Homebrew Moonshell 2 & YSmenu on a AK2i - Working

CannonFoddr · Jun 25, 2009

UPDATE: This guide is now 'old hat' a new improved version of this guide can be found <a href="http://gbatemp.net/index.php?act=ST&f=177&t=168077" target="_blank">here</a>

This method uses 'Moonshell 2 beta 5 version' with the latest Acekard Firmware OR Latest Moonshell2.02 Stable and an older Acekard Firmware
The instructions for both are nearly identical, however where there are differences I have shown them in different colours
If you have any other card - look at <a href="http://gbatemp.net/index.php?act=ST&f=177&t=149734" target="_blank">This thread</a> to see if it's possible on your particular flashcard
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>UPDATE: It's been brought to my attention that some people have been having trouble getting Moonshell 2.02+Firmware 4.15 to run with SDHC cards

- 'codingtom' has <a href="http://gbatemp.net/index.php?showtopic=163663&view=findpost&p=2114779" target="_blank">posted this</a> which indicates that when using the Moonshell 2.02 & AK2i v4.15 combo, instead use 'AKmenu.nds' from v4.17 to produce the 'akloader.nds' file
(steps 3-4 under 'Now to set up YSMenu' section below). If you have trouble with SDHC cards following the original method, you could try this to see if it works
Since I am unable to repeat the fault mentioned I cannot confirm that this actually works</div>
Installation Instructions
Firstly you need to download the following files:-

#YSMenu: <a href="http://home.usay.jp/pc/etc/nds/" target="_blank">http://home.usay.jp/pc/etc/nds/</a> - Scroll down until you see 'DS(T_T)DS' & click on the top link in the scroll box
#linoul's YSloader for MoonShell 2: <a href="http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=5030" target="_blank">http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=5030</a>
#DLDI windows GUI patcher: <a href="http://chishm.drunkencoders.com/DLDI/downloads/dlditool-win32-gui.zip" target="_blank">http://chishm.drunkencoders.com/DLDI/downl...l-win32-gui.zip</a>

#If you want to use latest Acekard firmware you will need the following 2 files:

Acekard firmware: <a href="http://www.acekard.com/download/ak2/ak2_417_20090517_release.zip" target="_blank">http://www.acekard.com/download/ak2/ak2_41...517_release.zip</a>
Moonshell2 Beta 5: <a href="http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=4765" target="_blank">http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=4765</a>

#If you want the latest Moonshell (v2.02 Stable) you will need the next 2 files instead

Acekard Firmware version 4.15: <a href="http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=4917" target="_blank">http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=4917</a>
Moonshell 2.02 Stable: <a href="http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=6213" target="_blank">http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=6213</a>

To set up Moonshell 2
1) Extract Acekard firmware ('akmenu4.nds' and '__AK' folder) onto the root directory of your AK2i
2) Create a folder on your PC desktop - call it anything perhaps something like 'DLDIpatching'
3) Extract the 'DLDItool-win32-gui.zip' files into this new folder
4) Copy 'ak2_sd.dldi' file from the '__AK' folder on flash drive to this same folder

If you want the latest AK2i firmware then:

5) Extract the "moonshl2" directory and "MoonShell 2.00 Beta 5.nds" to the root of the AK2i.
These are the only real required files to get MoonShell 2 to work. Of course, you can extract the others for more features.
6) DLDI-patch "MoonShell 2.00 Beta 5.nds" with the Win32GUI program using the 'Acekard 2' DLDI file.

