Open PS2 Loader Project Feature Requests [Archive]

barf

06-03-2007, 01:23 PM

This thread is for suggestions wishes for HD Homebrew Project.

Suggestions already observed:Network source USB source Emulators to run as part of HD Homebrew Project SMS to run as part of HD Homebrew Project In game resetHere is my list of suggestionUsername like in PS3 XMB VMC stored next to the game source pr username New menu mode that has one list of all sources with different background color pr source Forcing of progressive/interlace, perhaps also 480/576 modes IGR Display ( example SLES_531.94 ) in the options menu The possibility to install games from one media to another Theme loading from SMB, USB and HDDExample vmcPP.HDL.3 Lego Star Wars 1
total 611M
-rw-r--r-- 1 ps2 ps2 610M 2009-12-12 02:01 ul.C9B769C8.SLES_531.94.00
-rw-r--r-- 1 ps2 ps2 230K 2009-12-12 02:01 ul.C9B769C8.SLES_531.94.<<username>>.vmc
-rw-r--r-- 1 ps2 ps2 64 2010-01-07 19:41 ul.cfg

romz

06-03-2007, 02:50 PM

SMS to run as part of HD Homebrew Project
What does it mean? Does SMS need a virtual CD/DVD media or a virtual memory card?

barf

06-03-2007, 03:52 PM

Perhaps for storing DVDs on HDD just like is done with games?

I do not really know at this time, I just made a list of what I read in different threads.

I would picture most of them to run as iso images myself,
I do run SNES-Station and PGEN as iso images in HDLoader,
but if it could also execute ELFs I assume that might be what was in the suggestion.

My personal excitment is the potential of running Downhill Domination from HDD :-)

donutman

06-03-2007, 04:49 PM

my suggestion is that someone moves on from this memcard stuff(dont get me wrong, i'm in love with it) and start with the actual "playing games off of hdd" concept

Polo35

06-03-2007, 05:32 PM

my suggestion is that someone moves on from this memcard stuff(dont get me wrong, i'm in love with it) and start with the actual "playing games off of hdd" concept
You maybe didn't really understand how hombrew projects work, so i'll explain you:

One day a guy have an idea and want to see it working on his favourites machine ( yup favourites, because there is lot of other great plateform with better cpu/ram ), so he work at side of his real life 1 year or more to have a result, which is not all time near what he firstly though.
So he restart writing codes to improve his idea, but something happen in his life and the project have to wait...
For how many time ? He don't know. Maybe a year, or more... Sometime project just dead like Altimit, Ps2OS, ... , but sometime it survives, and restart growing.

I think hd hombrew project is at this step, Romz have his own real life at side of ps2 scene, we have to thank him for all time he pass to write codes he released here.
And don't forget everybody though hd hombrew project was dead some month ago.

So, why not doing it by yourself instead of saying nothing ? :crazy:

Best regards

Polo

hikarutilmitt

06-04-2007, 03:43 AM

romz

06-04-2007, 04:20 AM

my suggestion is that someone moves on from this memcard stuff(dont get me wrong, i'm in love with it) and start with the actual "playing games off of hdd" concept
The "memcard stuff" is "adrenaline" for the project. The project was almost dead since most people didn't believe that they see anything usable someday. You can find an example there: http://psx-scene.com/forums/ide-hdd-discussion/55598-game-saves-hdd.html

micpet1997

06-04-2007, 04:36 AM

barf

06-04-2007, 04:37 AM

I agree, any progress is good progress.

Also, a suggestion that may or may not be possible for HD Homebrew:

-exiting the game back to the game selection screen via some user-specified key combination
-if the above is possible, turning off the system the same way and/or via the game selection screen
-forcing a game into 480p mode even if it doesn't support it internally, but not the crummy way it "works" for the Xploder HDTV PlayerWell these are from my expectations all optional fun stuff, and fully achievable if you find the right person to implement it,
the exiting has been queried for a long time and it is very strange that it has not yet been made; in let’s say HDLoader,
perhaps it’s related to the fact that there is a poweroff function and not really an easily accessible softreset function?

dlanor

06-04-2007, 05:56 AM

Well these are from my expectations all optional fun stuff, and fully achievable if you find the right person to implement it,
the exiting has been queried for a long time and it is very strange that it has not yet been made; in letÂ’s say HDLoader,
No, that is not at all strange, since implementing this as it is always described (appx "exiting back to the GUI") is in fact completely impossible, since there is no way to keep a GUI program resident while playing generic PS2 games. Many games use virtually all available RAM of both the EE and the IOP memory spaces, so keeping a GUI program intact in RAM during such games is simply not possible.

The only generic way to get back into a game-launching GUI for normal PS2 games is thus not by "exiting back" to it, but only through a complete reboot of the console, repeating all the steps that were required to launch the GUI in the first place.

So the only real improvement of having a 'soft' way of triggering such a reboot would be to relieve the user of the necessity of twice touching the reset button (once to turn the console off, and then once more to turn it on again). Most other delays and procedures would have to be identical to the first launch.

Best regards: dlanor

luisito

06-04-2007, 06:45 AM

No, that is not at all strange, since implementing this as it is always described (appx "exiting back to the GUI") is in fact completely impossible, since there is no way to keep a GUI program resident while playing generic PS2 games. Many games use virtually all available RAM of both the EE and the IOP memory spaces, so keeping a GUI program intact in RAM during such games is simply not possible.

Well, something has to be kept in memory in order to still work from hdd, so at least on the iop side some code is still working, isn't it?

So the only real improvement of having a 'soft' way of triggering such a reboot would be to relieve the user of the necessity of twice touching the reset button (once to turn the console off, and then once more to turn it on again). Most other delays and procedures would have to be identical to the first launch.

Yes, but it's not only that. If i'm not mistaken, when using hdloader you must press reset button some seconds to turn off the ps2 (and power off the hard drive). If this could be avoided somehow (this power off/on cycle), it would be more "friendly" on the hardware, i think.

I don't have any idea if the resident part of hdloader, while on a game, can "reset" the console by itself from a poweroff handler, if a poweroff handler can exit without powering off the console, nor if a already powered hdd can mess with the loading of some irx or whatever, so this is only pure speculation :D

romz

06-04-2007, 07:14 AM

Well, something has to be kept in memory in order to still work from hdd, so at least on the iop side some code is still working, isn't it?
EE side typically has (AFAIK, it can be removed with Mode 3 in the HD Loader) resident code to handle IOP updates and it replaces real C/DVD modules with HD loader's modules. I think it is possible to add more code to start an ELF when it's possible to hold EE resident code (AFAIK, some games clear memory to remove Action Replay, GameShark, CodeBreaker and other similar software). However, such feature (return to game selection) can affect game perfomance in some cases. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that PS2 hardware and external perpherials (USB devices, for example) will work fine after that. I remember OPM's demodiscs asked to reset console after playing the certain games while the other demos provide an option to exit.

Yes, but it's not only that. If i'm not mistaken, when using hdloader you must press reset button some seconds to turn off the ps2 (and power off the hard drive). If this could be avoided somehow (this power off/on cycle), it would be more "friendly" on the hardware, i think.
HD Loader will turn off the console after single button press. You just need to wait for a couple of seconds.

barf

06-04-2007, 09:20 AM

But is there a softreset like there obviously is softpoweroff? ( hdl_dump 192.168.1.10 poweroff )

That way games could be patched in their menues to have reset as one of the options.

romz

06-04-2007, 09:48 AM

But is there a softreset like there obviously is softpoweroff? ( hdl_dump 192.168.1.10 poweroff )

That way games could be patched in their menues to have reset as one of the options.
A generic power-off handler looks like this:

void power_off_thread(u_long arg)
{
int stat;

/* waiting for power-off event */
WaitSema(arg);

/* closing all PFS files */
devctl("pfs:", PDIOC_CLOSEALL, NULL, 0, NULL, 0);

/* turning off DEV9 (Network Adaptor) - for new versions of DEV9/HDD modules */
devctl("dev9x:", DDIOC_OFF, NULL, 0, NULL, 0);

/* turning off console */
sceCdPowerOff(&stat)
}

AFAIK, there is no function like sceSoftReset() in official SCE's libraries so games are unable to reboot console by themself. I believe there is a way to perform a software reboot but it requires knowledge of system hardware registers. It's a DEV9 module who writes some values to hardware registers to disable "reset" button so "reset" button just generates INUM_CDROM interrupt instead of instant reboot.

barf

06-04-2007, 10:36 AM

A generic power-off handler looks like this:

void power_off_thread(u_long arg)
{
int stat;

/* waiting for power-off event */
WaitSema(arg);

/* closing all PFS files */
devctl("pfs:", PDIOC_CLOSEALL, NULL, 0, NULL, 0);

/* turning off DEV9 (Network Adaptor) - for new versions of DEV9/HDD modules */
devctl("dev9x:", DDIOC_OFF, NULL, 0, NULL, 0);

/* turning off console */
sceCdPowerOff(&stat)
}

AFAIK, there is no function like sceSoftReset() in official SCE's libraries so games are unable to reboot console by themself. I believe there is a way to perform a software reboot but it requires knowledge of system hardware registers. It's a DEV9 module who writes some values to hardware registers to disable "reset" button so "reset" button just generates INUM_CDROM interrupt instead of instant reboot.I remember from the days of C64 and Amiga asm that we could crash the system by putting some odd values in interupt pointers, but for those machines there were also system functiont that handled softreset.

That must be similar to what your describe.

romz

06-04-2007, 10:49 AM

I remember from the days of C64 and Amiga asm that we could crash the system by putting some odd values in interupt pointers, but for those machines there were also system functiont that handled softreset.

That must be similar to what your describe.
I mean it could be possible to reboot console by using system registers but I doubt anyone (except for system designers or guys who made modchips) knows much about those registers. A DEV9 driver writes some 32-bit values to the registers and "reset" becomes unavailable while system fan starts to spin faster.

c0rderr0y

06-08-2007, 01:16 PM

Built in cheat device :D

ssjkakaroto

06-08-2007, 03:12 PM

ffgriever

06-08-2007, 05:01 PM

What I really would like to see is compatibility with other ELF's, so that we could run ULE or HDL with the virtual memcard running. I know there's a memory restriction but if you guys could overcome that it would be awesome!

The mcemul works fine with hdloader (many games, almost all I have on my hdd), but only the usb version (hdloader doesn't allow for hdd access in programs run under it).

MelGibson

06-09-2007, 05:45 AM

In the end ISO Support and Ext3/Reiser FS would be awesome :)

barf

06-09-2007, 03:52 PM

After all journaling is not needed so EXT2 would do just fine.

ReiserFS is a filesystem for small files like GIFs and HTML files.

micpet1997

06-10-2007, 02:02 AM

any chance of HD modes? SMS has had 480p support for a while and EEUG has recently added support for 720p and 1080i?

dlanor

07-12-2007, 04:46 AM

I suggest that some moderator or admin rename this new forum from the current misspelled name:
"Official HD Hombrew Project Forum"

To the correctly spelled:
"Official HD Homebrew Project Forum"

Best regards: dlanor

barf

07-12-2007, 05:19 AM

any chance of HD modes? SMS has had 480p support for a while and EEUG has recently added support for 720p and 1080i?What about support for the 320 mode that SNES and probably other emus use by default?

dlanor

07-12-2007, 03:52 PM

What about support for the 320 mode that SNES and probably other emus use by default?
What would be the point of that ?
Why should an emulator program (or any other) for the PS2 rely on this HD project to add new graphic modes ?

Don't get me wrong here. I like many NES/SNES games myself and have spent hundreds of hours playing them, always on emulators, and I'm sure I'll do so again in the future. I just don't see how this affects (or is affected by) this HD project.

Any decent emulator for any other console will need to have its own internal support for displaying resolutions of those consoles on the PS2. Trying to add extra such support for them in a 'loader' project like this one would be futile, since no existing emulator can use it, and we're not going to start developing emulators wholesale...

Btw: The same reply (minus emulator specifics) also applies to the request by micpet1997 to add HDTV modes. The 'HD' in the name of this project stands for "Hard Disk" and nothing else.

The goal of this project has nothing to do with adding any graphic support to any applications, old or new, but is only concerned with how to emulate storage of PS2-specific media on HDD. Currently we are concentrating on the emulation of PS2 memory cards, but the ultimate goal is to also emulate PS2 CDVD game discs, much like HDLoader.

Best regards: dlanor

barf

07-12-2007, 10:20 PM

-> dlanor

That was obviously a joke...

dlanor

07-13-2007, 12:24 AM

-> dlanor

That was obviously a joke...
Oh, then I see.

But you know, considering some of the weird suggestions we've seen in these forums over the years, with some *really* odd ones having been quite seriously intended, we can never take for granted that any suggestion is a joke, no matter how obvious it may seem.

Best regards: dlanor

micpet1997

07-13-2007, 09:35 AM

to dlanor: I understand that HD stands for "hard-drive" not "high definition". I was just suggesting this is an additional feature in the hd project to make it a better program (who wouldn't want to have a hd loader like program that allows loading/saving from hd drive PLUS provides High Definition Display modes?)

dlanor

07-14-2007, 01:56 AM

to dlanor: I understand that HD stands for "hard-drive" not "high definition". I was just suggesting this is an additional feature in the hd project to make it a better program
That was how I took your suggestion too. But you don't seem to understand the difficulty of trying to invent a generic method to force all existing game programs to use graphics modes that they were not designed for.

