How to identify SCPH-9XXXX v18 PS2 FMCB Compatibility

After reading around the site for information regarding SCPH-9XXXX v18 PS2 FMCB compatibility, I realized that the info is spread out across many threads. This is an attempt to consolidate what we know so far into one thread.
I'll attempt to use a noob's typical line of questioning as the format.
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Q. Which SCPH-9XXXX v18 consoles work with FMCB?
A. Only those with BIOS version 220

Q. Can FMCB be updated to work with v18 consoles that have BIOS version 230?
A. No, Sony removed the feature that FMCB used to boot the hacked OSDSYS.

Q. How do I know if I'm getting a FMCB compatible PS2 without first purchasing the system?
A. There's a few methods so far.
1. If the packaging has a window to allow you to see the sticker, or if the retailer will let you open the box in the store, look for date code 8b. Some 8c may have BIOS v220, most are v230. Any later date code is not compatible.
2. The "Singstar Pop Hits 3" Bundle (not the 2007 bundle with the white PS2)is reported as BIOS v220 (no Guarantees though) I can't find this bundle online, so if you have a link to it, or know a store that sells it please share.

Q. Are there any ways to know what SCPH-9XXXX v18 NOT to buy without opening the package?
A. The Lego Batman bundle is reportedly BIOS v230. Avoid it if you want to use FMCB.

Q. How can I tell if my SCPH-9XXXX v18 has BIOS v220, after I have purchased it and opened the box?
A. Look at the sticker on the bottom of the console. If it has date code 8a or 8b, it will work with FMCB. If it has date code 8c look at next question.

Q. Which numbers are the date code?
A. See pic below!

Q. Are there any date code 8c PS2 that have the v220 BIOS?
A.Yes. It was during the third quarter of 2008 that Sony switched to using bios v2.30. Thus consoles with date code 8C may have either that bios or the preceding bios v2.20 which does allow FMCB booting. So for consoles with 8C we can't be sure about FMCB compatibility without checking the BIOS version explicitly. *

Q. How can I tell what BIOS my date code C console has?
A. Use the BIOS dumping tool attached at the bottom of this post to dump you BIOS and see what version it is.(DUMPBIOS-MASS.zip) You will need a method to launch homebrew to run this program. (see last question for ways to do that)
(Don't upload your BIOS here, it is copyright of Sony, and will get you banned.)

Q. Can the PS2's BIOS be flashed with v220, if I find out I have v230?
A. No the PS2 has a read only BIOS chip.

Q. Are there any FMCB install methods that work on other slim consoles, but not on SCPH-9XXXX?
A. Yes, the Codebreaker method doesn't work, as the program is no longer compatible with this version PS2 at all. Not even for using the cheating function.

Q. What other home brew launching alternatives do I have if I find my PS2 has BIOS v230?
A. Swap Magic, AR Max w/media player, mod-chip (Modbo 4.0 apparently works well.)


If I have missed anything, or have something incorrect, please let me know, and I will update, and or change this first post. Anyone that has a pic of the sticker on the bottom of the PS2 with the date code circled, is welcome to share it.

Unofficial FHDB 1.93 "Noobie Package" OBT

NOTE: This is only for use with a fat PS2 with network adapter and HDD. This will not work with virtually all slims (unsure if it will work on the earliest slims when soldering an IDE header to the motherboard, as with "HD Combo" etc, feel free to try if you have such a setup).

Hi,

As you may remember, I stated that I was going to be working on an FHDB 1.93 "Noobie Package" to make it easier for people to get a full-featured PS2 HDD setup running. I now have a preliminary image ready for testing. Link at the bottom of the post.

Note: This image will overwrite the first 7.5GB of the HDD you write it to. Make sure you back up any data in the first 7.5GB of the HDD you write it to before you apply this image. Neither I, nor the developers of any included software, are responsible for any damage resulting from use of this image.

