover them.

 

[uyjulian]

OPL requires an outdated and insecure version of SMB.

You might be better off just loading from USB. The newest builds of OPL have improved USB speeds to allow most FMVs to play smoothly: https://akuhak.github.io/test_build

 

[Sakitoshi]

OPL requires an outdated and insecure version of SMB.

You might be better off just loading from USB. The newest builds of OPL have improved USB speeds to allow most FMVs to play smoothly: https://akuhak.github.io/test_build

I guess you missed the part where usb is trash and is unable to play fmv's without butcher them completely due to technical limitations, so no matter how much they optimize the code, it will always be shit.
also the minirouter method is proven to work flawlessly, so no need to downgrade to usb.

 

[uyjulian]

I guess you missed the part where usb is trash and is unable to play fmv's without butcher them completely due to technical limitations, so no matter how much they optimize the code, it will always be shit.
also the minirouter method is proven to work flawlessly, so no need to downgrade to usb.

Did you even try the newest versions?

 

[Sakitoshi]

Did you even try the newest versions?

I'm curious of your claims, so I will.
but the facts are that theoretical maximum read speed of usb 1.1 is way below the average dvd read speed, so it is imposible from a technical standpoint and miracles don't exist in the software world.
also for what I can read in the change logs I see nothing that could help speed up things to make usb loading better from last time I updated opl (I have the daily build r1330).

 

[retrofan_k]

I use a PS2NETBOX + 2TB drive with my 7000x V12, since there is no point mod chipping them, since they are booby trapped (laser burnout) when using DVD-R media and the (summ0ne's fix v12) is not fool proof either. SONY fixed this in the later models, as even original media were tripped to fk up the laser and a lawsuit ensued as a result with them.

PS2NETBOX - http://www.abittop.com/2018/03/19/products/ Drag n drop ISO dumps, no Winhiip or HDLdump needed.

 

[uyjulian]

I'm curious of your claims, so I will.
but the facts are that theoretical maximum read speed of usb 1.1 is way below the average dvd read speed, so it is imposible from a technical standpoint and miracles don't exist in the software world.
also for what I can read in the change logs I see nothing that could help speed up things to make usb loading better from last time I updated opl (I have the daily build r1330).

usbhdfsd has been updated quite a bit.

I use a PS2NETBOX + 2TB drive with my 7000x V12, since there is no point mod chipping them, since they are booby trapped (laser burnout) when using DVD-R media and the (summ0ne's fix v12) is not fool proof either. SONY fixed this in the later models, as even original media were tripped to fk up the laser and a lawsuit ensued as a result with them.

PS2NETBOX - http://www.abittop.com/2018/03/19/products/ Drag n drop ISO dumps, no Winhiip or HDLdump needed.

Just be aware that the creator of PS2NetBox dropped support, so if there are updates to Open PS2 Loader, they will most likely not be included in PS2NetBox.

 

[Freckles]

Thanks both for your replies, and soo fast! As Sakitoshi has mentioned, i too had already bricked a mini router! i have a few sat around lol. I'll attempt to reflash the original FW as these things are awesome. I'll reflash and attempt to setup a network share. I'll also look into OPL as that also sounds interesting!

Thanks again both (seriously, I've never had such great support on a forum, especially on one where the topic, i.e. ps2 hacking is soo out of date!)

 

[tiduscrying]

usbhdfsd has been updated quite a bit.



Just be aware that the creator of PS2NetBox dropped support, so if there are updates to Open PS2 Loader, they will most likely not be included in PS2NetBox.

The PS2NetBox is a really neat concept, I can't deny that. I saw it on PSX-Scene back when it started shipping and was pretty intrigued. I've seen similar things done via a Raspberry Pi as well, but everything being all in one box like the PS2NetBox is appealing. If only it had caught on more, it would probably be more widely available. I'm always wary of sending money to some random site, even via PayPal.

 

[retrofan_k]

The PS2NetBox is a really neat concept, I can't deny that. I saw it on PSX-Scene back when it started shipping and was pretty intrigued. I've seen similar things done via a Raspberry Pi as well, but everything being all in one box like the PS2NetBox is appealing. If only it had caught on more, it would probably be more widely available. I'm always wary of sending money to some random site, even via PayPal.

They're legit and I have a close friend in Australia who sells them and has a FB group for support that I help with.

 

[Freckles]

Sakitoshi, Please could i ask how you setup the share folder/network on your mini router. I'm pulling my hair out! I have a mini router with the default Qualcomm FW, Sharing is enable and i can login to it. when Telnet-ing into it i can set up a mount using 'mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/'. This creates a temporary mount folder which windows 10 cannot see on the network :/ Could i ask how you created a permanent mounted folder and were able to access it via the network? I look like samba is pre-installed but no command will enable it or get it to respond, i also can't edit files over telnet, is it possible to?

Thanks in advanced again, i'm really struggling with this

 

[Sakitoshi]

Sakitoshi, Please could i ask how you setup the share folder/network on your mini router. I'm pulling my hair out! I have a mini router with the default Qualcomm FW, Sharing is enable and i can login to it. when Telnet-ing into it i can set up a mount using 'mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/'. This creates a temporary mount folder which windows 10 cannot see on the network :/ Could i ask how you created a permanent mounted folder and were able to access it via the network? I look like samba is pre-installed but no command will enable it or get it to respond, i also can't edit files over telnet, is it possible to?

Thanks in advanced again, i'm really struggling with this

sure thing.
so you have the "qualcomm" one. that one is less flexible but still do the job no problem. windows doesn't show the minirouter in the network folder, you have to go write the ip address manually, but no problem, this doesn't matter that much since you will be using it on your ps2 anyway.
also when I tried changing things through ssh once the minirouter lose power the changes are gone, I opted to use the default settings. I wanted to create a specific mount folder as with the non-qualcomm minirouter but whatever, it works.

1. go to the minirouter web page, the manual should say what it is but it usually is 192.168.100.1 or 192.168.169.1. the user and password should also be stated in the manual but I've always seen being admin and admin.

2. once inside go to storage > storage settings:

3. there enable network sharing and apply the changes.

4. plug a pendrive formatted in fat32 in the usb port of the minirouter if you haven't already and once the minirouter restarts open a windows explorer window and type two backslashes "\\" followed by the minirouter ip address:

5. it will ask for the minirouter user and password, those are the same as the web page login:

6. voila, you'll see the contents of the root folder of your pendrive:

now go configure opl with that same data and enjoy your ps2.