PSX GameShark Pro...Info and Tools

[kh2k4]

I'm like your Thundercats avatar Schnarf, snarf!

[Mezmorize]

I successfully used the GSP to dump my bios.
I'll write up a guide on that also.

Doing it my way you:

1. Don't need a mod-chiped PSX.
2. Don't have to flash the GSP to to Caetla (or however it's spelled).
3. Don't have to own a memory card or a DexDrive.

P.S. A PS2 able to run uLaunchELF can fully replace a DexDrive (if you own a USB stick/PSP.)


How to dump PSX bios using a GSP/AR3.

Required Hardware:
PSX GameShark Pro
Parallel Cable

Optional Hardware:
PS1 Memory Card

Required Software:
GameShark Reflash Tool (Complete).zip
BiosDump.psx
MemcardRex v0.8.zip

Important:
Have an empty memory card in, or if you don't own a memory card, make every V-Mem slot empty.

1. Boot the burnt CD 'ar3flash.bin' with the GameShark disabled. (As described in post 1.)

If the GS menu pops up when you press the button on the side, you didn't boot the disc correctly.


If you see this screen after pressing the GameShark button, you have successfully booted the CD with the GameShark disabled.


2. Open the command line application named 'AR3EXEC.EXE' (this file in the same package as the ar3flash.bin CD).

3. Use the command line app to run the PSX-EXE file named 'BiosDump.psx'.



Here's what a typical .bat/.cmd file might look like, if you have the command line app and the .psx file in the same folder:

@ECHO OFF
CMD /c
ar3exec.exe BiosDump.psx
EXIT

4. Now it's time to extract the memory card you just filled up with bios code. There are a few way's to do this.
A. Use a DexDrive, or the homemade version.
B. If you have a PS2 that can run 'uLaunchELF', use it to copy the PSX memory card to a USB stick, then you can transfer to a PC.
C. Boot the burnt CD 'ar3flash.bin' with the GameShark disabled.
Use the command line tool 'AR3BKUP.EXE' to extract your firmware.
And then use the PC application 'HJ Split' to extract the memory card.

Firmware Info:

512 KB raw firmware file divided by 4 parts equals:
128 KB Section 1 = GS Firmware Part 1 of 3
128 KB Section 2 = GS Firmware Part 2 of 3
128 KB Section 3 = GS Firmware Part 3 of 3
128 KB Section 4 = Virtual Memory Card (pSX Emulator Format).

Why pSX format?
Because "The goal for pSX is to make an accurate emulator that reproduces the gaming experience from the real PlayStation".

To be continued......................................... .....................

[Mezmorize]

If anyone is interested, I fixed the problem of ar3stop and v-mem.

Normally, if you click on v-mem, it would erase the ar3stop patch, no more of that...

I currently have v3.2 GSP with a full 15 slots on v-mem with the ar3stop patch also.

Edit:

I Put the patch on all 8 virtual memory cards, in total there are 110 blocks able to be saved/loaded upon.

V-Mem Total
15x8=120 Blocks
AR3stop
8x1=8 Blocks used out of 120
Useable Blocks
14x7+12=110 Useable Memory Card Blocks

Off to bed.

[ugetab]

I just now successfully found a power cord for an off-site PSX, and have since downloaded the codes off of my device.

Some items of interest, if you're looking to do this yourself:

Windows XP Changes needed to communicate with PSX Gameshark Pro:

1. Get into your BIOS setup screen, and look for the Parallel or LPT port settings. This will likely be set to Bi-directional. Change it to ECC(preferably) or ECP. This is because Bi-directional supposedly doesn't work.
2. Go into your Device Manager window, and under 'Ports', select 'Printer Port (LPT1)'. Go to the 'Port Settings' tab, and set it to 'Use any interrupt assigned to the port'. I also chose to enable the 'Enable legacy Plug and Play detection' checkbox.

After this, I just plugged all the cables into their obvious spots, turned on the PSX, let it boot to the menu(didn't have anything but the power cord and GS Pro in it), and it was detecting it from the GSCC File->Configuration menu instantaneously.