Personally I consider that an equally difficult task as the CDVD disc emulation required for HDL-style game loading.

Perhaps at a later stage, when the main goals have been satisfied (emulation of both CDVD discs and PS2 MC working fine together), there might be reason to consider your suggestion again. But trying to go for it now would just delay progress towards the main goals.

(who wouldn't want to have a hd loader like program that allows loading/saving from hd drive PLUS provides High Definition Display modes?)
Well, people who don't have any HDTV equipment obviously have no interest in such features. (And yes, that does include me... ;))

Best regards: dlanor

Experiment1106

07-14-2007, 08:09 AM

For me the best was a fusion of the big 3 ULE SMS and HD-loader and maybe a cheatin Tool:D

orangpelupa

07-14-2007, 03:01 PM

Ability to run games via LAN.
This will make HD H more interesting. Many slim ps2 owner will very happy

barf

07-14-2007, 03:20 PM

Ability to run games via LAN.
This will make HD H more interesting. Many slim ps2 owner will very happyLAN playing works fine with my PS2, I never tried a PS Two though...

lee99

07-14-2007, 07:32 PM

LAN playing works fine with my PS2, I never tried a PS Two though...

i dont agree , some games have LAN play but they do not work because
mode 3 was needed to boot the game.
Some of the games needed to replace an iopxxx.img to make lan play work.

barf

07-14-2007, 07:49 PM

i dont agree , some games have LAN play but they do not work because
mode 3 was needed to boot the game.
Some of the games needed to replace an iopxxx.img to make lan play work.The modes will probably be different in this new project compared to HDLoader... som might be the same...

dlanor

07-14-2007, 08:25 PM

@lee99 & barf:
I think you both completely misunderstood the suggestion made by orangpelupa.
What you two speak of is normal use of HD-loaded games with LAN support.
(Which should be no major problem, as opposed to off-LAN game servers.)

What orangpelupa said was "Ability to run games via LAN", which clearly means that the game loader would emulate a CDVD disc by reading the ISO content over network instead of using a PS2 HDD. That is why he also said that such support would be of great interest to PStwo users, since it's impossible to add a PS2 HDD to the latest PStwo models. (The add-on kits only work with older models that still have the critical IC which Sony removed from newer models.)

I agree with orangepelupa that a CDVD emulator working via network would be great to have, despite its speed limitations, but it would probably be quite tricky to develop...

Best regards: dlanor

barf

07-15-2007, 05:37 AM

So what he wants is for the ISO pool to reside on a NAS or the alike?

dlanor

07-15-2007, 02:16 PM

So what he wants is for the ISO pool to reside on a NAS or the alike?
That's one possibility of course, though I think the average users would prefer to store game ISOs on a normal HDD of their PC, to avoid the cost of buying a separate drive for this storage.

Another reason for using that method is that it's highly unlikely that standard NAS protocols will be ideal for PS2 CDVD emulation, and it's much easier to implement custom protocols on a normal PC than it is to do it for a NAS unit.

Best regards: dlanor

orangpelupa

07-17-2007, 06:17 AM

dlanor, yes that what i mean about LAN :D

thanks,

btw, sorry cant give any help, i only can give these hard to do feature request T_T

leonelsr

07-18-2007, 04:03 AM

I can't agree more with orangpelupa. LAN sourceing would be a great feature. (Yes, I have a PSTwo)

dlanor, if you don't care about games with support for lan/online gaming, this developing wouldn't be that tricky. However, if you want to play online games...

barf

07-18-2007, 05:35 AM

Well the point is that practically USB is faster than LAN in post cases for the PS2, AFAIK...

My strongest request is an alpha release.

And that we should be able to manage the VMCs from uLaunchELF

ssjkakaroto

07-21-2007, 11:33 AM

This one is for HD_Gui specifically: Have one menu item that shows us all "variables" set (location of VMCs, Selected options, Exit Path, Memory used/available and any other relevant info).

I think this would be good for bug repporting.

AmazingLarry

10-01-2008, 08:59 PM

I would love if you could run the HD Project GUI and then instead of loading a disc, load an elf like HDloader or SNES Station ETC... it would be nice. Since i have a really crappy optical drive in the ps2 most discs have a hard time loading, so i keep everything on my ps2 HDD. ELF's Roms etc.

I know there's ways to use HDloader with MCEMu but i don't really want to rebuild every iso and then have to dump them back on the HDD. So basically anything to help a lazay arse like myself.

Has anyone tried to write a virtual CD/DVD drive to the effect of daemon tools for the ps2? I know HDLoader does this. just wondering.

Awesome work on all this stuff though, hadn't played with my ps2 for a year and now there's some great homebrew. hopefully it will keep up like the dreamcast scene.

suloku

10-02-2008, 05:38 AM

Well the point is that practically USB is faster than LAN in post cases for the PS2, AFAIK...

My strongest request is an alpha release.

And that we should be able to manage the VMCs from uLaunchELF

LAN is onli fast enough for PSX, not ps2 afaik.

ule does support VMC since 4.21 version.

I would love if you could run the HD Project GUI and then instead of loading a disc, load an elf like HDloader or SNES Station ETC... it would be nice. Since i have a really crappy optical drive in the ps2 most discs have a hard time loading, so i keep everything on my ps2 HDD. ELF's Roms etc.

I know there's ways to use HDloader with MCEMu but i don't really want to rebuild every iso and then have to dump them back on the HDD. So basically anything to help a lazay arse like myself.

Has anyone tried to write a virtual CD/DVD drive to the effect of daemon tools for the ps2? I know HDLoader does this. just wondering.

Awesome work on all this stuff though, hadn't played with my ps2 for a year and now there's some great homebrew. hopefully it will keep up like the dreamcast scene.

HDLoader resets all hdproject related things, that's why the only way of using it is adding it to the iso.

dlanor

10-02-2008, 08:53 AM

----- re: LAN or USB used for running game ISOs
LAN is onli fast enough for PSX, not ps2 afaik.
I disagree, for several reasons.

The most obvious reason is that barf was simply wrong in stating that USB is faster than LAN on the PS2. Anyone who has tried copying files from host: and mass: in uLE should have noticed that the host: (==LAN) speed is faster.

Edit:
For large files I get appx 500 KBytes/second from mass:, using my LaCie Porsche USB HDD.
For similar files from host: I get over 1400 KBytes/second, using 100Mbit/second PC LAN.
In both cases the files were simply pasted to the same location on my internal PS2 HDD.

Since a game loader already exists for USB, implementing one for a faster interface would be equally well motivated, even if it can't quite live up to the full streaming speed of a DVD-disc. I'm not sure what that speed is on the PS2, but I'm quite sure it doesn't even come close to what we use on modern DVD readers/burners on a PC.

Another reason is that 'fast enough' can be pretty damn slow and yet be acceptable for someone who doesn't have any other way to run the games (eg: slim PStwo with dead laser). Or to a user worried about running games from physical discs, knowing that this will eventually kill the laser.

To such users it doesn't really matter if some of the FMVs are a little choppy, as long as they can at least get some games running without using the CDVD drive.

ule does support VMC since 4.21 version.
It was added in a v4.21a beta, but the first proper release was v4.22.
It needs to be said though, that the VMC fileXio driver implementation is still in beta state.
(As stated also in each uLE release involving VMC updates.)

HDLoader resets all hdproject related things, that's why the only way of using it is adding it to the iso.
Yes, that is correct, but this could be changed two ways.

In a future game loader, which the HD Project was originally intended to become, the VMC support should be built-in, and thus automatically compatible with nearly all loaded games. (Some compatibility problems with individual games would probably remain.)

And for the present it should be possible to redesign the VMC emulator, so that some part of it can survive the HDLoader startup, and reinitialize the parts that were killed by that. We do know that some TSR routines can survive this way, as proven by the fact that CodeBreaker can launch HDLoader with cheats waiting to be activated when HDL launches the game.

Since CodeBreaker can do it, the VMC emulator should also be able to do it, though the details would obviously have to differ, and great care would need to be taken to avoid losing CodeBreaker compatibility, when they both use similar methods. It would probably be necessary to start CodeBreaker first for such cases, letting it launch the (new design) VMC emulator which then starts HDLoader. (For reasons similar to why CodeBreaker must start first in order to work with either HDLoader or ESR.)

Best regards: dlanor

kevstah2004

10-02-2008, 09:48 AM

Fasted i've seen it is 6000KB-9000KB but that is only when it's get's to the outer rim of a DVD-5
when installing a game on the HDD using HDLoader.

sk8rping

10-02-2008, 10:22 AM

And for the present it should be possible to redesign the VMC emulator, so that some part of it can survive the HDLoader startup, and reinitialize the parts that were killed by that. We do know that some TSR routines can survive this way, as proven by the fact that CodeBreaker can launch HDLoader with cheats waiting to be activated when HDL launches the game.

Since CodeBreaker can do it, the VMC emulator should also be able to do it, though the details would obviously have to differ, and great care would need to be taken to avoid losing CodeBreaker compatibility, when they both use similar methods. It would probably be necessary to start CodeBreaker first for such cases, letting it launch the (new design) VMC emulator which then starts HDLoader. (For reasons similar to why CodeBreaker must start first in order to work with either HDLoader or ESR.)

Whoa, I didn't even think about that possibility. To be able to use it along with ESR and HDLoader so easily would make quite a few people happy. I don't use the VMC emu often, mainly for games that take up more than 1MB of save space (sports games). This would be very cool if this method were ever brought to life.

Abkarino

10-17-2008, 10:44 AM

Hi All
i hope that we can add great USB support in this great project, i mean that if u can build a game loader like USBAdvance or something like that cause all new PS2 models suffer from not having the ability to install games and run it from HDD since Sony had removed this ability from this models
I'm working in game hacking and translation also in importing video games consoles and accessories from some countries like China when Sony stop making the Network Adapter all Chinese people and video game developer tried to make a copy of this Network Adapter to allow users to play games from HDD but collecting the required IC's from all over the world also from dead PS2-7000X models that have this HDD interface chip
but since all this chips gone the production of this adapter had been stopped so i asked my self why we can't build a new software that replace the old USBAdvanc that give us the power of HDLoader and i searched all over the internet and then i found this great project so i hope that we can do to replace the old USBAdvance with your great app
also i got an idea to make a hardware solution for this but i need more info about how the HDLoader contact with HDD interface chip also about USB of PS2 so we can make an internal USB 2 HDD Convertar that trick the PS2 it self and make them think that we installed a HDD into it
Sorry form my English;)

MidniteAssassin

10-17-2008, 10:59 AM

Fasted i've seen it is 6000KB-9000KB but that is only when it's get's to the outer rim of a DVD-5
when installing a game on the HDD using HDLoader.

Dude!...the most I get with any disc is about a 630KB top speed(using HDL)...is something seriously wrong with my laser? LoL

barf

10-17-2008, 11:12 AM

also i got an idea to make a hardware solution for this but i need more info about how the HDLoader contact with HDD interface chip also about USB of PS2 so we can make an internal USB 2 HDD Convertar that trick the PS2 it self and make them think that we installed a HDD into itIs it possible to replace the CDVD-ROM in full with a harddisk?

Abkarino

10-18-2008, 01:05 PM

Is it possible to replace the CDVD-ROM in full with a harddisk?
:)i didn't say that sorry if i let you misunderstand what i hope to do
all i want to do is to build a new hardware interface chip that monitor all calls that comes from HDLoader to PS2 HDD interface chip then catch it and convert it to USB commands that can handle USB HDD and vice verse
so i have all equipment that enable me to do this but all i need just info about this i'm a "military researcher" also so i have access to a lot of tools (electronics equipments and software) that will help us to do that if we fill to make it software purely
i hope that you and All Other great PS2 developer can make it and build a new software or update this great project to launch games from USB HDD but with great compatibility like HDLoader ;)

barf

10-18-2008, 02:00 PM

:)i didn't say that sorry if i let you misunderstand what i hope to do
all i want to do is to build a new hardware interface chip that monitor all calls that comes from HDLoader to PS2 HDD interface chip then catch it and convert it to USB commands that can handle USB HDD and vice verse
so i have all equipment that enable me to do this but all i need just info about this i'm a "military researcher" also so i have access to a lot of tools (electronics equipments and software) that will help us to do that if we fill to make it software purely
i hope that you and All Other great PS2 developer can make it and build a new software or update this great project to launch games from USB HDD but with great compatibility like HDLoader ;)USB is brutally slow on the PS2, I am questioning if it’s possible to replace the optical drive with a HDD.

On the PS3 that is possible, but it is only able to play one game copied using dd.

Abkarino

10-18-2008, 02:13 PM

i know that USB is very slow but it will solve alot of problems since all new PS2 models not allow us to run games from HDD also if Laser unit damged there is no solution for this exept reistalling new laser
but think about that we can make a new clone of HDAdvance that have all power of HDLoader

urbigbro

10-18-2008, 04:21 PM

I was just suggesting this is an additional feature in the hd project to make it a better program (who wouldn't want to have a hd loader like program that allows loading/saving from hd drive PLUS provides High Definition Display modes?)
I would like to suggest a less demanding, force 480p mode, which seems more doable for the vast majority of games.

