forums.ps2dev.org

I was reading the tutorials for setting up the development environment, and i got a few doubts:
1. I MUST do the "knife trick" to use the PS2 to load my programs in the ps2?
2. There is not other way without touching the hardware?, because im not the only one who use the PS2 in my house
3. Exists an emulator to test the programs on the PC?
4. Can i make a DVD with a program and use it in another PS" with a chip without doing another modification?

Thx a lot for your help an your time,
Juan

PD: Sorry if i sound rude, i know english but i have a lack in vocabulary

There is more than one way to load ps2 homebrew software:

1. The memory card exploit:
You need:
- normal ps2 memory card which can be used for games without any bootdisk.
- supported ps1 disc
- something to copy game saves onto the memory card (e.g. action replay).
Working on:
- Old ps2 with hard disc case (no slim size).
Link: http://ps2dev.org/ps2/Loaders/PS2_eXploit_Made_Easy

2. ps2 linux:
You need:
- DVD 2 from ps2 linux
- You need to copy something on the memory card (I think this should be possible with linux DVD 1 and a patch).
Link: http://www.oopo.net/consoledev/files/re ... s2link.tgz
EDIT: Link is broken. Can someone fix this?
Working on:
- Every ps2

3. Action Replay Media Player
You need:
- AR Max Evo or AR Media Player
- USB Stick
- ps2packer (Files should be packed with ps2packer and copied to USB stick)
Link: Buy on any shop.
Working on:
- Every ps2

4. HDLoader
You need:
- HDLoader DVD
- PS2 network adapter
- Harddisc
- Some other tools to load your homebrew software iso over network.
Link: I don't know and don't ask!
Working on:
- Old ps2 with hard disc case (no slim size).

I think for beginners way 1 is the best and cheapest. You can rent Action Replay Max in a video store, because you need it only one time. Old ps1 games are very cheap.
It is also possible to use the knife trick to install the memory card exploit. Then you need to do this only one time.

When you burn a DVD you need to generate "system.cnf" and you need to check if you elf file is compatible (I mean the setup in crt0.o). Some homebrew software are programmed to load additonal stuff from memory card, from HD or from DVD.
EDIT2:I forgot that you need to copy at least 1 GB on the DVD.

I have a friend who's trying to get started on this using method #2. I thought patching the kernel to allow access to the whole memory card would be enough but it's not that simple because the B?DATA-SYSTEM directory is locked down. I've found the other thread explaining what reload1-ps2link.tgz does so I know what needs to be done now but as you said, the link is broken. The directory is still there though. ooPo, why did you remove it!?

The original reload arc is at the PS2 linux site here: https://playstation2-linux.com/files/ha ... 1.1.tar.gz

You would need to compile it with whatever PS2 executable you wanted to run (read the docs in the archive).

I tried this with the original toolchain (not my new stuff) and for some reason, the strip operation left me with a dud output file. I got it to skip that part and that worked okay.

I moved around the stuff on my site a while back, removing stuff that wasn't really used. I've put reload1-ps2link.tgz back up if you want to grab it.