Instructions to use Win32GUI can be found <a href="http://dldi.drunkencoders.com/index.php?title=Win32_GUI" target="_blank">Here</a>

Otherwise if you want the latest Moonshell version, then:

5) Extract the "moonshl2" directory and "MoonShel2_Directboot.nds" to the root of the AK2i.
These are the only real required files to get MoonShell 2 to work. Of course, you can extract the others for more features.
6) DLDI-patch "MoonShel2_Directboot.nds" with the Win32GUI program using the 'Acekard 2' DLDI file.
6b) You will need to run the 'LanguageSelect.exe" program in the Moonshell2.Zip file to select your chosen language

Instructions to use Win32GUI can be found <a href="http://dldi.drunkencoders.com/index.php?title=Win32_GUI" target="_blank">Here</a>

7) Extract the "nds.YSloaderForMS2.nds" and "config.ini" files from linoul's package to the '/moonshl2/extlink ' folder on your AK2i.
8) Delete the file 'logbuf.txt' from '/moonshl2/' folder - Don't ask me why. if you don't Moonshell locks up for some reason

Now to set up YSMenu
1) Create a folder called 'ysmenu' on your desktop.
2) Extract the files from the YSMenu archive into the 'ysmenu' folder you just made.
3) Copy 'akmenu4.nds' from the official firmware package (or from the root of your card) into the 'ysmenu' folder.
4) Run "akextract.exe". This will produce "akloader.nds".
5) Create a 'ysmenu' directory at the root of the AK2i.
6) Move the recently created 'akloader.nds' into the 'ysmenu' directory on your card.
7) Copy 'YSMenu.ini' and 'YSMenu.nds' to the same 'ysmenu' folder on the flashcard
8) DLDI patch 'YSMenu.nds' on the AK2i using the same Win32GUI tool that you used on Moonshell above

If you also want to use YSmenu as a 'stand-alone', you may need to change the language.
To do so edit the 'YSmenu.ini' file on the AK2i so that

LITERALS=LITERAL_JPN
;LITERALS=LITERAL_ENG

is changed to

;LITERALS=LITERAL_JPN
LITERALS=LITERAL_ENG

Nearly there
1) Open '__ak2/globalsetting.ini' on your flashcard
2) Change 'autorunWithLastRom = 0' to 'autorunWithLastRom = 1'
3) Save 'globalsetting.ini'
4) 'Safely remove ' your memory card from your PC, Insert into the Ak2i & put into your DS(i)
5) The first time you start up the flashcard you need to browse to 'Moonshell 2.00 Beta 5.nds' & run it
6) Hopefully it should start.Now alter your options as you like them & tap [OK]
7) Now browse to a commercial ROM & Press [A] to start

Now when you switch off/on your DS(i) - the next time you start the flashcard 'Moonshell' will automatically start up
IF you want to use Acekard own firmware - on startup press & hold [ B ] will bypass the autoboot

Proof that it works

May I ask that if anyone has problem even after following these instruction - when you post your problem, can you also include your hardware/Software combo.
(mine is 'DSi + AK2i + Moonshell 2.02 + AK firmware 4.15 + YSMenu dated 'YSMenu0903270000'+ 2Gb Sandisk microSD card')
It may help me determine what may be causing the problem - Thank you

ShigeruTR · Jun 26, 2009

Thanks,CannonFoddr.
I guess I'll use moonshell2 just for listen music and watch movie.

felixsrg · Jun 27, 2009

Hi I was wondering if there is a way to activate cheats whit this metod, is only because the ones of anti pirassy and thanks

Deleted-167431 · Jun 28, 2009

felixsrg said:
Hi I was wondering if there is a way to activate cheats whit this metod, is only because the ones of anti pirassy and thanks

Just press B while loading a rom, you will be in the YSmenu can can select cheats.

felixsrg · Jun 28, 2009

I already tried to do that but didn't work, is there another way? and thanks

CannonFoddr · Jun 29, 2009

felixsrg said:
I already tried to do that but didn't work, is there another way? and thanks

Well I've tried it & it works OK

Just to check on a couple of things

Firstly - have you got a cheat file in the first place ?? - If you look under my 'Proof that it works' above - you see I mention that to remove YSMenu error messages you need to copy the USRCHEAT.DAT file into the YSMenu folder