This image includes:

FHDB 1.93
OPL 0.9.2, both GSM and non-GSM builds, with VMC
ESR r9b (non-GUI version, for hands-free ESR disc booting, as well as mcard version)
HDLDump Server (I'm away from my PS2 for the moment so I forget the exact version, also requires an MC if your PS2's IP is not the default)
uLE 4.42_HDD wip6 (with a small bonus - I included the custom font I made, a 1:1 pixel copy of the Amiga system font, both versions included in __sysconf/FMCB)
Small ELF to power off the console, used from the OSD
Latest version of SMS, works best with MC for settings
2GB +FCEUMM with .ELF (not the most recent version with the better scaling, but one that I know works well in an MC-less setup, plenty of room to add your own ROMs and store savestates)
2GB +OPL partition (plenty of room for cover art and VMC images)
Both GSM 0.23x and GSM 0.36 standalone builds
MC Annihilator 2.0 (with lang.lng in __sysconf/FMCB, let me know if it boots up in a language other than English, as it may be better to run this from USB)
Copies of WinHIIP, ESRPatchJava, ESRPatcherPro, and the unmodified distributions of ESR, OPL 0.9.2, and OPLGSM 0.9.2, in __sysconf/misc
Preset .CNF entry for patched CodeBreaker 9.2, copy of OPL 0.9.2 as __boot/CB_launch.elf, pre-made empty PP.SLUS-20202.1108.PCB partition of 512MB, CB ELF not included
Preset FHDB launch keys - L1 launches uLE, R1 powers console off, L2 launches OPL, R2 launches CodeBreaker (if present)


I chose CB9.2 as my preferred version, as I've never gotten 9.3 to load homemade CBC files, and I've never personally tried CB10. I set the CNF up to look for __sysconf/FMCB/cb92.elf, so if you put the patched ELF in that location, it will appear on the OSD.

Once initial testing has been done and the idea is workable, I will take suggestions as to other homebrew to include, as well as adding CNF entries for CB9.3 and 10 (and possibly any other such commercial software like HDL, if anyone would want to have it easily usable). As well, it would be nice to have suggestions for other supplementary PC software to include in the __sysconf/misc directory, for those who are new to PS2 softmodding it might make things a little easier on them for installing games, working with ESR patching, etc.

You can use any tool that supports writing raw HDD images to "install" this. On Windows, I recommend HDD Raw Copy Tool (many of you here are familiar with this tool). On Linux or Mac OS X, the standard dd command will work fine, just make sure that the block size and count multiply together to equal the filesize exactly. Also make absolutely sure you set the output file to the right disk, once again I am not responsible if you write this to the wrong HDD and mangle your OS. If you're hesitant because you're worried you might do so, ask for help in this thread.

After the initial testing reports come in, I will write up a README file to go along with the "1.0" image and do a formal release.

Questions or constructive criticism, feel free to post here and I'll respond when I can.

Download the FHDB 1.93 "Noobie Package" OBT v1 here. 9.5MB compressed, 7.25GB uncompressed. This distribution package currently contains no README, just the image file.

Please do not spread this around just yet, wait until testing is done and the image is formally released before doing so.

This image file is 100% legal. No commercial software is included.

If you attempt to use this image with your PS2, please report back here whether you were successful or not, and any issues you may have when installing it or using any of the pre-installed software.

Free McBoot 1.94 Installation For Noobies.

From the title itself, you know what this is. This package is created based on the 1.93 Noobie Package uploaded by mk2escort.
This is a reupload as the original thread was wiped out due to database corruption on PSX-scene's part.

This Noobie Package includes:
-Free McBoot 1.94 (obvious),
-unofficial LauncherELF wip7,
-ESR public beta revision 9b,
-Simple Media System 2.9 rev4, and
-Open PS2 Loader 0.9.2.

The installation instructions only apply to PS2s with previous versions of FMCB already installed in the memory card:
1. Copy both "install" and "lang" folders and the file "FMCBInstaller .elf" into the root folder of a FAT32-formatted USB drive.
2. Launch "FMCBInstaller. elf" from the uLaunchelf and pick your installation method.
3. You're all done! Enjoy.