If DNAS compatibility could also be included, or the prog coded so it doesn't interfere with DNAS games, that would fulfill all I could ask of a HD based loader:cool:

kevstah2004

10-18-2008, 06:58 PM

Dude!...the most I get with any disc is about a 630KB top speed(using HDL)...is something seriously wrong with my laser? LoL

What type of disc where you using CDROM's 700MB have a lower transfer rate due to their being half as much data crammed into the same surface area as it reaches the outside of the disc the transfer speed goes up.
Something I want for HDProject is the caching of the save location from disc like ESR does with DVD's and CD's so you don't need to modify the ISO to save to a USB device at moment I have no use for HDProject until this is implemented.

Polo35

10-19-2008, 04:29 AM

Something I want for HDProject is the caching of the save location from disc like ESR does with DVD's and CD's so you don't need to modify the ISO to save to a USB device at moment I have no use for HDProject until this is implemented.

??? :chinscrat ???

Do you mean when using virtual memorycard with HDL ?

If so this project was never aimed to work this way. :rolleyes:

If not i added a configuration entry in V1.08 to save virtual memorycard path for every games. ;)
Along with startup file path, to check known games, and cache size, the size of buffers used in 'hdd' and 'usb' drivers.

I'm currently debugging 'format' fonction of 'vmcfs' driver, use in 'MC Creator' fonction of 'HDP'.
It's almost finished.

I planned to realease HD Project V1.081, a bug fix version, this week. :)

Best regards

Polo

Polo35

10-19-2008, 04:38 AM

I would like to suggest a less demanding, force 480p mode, which seems more doable for the vast majority of games.
It's added to 'TODO'. ;)

If DNAS compatibility could also be included, or the prog coded so it doesn't interfere with DNAS games, that would fulfill all I could ask of a HD based loader:cool:
'EESync' module is replaced when updating 'iop' processor.
This allow to start games using 'DNAS' image file instead of 'IOPRP' ones.

So for the moment you can play with those games. :D

Concerning online playing, i know in no way how 'DNAS' protection work.

But that can be added to 'TODO' too. :D

Best regards

Polo

barf

10-19-2008, 10:05 AM

It's added to 'TODO'. ;)Concerning online playing, i know in no way how 'DNAS' protection work.

But that can be added to 'TODO' too.Sounds like optional fun stuff.

Keep up the good work, Polo35, I am dying to test your new release 1.081?

Mindix

10-19-2008, 12:10 PM

Is it possible to launch an elf instead of launching the DVD on the tray? I mean, it would be nice to see this feature, because if we want to use codebreaker or something else, we won't need to swap disks twice.

zer0xx

12-03-2009, 02:59 PM

1)ingame menu to return to Open PS2 Loader(using button combination)(the menu has to options(1)go back to Open PS2 Loader (2)disable this menu for this session)
2)a way to select(/force) frequency to run the game at (50/60s)
3)a program on the pc to do the splitting/run the iso without splitting(i guess there was a REAL reason for splitting(if so why??))
EDIT:
is this section for Open PS2 Loader request too??
if not will you make one!

Bootlegninja

12-03-2009, 03:15 PM

I could see IGR being used directly in Open PS2 Loader. But essentially integrating GS Mode Selector is insane. It would require too much on the resources in my opinion.

As for your number 3, I done get it.

JNABK

12-03-2009, 04:00 PM

1)
3)a program on the pc to do the splitting/run the iso without splitting(i guess there was a REAL reason for splitting(if so why??))
EDIT:
is this section for Open PS2 Loader request too??
if not will you make one!

The splitting is necessary as the limit is 2GBs, so games are split into 1GBs by the many USB game installing programs already available and all are done via a PC.

This is the old HD Project thread, Open PS2 Loader is 'based' on this project, but is not the same project. There is a developement thread already made for it:
Open PS2 Loader Project - v0.5 (http://psx-scene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62141)

Bootlegninja

12-03-2009, 04:34 PM

most cases, FAT32 limits file size to 1GB.

zer0xx

12-04-2009, 07:37 PM

As for your number 3, I done get it.

ya my explianation was messed UP. however what i meant was 1)to have a new splitting program with new list layout so it can be edited manually 2)make game playable without splitting them

BradicaL

12-05-2009, 01:51 AM

ya my explianation was messed UP. however what i meant was 1)to have a new splitting program with new list layout so it can be edited manually 2)make game playable without splitting them

Splitting program, jaja it can edit the game playlist what is your "Splitter"? jaja

Split the files son.

zer0xx

12-05-2009, 06:25 AM

Splitting program, jaja it can edit the game playlist what is your "Splitter"? jaja
Split the files son.
i use usbextreme
it can rename delete and copy but it can't rearrange
but for example i like hj splitter but it wan't made for the ps2 so it doesn't create a list, but if the list was easy to edit i can add the game there myself

CaptainHIT

12-05-2009, 07:34 AM

dlanor

12-05-2009, 07:35 AM

i use usbextreme
it can rename delete and copy but it can't rearrange
but for example i like hj splitter but it wan't made for the ps2 so it doesn't create a list, but if the list was easy to edit i can add the game there myself
USBExtreme tools are garbage. Get USBUtil instead.

USBUtil can sort games in alphabetical order, and in case you don't like that order it also allows you to rename the list entries as you please. So if you rename them to have order numbers as part of the name and then sort that list, you can get any sort order you want.

Best regards: dlanor

dlanor

12-05-2009, 07:50 AM

I have a dream, a great dream... Maybe it's possible, maybe not... But in this dream I have an ISO Loader which has support for both USB & HDD (also NTFS formatted USB-HDD support) and internal GSM (for better HDTV output), VMC (virtual MC support over USB or internal HDD). :)
Of course it is possible, but I don't think it is going to happen (mainly the VMC part).

I know it sounds crazy and impossible, but don't we all use these tools at the same time?
No, we don't. I for one never use VMC, and never will, except in some testing. I consider it a LESS convenient way to handle gamesaves than using normal physical MCs, with backup to other media in PSU form.

Wouldn't it be great to have them all-in-one elf?
Not all of them, no...

I do expect some future version of OPNPS2LD to include support for IDE HDD as well, but I see no motivation to also include VMC support, and certainly not in its current form.

Besides, why are NTFS formatted USB-HDD's not supported?
Because no one wrote or ported such a driver yet.

Of course I know NTFS isn't supported in PS2 at all. But can't be a "driver.irx" written for this purpose?
Yes, of course it can. But doing so is a demanding and time-consuming job, and getting it debugged to a decent level of safe usage is even more so.

If this irx exists, then every homebrew elf can use it, like uLE, SMS etc...
It's not quite that easy, as each homebrew that is to use it would have to be adapted for such use in some ways. This can be done only for those homebrews that still have active support, such as uLE and SMS. But it can not easily be done for closed-source homebrews with dropped development, such as SNES-station or Argon etc.

As far as I know NTFS-3G is very well working under Linux and BSD, maybe it's sourcecode can be used to code a driver for PS2? I'm sure you all coders already heared and know this driver, but I'm just curious... :)
For high-level applications it can sometimes be simple to just recompile a program using some standard porting libs, but this NEVER applies to low-level device drivers. Such simple porting never gives an acceptable result, as low-level drivers require low-level optimization beyond what a compiler can do automatically. Such work requires human skull-sweat, and there is no getting around that...

Best regards: dlanor

CaptainHIT

12-05-2009, 08:54 AM

@dlanor:
Thanks for your informative reply. :)

About adding internal IDE HDD support: will it be stable and compatible (or even better) as HDLoader 0.8c? :)

dlanor

12-05-2009, 09:24 AM

@dlanor:
Thanks for your informative reply. :)

About adding internal IDE HDD support: will it be stable and compatible (or even better) as HDLoader 0.8c? :)
Since not a single byte of code for it has been written yet, it is really too early to say anything for sure.

But this is the first PS2 game loader EVER to be developed as a fully open-source project (beyond an initial stage), so the odds are very good that ALL the core loader variants for it (USB, IDE, SMB, possibly others) will end up being more compatible and stable than any previous game loaders ever could be.

This is nearly inevitable, since the motivation for further work on a commercial project is always proportional to the amount of profit increase that this work can bring. So when that profit expectation has been maximized any further work is dropped, as it would then represent a loss of income.

But for a non-commercial project like 'Open PS2 Loader' the main motivation for further work is the personal interest in the project by its participants, so they will keep on working to improve it for as long as this work is intellectually and emotionally stimulating.

Best regards: dlanor

szczuru_pasja

12-07-2009, 04:37 PM

I like to see in future a small icon next to game (ex. screen of game box [of course if image will be uploaded on mass]).

Bootlegninja

12-07-2009, 05:21 PM

I like to see in future a small icon next to game (ex. screen of game box [of course if image will be uploaded on mass]).

Extremely unlikely.

JuanVCS

12-07-2009, 11:28 PM

I'd like to see the host protocol implemented, as I prefer to use it over samba shares.

JNABK

12-07-2009, 11:41 PM

Its already been discussed that the Host implimentation will not be added.

WiiPower

12-12-2009, 06:29 PM

So this is the official Open PS2 Loader feature request thread? How about listing all named feature requests and the comments on it by the developers, so that the same questions are not asked over and over?

Here's my list of feature requests:
1. Internal HDD support
It's already on the TODO list, but there's a lot of stuff that will be done before coding for it will be started.

2. Consider using a newer lwip. I don't know what version open ps2 loader uses, but it looks really old and could be even 0.5x, while there's a 1.31 stable already. This could result in some improvements, but could also introduce problems. I just would like to start the discussion about it.

3. Changing the code in a way that support for other filesystems can be added easily. On Wii we(well Oggzee...) have a module that gets a list with offsets and sizes for a .iso from the loader and doesn't need to know anything about the used filesystem(the loader needs of course). This results in FAT and NTFS loading now, but i know we have the big advantage of a ported NTFS libary on Wii. But the internal HDD format would be a good candidate as alternative filesystem.

4. Using the optimized memset and memcpy commands.
It looks like this is already on the TODO list.

5. Allow using .isos directly on network loading.
From what i have seen, that's the way the next version will work.

Bootlegninja

12-12-2009, 06:42 PM

Regarding the file system request. Current modules (including official ones from games) use FAT32 as it's basis. it serves its purposes on the ps2. A NTFS module would have to be written from scratch. We aren't trying to completely reinvent the wheel. only parts of it.

Now, about using ISO files directly. This falls a bit into the FAT32 issue. since FAT32 only supports up to 1GB per file, we are stuck splitting game images. the USB Advance format is essentially a renamed ISO file. and we have FREE tools to split it automatically. it's good how it is so far. And it has a ul.cfg file. This plays in my next paragraph.

the ul.cfg is pretty much a list of installed games. this allows quicker access to the list instead of the program having to read each file in the directory each and every time. quicker to read one file versus 20+.

WiiPower

12-12-2009, 08:08 PM

I know adding NTFS support would be much work. But only adding NTFS support to the ps2 in general, the rest is easy. To add NTFS support to the Wii, i only needed to take the existing NTFS libary, add a virtual reading command that filled a list with offsets and sizes, and done. Just to be clear, the code that is running while the game is running does not contain 1 single ntfs line. Anyways, i know the open ps2 loader developers won't do it. All i'm asking is to write the loader in a way that it can be added easily.

About .iso loading. I know about the limitation of FAT32. But when loading from network, there's no filesystem driver, it does not matter if the server uses FAT32, NTFS or ext2. Accessing with a config file in the loader may get you the game list quicker, but overall, i would say you would save more time, if managing the .isos would take less time. Oh and you could still use a config file with .isos, you would just need one "update .iso list" button.

Bootlegninja

12-12-2009, 08:25 PM

But the SMB loader of Open PS2 Loader piggy backs off the USB Loader. This is to cut down on redundancy in the program. What you ask is essentially pointless as you are trying to reinvent the wheel.

The file format isn't the problem. The concerns of the loader are compatibility (which has to do with the core) and loading speed.

file format and file system have absolutely zero to do with those two issues. You are beating a dead horse on the issue of file system and file format. I can't code and I can see it's futile.

If you absolutely feel that it must be done, the source is open. please feel free to modify it to your liking. if it works then please submit it to the heads of this project.

barf

12-12-2009, 09:35 PM

I would love to see one more icon across the XMB, Virtual Memory Card Manager,
for mounting and managing Virtual Memory Cards.

jimmikaelkael

12-13-2009, 03:19 AM

BradicaL

12-13-2009, 07:13 AM

Is there a way you could make it use the USB and make a swap. To use for the Open PS2 Loader. I notice on Linux it is a very good idea. It would give you a virtual RAM. It's just an idea I was thinking about as I saw the thread. My feature requests added up to things that probably used too much ram. But what I was thinking that if your PS2 is networked you could have a ICON on the right and sign into PSX-SCENE or something and your friends list from here shows up on the XMB interface sorta like a PS3. Or some kind of buddy/chat interface. Mabey an add on. Please ignor me if you think I'm retarded. You prolly woulda done that if it was possible.

edea86

12-14-2009, 12:25 PM

Request: Support partitioned USB HDD (with no matter if the games are installed in the first partition or a different one).

windrider42

12-16-2009, 11:33 PM

dlanor

12-19-2009, 02:41 AM

Request: Support partitioned USB HDD (with no matter if the games are installed in the first partition or a different one).
This could be done by adopting the same drivers as used by uLE, since uLE allows simultaneous access to a number of partitions on the same USB drive (adding mass1:, mass2: etc to the drive list in addition to the normal "mass:" (== "mass0:"). With such a driver the game partition choice could be selectable in a configuration menu, with that choice also being added as a new entry in the CNF file.

