Better understanding between PS3Key and AVRKey

[dcemureviews]

There seems to be some confusion between PS3Key and AVRKey that has been expressed in the news thread of the PS3Key. This thread is for clarification and better understanding between the two devices.

FYI: I am in no way affiliated with PS3Key or AVRKey. This is more as a FAQ and to help give those interested a better understanding. What I say is based on what I know based on testing and information relayed to me from my contact at PS3Key. I will answer all questions or concerns to the best of my ability.

PS3Key: Review @ http://reviews.dcemu.co.uk/review-ps...ne-329003.html

• same hardware a AVRKey (ATmega32u2)
• comes preloaded with files
• encrypted bootloader
• update files are .upd
• not serial specific when it comes to updating
• uses PS3Key Update program to update file
• yellow serial/validation sticker

AVRKey: Review @ http://reviews.dcemu.co.uk/review-av...le-331497.html

• same hardware as PS3Key (ATmega32u2)
• ships blank. you must install your own HEX files
• bootloader included? [to be confirmed when I get home]
• update files are .hex (Teensy 1.0 @ 16MHz)
• uses FLIP software or AVRKey's own simple GUI program to update file
• green serial/validation sticker

AVRKey on the Left --- PS3Key on the Right

Some retailers and customers have confused AVRKey and PS3Key. Both are slightly different as in how things work. They both look exactly identical but PS3Key comes with files installed and AVRKey are shipped blank.

If you read my PS3Key review above, to enter update mode, you must insert/remove the dongle 3-4 times. The same should apply for the AVRKey (will test when I get home). However, some information has been mentioned about AVRKey being able to load PS3Key updates. This is wrong. You can NOT install PS3Key updates on AVRKey as the bootloader on the AVRkey may be different from that of the PS3Key's encrypted bootloader. The default process for adding the files to AVRKey is by loading the HEX through Atmel's FLIP software.

Here are some FAQ (frequently asked questions) that I have read/seen:

Q. Can I load PSGroove .hex file on PS3Key? You can erase it and install something else, but then you would not be able to put PS3Key code back onto it again. I will NOT update PS3Key with .hex files as I do not want to lose the future support of PS3Key. Had I gotten an extra one, I would.

Q. What is serial on AVRKey used for? No idea, but when entered on PS3Key's website, I get an error message. www.avrkey.com does not have a page to enter serial # and this is probably to confirm that its a legit AVRKey like the purpose of serial for the PS3Key.

Q. I did not get a yellow sticker or serial # with my PS3Key? Is it real? How do I get it? If you bought it from one of the official PS3Key sellers @ http://www.ps3key.com/en/buy/ than its legit and authentic. If you did not get a serial number, contact them. This only applies to the first batch of release and ALL PS3Key's now come with yellow stickers.

Q. What is the green serial sticker for on the AVRKey? We know the yellow sticker on PS3Key is for authenticity. I would assume its the same purpose as the PS3Key...for authenticity. However, there is no link/page to enter this serial. If you enter AVRKey's serial on PS3Key's website, you get an error. Just because its made by the same people and hardware is the same, doesnt mean all the products will work together. AVRKey is AVRKey. PS3Key is PS3Key. Both have different URLs...www.avrkey.com and www.ps3key.com

Q. How does AVRKey get into update mode (if yes, that means a bootloader is included)? To get into update mode, it is the same process as PS3Key. You insert/remove 3-4 times and it goes into update mode. Does AVRKey have a bootloader? Yes it does. Its known as AVR DFU Bootloader and the driver needs to be installed. The driver is in the ATMEL FLIP folder (once installed).



Q. Can I install PS3Key updates onto AVRKey? The default process for adding the files to AVRKey is by loading the HEX through Atmel's FLIP software. PS3Key uses its own program and PS3Key Updates are ".upd". PS3Key Updater does NOT recognize .hex files and FLIP does not recognize .upd files. So if you have AVRKey and want PS3Key updates, you CAN NOT.

Q. How do you install .hex files on AVRKey? Instructions are now posted at http://reviews.dcemu.co.uk/review-av...le-331497.html

Q. How do I install HEX files on PS3Key? At the moment, there is no way to do so.

Q. I'm trying to update my PS3Key but there is no progress in the progress bar Right click and choose PROPERTIES on the application itself (.exe) and change the compatibility to "Windows XP Service Pack 2"

Q. PS3Key works on PS3 but I can not update and PS3Key does not go into update mode. PS3Key is aware of the problem. Contact the site you purchased from to see what their exchange policy is.


Q. I ordered from ModchipCentral and theres no yellow sticker with serial...is it real? Yes it is. The batch MC received did not come with serial attached due to manufacturer failing to add it but it indeed is legit. Just email them and they will send you an image of your serial.


If you have any questions, post them here and I will try my best to answer them. THIS THREAD IS NOT TO TROUBLE SHOOT YOUR PROBLEMS. IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS, CONTACT THE COMPANY YOU BOUGHT IT FROM OR CONTACT PS3KEY @ http://www.ps3key.com/en/feedback/. THESE WILL BE IGNORED!

[LiquidArrogance]

Thanks for the thread and the info!

Just a quick editorial note: First faq entry "PS3" should read PS3Key. Might throw someone off. LOL.

[dcemureviews]

Thanks for the thread and the info!

Just a quick editorial note: First faq entry "PS3" should read PS3Key. Might throw someone off. LOL.

Thanks and fixed. Meant to put PS3Key.

[dcemureviews]

It's confirmed that AVRKey has a bootloader. I took screenshots for getting it setup and .hex files installed. Will update post shortly.

[ILLPLEASA]

It's confirmed that AVRKey has a bootloader. I took screenshots for getting it setup and .hex files installed. Will update post shortly.

So this means it can also be put into update mode using the remove/insert 4 times method?

[dcemureviews]

So this means it can also be put into update mode using the remove/insert 4 times method?

If you look at the first post...it answers your question. Yes, the method to get into update mode is the same as PS3Key but removing/inserting it 4 times.

[ILLPLEASA]

If you look at the first post...it answers your question. Yes, the method to get into update mode is the same as PS3Key but removing/inserting it 4 times.

I was under the impression that you would have updated your last post as well dcemu to state that it had already been updated... Thanks for the info.

[tpikol]

u got this wrong

So if you have AVRKey and what PS3Key updates, you CAN NOT. If you have PS3Key and you overwrote it with .hex files, you're SOL and stuck with .hex and no future PS3Key support.

i recieved my avr ps3key today,used the key in the yellow sticker in the web to download the updater and update v2 and installed it,and its working just like a ps3key,so yes u can.

[LiquidArrogance]

Yellow sticker = PS3Key. If you have a PS3Key, and have never installed third part hex files on it, then you would be able to update using your serial number.

[ILLPLEASA]

Yellow sticker = PS3Key. If you have a PS3Key, and have never installed third part hex files on it, then you would be able to update using your serial number.

^This is correct. tpikol please refrain from posting incorrect information. AVRKeys CANNOT be updated using PS3Keys update. This has already been confirmed.