PS1/2 I learned a lesson since my other topic. Don't use Gamestar Adaptors!

ZachariasBarnham · Apr 9, 2019

After many mishaps since I posted this topic: https://gbatemp.net/threads/i-want-to-make-sure-i-order-the-right-ingredients-in-order-to-use-freehdboot.534470/

I learned the hard way that I should only order the official adaptor with its startup disc like the one here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000051QDD/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My mistake was ordering that fake in the first place! Although, it was not entirely wasteful spending. I gave that new 2TB HDD to my PS4. Then I tried using my PS4's old 1TB HDD in my Gamestar to no success, so I gave it to my PS3 instead, now my PS3 now rocks a 1TB HDD, even though I must redownload everything again.

My final attempt was me using my 250GB HDD that used to be in my PS3. Same result. Black screen after Sony boot up.

Gamestar: Not worth my time.

So, I ordered the adaptor in the link. And I also ordered this IDE to SATA converter after doing lots of searching, and also after finding out that it's endorsed by SP193: https://www.ebay.com/itm/System-Tal...041063&hash=item2f1d074d14:g:GRkAAOSwweRbMLcy

Looks like it'll be a month before I get mine. It was actually cheaper when I ordered mine, though.

EDIT: I have new information in a new post down below.

Alexander1970 · Apr 9, 2019

Hello.

Sorry to hear that you have that bad experience with the Gamestar HDD Adapator.

Sadly thats the "problem" today with the so called Clones from Clones.They came also from China (and around) but in the most cases they are "cheapEST produced schlock".
I bought a GAMESTAR adaptor 4 years ago (very expensive) but have no issues with it.

You can read this in all sections here:

- Clones from R4 Flashcart Clones.
- Clones from GDEMU for Dreamcast Clones.
- Clones from XenoGC for Gamecube Mopdchip Clones.
- Clones from EZ Flash Omega Clones.
etc.

They look like the "original" clone,they work sometimes like the original "clone" but they are cheap Clones from Clones.Maybe you have luck and it works or sadly have an experience like you.

As you say,a Sony HDD Adaptor is the right way,i´ll be with you.

Keep it up,everyone has to pay his "apprentice´s due".

I wish you good luck with your incoming parts and then
have fun with your PS 2.

simbin · Apr 9, 2019

Sounds like you got a dud. I bought mine off eBay because I didn't want to deal with AliExpress for the BitFunx adapter. Turns out, GameStar essentially uses the same part inside. So I was able to easily swap it out with my Official Sony Network Adapter - works great!

Stwert · Apr 10, 2019

That’s a shame, at least you’re going to have a working setup in the end, I hope.

I already had the official PlayStation Network Adapter. So I just bought a cheap-ass no-name SATA converter off eBay, worked a treat, not had any issues with it....... so far.

ZachariasBarnham · Apr 14, 2019

I got emails, so my parts have shipped. Let the waiting begin. At least two weeks to go.

ZachariasBarnham · Apr 16, 2019

Update:

Got the official network adapter yesterday. Phase One complete!

Now, I'm waiting for my:
System Talks amazing adapter 2535 SUGOIADAPTER2535 mounter type SATAPATA F/S NEW

Whew, what a tongue-twister that is. At least two or more weeks to go before it arrives.

duwen · Apr 16, 2019

Hope it all works out with the new "ingredients".
I'm not sure what the problems you had with the Gamestar were, but for the record, mine's worked perfectly from the moment I plugged in a SATA drive and shoved the whole thing in the back of my PS2 several years ago.

uyjulian · Apr 16, 2019

It is possible that you will have problems with GameStar adapter since it is designed with the homebrew ATAD in mind, and it does not have an ethernet port.
Instead, it's highly recommended to use official Sony network adapter.

ZachariasBarnham · Apr 16, 2019

duwen said:
Hope it all works out with the new "ingredients".
I'm not sure what the problems you had with the Gamestar were, but for the record, mine's worked perfectly from the moment I plugged in a SATA drive and shoved the whole thing in the back of my PS2 several years ago.