But the problem is that this then needs to be implemented in two ways. Once for the drivers of the GUI, which can use exactly the same drivers as uLE, and then again for the in-game USB drivers, which must be specially developed.

Best regards: dlanor

dlanor

12-19-2009, 02:49 AM

Not sure if this was requested or not

I would like to see another option for 'Exit' like perhaps exit to uLe mc0:/BOOT/BOOT.ELF

Similar to how SMS will exit to BROWSER, and you can choose in options for it too Boot to Browser, or mc0

On my V7 and V14, I don't mind how it is exiting to fmcb 1.8, but on my V18 a new option would be great.
I second that motion, and so should anyone else who owns one of the new consoles whose bios v2.30 makes the FMCB boot/relaunch method impossible.

Our only ways of launching a homebrew in an unmodded console with bios v2.30 are either by making a new reset/poweron with SwapMagic discs to boot the homebrew elf from MC/USB, or by having a previous homebrew directly relaunch the homebrew elf from MC, like SMS, FCEU, GSM, and various other applications can do. So that feature is needed in all major applications, if they are to cooperate well on these newer consoles.

Best regards: dlanor

jimmikaelkael

12-19-2009, 03:32 AM

But the problem is that this then needs to be implemented in two ways. Once for the drivers of the GUI, which can use exactly the same drivers as uLE, and then again for the in-game USB drivers, which must be specially developed.

The future ingame mass driver just rely on each part 1st sector.
So having the same mass driver as uLE for the GUI slightly modified to report 1st physical sector on disk for a selected file should be sufficient no ?

The currently used mass driver was choosen for PS3 compatibility.

dlanor

12-19-2009, 04:01 AM

The future ingame mass driver just rely on each part 1st sector.
So having the same mass driver as uLE slightly modified to report 1st physical sector on disk for a selected file should be sufficient no ?
For that ingame driver variant I do think it should be sufficient, assuming of course fully unfragmented storage, as discussed previously.

The currently used mass driver was choosen for PS3 compatibility.
So does that mean that the newer USB drivers of uLE are not compatible to PS3 ?
If so, then perhaps we should investigate this issue and see if it can be fixed.

This is not something I can participate in actively though, as I have no PS3 myself, and the only ones I know of among friends and relatives are typical European models, meaning ZERO PS2 compatibility.

For this you should contact radad1 (here at psx-scene, elsewhere often named radad), as he is the one who developed multiple drive and partition support for the USBHDFSD driver, in parallel with the work of E P and myself on uLE versions v4.31 through v4.39 where these features were also implemented in uLE. I'm not sure if he has any PS3, but he is the one who is most familiar with the current USBHDFSD driver.

Best regards: dlanor

barf

12-19-2009, 05:29 AM

If you need testing, I have PS3 US, PS3 EU, 3x PS2v5 EU and a basic understanding of launching homebrew, and perhaps also some compiling if needed. Debugging is not my thing, however I know xxd quiet well.

ifcaro

12-19-2009, 11:16 AM

The future ingame mass driver just rely on each part 1st sector.
So having the same mass driver as uLE for the GUI slightly modified to report 1st physical sector on disk for a selected file should be sufficient no ?

The currently used mass driver was choosen for PS3 compatibility.

In PS3 the problem is with usbd.irx, not with usbhdfsd.irx

I think I used the last usbhdfsd when I started the project. I will create 2 partitions on my USB and try it for mass1 to see if it works.

leonidas

12-19-2009, 11:20 AM

So does that mean that the newer USB drivers of uLE are not compatible to PS3 ?
If so, then perhaps we should investigate this issue and see if it can be fixed.
Best regards: dlanor

Hi dlanor,
The New usb mass driver, USBHDFSD, with multiple usb access does work on the ps3.
what isn´t working is the usbd.irx. So I just recompiled uLaunch.elf with the old usbd.irx to get it working on the ps3. I´m not sure if there is any drawbacks to using that old usbd.irx but it still allows to use radads module to be able to use multiple usb devices.
I haven´t tested with partitions, although I assume it will work also.
so if partition are possoble on the ps2, it should also be possible for the ps3.:)

edit.
Hi Ifcaro,
I didn´t see your post until after I posted. I´m a slow typer.

dlanor

12-19-2009, 09:36 PM

Hi dlanor,
The New usb mass driver, USBHDFSD, with multiple usb access does work on the ps3.
what isn´t working is the usbd.irx. So I just recompiled uLaunch.elf with the old usbd.irx to get it working on the ps3. I´m not sure if there is any drawbacks to using that old usbd.irx but it still allows to use radads module to be able to use multiple usb devices.
This is great. Then PS3 users can have multiple USB drives just like I do with my PS2 consoles.

I haven´t tested with partitions, although I assume it will work also.
so if partition are possoble on the ps2, it should also be possible for the ps3.:)
Yes, that should definitely work, since the USBD difference has no effect on it, as the USBD access is identical for a given drive, regardless of what part of that drive's content we want to access (that is entirely up to USBHDFSD).

However, I think the current USBD.IRX replacement used by OPNPS2LD ingame still needs some other tweaking, as the current implementation does not work correctly through a hub. And once multi-partition and multi-device operation is supported we will need hub support as well.

edit.
Hi Ifcaro,
I didn´t see your post until after I posted. I´m a slow typer.
Even so, you were faster than him in reporting on a completed test of multiple USB drive access on PS3.

Best regards: dlanor

j4m3s

12-24-2009, 07:37 AM

maybe a pal ntsc selector (y-fix)

lee4

12-24-2009, 01:49 PM

maybe a pal ntsc selector (y-fix)
that other PS2 Homebrew project going on called GSM

Bootlegninja

12-24-2009, 02:55 PM

One thing I'd like to see in Open PS2 Loader eventually is ffgriever's in game reset function to return to the loader menu. :)

Germanno

12-24-2009, 06:37 PM

One thing I'd like to see in Open PS2 Loader eventually is ffgriever's in game reset function to return to the loader menu. :)

Indeed

And a "PowerOFF" feature in main menu as Simple Media System

voinage

12-25-2009, 08:28 AM

Either FFGrievers` IGR (In Game Reset) or another implemented via (L1&R1&Start&Select)
not familiar enough yet with the Ps2`s chipset happier with xbox as per Team Xbmc.

A more permanent skin, ie one that comes with the Loader. I understand functionality is far more important at the moment, but eventually.

Python integration may be very useful, I am playing with the Linux builds at the moment.

Happy Christmas to those who celebrate it and no offense to those who do not.

Voinage (Team Xbmc Python Coder)

Bootlegninja

12-25-2009, 10:48 AM

flo

12-25-2009, 01:01 PM

I suggest the option to select between the current XMB and the old "HD-Loader and USB Advance" style . I for one don't like the current interface at all . But the program is brilliant .

barf

12-25-2009, 01:59 PM

I suggest the option to select between the current XMB and the old "HD-Loader and USB Advance" style . I for one don't like the current interface at all . But the program is brilliant .The new look has jagged fonts; and therefore is almost as pretty as South Park, perhaps changing the fonts will do?

savov

12-26-2009, 06:13 PM

One thing I'd like to see in Open PS2 Loader eventually is ffgriever's in game reset function to return to the loader menu. :)

This is one of the few things why I dont play much using Open PS2 Loader. Im hardly playing one game for more then half an hour and so far with OPNPS2LD it take few minutes to start another game. (You have to reset the console, disable modchip, start app, start network and then boot the game) Dont get me wrong, Im not complaing or anything just trying to help make the project even better.:)

capo06

12-26-2009, 08:17 PM

#1 request Would like ps2 loader to have a 480p - load games 480p

radrnatn

12-27-2009, 02:30 AM

mabey open-ps2 loader can load theme from MC if your playing on network and dont have usb plugged in that would be nice

nemesis01

12-27-2009, 07:53 AM

Not important, but would like to see some kind of way to use cheats, either with a simple built-in cheat engine or the ability to load an external one. Then I guess you have the other problem if using an external cheat device on how to make that load games off the network...

j4m3s

12-27-2009, 12:11 PM

code breaker with patch works.. only ntsc.. swapmagic 3.8

#103 Today, 01:53 PM
nemesis01
arrrr...penguins!!!!!!! Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 118

Not important, but would like to see some kind of way to use cheats, either with a simple built-in cheat engine or the ability to load an external one. Then I guess you have the other problem if using an external cheat device on how to make that load games off the network...

Bootlegninja

12-27-2009, 12:12 PM

code breaker with patch works.. only ntsc.. swapmagic 3.8

what are you talking about? and what does that have to do with this thread?

barf

12-27-2009, 05:40 PM

I am not to focused on the cover part there, but I would really love to have VMC support on the same media as the game itself, preforably called <<same game id as the game>>.vmc

And I would also love to have 480p/576p option

What would be extremely cool would be the abilitiy to make several usernames like on the PS3Shutdown user 1 user 2 barf etc
and the automatic generation and/or mounting of VMC: SL(U|E)S<<same game id as the game>>.<<username>>.vmc

voinage

12-27-2009, 08:35 PM

Great to have the network lag resolved and Exit to :- blah dealt with.

Thanks chaps.

Wishlist.

Hopefully a new menu system maybe allowing the L1/R1 to scroll through the stored Games/Apps etc at speed rather than the 1 click scroll from d-pad.

I am aware of L2/R2.

Does the Network countdown have to be shown ?

Eventually, a name or Slus/Sles/etc check against known configurations for successful game launching stored in a small database either online or usb hdd/internal hdd.
Then automatically applying the config. Just bouncing ideas for a more stable period.

Ability to configure skin, remove things you do not use and add things you do.

An included Help option with descriptions of the compatibility settings and when to use them.

As for Ps2 covers displayed against the name of the stored game. Nice idea when you have quite a bit of storage to cache the thumbnails along with either a little database or reference cache file. Probably do-able towards the end of the project i would hazard a guess. When a team of skinners appear and fanart skins float about like a deluge.

Thanks for your hard work, r147 is nice.

Vin

kage

12-27-2009, 10:12 PM

1 request Would support mod chip "Mars Pro GM-816HD".

I have a ps2 with bios ver 230. It mean i can not use fmcb.

Thanks for your hard work :D

hching

12-28-2009, 02:09 AM

barf

12-28-2009, 06:30 AM

Currently, only the USB loading method works under PS3's (old one's) PS2 mode. It would be great if the network mode also works too. PS3s have a 1gb ethernet adapter which if it operates at full speed, it should solve all bandwidth problems.I am not sure yet, but it looks like everything from the PS2 is emulated even the speeds of the USB and network...

Jops

12-29-2009, 07:29 AM

Sorry for the stupid question but I cant find confirmation of this:

Are there plans to allow games to run from the internal Hard disk?

Thanks

check0r2k8

12-29-2009, 09:08 AM

Sorry for the stupid question but I cant find confirmation of this:

Are there plans to allow games to run from the internal Hard disk?

Thanks

There are plans for the HDD support, but the highest priority does the Ethernet and USB connetion have. That's because projects like HDLoader already exist, which has a very good compatibility with most games.