Download the package here

Tutorial FMCB v1.93 Installation from PC with PS3 Memory Card Adaptor

1. Download the attached file
ps3mca-tool-fmcb-1.93..zip

2. Extract the zip in your C:\ drive

3. Connect your Memory card with Ps3 Memory Card Adaptor and connect your adaptor with your PC

4. Install the adaptor drivers by navigating to "C:\ps3mca-tool-fmcb-1.93\drvfiles\" folder

5. Open Command Prompt (windows xp: Start - Run -> cmd ->ok) - (windows 7: Start - Search -> cmd ->ok)

6. write the following command and hit Enter: cd C:\ps3mca-tool-fmcb-1.93\

7. write the following command and hit Enter: mc-format. bat -->> REMOVE SPACE

8. write the following command and hit Enter: full-install. bat -->> REMOVE SPACE

9. Next copy the "extra" folder (C:\ps3mca-tool-fmcb-1.93\extra\) in a usb stick

10. Put your Memory Card and your Usb Stick in your PS2, start your console and launch "uLaunchElf" and browse the usb files (Mass:/extra)
Copy the following folders and files from "extra" folder in to your Memory Card "MC0:/"

Copy/Paste the Folders one by one: "APPS" , "SYSTEM" , "BOOT" , "SYS-CONF"
(when it's prompt select overwrite the existing folders)

Frequent Ask Questions on Softmodding Fat PS2 with Hard Disk Drive

FAQ
Q: I cant load PC - it is showing up "BOOTMGR is missing" or black screen.
A: Change jumper setting into slave or change boot device priorities in the bios.

Q: Does it work for any IDE hard disk drive?
A: Yes! It is not according to disk size (it can be any: 512Mb, 4Tb, ...). If you can physically connect disk to Network Adapter - that mean that you can use it for soft modding. The disk it even can be broken - the only thing you need that there is no bad blocks in first 4Mb and that it can run for at least 2 minutes. For example i have one disk that is full of bad blocks and can shut down after 5-10 minutes of work. Thats works fine for soft modding.

Q: How to install Western Digital models?
A: You have to to remove the shielding from the network adapter to allow the power plug to be moved slightly...

Q: Ive got official Sony Hard disk drive. Will I loose some information from it?
A: Actually official hard drives already have some kind of official soft modding (HDD OSD or BB Navigator), so there is no need for using this soft mod. It is better to install FreeHDboot over HDD OSD. But if you really want to use my soft mod - it is really good idea to backup first 4Mb. Open HDD Raw Copy Tool and select as source our Hard drive. Start backuping and wait for about 20 seconds then press stop.

Q: My Hard Drive was full of games!!! Now I cannot see anything!!! Panic!!!
A: All games became intact. You have to fix checksum through winhiip. The same is according to official Sony Hard disk - if you want to restore official Hard disk drive structure after softmodding you have to run WinHiip/

Q: I know that there is some interesting PS2 Fat exclusives like HDD OSD, BB Navigator, Pops PSOne emulator and so on. How to install them?
A: The simplest way is to find proper HDD image and select them in 4.1 Tutorial point. For example for installing BB Navigator you can paste in google "PSBBN custom install 2013 by AKuHAK"

Q: The disk that Im found was old and full with information. Can I erase it?
A: Of course you can. It is very good idea to Zero Out your HDD before start using it. Im using Low Level Format Tool. During cleaning you can find Bad Sectors in the disk (if the program freeze that mean that you have bad blocks). But be very careful - this program can erase all data from your normal working Hard Disk!!!

Q: HDD Raw Copy Tool doesn't work. PLEASE HELP!!!111oneone...
A: Start it with Administrative rules.

Q: Is it possible to install such a trick into SCPH-70000?
A: You tell me

Q: Is it possible to install Free MC boot after this soft modding?
A: Yes.

