HDloader: will it allow me to play imports on my modded PS2?

[Sketcz]

I've got an early PAL model of FAT PS2 with messiah mod-chip. Unfortunately the lense is getting old and so several games need to be played on my new Slim PS2 - imports need to be booted via disc swap.

This is fine, since all my imports are single layer, and my dual layer games are PAL.

But I really want to play the NTSC version of Sakura Wars, which is dual-layer. Disc swapping is out, and dual-layer PAL games like Rogue Galaxy aren't loading on my messiah PS2 any more.

I've checked the HDloader website, but they say that it's not for imports, it's only for your domestic games - they even have a PAL version for PAL PS2s. (is this true? WTF is the point of this?!?!)

What I ideally want:
My messiah modded PS2 to have an HD which I then put my collection of 30 games on to, which is evenly split between the 3 regions (PAL, NTSC-U, NTSC-J).

Then I can pack my Slim up and just run this puppy until it dies.

Is this possible? Can HDloader be used to run any region of game? How difficult is this to set-up? Am I allowed to ask for links to places to buy HDloader, besides the official website? Did they really region-lock their own device? (if so, what a bunch of numpties)

[speedlolita]

You could use homebrew such as FreeMcBoot to load up uLaunchELF and FTP import games to the HDD.

I'd say just buy a £8 lens and fix your PS2.

[Sketcz]

Thanks for the swift reply.

Just £8? Any good sources?

Otherwise, what you're saying is, install an HDD, and then by connecting my PC to my PS2, in a vaguely similar manner to how I've connected my Xbox previously, I can rip from PC's drive to the PS2 HDD?

Or did you mean I first rip it to my PC, and then transfer over to the PS2?

In that case do I even need HDloader, or can I jig it using a compatible HDD and boot stuff since the system is already modded?

Feel free to PM if needs be.

[dvdx2]

You could use homebrew such as FreeMcBoot to load up uLaunchELF and FTP import games to the HDD.

I'd say just buy a £8 lens and fix your PS2.

i heard that you can't use free mcboot with a mod chip

smouty is your man to ask

[speedlolita]

You can use free mcboot with a chip. Although, you might as well burn a CD version of uLaunchELF.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PS2-KHS-400B-Laser-Lens-SONY-PS2-Playsation-2-V1-V4-/220606549664?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item335d2ccea0

Not quite as cheap as mine was - but I think the guy I bought from mispriced.

Even so, it's well worth it IMO. I may buy a few just so that when they stop being made I have some lying about.

[Mayhem]

HDloader lets you play imports, but without a modded PS2, you can't rip them to the HD using the software. You'd have to use something like WinHIIP instead when connecting the HD in question to your PC and using an ISO of the game (ripped using DVD Decrypter etc). Or what SpeedLolita suggested.

[Gabbi]

HDLoader can load import games even on unmodded PS2, once they're on the HD. This was my main way to play imports, in pre-modding times. The problem with unmodded PS2 is they don't even install the game on HD, so you have to transfer them via FTP or attaching the HD to a PC and using a software like WinHIIP. But that's a problem that doesn't touches you, as with the lens gone you should use one of the alternate methods anyway

The real problem is that, as far as I can remember, HDLoader isn't compatible with dual layer games. Check a recent version of the software, and maybe search for a specific patch for the game.

[speedlolita]

Ah yes, WinHIIP is what was in my head.

I usually just plug my network adaptor into my chipped PS2 to install stuff lol.

[Gabbi]

Found this thread: http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtop...?f=22&t=369526
Unfortunately, it seems that Sakura Wars (if it's the same you want to play) does not work with HD Loader...

[speedlolita]

Haha, best get that laser then.

Or play it on Wii!

[skyghene]

HDLoader works great for imports, but only if you take out the HDD everytime and use your pc to put the games on. There are also homebrew apps that allows you to upload the games to your PS2's HDD through a network. That's what I did back in the day.

Something new is 'Open PS2 loader', with that you don't even need a HDD in your ps2 as it can "stream" games from a shared folder on your Windows or Linux pc using your home network. Can be laggy with movies sometimes though.

[J0e Musashi]

smouty...

[smouty]

I've mainly used firstly a DMS3 chipped PS2 and then FreeMCBoot when the laser died on the chipped one.
Once the laser has died or if you don't have a chip then an IDE dock or caddy is useful for installing imports.

IDE Dock

There is a trick with HD Loader that can be used to install imports that sometimes works.
Start HDloader and select install - open the tray as prompted but don't yet start.
Put your import disk in the tray - press and hold eject - as soon as the tray has closed press X to install - release eject.
The timing is critical though.

Regarding chips and FreeMCB - it wouldn't work for me unless the chip was disabled.

[kernow]

my hdl_dumb is painfully slow nowadays, 0.3mbit instead of the usual 2.x , uploads take 240mins, ugh.

Can't find any reason for it either.

[Dirty Sanchez]

I get that low speed if i connect to the PS2 via wireless (PC wireless to hub, hub wired to PS2). I get full speed if I connect both PC and PS2 to hub wired.