Hope this helps someone who's interested in this stuff.

---
Also of note is that I have a 16x memory card, and I had to take it out of Slot 1 for communication to start working for some reason. One it was working, I switched it to Slot 2, and grabbed every single save off of it with only a few instances of <s and >s in the names to gum up the works.

[Lazy Bastard]

Nice; we shall have to add these insights to the Library. But, alas, I'm much too tired to do anything else productive today. Perhaps tomorrow I'll do so.

[Mezmorize]

GameShark Pro AR3Stop V-Mem Fix

http://gshi.org/downloads/gspromodded.zip
Contains the 3.2 patched (encrypted) GSP firmware, but cannot use V-Mem. If you even click on v-mem from the main menu, the patch will be erased.

In the firmware file attached to this post, you can use up to 14 of the 15 blocks in each of the 8 virtual memory cards.

The 15th block will always be the ar3stop patch. If you accidently delete the patch from one of the virtual memory cards, simply choose one of the other 7 to play backups once again.

The ONLY ways to delete the patch, would be in the bios memory management, or saving over slot 15 in the game Parasite Eve 1.



Even if you disable the use of v-mem, the patch is still active.

I was able to save on 110 different blocks and switch virtual memory cards with no side effects. The maximum amount of available blocks is 112.

How to use attachment:
Extract .rar to a folder, plug in your paralled cable and:
1: Burn the disc image
2. Boot the image with the GSP/AR3 disabled
3. Run the file "Backup Your Firmware.exe"
4. Run the file "Flash AR3Stop V-Mem Fix.exe"

[kh2k4]

I didn't get any files showing up in uLE when I put in my cdx mc, I took apart the mc and it has a PIC 16C57 - RC / SO chip inside.

[ugetab]

This promises to be really, really hard to do. I've got everything setup as correctly as I can for communicating in the Action Replay, but I can only manage a "Failed.(-2)" error. It can talk, just not through Windows XP it seems. I got the disk swap done right, figured out that the Flashing option had to be gone into, then the GS button pressed at that point. From here, the DOS tools crapped out, but the GSCC program can initiate communication, as told by the message on the PSX.

This royally sucks, you know. I just wasted 2 hours to get to the verge of it working. Now, not even DOSBox can help me.

-

Also, a little tip on the swap trick I'd have liked pointed out in this fashion:
When the disk first slows down to replace it with the copy, it makes a grinding noise on my PSX. Replacing the disk at this sound is what seems to work.
Another similar grinding sound is heard when it's time to switch the copy for the original again. Use the same idea of it being the signal.
At this point, the third swap back to the copy happens when the second logo screen goes black.

I hope it helps those attempting to swap disks by ear.

[Mezmorize]

This promises to be really, really hard to do. I've got everything setup as correctly as I can for communicating in the Action Replay, but I can only manage a "Failed.(-2)" error. It can talk, just not through Windows XP it seems. I got the disk swap done right, figured out that the Flashing option had to be gone into, then the GS button pressed at that point. From here, the DOS tools crapped out, but the GSCC program can initiate communication, as told by the message on the PSX.

This royally sucks, you know. I just wasted 2 hours to get to the verge of it working. Now, not even DOSBox can help me.

-

Also, a little tip on the swap trick I'd have liked pointed out in this fashion:
When the disk first slows down to replace it with the copy, it makes a grinding noise on my PSX. Replacing the disk at this sound is what seems to work.
Another similar grinding sound is heard when it's time to switch the copy for the original again. Use the same idea of it being the signal.
At this point, the third swap back to the copy happens when the second logo screen goes black.

I hope it helps those attempting to swap disks by ear.

Glad to see someone else trying this, but sorry your having problems.

I tried many bios settings ect. and could never get the programs to connect, but never had a problem with these tools.

I have flashed the fix onto 3 different GameShark Pro's now.

One of the gamesharks is my step-brothers. His slot 1 memory card reader is busted. That's the main reason I wanted to have backup booting as well as v-mem.