Secondly - it could be down to WHEN you've press the [ B ] button
> Use Moonshell to highlight the game & press [ A ]. You then should get 2 white screens
> Shortly afterwards this changes to White on top/Black on bottom
> THEN it'll changes to Black on top & White on bottom

When this last change happens (Black on top & white on bottom) - press AND HOLD the [ B ] button & you should now boot into YSMenu

You will then need to browse to the game you want to cheat on & if there's a cheat for it in the USRCHEAT database - then on the bottom screen there will be a selection box for 'Cheats' & a button [...]
- tap the [...] to select the cheats you want and remember to press [Start] to 'save and exit' otherwise to cheats won't work

Thirdly - When you say 'They don't work' do you actually mean you can get into YSmenu & select the cheats etc - but when the game starts the cheats you've selected are not actually showing up in the game itself. If so - I'm afraid I haven't figured that part out
- I would suggest that if you want to cheat then you have to use AK2i own firmware to do that
Just press [ B ] once you started to bootup the flashcard (preferably before AK2i calendar flashes up) to bypass the auto-boot moonshell

kaliver · Jun 30, 2009

Thanks for this! It's working perfectly for me (new firmware, beta 2.5).

gettogaara · Jun 30, 2009

I'm stuck on this step

QUOTE said:
6) DLDI-patch "MoonShell 2.00 Beta 5.nds" with the Win32GUI program using the 'Acekard 2' DLDI file.

I honestly just don't understand what to do here.
Edit
Is this the message I'm supposed to get?
Old driver: TTCARD IO Library(SDHC)
New driver: Acekard 2

Position in file: 0x0005E1C0
Position in memory: 0x0205DFC0
Patch base address: 0xBF800000
Relocation offset: 0x4285DFC0

Patched successfully

CannonFoddr · Jul 1, 2009

gettogaara said:
I'm stuck on this step

QUOTE said:

6) DLDI-patch "MoonShell 2.00 Beta 5.nds" with the Win32GUI program using the 'Acekard 2' DLDI file.

Click to expand...

I honestly just don't understand what to do here.

Is this the message I'm supposed to get?
Old driver: TTCARD IO Library(SDHC)
New driver: Acekard 2

Position in file: 0x0005E1C0
Position in memory: 0x0205DFC0
Patch base address: 0xBF800000
Relocation offset: 0x4285DFC0

Patched successfully

That's it (well it looks correct - can't check exactly as I'm currently at work)

Basically what that is saying is that the existing DLDI 'patch' ( 'TTCARD IO Library (SDHC)' ) has been replaced with the 'Acekard 2' DLDI 'patch'. The rest of the info is just saying where the DLDI code was found in Moonshell & the last line 'Patch successfully' means there was no problems in the replacement

If you want to know more about DLDI - there's a thread @ http://gbatemp.net/?showtopic=45157 & 'proper' instruction on using the WINGUI32 program can be found @ http://dldi.drunkencoders.com/index.php?title=Win32_GUI

gettogaara · Jul 1, 2009

Thanks for the help. I completed it now I'm just having a few problems with the skins. I read this and am now trying to find the skin file

QUOTE said:
Install Skins
To install skin, simply open the skin file.

CannonFoddr · Jul 1, 2009

gettogaara said:
I read this and am now trying to find the skin file

QUOTE said:

Install Skins - To install skin, simply open the skin file.

Click to expand...

I take it you're talking about Moonshell 'skins' (There's a few Here)

If so - all you need to do is install the 'skn' file somewhere onto your MicroSD card & using Moonshell browse to where you stored it , Highlight it & press [A] - Moonshell will then load in the new skin

gettogaara · Jul 1, 2009

what do u mean by install do u mean just put it in a folder cause I did that with the akatuski one and nothing happened. I scrolled down to it clicked it and it made a beep noise and nothing happened. I put it in the Moonshl2 folder.