Once the biggest bugs/compatibility/speed issues are solved HDD will the next thing to care for. As you can see in OPS2L there is already a category for the HDD.

nemesis01

12-30-2009, 01:15 PM

Have been able to fill my own request regarding using chests with Open PS2 Loader, have tested and works well. All my Sony cards have FreeMcBoot & ESR installed on them, I also have patched for HD Codebreaker 9.2 on a card set to load from R1 when the PS2 starts. All I did was deleted my boot.elf (ESR) and replaced it with the Open PS2 Loader ELF, renamed it BOOT.ELF and it works great. Loaded Codebreaker, selected my cheats and hit start, PS2 then loaded Open PS2 Loader ELF as hoped. Just tested a couple of codes on GTA3 and it works very nicely, am very happy. :)

yoshi314

12-30-2009, 03:18 PM

There are plans for the HDD support, but the highest priority does the Ethernet and USB connetion have. That's because projects like HDLoader already exist, which has a very good compatibility with most games.also, only fat ps2 models (and a few slims) have hdd support.

and you can run games off usb on any ps2. that automatically makes usb more important because it's more popular.

btw i do hope for two things regarding hdd:
- compatibility with current hdloader layout
- faster scanning of hdd after having added new games

RigoHoward

01-02-2010, 05:38 PM

Well i can see Bootlegninja strangely "forgive my life on the forum".. so here i go again... The features i would like to see (and lets get this very clear, it's like a "dreamed wish", i'm not demanding any of this features):

- In game reset (to go to the ps2 main menu or even go back to OPS2L quickly) and Power off option (like Ps3 or xbox 360, thuis mean with a hotkey on the gamepad accesss to turn off the console without press the power off button on the console :P) -> reading this thread i saw there it's a little interest to add this features, so those are very cool news!
- Support for internal HDD through NA device (the purpose of this it's to have the hdd internally on the fatty ps2) -> like above i read that this feature it's is considered after improve the main purpose of OPS2L (wich i understand it's to get a very high functionallity and compatibility through USB for PS2 slim and Ps3)
- A cover image to represent the game on the list (the OPS2L reminds me the PSP menu, so would be very cool to see a tiny image for each installed game on the hdd plus the name of it, i remember there is a homebrew app msystem maker i think.. used to compile X in 1 DVD games for ps2 that shows a bmp or jpg file associated to the main executable file of each game contained on it)

Of course OPS2L it's great until his actual stage and probably would be better and better with any update... so the coders deserve al the necessary support and respect, thanks a lot guys for make this real!

check0r2k8

01-02-2010, 07:19 PM

Going through all currently 5 sites I concluded all requests:

6 people wanted:
Support for VMC (without patching) [Being discussed]

5 people wanted:
Being able to use IGR to return to OPS2L Menu [Being discussed]

4 people wanted:
Network support [In Progress]
HDD support [In Progress]
Forcing games to 480p
Integrate ULE

3 people wanted:
Usb support [In Progress]
Buildin cheat device
Screen-of-game-Box [image uploaded on mass]
Turn off PS2 in menu

2 people wanted:
Emulators integrated in OPS2L
SMS intregrated in OP2L
Turn off PS2 with key combination
Ability to use different UIs

1 person wanted:
Iso support
Support for Ext2/3, Reiser, Ntfs FS
HD modes 576p 720p 1080i
Have one menu item that shows us all "variables" set:
-location of VMCs,
-Selected options,
-Exit Path,
-Memory used/available and any other relevant info
DNAS compatibility [In Progess]
Disable menu for the session
A way to select/force frequency to run games at 50/60 Hz
Integrate GSM
Use of newer lwip (currently 1.31)
Support for partitioned USB HDD [In Discussion]
Customizable UI
Usernames
Support for modchip

This list is only for the overview and so that the devs can see what the user want the most.

Bootlegninja

01-02-2010, 07:51 PM

I'm going to highlight in red what is either pointless or will easily be shot down if it hasn't already.

the stuff that is already in it is in green
the stuff that is possible is in blue
the stuff that I have to lable "what the fuck?" is in orange.

Going through all currently 5 sites I concluded all requests:

6 people wanted:
Support for VMC (without patching) [Being discussed]

5 people wanted:
Being able to use IGR to return to OPS2L Menu [Being discussed]

4 people wanted:
Network support [In Progress]
HDD support [In Progress]
Forcing games to 480p
Integrate ULE

3 people wanted:
Usb support [In Progress]
Buildin cheat device
Screen-of-game-Box [image uploaded on mass]
Turn off PS2 in menu

2 people wanted:
Emulators integrated in OPS2L
SMS intregrated in OP2L
Turn off PS2 with key combination
Ability to use different UIs

1 person wanted:
Iso support
Support for Ext2/3, Reiser, Ntfs FS
HD modes 576p 720p 1080i
Have one menu item that shows us all "variables" set:
-location of VMCs,
-Selected options,
-Exit Path,
-Memory used/available and any other relevant info
DNAS compatibility [In Progess]
Disable menu for the session
A way to select/force frequency to run games at 50/60 Hz
Integrate GSM
Use of newer lwip (currently 1.31)
Support for partitioned USB HDD [In Discussion]
Customizable UI
Usernames
Support for modchip

This list is only for the overview and so that the devs can see what the user want the most.

You want too damn much out of the loader.

RigoHoward

01-02-2010, 09:50 PM

I'm going to highlight in red what is either pointless or will easily be shot down if it hasn't already.

the stuff that is already in it is in green
the stuff that is possible is in blue
the stuff that I have to lable "what the fuck?" is in orange.

You want too damn much out of the loader.

Hehehe.. like me is just a kind of "i would like to see" cuz we can dream about these things right? :P

Anyway it's good to read that many of the request posted here are already been considered and also nore inoressive to read that some are already being developed.. lucky us (and everyone who has been using OPS2L... maybe the team can open a site to receive donations... you guys deserve it)!

izdubar

01-03-2010, 07:19 AM

1 person wanted:
Iso support

In fact iso support (for SMB) is already there ...

Due to Jimmy's nice code, it's only a matter of adding 4 lines in cdvdman.c. As samba permits to abstract the filesystem, I think it is legitimate to take advantage of modern fs (NTFS/ext/Reiser...) which doesn't have limitations on filesize.

Under linux (maybe also windows ? I don't know if you can do symbolic link) this allow to keep your iso neatly in one part, where you want, with the original name:

gilga@babylon:~/share/openps2ld> ll
lrwxrwxrwx 1 gilga users 29 janv. 3 10:26 ul.67A1B103.SCES_507.60.00 -> /home/gilga/iso/Ico.iso
lrwxrwxrwx 1 gilga users 42 janv. 3 11:58 ul.687886D3.SLUS_208.04.00 -> /home/gilga/iso/Forgotten Realms.iso
lrwxrwxrwx 1 gilga users 50 janv. 3 10:26 ul.921C9071.SLES_553.45.00 -> /home/gilga/iso/Bond - Quantum Of Solace.iso
-rw-r--r-- 1 gilga users 256 janv. 3 11:58 ul.cfg
drwxr-xr-x 4 gilga users 112 déc. 6 19:05 USBLD

"~/share/openps2ld" is where my samba share points to.

However, as I have zero knowledges of PS2 programming, I've done this modification with my dev common sense ... so it seems to work so far, but it must be considered as a hack, as long as someone with better skills review it ...

I know that devs (Jimmy, Ifcaro, Dlanor, Volca, ...) are very busy, so I don't ask at all their attention on this ... also because I fear it may waste their precious time ;) But if someone with more games (I have only a few) want to test this, I can send the modified ELF (and "sources" = 4 lines to add)

Regards.

jimmikaelkael

01-03-2010, 08:47 AM

Bauldrick

01-03-2010, 09:15 AM

Would it be possible to impliment sharing from muliple samba shares (on different devices)?

e.g

smb1 > 192.168.11.102 /mnt/share/PS2SMB
smb2 > 192.168.11.221 /home/PS2/PS2SMB
smb3 > different IP /someother/path
etc...

Thanks for the great work - it has resurrected my old PS2's

yoshi314

01-03-2010, 09:25 AM

i've just tested open usb loader hdd support with valkyrie profile 2 silmeria.

i've booted without pad trick, and - game does not lockup when entering battles! (well, at least i could enter the tutorial battle).

this is amazing. obviously it requires more extensive testing to fully verify. but it already looks very promising.

izdubar

01-03-2010, 09:28 AM

You will have a trouble, it will not work on ISO files >4Gb.
The offset given in SMB read request is an unsigned integer.

It's possible to adjust the SMB core for plain ISO use, but it will require to change more than 4 lines of code...

It's a feature that will come later.

Hmmm that's undeniable, it will be hard to address more than max_int if the offset refers to bytes ... :(

But I thought the offset refers to "whole sector" (don't know how to name it), that is 2048 bytes block. Thus I guessed the unsigned int would allow to address: 2048 * 4294967295 = a lot of gigs ...

I must be plain wrong sorry, but in this case I even wonder how it could work right now, because it looks like this offset is absolute (and not relative to each parts) <--- This is just curiosity, I'm not trying to argue with you

And anyway, I'm glad to hear that iso support is still plannified and not considered as "pointless or will easily be shot down". Thanks for all, I can wait :)

jimmikaelkael

01-03-2010, 09:45 AM

HDD stuff seems to be ready :)

I've tested several games without problem.

Now it just needs to be implemented to GUI, taking care of HDL modes(a few of them will never have effect on Open PS2 Loader as they are not needed, only HDL modes 1 & 3 should be needed).
HDD transfer mode can be set easily through a function I implemented, but I'm wondering if the best is to able to set it for each game, or as main setting.

Online gaming is possible with both HDD/USB provided you will have filled original DiscID in game's compat tab properly, no DNAS patching of iso required of course.

dlanor

01-03-2010, 10:21 AM

Hmmm that's undeniable, it will be hard to address more than max_int if the offset refers to bytes ... :(

But I thought the offset refers to "whole sector" (don't know how to name it), that is 2048 bytes block. Thus I guessed the unsigned int would allow to address: 2048 * 4294967295 = a lot of gigs ...

I must be plain wrong sorry, but in this case I even wonder how it could work right now, because it looks like this offset is absolute (and not relative to each parts) <--- This is just curiosity, I'm not trying to argue with you
Since this offset is used in the SMB access of an ISO part file it only relates to the start of that particular file. To the SMB protocol each part file is a separate entity, and it is only the OPNPS2LD core that sees these part files as being connected, so it is only this core that needs to concern itself with offsets that span several parts.

And anyway, I'm glad to hear that iso support is still plannified and not considered as "pointless or will easily be shot down". Thanks for all, I can wait :)
Even so, if/when full length iso support is added, we will still need to retain the ability to access ISO files split into part files, since we also want to support storage media with such size restrictions.

Best regards: dlanor

yoshi314

01-03-2010, 11:56 AM

Even so, if/when full length iso support is added, we will still need to retain the ability to access ISO files split into part files, since we also want to support storage media with such size restrictions.i have a simple hack in mind :
if there is a something.iso file - treat it as a while.

unless there are files: something.iso , something.i01 , something.i02 + .... - treat it as parts of a whole game. naming scheme is but an example here.

barf

01-05-2010, 02:38 PM

Function to install game from other medias, MASS <-> HDD, SMB <-> HDD, DVD -> SMB, etc

barf

01-05-2010, 02:46 PM

You want too damn much out of the loader.Who are you to judge?

I believe we will seeusernames, basically just a folder name inside any partition used to name the VMCs
VMC( not too sure about Polo35 ) on same media as the game image, change of initial resolution at load time; 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i; doctorxyz seems to be still active.

Maybe not from the current coder, but as the source will be open,
people will add cool features.

Bootlegninja

01-05-2010, 03:43 PM

Who are you to judge?

Just someone that realizes that you can't fit a watermellon through a garden hose.

* usernames, basically just a folder name inside any partition used to name the VMCs
* VMC( not too sure about Polo35 ) on same media as the game image,
* change of initial resolution at load time; 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i; doctorxyz seems to be still active.

Lets see here. the SMB IOP footprint is still too large to completely sustain itself let alone extra features that can further slow the transfer down.

You keep adding features that use IOP memory, and you get shit performance. the highest would be the HDTV modes that doctorxyz can't even get right for NTSC. I know this because not one damn recent version can display ANYTHING properly on mine in any compatible mode. And I beg the guys to never add anything that isn't working worth a shit.

Northbear

01-07-2010, 08:09 AM

I would like to see functioning HDD access / gameplay for V12 / V13 PS2 internal HDD after HDD capability fully integrated for FAT PS2.

Maybe support for later PS2 (V14 - V19) with this new HD-Pro Kit.

I think this this is a more realistic wish / request than wishing to boost the PS2 to a PS5 (beware sarkasm is at hand !)

Best regards
Northbear

barf

01-07-2010, 08:25 AM

You keep adding features that use IOP memory, and you get shit performance. the highest would be the HDTV modes that doctorxyz can't even get right for NTSC.I agree that the HDTV modes are not purposeful, the clue is to be able to force 480i/p or 576i/p
BTW NTSC is not HDTV relevant but SD

Bootlegninja

01-07-2010, 11:47 AM

regardless. not one mode can stay on the screen if it isn't shrunk to a squinting thumbnail of what it was. if anyone is to attempt 480p or 576p modes in the program, I would hope it be ragnarok2040 since he has a much better grasp of how gsKit works.

yoshi314

01-07-2010, 02:27 PM

i'd like some gui improvements, for a change ;)

- icons are too big and take too much space. also the vertical bar could be on top of the screen, to fit more games lower.

- option not to display game icons at all

- i must say, i really liked hd loader gui. if there was a chance to implement a similar gui for openps2ld it might be more usable than current UI.

if/when i get more confident about openusbld gui code, i'd eventually hack something myself in this area ;-)

barf

01-07-2010, 02:31 PM

dlsmd

01-07-2010, 04:34 PM

how about a way to disable all USB controls including menu options on the home page

savov

01-07-2010, 05:05 PM

I will suggest some changes in the gui too. Rename the submenu "Theme" to "Settings" and the actual "Settings" to be changed to "Options" or something like that. Its a matter of changing two strings in lang.c :)
Also it will be nice to see some changes in the dialogs. The background of the dialog "windows" aint that dark and some of the text is hard to read.

michael.santos

01-07-2010, 07:26 PM

yoshi314

01-08-2010, 02:30 AM

Try Static mode under Themes

I did and I found out that I did not like that either, I think the original mode is cool,
but that it lacks a blurred representation of let’s say 2 names above and 2 names below on the list.

why the hell is it called "static mode" anyway? i thought that it had something to do with game menus being dynamic (or not), as in they would be rescanned each time you would enter them for new games (well, maybe except for hdd).

volca

01-08-2010, 02:38 AM

It's because the category icons don't move. If you have a better idea for a name, I'll be happy to discuss a change.