Edit:
If I were you, I would use the tool 'undatel' to encrypt the firmware fix, and then flash it using the tools you can connect properly too.
http://www.gshi.org/wiki/Tools#Undatel

Here's a small program that contains all three regions of the disc as well as ImgBurn. [4.21 MB]

[ugetab]

There's a trick to making the program connect, and it's a doosie.

Unplug every single controller and/or memory card, start up the PSX to the GS options screen, then use GSCC to do what you want. You can plug in a memory card/controller when you've got the "Auto Detect Setting" button detecting the GS correctly. Beyond this, I'm not sure what'll work, because I just wanted Code and Memory Card backups off of it, and could get them in those conditions.

Also, GSCC doesn't allow for upgrading that way that I can find. If you could point me to something better, I'd appreciate it. Otherwise, I guess it'll just be a lost cause for the moment.

[Mezmorize]

GSPro Utils and GSProModded is the program I was thinking of for upgrading.

I just tried once again to get my pc to connect, still having problems. GSCC always 'detects' mine as Caetla instead of GS 3.XX.

My pc's bios has these options for parallel port:
378/IRQ7
278/IRQ5
3BC/IRQ7

And paralled mode:
SPP
EPP
Normal

Edit:
For the first time, I was able to connect to the program GSCC, but not the official tools.

The only way I was able to do this was on an old windows 98 era laptop with XP installed.

First I had to right click the exe and go to properties for windows 98 compatibility.

Then I had to load TOTALIO.SYS. The link has the file, and a loader, very easy to use.

GSCC would instantly detect it properly for once. If I were to not load totalio.sys, it would do what it does on my desktop, detect the GS as Caetla.

The laptop's default bios settings worked fine, as long as I loaded the totalio.sys file.
Parallel Port 378
COM1
ECP

I guess the reason my desktop cant communicate is because it dosen't have the options ECP or ECC, but the laptop does have ECP

[Lazy Bastard]

Hmm...if you could toss this together in text format, with html links for urls and images (using gshi.org/images/xxx.jpg), we could add this to the Library, so everyone can benefit from it...

Anyway, nice work. I think a lot of people would love to have V-Mem and AR3Stop simultaneously.

[Mezmorize]

Hmm...if you could toss this together in text format, with html links for urls and images (using gshi.org/images/xxx.jpg), we could add this to the Library, so everyone can benefit from it...

Anyway, nice work. I think a lot of people would love to have V-Mem and AR3Stop simultaneously.

I'll work on doing that during the week, should have more time.

Not sure what you mean by uploading images to gshi.org, how do I do that?

Something I just noticed recently: GSP v3.0 has a .str viewer, but it's not in version 3.2.

[Lazy Bastard]

I'll work on doing that during the week, should have more time.

Sweet; it'll be a nice addition to the Library.

Not sure what you mean by uploading images to gshi.org, how do I do that?

I just meant for you to build your links that way. I'll grab these images and upload them

Something I just noticed recently: GSP v3.0 has a .str viewer, but it's not in version 3.2.

Interesting; I remember the STR viewer, but I thought it was in 3.4 as well...

[Mezmorize]

Well, here's my WIP re-write guide in text format.
Hopefully it will be easier to understand when I'm finished.

I'm very very bad about starting things and not finishing, but I can't write anymore tonight.

Flashing a PS1 GameShark Pro/Pro Action Replay v3.X

Facts:
"InterAct acquired the rights to sell Datel's Action Replay and Pro Action Replay devices in North America; 
these devices were sold under the GameShark and GameShark Pro names." ~Wikipedia

I took apart a GameShark Pro and the board indeed says 'Datel Ref 1326'.

Notes:
Because of the fact that any PSX can boot burnt disc's (modchipped or not); every PSX with a parallel port 
can flash a GSP/PAR.

If you do not have a modchip or AR3Stop, you will need the disc cover sensor kept in the down position. 
This is to allow the disc to continue spinning with the disc cover open.