The problem was that it doesn't work. I had three different SATA drives.
A 2TB, tried it first and gave it to my PS4.
A 1TB, stock HDD that came with PS4, tried that and gave to PS3.
A 250GB, stock HDD that came with PS3 Superslim. Same result.

So, based on that conclusion, I needed a new plan. Hence my current scheme.

the_randomizer · Apr 16, 2019

This is why I don't trust most third party adapters. Barring 8bitdo's stuff, I avoid the rest like the plague.

ZachariasBarnham · Apr 16, 2019

I learned that lesson the hard way. I probably wouldn't have bothered with the Sugoi Adaptor if it hadn't been recommended so highly by some of the people responsible for the current PS2 mods, and if the other IDE to SATA converter kits didn't look so dodgy.

At least with the Sugoi, my HDD won't be clanging around loosely. It'll be more snug than a bug in a rug.

ZachariasBarnham · May 21, 2019

IT WORKS! IT WORKS!

The Sugoi adaptor works flawlessly. I've got Free HDBoot 1.966 installed and 42 PS2 games ready to go.

Things I still need to figure out:
1. How to create a Free McBoot Memory Card. I heard it cuts down on boot times.

2. How to properly exit OPL.

3. How to not accidentally delete my hard drive in uLaunch ELF like I did yesterday.

4. How to get the OPL Virtual Memory Card to work properly.

5. A place to get a cool skin for my PS2.

N7Kopper · May 21, 2019

face235 said:
1. How to create a Free McBoot Memory Card. I heard it cuts down on boot times.

Shouldn't FreeMCBoot Installer work from a hard drive?

ZachariasBarnham · May 22, 2019

It's possible. I just want to not do what I did in #3 again. I really did delete my hard drive, so I had to start over again.

But if anyone else decides to use their stock Superslim PS3 HDD for this, it WILL work. At least the 250 GB one does.

Real PS2 network Adaptor

A month and a half of waiting
SUGOI adaptor
The stock HDD
The YouTube video

A lot of stick-to-it-ness and victory shall be yours.

I will try to use the info in that link to get #1 squared away.

Ryccardo · May 25, 2019

N7Kopper said:
Shouldn't FreeMCBoot Installer work from a hard drive?

No, it's only designed to run from USB (let's say every possible source has its own small quirk)

face235 said:
1. How to create a Free McBoot Memory Card. I heard it cuts down on boot times.

With the FMCB/FHDB installer, of course - make sure to install FHDB at least once the proper way, instead of using a premade disk image (to enable the console's HDD boot flag, avoiding a disk reset and re-spinup on every boot)
FMCB is indeed a little faster but I don't consider worth it - memory cards (official 8MBs of course) are for saves

face235 said:
2. How to properly exit OPL.

Start (to open the settings pages) > poweroff or exit
In-game, if IGR is enabled (= mode 6 off), all the LR12 buttons plus start+select or L3+R3 for exit or shutdown respectively

face235 said:
3. How to not accidentally delete my hard drive in uLaunch ELF like I did yesterday.

Uhhh... don't use the format option in HDDManager

face235 said:
4. How to get the OPL Virtual Memory Card to work properly.

You assign a filename (you have titleid or "generic" defaults but you can organize them as you prefer), format the VMC, save the game's settings, and it just works (if compatible)... that is if you like to try this gimmick that makes save management more annoying than it should be

face235 said:
5. A place to get a cool skin for my PS2.

Duck tape and ~~wd40~~ spray paint

- Hard to beat the original black, except maybe if you can score a transparent shell ~

ZachariasBarnham · May 26, 2019

I had thought about what you posted, and I'll just leave it the way it is. It works, so why tempt fate ...again?

I had thought about the PS2 skins, because of this topic Chary posted on the front page:
https://gbatemp.net/review/dbrand-nintendo-switch-skins.1007/

I got the skins for my PS4, and it looks awesome. Titanium for top, blue for bottom.

PS1/2 I learned a lesson since my other topic. Don't use Gamestar Adaptors!

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