Edit: About the look. There is currently one alternative look selectable - the static mode. If you'd like to test a different approach, you're free to do so. Look for DrawScreenStatic in src/gfx.c for inspiration (it is quite simple besides the linked list manipulation) - it should not be too hard to come up with an alternative. If you'd like to go deeper than screen layout, we can make an interfacing structure for theme rendering that would accompany navigation commands as well - meaning you could get a full page scrolling ability independent of the selected item, for example.

barf

01-08-2010, 03:08 AM

why the hell is it called "static mode" anyway? i thought that it had something to do with game menus being dynamic (or not), as in they would be rescanned each time you would enter them for new games (well, maybe except for hdd).Probably due to the nature of the navigation.

finitelife

01-08-2010, 03:24 AM

First item on the docket;
Honestly, great work by the devs of this project! I love this program and I can't wait until my dev environent is updated later tonight so I can finally start to contribute.

jimmikaelkael,
when you mentioned that hdd support was working- is this reflected in the repository?

I saw the notes about full ISO support and I am all for it. I started looking into the bitbucket repository and I am glad I saw the previous posts before I started trying to hack out an ISO compatible update.

Am I correct in assuming that USB ISO support would require a filesystem other than fat32?

Even if this isn't the case, I would be glad to take a deeper look into ext2 support. As a Slackware zealot, I feel it is long overdue anyways. A quick search in the forums showed little discussion on this. I have limited knowledge of the PS2 hardware, but at this point I see no reason why ext2 cannot be implemented. If anyone has any suggestions while I am hashing out some code it would be greatly appreciated.

Lastly,
I am a long time visitor of these forums but I hate forums in general and just recently decided to stop being a princess so I could help contribute. Please do not make me regret this decision by privately messaging me. Only requested PMs in english or french will be read (Canada speak). With that said, any ext2fs dev suggestions are welcomed. I have very little code at this time and I will need beta monkeys when I ask for them.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

barf

01-08-2010, 03:48 AM

yoshi314

01-08-2010, 04:09 AM

It's because the category icons don't move. If you have a better idea for a name, I'll be happy to discuss a change.my suggestion would be dynamic -> default and static -> small . that would be more intuitive, as the "static" has smaller icons.

i spent an hour trying to figure out why one was called static and the other one dynamic ;-).

Edit: About the look. There is currently one alternative look selectable - the static mode. If you'd like to test a different approach, you're free to do so. Look for DrawScreenStatic in src/gfx.c for inspiration (it is quite simple besides the linked list manipulation) - it should not be too hard to come up with an alternative. If you'd like to go deeper than screen layout, we can make an interfacing structure for theme rendering that would accompany navigation commands as well - meaning you could get a full page scrolling ability independent of the selected item, for example.i will try to come up with something in my free time. my general idea is something like this :

tabs on top of the screen :
config | usb | hdd | smb | exit

selecting any tab opens up a list below it.

examples ( ** denote the active tab ).

*config* | usb | hdd | smb | exit
---------------------------------
option 1
option 2
(...)

config | *usb* | hdd | smb | exit
---------------------------------
game1
game2
(...)

config | usb | hdd | smb | *exit*
---------------------------------
poweroff
reboot
browser
launch app from mc0:/boot/boot.elf
(....)

also, a small bar on the bottom of the screen, a kind of context menu, different for each tab:

in case of usb
rescan device T | rename entry [] | remove entry O | launch X

in case of hdd
install game [] | rename O | modes T | launch X

network :
init network [] | rescan O | modes T | launch X

etc; (button shortcuts are just examples).

something resembling simple ulaunchelf or hdloader text list would be more functional, imho. i'll try hacking it up, once i get familiar with UI code.

that would generally be totally incompatible with current theming engine.

i suck at graphic apps, so i can't come with any good mockup. i think it's a bit inspired by fmcb installer 1.8b layout, if that helps you understand the concept.

volca

01-08-2010, 04:39 AM

I tried to separate the rendering from the data representation, so generally you should be able to do the thing you describe (it seems it is in essence the static mode with some layout and controls changes).

The thing stopping you is that navigation expects the page displayed to be in fixed relation to the selection (the selection is still - in center of the screen) whereas I presume you want the selection to move and choose the page accordingly. That could be tricky with the linked list implementation, but not impossible (if the selection is in visible range, the page stays where it is, if not, the page pointer is moved to accompany the selection). There is - in my view - no need to choose the tab and then display the contents of it - the contents can be displayed all the time (as the static mode does it).

The bar at the bottom can be displayed in the same way the DrawHint function works.

yoshi314

01-08-2010, 06:14 AM

it seems it is in essence the static mode with some layout and controls changesyeah, pretty much. but i'm aiming for being able to fit more games on the screen. that would involve stripping or shrinking most icons.

edea86

01-08-2010, 07:03 AM

Hi everybody!

What I really love to see is Open PS2 Loader 100% compatible with all Buzz! games. My fat PS2 laser is gone and I would love to use my buzzers and hdd copy from my original Buzz games. :)

Keep the great work!

Regards.

Regarding this, I have one question:
Would it be possible to make OPS2L compatible with the USB devices like buzzers, microphones and eyetoy?

Or it is just not possible since both the device and the hard disk are connected to the USB ports? (I read somewhere this was the reason why USBeXtreme wasn't compatible with these devices)

barf

01-08-2010, 09:29 AM

The reason is probably that the USB driver should either be used to make sure the HDD is in the 2nd port if there is something in both ports, as patching all the different games to use port 2 is alot more work.yeah, pretty much. but i'm aiming for being able to fit more games on the screen. that would involve stripping or shrinking most icons.Why do you need more games on screen? I think you only need one game that is the one currently pointed to,
and then it would be nice for affirmation to see 2 games above and 2 games below when scrolling to give a better feel of where you are at.

Gnom

01-08-2010, 10:05 AM

Well though I don't really mind, I can see his point. Having a lot of games allows a faster scrolling without risking to miss the game you're looking for. I sometimes scrolled the list twice because it was going too fast.

barf

01-08-2010, 10:34 AM

That’s why there is scroll speed in settings.

dlsmd

01-08-2010, 12:04 PM

i would like to see a way to reset to open ps2 loader from within the games

barf

01-08-2010, 12:11 PM

i would like to see a way to reset to open ps2 loader from within the gamesAlso known as IGR = In-Game Reset

sealhealy

01-08-2010, 04:06 PM

Theme loading via SMB

JNABK

01-08-2010, 04:26 PM

Theme loading via SMB

That would be a good idea......load themes from the device the games are listed from for each loader type.

ifcaro

01-08-2010, 04:27 PM

Theme loading via SMB

I have done theme loading from usb and mc and support for zipped themes.

But is not commited yet

JNABK

01-08-2010, 04:29 PM

..............and support for zipped themes.

Thats a nice addition! :D

Bootlegninja

01-08-2010, 07:41 PM

Looking at the GUI, is there any chance we could have it work like the SMB where we can manually start the HDD as an option? This way, it's a bit cleaner for those who may use IDE and SMB for various games.

TnA

01-08-2010, 07:56 PM

Indeed a cool addition. :)

Maybe a bit overloaded, but what about a Skin-Config?

barf

01-08-2010, 08:54 PM

but what about a Skin-Config?Themes? There is a separate thread for themes in this forum.

RigoHoward

01-08-2010, 09:01 PM

The GUI themes can be stored and loaded from the hdd?... so would be cool load zipped thems from SMB and HDD huh? :P

Anyway i was thinking... could be possible install games to hdd from a usb device connected from the usb port (like a USB hdd full of ps2 backups/isos?) using the OPS2L GUI?? (mybe its a stupid idea but well if isnt possible then just ignore it :P)

leonidas

01-08-2010, 09:53 PM

with the ps2 only using usb 1.1 speed, it would take forever to transfer games to the hdd.
so not a stupid idea but i don´t think it would be practical.

RigoHoward

01-08-2010, 10:31 PM

with the ps2 only using usb 1.1 speed, it would take forever to transfer games to the hdd.
so not a stupid idea but i don´t think it would be practical.

After i posted the message i remember the fact of the slow speed so just ignored :P.. anyway load themes from hdd and smb idea it seem to be more posible right?

hackoba

01-09-2010, 01:07 AM

may be put a password on menu settings.

dlanor

01-09-2010, 02:01 AM

There are ways around this, by storing a variable on media when launching an ISO, and when resetting the system reload this.
I think you completely missed my point. I was not concerned about how to find the GUI program, but about the resident code needed to revive it, and the resident RAM space this could require, both in the EE and in the IOP RAM 'space'.

Even if we accept relaunching the GUI program from scratch to 'exit' from a game, so we don't have to keep it all resident, this still means having a special elf launcher resident, which is not used for anything else. And this may have ramifications on extra modules being required in resident form as well, as we can't assume that it is safe to launch homebrew elfs through the currently active IRXs of the game (which can vary greatly from homebrew standards).

I believe it can be done, but it is not a trivial task to do it well.

Best regards: dlanor

gastroman

01-09-2010, 10:41 AM

Hi,

first: thanks for the amazing work on this tool, and many others. I am amazed to keep learning new ways to use my PS2!

my suggestion:
- provide a compiled list of games, regardless of where they came from.
- options that could go with it:
- list sorting (ABC, add date, frequently used, ??? )
- some kind of "marked favorites" maybe, if you have a lot of them.
- or just groups instead: "Kid's Games", Dad's Games..
- could color code names or use the existing icons to show the source
for each games (HDD,LAN,USB), if people still care to see that.
- If, someday, if PS2PSXe becomes available, list psx games right along with the others too. Basically - always abstracting out the "start mechanism" for the items on the list.

the point is.. for my kids or for guests, a simple list with all games
would be nice, so they don't need to know how I have things organized, or if there's a special launch method (emulator).
I would use at least two sources - internal HDD, as I am already, and LAN for new stuff.

I'm excited about the ability to do LAN, as I had run out of space on my internal HDD... so again, thanks that this is possible AT ALL! It is very appreciated!

Cheers!

TnA

01-09-2010, 11:11 AM

Themes? There is a separate thread for themes in this forum.

Nope I meant a Skin-Config.
So the Theme/Skin-Config CAN come with a 'Theme' to override Open PS2 Loader's defaults (for example for backgroundcolor, font/character/letter-color, x&y-axis of the 2 tab-bars,...).

may be put a password on menu settings.

Heh,... Brings me to another idea (again to much maybe :D).
User-login, if enabled in the config.

So 'Dad' can play its 'Mature' rated games and if the kids want to play the access is restricted, or another game-list is loaded.

Anyway,... Just ideas (I know, some seem to be a bit 'overloaded'). ;)

Edit: Ooops. I saw gastroman's post yet and he posted a similar idea (groups).

barf

01-09-2010, 11:37 AM

Nope I meant a Skin-Config.
So the Theme/Skin-Config CAN come with a 'Theme' to override Open PS2 Loader's defaults (for example for backgroundcolor, font/character/letter-color, x&y-axis of the 2 tab-bars,...).Here (http://psx-scene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62210) are fonts, background images and icons. And you can make your own!
http://psx-scene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62210

barf

01-09-2010, 11:40 AM

So 'Dad' can play its 'Mature' rated games and if the kids want to play the access is restricted, or another game-list is loaded.Heh, Hits for dads!

TnA

01-10-2010, 06:57 PM

A rather simple suggestion.

An option to de-activate the debug-screens (as global option under settings, or "Compatibility Mode" like Debug-Screen on/off [would mean, it is off by default]).

vsub

01-11-2010, 08:19 AM

A rather simple suggestion.

An option to de-activate the debug-screens (as global option under settings, or "Compatibility Mode" like Debug-Screen on/off [would mean, it is off by default]).

Yes that's a good idea.
And I have one question about the hdd icon.It's already been requested to start the hdd by pressing on the hdd icon(like before).The question is why it's maded like it is now(first enable autostart=>restart and then it will load the hdd every time you start the app)

volca

01-11-2010, 08:53 AM

It is just a first shot, it's hard to do anything with you guys following the development so closely :D

I'll probably have time tomorrow to implement it the same way as network is done.

Northbear

01-11-2010, 08:58 AM

vsub

01-11-2010, 09:55 AM

One more really simple request.
Can the game list when you use Static to be shown like this(1) when the list appear from the start and not like this(2)

volca

01-11-2010, 09:56 AM

@Northbear: You mean while in setup screens? We can increase the delay, sure. In my view the problem is more with the item coloring though... It is hard to see which item is selected.

I attach experimental hdd autostart patch - it should work the same as with network, but I'm not by my ps2 to test it (so it was written on pc only, without any testing). If you could test it for me I'd be glad (most mercurial clients should be able to apply a patch).

volca

01-11-2010, 09:58 AM

One more really simple request.
Can the game list when you use Static to be shown like this(1) when the list appear from the start and not like this(2)

Sure, that is what I meant with the page start pointer somewhere later in the discussion. It is doable. If I understand it right you mean the selection not to be centered all the time?

vsub

01-11-2010, 10:06 AM

Sure, that is what I meant with the page start pointer somewhere later in the discussion. It is doable. If I understand it right you mean the selection not to be centered all the time?

Yes,the first game always to be at the top,not at the center,and when you want to go to it the list to stay like that...like on hdloader

dlanor

01-11-2010, 10:48 PM

I hope that both methods are functional. I have a V12 with HD-Combo so if i don't wanna use it, i just don't turn the power for hdd on.