What you can achieve by flashing your GSP/PAR:
1. Update or downgrade your firmware.
2. Revive a dead cartridge.
3. Convert between GameShark, Action Replay, Caetla etc.
4. Boot backup games without swapping a moving disc.
5. Use downloaded or emulator saves without owning a DexDrive. (Or a PS2 capable of running uLaunchELF.)

What you can achieve with the AR3Flash CD:
1. Launch PSX-EXE's (Chipmunk BASIC or dump your PSX BIOS). http://www.mezmorizingmage.com/GSHI/BiosDump.psx
2. Backup your current firmware.
3. Flash firmware onto a GSP/PAR.

What you will need:
Obviously a GSP/PAR and a PSX that can use it...
1. If no modchip, knowledge on how to disc swap to boot backups.
2. A blank CD-R.
3. A standard Male 25-Pin D-Type to Female 25-Pin D-Type parallel (printer) cable hooked to your PC and GSP/PAR.

How to properly launch the AR3Flash CD:
You can not simply launch this CD like you would a game backup.
You MUST boot this CD with the GSP/PAR plugged in, but disabled.

How to achieve this:

1. If you have a modchip, simply hold the button of GSP/PAR down and turn on the PSX. 
Keep holding the button until the logo appears.
http://www.mezmorizingmage.com/images/004.jpg

or

2. If your GSP/PAR has the 'AR3Stop' patch installed to boot backups:
A. Insert a black bottom (anotherwords REAL) PS1 CD with the power off on the PSX.
B. Do the same as step 1. (Hold down the button and power on the system, keep holding until you see logo.)
C. When the disc stops spinning, insert the burnt CD and press the button on the GSP/PAR to boot the disc.

or

3. I've found that if you very slowly press down the power button of the PSX (only until the power light comes on),
you can bypass the GSP/PAR logo and boot a disc as if the cartridge was not even plugged in the back of the PSX.
If you don't have a modchip OR AR3Stop patch, this will be the easiest method to disc swap.
http://www.mezmorizingmage.com/images/003.jpg

or

4. Entering the V-Mem menu and pressing the select button will launch the PSX BIOS for Memory Card management.
Any time you do this, the GSP/PAR is disabled. (I would assume to prevent BIOS dumping...)
If your disc cover sensor is down, it will launch a game instead of going to the Memory Card and CD Player screen.
You can disc swap like you normally would (without the GSP/PAR) using this method.
http://www.mezmorizingmage.com/images/002.jpg

Note: If you have never ever used V-Mem and the AR3Stop patch is installed, entering the V-Mem menu will
'purge the memory' and erase the AR3Stop patch. (You CAN have both AR3Stop patch and V-Mem though, just flash the 
V-Mem fix version of a firmware.)

Known Firmware differences:
GSP v3.0 can boot backups by using the explorer menu to stop the retail disc from spinning for the swap. 
(Go to explorer and choose either 'Play CD Music' or 'Use Enhancement CD', enter backup and go to start game.)
It also includes a .STR movie viewer.

GSP v3.2 needs a patch called AR3Stop to boot backups, the explorer menu method will no longer work. 
The .STR viewer was also removed, but the other 'explorer' options function faster.
The codelist appears to be unchanged between the 2 firmwares.

Here is everything you need to backup and flash your GSP/PAR:
http://www.mezmorizingmage.com/gshi/PSX_GSP_-_AR3_Flash_v3.2_by_hanimar.rar

Here are GameShark Pro firmware files:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How to use the command line tools 'AR3 Flash v3.2 by hanimar': 
Once you have successfully booted the AR3Flash CD-R, press the circle button on the option 'Run AR3 Reflash Tool' 
to enter backup/flash mode.
http://www.mezmorizingmage.com/images/000.jpg

The screen will tell you to press the button on the GSP/PAR. If you see the code generator menu when you press
the button, you have not booted the disc with the GSP/PAR disabled.
http://www.mezmorizingmage.com/images/001.jpg