CannonFoddr · Jul 1, 2009

The short answer is 'yes' - It doesn't matter where you store the 'akatuski.skn' file (I have all mine in a folder called '/skins/')

Have you tried any other skins ? & do they all do the same thing ?

If so it MIGHT be that the skins in that thread are not compatible with 'Moonshell 2 Beta 5' and I'm afraid I can't help on that side of things - I've asked the question in the skin thread about compatiblity

UPDATE I've got a reply to my question & it seems as though there ARE differences between the 'beta 5' skn files & '2.02 stable' skn files.

So you've now got a couple of options
i) You could try & use the 'older AK2i firmware with latest Moonshell2' method & use the skins in the thread
OR
ii) You could ask the designer of the skins if they could make a 'beta 5' version (or give you the graphics so you could do it yourself)

gettogaara · Jul 1, 2009

k thanks for all of the help. I think that I would be better off making a new thread asking for skins compatiable with monshell2 beta 5.

CodeEight · Jul 5, 2009

Hi, i have a qquick question. how can i make moonshell default language to ENG? Everytime i try to change it it shows blank white screen on top and bottom on my ds

CannonFoddr · Jul 6, 2009

CodeEight said:
Hi, i have a qquick question. how can i make moonshell default language to ENG? Everytime i try to change it it shows blank white screen on top and bottom on my ds

May be a silly question but HOW are you changing the language at the moment ??

Are you using the 'Languageselect.exe' file on your PC - or are you using the 'languageselect.nds' file on your DS ??

I believe the 'nds' version does have trouble 'remembering' settings but I've had no problems using the PC 'languageselect.exe' version

Just run the program
Select your drive letter where your SD card is installed
Select your appropriate language (000 English)
& you should get a message saying language been changed

CodeEight · Jul 6, 2009

CannonFoddr said:
CodeEight said:

Hi, i have a qquick question. how can i make moonshell default language to ENG? Everytime i try to change it it shows blank white screen on top and bottom on my ds

Click to expand...

May be a silly question but HOW are you changing the language at the moment ??

Are you using the 'Languageselect.exe' file on your PC - or are you using the 'languageselect.nds' file on your DS ??

I believe the 'nds' version does have trouble 'remembering' settings but I've had no problems using the PC 'languageselect.exe' version

Just run the program
Select your drive letter where your SD card is installed
Select your appropriate language (000 English)
& you should get a message saying language been changed

Thanks it works now.

DOLwm · Jul 7, 2009

Tried it once, didn't succeed. I think i missed it somewhere.
I think i did everything correctly, only that when i select Moonshell.nds, it freezes ( it goes into the YSMenu)

Oh well, will try it again when i've the time.

wakeuplan · Jul 9, 2009

Hey, I was wondering if I could get some help. I followed this guide completely, and was able to get Moonshell 2.02 working perfectly on my DSi (thanks CF!). I can play videos and change skins without a problem. The only thing I can't do is... load commercial ROMs. For some reason, when I get to the 'error' messages, it asks me if I want to save things, and then I get stuck on the loading screen. I've tried reformatting, moving the rom files, etc., to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks.

CannonFoddr · Jul 9, 2009

wakeuplan said:
For some reason, when I get to the 'error' messages, it asks me if I want to save things, and then I get stuck on the loading screen. I've tried reformatting, moving the rom files, etc., to no avail. Any ideas? Thanks.

Did you look under the 'Proof that it works' title in first post - those are the only YSMenu Error messages I know of

The only OTHER thing I can think of - you mention 'asks me if I want to save things' - so I'm guessing you get a grey box up with '[A Yes][B No][X Cancel]' - which do you select ?

If you chose anything other than [A] I would suggest you back up all your SAV files first - & next time try the [A Yes] option to see if a new SAV file is made & if the game actually runs

You also say 'stuck on loading screen' - which loading screen ? - YSMenu doesn't have a loading screen as such - just white/black screen flipping

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