----

Another request would be if the sensitivity of the controller can be reduced while in settings and menu. I think it's too sensitive. And i don't mean the scrolling speed i mean the button press and the time its processed and executed on PS2. The digi pad reacts too fast and i miss the setting i want to activate/change. This is kinda irritating for me.

For me a time delay of 0.125 or 0.25 seconds would be great i think.

I volunteer for testings on this special request. Maybe it could be implemented as an option later to set the prefered reaction speed of the controller.
Possibly you are having the same gamepad init problem some people sometimes get with uLE. This results in superfast button response, making it very hard to control the program. With uLE this always happens when the init routine fails to recognize the pad as analog and/or fails to set it into analog mode, which is clearly visible as the LED on the controller will then be dark. (In properly inited uLE it should always be lit, and impossible to turn off).

This problem can also and easily be 'provoked' simply by disconnecting and then reconnecting the gamepad cord, which always causes it to restart in digital mode.

For most of these cases a simple manual fix is to just press the 'Analog' button, to enable the analog mode by hand, which causes the button responses to become normal.

Best regards: dlanor

dlanor

01-11-2010, 10:56 PM

JNABK

01-11-2010, 11:24 PM

dlanor

01-12-2010, 12:33 AM

volca has already mentioned he would (or did) add the option to scroll 5 names at a time, but i forget where he mentioned that and whether he already implimented it or not. I cant seem to find where he posted that at, so if i do i'll edit my post here with a link to it.

Edit:

I found the post: http://psx-scene.com/forums/showpost.php?p=473117&postcount=1343
Thanks for the tip.

But in my opinion that implementation is only a slight improvement over single-step scrolling, but still insufficient.

There is no reason to limit the paged scrolling to less than one full screen per step.
I also fail to see the advantage in using two-finger button combos for paged scrolling.
I could understand it if the R1 button was needed for something else, but for the present at least that is not the case. (some new menu perhaps ?)

Best regards: dlanor

Northbear

01-12-2010, 07:28 AM

Possibly you are having the same gamepad init problem some people sometimes get with uLE. This results in superfast button response, making it very hard to control the program. With uLE this always happens when the init routine fails to recognize the pad as analog and/or fails to set it into analog mode, which is clearly visible as the LED on the controller will then be dark. (In properly inited uLE it should always be lit, and impossible to turn off).

This problem can also and easily be 'provoked' simply by disconnecting and then reconnecting the gamepad cord, which always causes it to restart in digital mode.

For most of these cases a simple manual fix is to just press the 'Analog' button, to enable the analog mode by hand, which causes the button responses to become normal.

Best regards: dlanor

I don't think that this is the problem. The led for analog mode is active when starting OPS2L. I will re-check that later to be 100% sure.

I'm using most of the time my Logitech wireless controller for PS2 which never failed me so far, exceptions are low batteries or the old uLE init problem.

I will check my wireless and cable controllers to rule init problems out.

Best regards
Northbear

volca

01-12-2010, 07:41 AM

On the subject of the game lists, another urgent need for large game collections is page-wise scrolling, preferably using L1 and R1 just like in HDLoader.

Jumping all the way to top and bottom with L2 and R2 is fine as it is, but it is not sufficient alone when you have a large game collection, and currently have to use the single-stepping DPad_UP or DPad_DOWN buttons to reach game #81, for example.

Best regards: dlanor

I'll try rewriting the view, I have a few ideas already collected:
1. Selected item should not be always centered (static mode)
2. Page scrolling by page size (currently it's half of the page because the selection is centered)
3. dialogue colors should all be themeable
4. other dialog improvements - button display, potentially the individual components could be themeable as well, for example (that has a low priority though)

Also the source code is starting to be a bit messy, I think it should be split into separate files and commented a bit (talking about gui code here). Probably each data source will gain it's own .c file. Dialogues could be moved to a separate file as well.

yoshi314

01-12-2010, 08:32 AM

i don't recall anybody mentioning "install from dvd" (to hdd) feature. that's pretty strange :D

vsub

01-12-2010, 09:59 AM

I attach experimental hdd autostart patch - it should work the same as with network, but I'm not by my ps2 to test it (so it was written on pc only, without any testing). If you could test it for me I'd be glad (most mercurial clients should be able to apply a patch).

Yes it's perfect that way and it works.
There was little problem with the patch but I fix it and it worked

volca

01-12-2010, 10:04 AM

Thanks for testing, I'll commit it in a few hours.

Bootlegninja

01-12-2010, 10:19 AM

the SMB module exists. why not just modify HDLD_SVR code to use that to install to the internal HDD?

RigoHoward

01-12-2010, 11:00 AM

Another request would be if the sensitivity of the controller can be reduced while in settings and menu. I think it's too sensitive. And i don't mean the scrolling speed i mean the button press and the time its processed and executed on PS2. The digi pad reacts too fast and i miss the setting i want to activate/change. This is kinda irritating for me.

For me a time delay of 0.125 or 0.25 seconds would be great i think.

I volunteer for testings on this special request. Maybe it could be implemented as an option later to set the prefered reaction speed of the controller.

Yes i noticed that too (its really awful when youre setting the compatibility modes and you want to save and accidentally you go back withot saving :S or even worst you select "test" and the game starts when you actually dont wanna xD)

Anyway most of the fault its from the user who usually moves the d-pad and imediately pess the button :P

Also i support the display list format suggested :)

yoshi314

01-12-2010, 11:11 AM

the SMB module exists. why not just modify HDLD_SVR code to use that to install to the internal HDD? if only the data transfer portion would be changed - why not.

but still the control protocol (issuing commands via the client) would have to be done separately from smb. smb vs hdld_svr protocol is like ftp vs ssh, as far as ps2 is concerned :D

Northbear

01-13-2010, 09:44 AM

I found kinda bug.

If you are in settings menu and scroll down to "OK" and press down one more time none of the visible items on the screen is highlighted.

I suggest that this last down press redirect to "Save".

The implemented pad delay works great. Maybe it could be implemented as configurable item in options with a range from 0.1 secs to 0.6 secs.

Maybe it's also time for a rename from "Theme" to "Settings" or "Themes and Settings".

Best regards
Northbear

dlsmd

01-13-2010, 02:36 PM

Maybe it's also time for a rename from "Theme" to "Settings" or "Themes and Settings".

i agree on this point

yoshi314

01-13-2010, 05:00 PM

one idea - sort game list by default (might be an option). i've grown used to order of my hdd list (it doesn't change much for me). also, sorting (imho) should be case insensitive - the way it is now produces weird results.

having to sort it every time i start ops2ld is a bit of a nuisance.

Dr.Wily

01-13-2010, 07:05 PM

FireWire support
External HDD support (SCPH-10k 15k 18k)

froid_san

01-15-2010, 03:21 PM

maybe not as important as the other request, but i would love to see a kind off childproof like setting/implemintation/mode so kids/friends won't mess around with important settings or compatability mode.

and a setting that allows you to force ntsc/pal on usbl, like the video mode setting on ULE, i don't mind the games since you can just patch them and there's GSM, just on USBL. i address this because in the past when i used USB advance on my friends PAL PS2 the screen rolls since he got an pal ps2 on a ntsc tv. might be usfull for some people who still got non-multisystem tv

Shin_akuma

01-16-2010, 07:49 AM

Online gameplay compatibility?

Thats is possible?

Gnom

01-16-2010, 12:11 PM

It's already there dude.

jimbo

01-18-2010, 10:40 PM

Carlos Eduardo

01-24-2010, 11:02 AM

t would be very interesting one application for the reconfiguration pad for playstation 2 memory in order to use this for games that require any special device
eg
Guitar Hero Metallica
Guitat Hero World
Guitar Hero Great hit

That in itself will give way to automatically control guitar ps2 (the trick of follow-up left to think that this is the guitar)

It's just a suggestion would be a similar application to pc joykey to provide greater user convenience.

I agree.This could be very useful.

barf

01-24-2010, 12:44 PM

yoshi314

01-24-2010, 05:09 PM

I also suggest to add ext2 as format for the interal HDD, does anyone know what such an implementation would be like; timewise?it's not a matter of time. this would just make the driver bigger by complicating it with yet another filesystem. ext2 is more complicated than fat filesystem.

let's better stick to hdl layout. it's proven and it works.

my suggestion
- option to hide smb menu until network is started
- option to hide usb menu

hdd
- rename and delete game option
- install from cd/dvd option. for network installs we have hdld_svr which works just fine. and usb is just not going to cut it.

unlikely features, but interesting to see
- lzo sector compression

barf

01-24-2010, 06:02 PM

it's not a matter of time. this would just make the driver bigger by complicating it with yet another filesystem. ext2 is more complicated than fat filesystem.I did not think of as in addition to, but as an alternative.

yoshi314

01-25-2010, 03:51 AM

well, you're free to try. i still think this filesystem is too complicated for such a simple task.

Dup

01-28-2010, 01:25 PM

NFS network over SMB
NFS seem faster for streaming video, probably the same for streaming games

vsub

01-30-2010, 10:03 AM

How about dumping the game list and settings(modes)

yoshi314

01-30-2010, 03:02 PM

power off in "exit" menu. really.

vsub

01-30-2010, 03:07 PM

btw what happen to the APPS menu.It this menu removed permanently or for now?

RigoHoward

01-30-2010, 09:25 PM

power off in "exit" menu. really.

I agree with that (it would be cool), also there is any chance to implement the use of analog sticks through the GUI?? :D

jimbo

01-31-2010, 12:45 AM

power off in "exit" menu. really.

The truth this option is a little more if you put a poweroff.elf and is directed to the route
It would be more than enough as I very much like this in its current state.

At present a manager would be more important to use the pendrive usb manager of our data as well as it does codebreaker in their most current versions
but in a more user friendly.

yoshi314

01-31-2010, 05:55 AM

vsub

01-31-2010, 06:10 AM

no, i would like a separate option in OPL to power it off. totally independent from exiting to the preconfigured app.
Yes,I'll definitely like that.

Edit:Wouldn't be better to make the Exit icon as menu and from there to choose what to do(edit to some app or turn off the PS2).In that way the "Exit to" can be used for IGR and you can choose to what the exit from the Exit icon/menu

oh one more thing - ability to inject the custom theme into the executable. i can inject icons all right, but not the background.
Yet another good idea...I'm using the FACTORY skin icons and I want to use the background too but I don't want my USB to be always plugged and even if it is,it takes time till it load it.

JNABK

01-31-2010, 02:31 PM

no, i would like a separate option in OPL to power it off. totally independent from exiting to the preconfigured app.

or make the power off combo work in GUI (bad idea imho).

oh one more thing - ability to inject the custom theme into the executable. i can inject icons all right, but not the background.

Check rev 162, as i think jimmi did add a poweroff function, but left it in a disabled state. I dont know if its still in the codes for recent revisions, but maybe thats what your looking for?

The reason you cant use a background image in the compilation is because the default program doesnt use any, it has the specific coding that makes the "wave", maybe you could inject an image in place of the wave code if your able to code it.

*Edit*

I just realized poweroff is implimented already, pressing R1+R2+R3+L1+L2+L3 will poweroff while In-Game. polo35 added it in Rev 201, just tested it in Rev206 and it works great (fast too), but of course it only places the console in Stand-by mode.

yoshi314

01-31-2010, 04:33 PM

I just realized poweroff is implimented already, pressing R1+R2+R3+L1+L2+L3 will poweroff while In-Game. polo35 added it in Rev 201, just tested it in Rev206 and it works great (fast too), but of course it only places the console in Stand-by mode. well yes, but i believe it doesn't work in OPL menu ;-)

vsub

01-31-2010, 04:39 PM

I may be wrong but I think IGR(reset/power off)is loaded after you start a game and if mode 6 is not enabled(of course).

JNABK

01-31-2010, 04:50 PM

well yes, but i believe it doesn't work in OPL menu ;-)
No, it doesnt...but why would you want it in there?:chinscrat

It seems a bit silly to me for anyone to launch OPL, then want to poweroff from there :crazy: It makes more sense to want to poweroff after playing a game and maybe too lazy (like me) to get up to do it.:p

yoshi314

01-31-2010, 05:25 PM

No, it doesnt...but why would you want it in there?simple. i've just exited from one game, back to OPL. and i decide not to play anything else and just turn console off.

right now that would require doing one of those : turning off ps2 manually, or launching a game and using power off key combo, or shutting down via uLE.

JNABK

01-31-2010, 05:28 PM

Good point.......didnt think of that one. :p

icecold76

02-04-2010, 06:36 AM

It would be nice if there was a mode in which we could disable the flashing lights which you get while booting the game..

Anyways... i think i read someone say that Splinter Cell pandora tomorrow didnt work with ps2 loader .6.. And that the game gets stuck while you select 'single player'

And i think the same happened to me.. but when i ripped the game, the 3rd time... and when i tried to boot it through the USB.. i did work :).. Dont know why it does that...

An option for centering the screen, would be nice too...
But i dont think the screen settings would stay when you boot the game.. its not possible ?.. is it ?

vsub

02-04-2010, 06:45 AM

It would be nice if there was a mode in which we could disable the flashing lights which you get while booting the game.

