Need some questions answered...

[Kamilion]

Hey all, I recently got a hold of Discs 1 & 2 of the linux kit, sans HDD, VGA lead & network adapter for $50. Disc 2 doesn't work (Scratched beyond recognition, tried resurfacing it too) but I have that handled... Disc 1, the sony RTE loader, works fine, and is what I needed. I have a US retail network adapter (with modem), a Sony 8MB licensed memory card, a samsung 3.2GB harddrive, and a PC.

I've managed to get a hold of the memory card files nessicary for booting, as well as a copy of redboot.elf and both variations of kernel, the original, and the xRhino 2.2.21 kernel. I also have the NoHDD 4MB and 6MB images from the ps2linux site.

Now, here's my problem.
Since my Disc2 doesn't work, I can't install since the kernel and memory card stuff is apparently on that disc. even if I did managed to get a valid image of Disc 2, I've only got a lowly trayswitch (Thx Duke ;) and Gameshark2 1.3.

How do I get the files to the PS2 off my PC harddrive (in raw executable format, not a Xport/Sharkport/SharkDrive/anything else save...

I am willing to buy a Xport US version (or a sharkport if someone could supply me with the model that used the Prolific PL-2301 or PL-2302 chipset (Naplink compatible)).

Also, another alternate option:
Would any intrepid coders like to help me develop a NetworkAdapter-based memory card slave program?

Basically, it would sit on it's IP waiting for a PC to connect, then give full access to the cards in both ports. Nothing more, nothing less.

Also, a conversion/import/export tool to go along with it, taking raw files/sharkport/Xport saves and allowing conversion between the formats, import&export of raw files, etc.

I could use as many coders from as many platforms as possible.
(perhaps it could be as simple as porting a TFTP daemon to support a network library?)

2nd alternate option:
Does anyone happen to have both PS2linux and an Xport/Sharkport? Would you be willing to spend a few minutes grabbing *MY* kernel images and other misc files, and copying them to your card, then exporting the save via Xport/Sharkport?


Anyway, anyone interested in helping, gimme a buzz via PM, email me at Kamilion@spectrum-mechanics.net or ICQ/AIM me at 19983195 / DJKamilion (respectively).
Thanks for reading.

[GMO]

u can download the Xport!

has for that 2nd disk get some Windex(yes windex it works wonders) wipe hard in circular motions, but not too hard dont wanna break the disk. it should be able to read in your PC. i dont got ps2linx yet

[Kamilion]

Right, I CAN download the X-port. and I have. But PC software is kinda useless without the cable...

Unless I could just buy a PL-2301 cable and X-port/Sharkport ISO would work with it?

Anyway, I used my friend's GameDoctor MD+ (the motorized one) to resurface the DVD. Didn't work. Before that, I tried windex, a citrus based cleaner, AMAZE all purpose cleaner, rubbing alchahol, water, terry cloth towels, a shammy, basically anything I could get my hands on. The PS2 won't read it. my DVD-ROM won't read it. My friend's pioneer A04 won't read it. My other friend's 12X DVD-ROM won't read it.

There's a really deep scratch right near the inner ring. I'm pretty sure this is the source of all the problems. But DISC 2 doesn't really matter, it's full of freely redistrbutable code. I can get a spare copy from somewhere/someone else at a later time.

What I'm really concerned with here, is just getting one simple thing to work...

Redboot.

Nothing more, nothing less... Once I have redboot operating, then I can deal with the rest myself.

So, in plain english:
I need to get redboot on my memory card & booting before I can do anything else.

I've been working on trying to get PS2linux to run for months...
I don't have $199 to spend on a brand new kit that duplicates most of the stuff I've already got. The only thing it would provide that I DON'T have is a VGA lead and a fresh copy of DISC2.

[gothi]

You could always buy the Xport or the EMS memory adapter if you know someone who has the save (I hope it's not encoded to the system ID/memory card ID or anything)

but I hear that the cable you mentioned is one that is packaged with the Xport

[GMO]

try using one of those if you got a USB 2.0 cord, they come when you buy a cdrw external or they are like 15 bucks and some stores

[Kamilion]

Can anyone else confirm that I can use any Xport/sharkport cable with naplink?

Where can I find a decent price on an EMS memory adapter, preferably the USB one? This also supports SmartMedia memory cards, does it not? Do they work well? Can I stick a 32MB smartmedia card in the reader and will the PS2 Browser say I have 32MB free? what about 8 or 16MB? Does anyone know the upper limit on memory the PS2 browser supports so far?

IF the smartmedia option works, what is the format used on the smartmedia card? can it be modified with a PC? could I just copy the raw files into the folder if I can mount the smartmedia card?

thanks for taking the time to answer...
BTW, gothi, you know the PC-side formats of the memory card images, if I could only use the EMS memory card adapter save format, could you write a small program to create a directory called BWLINUX in the image file, copy over the icon.sys, icon, bootloader files, and kernel images? I could restore them if only I could get them into a readable format...

[Kamilion]

and no, it's not bound to any specific serial number, memorycard or anything like that... it's just 2 text files (the bootloader options and menu) the icon and icon.sys and a normal ELF linux kernel image.

[gothi]

Hmm, in theory I could, but you should be able to use PS2 Save Hacker to create that yourself :)

[ben999_]

maybe you could buy one of those smartmedia card adapters and put the files you need onto the smartmedia card via a pc reader/writer module and then put the card back into the memory card and then maybe it would work. Unless you need an official memory card, or if you don't have all the data.