Those color screens are to know what's happening and if it freeze on some screen to know what to try to fix it.

I tried to remove the color screens ones(successfully) but that may made you think that the game isn't working because it stays on black screen the same time as when there are color screens and for example there are some games that need more time to start and the black screen stay longer(if igr is enabled it will stay on black screen even longer)

I would prefer to be black screen but at the upper left corner to be a message in white what's happening.

xboxfreak

02-04-2010, 08:05 AM

plz include a virtual memory card support so that game can be saved through usb or smb or hdd!!
is there any hope for psx loader !!:chinscrat

this is not a original idea but can u have box shot of installed game in place of there name!!:)

A LAN SUPPORT TO CONNECT TO ANOTHER PS2 VIA ETHERNET!!
A CHAT FEATURE TO ENABLE CHATTING WITH ALL OPEN USB LOADER USERS!!
ENABLE GAME INSTALL FROM USB TO HDD ,SMB TO HDD AND HDD TO USB !!:chinscrat

vsub

02-04-2010, 08:25 AM

xboxfreak do you know for what the http://psx-scene.com/forums/blackteal/buttons/edit.gif button is used?

JNABK

02-04-2010, 09:05 AM

xboxfreak

Ive merged your 3 posts , please use the edit button rather than create a post after another one.
thanks

Hmm...since im here, i have a request too....i want OPL to self-clean my PS2 of dust by increasing the fans speed.....and reverse it too. Oh and i want it to be able to go fetch me a beer and make me a sandwich !

dlanor

02-04-2010, 09:44 AM

An option for centering the screen, would be nice too...
But i dont think the screen settings would stay when you boot the game.. its not possible ?.. is it ?
Forcing a game to modify how it renders its display of things requires very special methods, similar to those used by the homebrew GSM program or the commercial Xploder programs and some others.

While it would be possible to include such features in OPL, I really think it is more appropriate to handle such needs by separate utilities, at least for now. Once the main parts of OPL have reached a more stable stage it would be a better time to look at additional features like video mode control.

For the time being, you can always use GSM to set your preferred video mode and screen centering before starting OPL.

This can be done as follows:

1: Boot into uLaunchELF (aka: uLE) installed as "mc0:/BOOT/BOOT.ELF" (standard DEV1 elf path)
2: Use uLE to launch GSM
3: In GSM select the video mode you need, activate it, and if needed tweak its centering
4: Use GSM's "Exit to DEV1" command to restart uLE
5: Use uLE to start OPL
6: Use OPL to start your game

The game should then start with video mode and centering enforced by GSM's resident routines.
But there are some games this does not work well for, so be prepared for that too...:(

Best regards: dlanor

nemesis01

02-04-2010, 11:10 AM

TehJawknee

02-04-2010, 12:37 PM

If it has not already been mentioned, I would like the font in the list of games to be smaller and the gaps between games to be smaller as I have a lot of games installed and it takes time to scroll through them all, I also don't like looking at big text as for some weird reason it takes me longer to read.

How about selectable text size in the settings? This would leave text larger for some and smaller for others. We can already change the color of the text, might as well change the size, too.

nemesis01

02-04-2010, 12:40 PM

How about selectable text size in the settings?

Yep, that's what I meant but didn't say it properly.:crazy:

dlsmd

02-04-2010, 12:43 PM

How about Scroling Game Names so that we can see all the game name:chinscrat

xboxfreak

02-04-2010, 09:52 PM

xboxfreak

Hmm...since im here, i have a request too....i want OPL to self-clean my PS2 of dust by increasing the fans speed.....and reverse it too. Oh and i want it to be able to go fetch me a beer and make me a sandwich !

:wow:i want one of these too!!:)
and seriously it will be much better to be able to put box shot of game cover in place of image of round disc with the game name i think i saw this feature in wii usb loader !!! and the chating system like in codebraker!!

volca

02-05-2010, 04:09 AM

I would prefer to be black screen but at the upper left corner to be a message in white what's happening.

I don't think that's generally possible to implement. Too many complications and little to no gain. I think everyone should be able to accept the color screen. In fact - ESR displays it all the time and nobody seems to be objecting.

How about Scroling Game Names so that we can see all the game name:chinscrat

There is a limit in ul.cfg to 32 characters so unless this changes there is no need to do so. In dynamic mode this may be a problem but in static mode it displays the whole name all the time. I say just use static mode :)

About the font size: I may take a look at that. I think a better system would be to provide font dimensions together with a custom font so the alignment would be calculated based on that.

If people have a larger collection the linear list will be a problem no matter the font size - I think it would be better to have the possibility to organize the games in groups based on a genre for example. That is generally possible to implement although would probably mean a complete rewrite of the interface. Maybe a task for further versions...

About the usage of analog sticks: I tried to implement this once but there was a problem with random movement - we'd need to filter the data from the sticks as the values from the axes tend to jump around. So far I had no time to look at this - if someone knows some good working filter I'd be willing to implement this then.

Another idea I'm surprised nobody had yet is support for the second controller - i have both controllers silver and tend to hold the wrong one :)

vsub

02-05-2010, 04:34 AM

yoshi314

02-05-2010, 04:35 AM

If people have a larger collection the linear list will be a problem no matter the font size - I think it would be better to have the possibility to organize the games in groups based on a genre for example.

i was thinking at one time about an option to be able to highlight/filter a fragment of the game list that would start with a specific letter. e.g by pressing L1+down and L1+up

it would highlight/show only A* games, then B* games, etc. but i doubt it would be convenient.

another thing that springs to my mind - have OPL keep track of the games user launches, and provide an option to show a short list "recently launched games" (say, max 10 items). list might be stored in the same place as the games.

JIM BOX

02-05-2010, 08:44 AM

I like the idea of a recently played games list yoshi, it would also be nice to have a screensaver (sorry if anyone suggested already) so just the wave & gui wakeup on a button press.

volca

02-05-2010, 09:38 AM

This isn't really a problem or big deal but is it possible.
There is a small part of the game icon at the end of the page if there are more games...is it possible to be removed?

And btw you can't see the full game name in dynamic mode if it has long name.

PS.Maybe I shoud've posted this in the other thread

Ah, you're on NTSC aren't you? Ill make the list size dynamic based on the horizontal resolution of the screen (now it's fixed 11 items). A similar bug applies to the hint positioning.

vsub

02-05-2010, 12:54 PM

Ah, you're on NTSC aren't you?

No I have PAL PS2..what do you mean.

yoshi314

02-06-2010, 03:04 AM

it would also be nice to have a screensaver (sorry if anyone suggested already) so just the wave & gui wakeup on a button press. why? what's the point of screensaver on a stationary console?

volca

02-06-2010, 03:10 AM

No I have PAL PS2..what do you mean.

PAL and NTSC have different vertical resolutions (576 versus 480). On my PAL console I see the whole list. Well I'll have to inspect the item positioning in depth it seems.

JIM BOX

02-06-2010, 03:25 AM

why? what's the point of screensaver on a stationary console?
A lot of people have lcd tv's or vga monitors & i have had image burn on my big telly & the first time its worrying, this was not with OPL but with a old media player by hermies.

vsub

02-06-2010, 09:38 AM

I don't know if this is already suggested but is it possible the skin to be loaded from the memory card and to not be such big file that takes couple of second to load(on ule and sms the skin is loaded really fast from my slow 64mb card)

Bootlegninja

02-06-2010, 10:20 AM

I suggest you try from usb. it takes about 1 to 1.5 seconds from it.

volca

02-06-2010, 10:39 AM

Yes, it was proposed a couple of times. Ifcaro was working on png file handling and zipped themes, but it's a few weeks now so I guess he's busy with something else...

yoshi314

02-06-2010, 10:56 AM

A lot of people have lcd tv's or vga monitors & i have had image burn on my big telly & the first time its worrying, this was not with OPL but with a old media player by hermies.

well i apparently assumed that those modern tv's already have apropriate solutions against such a situation in place.

Bootlegninja

02-06-2010, 02:05 PM

vsub

02-06-2010, 02:27 PM

I suggest you try from usb. it takes about 1 to 1.5 seconds from it.

I'm loading the skin from my USB and it takes ~4 second to load it(and it always requires 4 second when I exit from the settings when I use Ok)

I'm using the FACTORY skin(only the background images...the icons are integrated in OPL)

JNABK

02-06-2010, 03:18 PM

I have a low priority cosmetic request.

A toggle in the display settings where the user can select (on game loading) if they wish to see the flashing debug colors, or a "Loading" screen. (screen is made by a c+ file that is made from a BMP2C application.)

What do you guys think on this as a possible future addition?

If its possible for the "loading..." image to shorten the duration it takes for the game to load, im all for it. But if replacing the debug screens doesnt have any affect on the time its taking for a game to load, i'd rather not see "Loading..." for all that time period.

Of course, thats just my opinion. Ive noticed in a few games that i have, were reported in USB Advance they didnt work, but after learning to leave them on a blackscreen for a little longer, they actually did work...its just nobody knew it took so long to load them.

Bootlegninja

02-06-2010, 04:38 PM

well, usb device speed is a factor. at worst case, have an official 8MB card in slot 2 and see if it will load from there.

JNABK

02-06-2010, 06:15 PM

What about a loading bar instead of the colors or just the word 'Loading'?

I made a loading bar with 26 incriments, should be enough to cover each debug color and then just link the debugs to each segment as they would load in sequence.

http://psx-scene.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=16525&stc=1&d=1265498043

It might mean a bit of coding for the developers, but its a nice way to load the games, instead of the color screens. Either way dont bother me, im used to the color screens, but if it is a consideration, theres my idea as an alternative for a stable release version, as the debug colors are best left during beta testing. :)

nemesis01

02-07-2010, 04:39 AM

Maybe it's just me but I prefer things very simple, I would much rather time was spent on speeding things up here & there than on cosmetic changes. However, if both can be done then that's great, I do think the loading bar is preferable to the debug colors although I never take any notice of them anyway unless a game refuses to load, then I start turning different colors. :wow::mad::cry:

yoshi314

02-07-2010, 04:43 AM

What about a loading bar instead of the colors or just the word 'Loading'?

I made a loading bar with 26 incriments, should be enough to cover each debug color and then just link the debugs to each segment as they would load in sequence.simple reality check : how can you tell whether it failed on step 13 and not step 14 in this case? it's impossible to tell them apart. i prefer the colors, even though men have problems with naming them :D

well, at least the loader does not go through 20 shades of one color, so no big deal here :]

JNABK

02-07-2010, 08:32 AM

simple reality check : how can you tell whether it failed on step 13 and not step 14 in this case? it's impossible to tell them apart. i prefer the colors, even though men have problems with naming them :D

well, at least the loader does not go through 20 shades of one color, so no big deal here :]

Im talking about it being useful AFTER a stable release, where regular user would be using it. Those debug colors are really only useful to the developers, so seeing a loading bar would be a little nicer for the general public. That one is just an illustration, but i can make one with the word Loading in it or with percentages to mark each debug stage.

But as i said, its just an idea i had if the developers were considering removing the colored screens. Im happy either way. :)

vsub

02-07-2010, 09:15 AM

Just wondering....how exactly this bar will work correctly if on some games there are more color screens than other games?

Northbear

02-07-2010, 09:15 AM

I think the debug colors should stay even in "stable" release but with an option to turn them on or off.

A screen with an loading bar or text with percentage of load would be better if you turn off debug screen.

I think if the devs decide to implemented debug off option they will do implemented something "beautiful and usefull" as replacement.

However debug colors are needed if some game will stuck so the user can report the stage it hangs/crash/freeze.

dlanor

02-07-2010, 12:59 PM

This is in response to several posts above requesting/suggesting that the colour screens be replaced with either some "Loading..." message or by some growing 'progress bar'.

Unfortunately both of those options are impossible or at least impractical to implement in the loader cores at reasonable cost of both efforts and runtime resources.

The problem is that many of these 'colour flash messages' are displayed after the loader core has been activated and in parallel with the ongoing game boot procedure. At this time the OPL GUI elf is long since dead and buried (as old RAM garbage) and only the running loader core remains to do all the display work you suggested. And for that it must then contain extra bulk of code to do that job, and also use additional system resources to perform that display work, and this has to be done in a constantly changing environment where IOP drivers are being scrapped and reloaded not just once but repeatedly, which must not be allowed to interfere with the work of the OPL loader core.

That is why the current colour flashing is an optimum method, since it does not need to use ANY normal display methods at all, not even any extra VRAM buffers. All it requires is some simple write operations to the background colour register of the GS chip, which will produce a visible result regardless of what display routines are currently available.

As long as the GS chip is producing any valid video mode, these background colour flashes will be visible, though the precise screen appearance will vary with the game, and best of all is that this use of the background colour register can never affect a game in any way whatsoever. Since it is a write-only register the game code can never see that we put a different value into it...

Summary:
For technical reasons any detailed OPL display during game boot is inappropriate, and the current method is the optimum method for getting any feedback from an active OPL loader core.

My own suggestion is that a simple switch should be added to the settings allowing the colour feedback to be turned off, for those who find it irritating in normal gameplay, as opposed to real test sessions when it needs to be on. And the default state of that switch should of course be to have it on, so that all noobs who are unaware of settings will be able to report something meaningful.

Best regards: dlanor