Q: Is this legal? Can I free redistribute and use it? Or one night I wake up a Giant $ony Crab?
A: Yes, this is fully legal. This files are FULLY free and you can share them on the net. The only limitation you can't call it FreeHDBoot because it is not FreeHDBoot!

Q: I want to use SATA!!! IDE is very old, small, slow and I cannot connect them to my MacBook!!!
A: For sata support you can use for example DELOCK guide (Adapter for SATA HDD). But be careful it needs some technical skills

Q: How to install official Sony stuff into non-official HDD?
A: Thanks to krHACKen it is very easy to adopt any official software for supporting non-official Hard Disk drive (no matter sata or ide). And yes this is fully legal. You have to download ATADpatcher_0_03.zip You have to find all atad.irx and patch them with atadpatcher You have to find all elf files that can contain atad.irx and patch them If you see "0 bytes patched" that means that file isnt modified. You have to replaced non-patched files with patched one. There is of course some limitation like DNAS check and big HDD support (see next FAQ question).

Q: There are rumors that I cannot install official stuff on the HDD bigger than 127Gb.
A: Yes and no. If you need to install some official stuff on HDD that is bigger that 127Gb you can do it in 2 ways. You can Atad Patch your stuff and install it. If you don't cross physically 127Gb border it seems that your stuff will work but will work with problems. It is not recommended to do it but sometimes it is the only way (for example if you use BB Navigator). You have to replace all atad.irx with ps2atad.irx from latest compiled PS2SDK. Be careful sometimes atad.irx is placed inside elf files, sometimes it is placed into packed and crypted files. If it is crypted - sorry there is no way (yeah BB Navigator) And don't forget about such a fact that PS2SDK isn't completed and can produce some errors.

Q: Can I install Final Fantasy XII on the disk?
A: No you can't!!! At least you have to buy Japanese console and you have to buy Final Fantasy XII. There is no way for cracking DNAS.

Tutorial Softmodding Fat PS2 with Hard Disk Drive

It is some kind of tutorial and faq.


You purchased the phat ps2 and want to run games, programs and do whatever you want. Other words you are searching for easy way for launching ELF files cause if you can launch elf file - you can do whatever you want. There are some methods that are universal for all PS2 (Fat and Slim):

- FreeMcBoot
- SwapMaagic (or something like this)
- ModChip

For installing FreeMcBoot : you need FreeMcBoot (yeah recursion ) and memory card. So you need to find some other console (that is already modded) : get access to it and install FreeMcBoot. Not so easy (e.g. I was searching for it for about YEAR!!!)
For using SwapMagic - you have to buy swapmagic disc and you have to get working laser (for example my Fat PS2 cannot launch disks anymore ). SwapMagic is expensive and not so easy to find. I know that there is a way how to make swapmagic from some licensed game but As for ModChips - I dont like these chips - because they are expensive, can damage your system, and isn't fully compatible with some fat ps2 exclusive stuffs.


But there is one more method - exclusive for "FAT" version. I mean Hard Disk Drive modification.


1) Firstly you need some special accessories for your. If you have SCPH-1x000 version (early japanese units) you have to find somewhere special accessories for it: HDD system external unit, PS2 linux kit, bb navigator kit etc. Unfortunately you cannot connect these official Hard Drives to PC so this guide not for you :P Check this vid.
But if you have SCPH-3xxxx or SCPH-5xxxx this guide is for you. You need to get somewhere Network adapter (external bay). If you are so lucky you already have it but sometimes you need to buy it somewhere. All known models are listed here.


2a) Next you need to purchase IDE hard disk. You don't need to purchase official Sony Hard Disk. Soft Modding will work fine with any of your old IDE hard drive [B]except of Western Digital models (see FAQ below). For example it works fine with my 2Gb (!) 1994year hard drive (Fujitsu Siemens). All my seagate, fujitsu, intel and other drives are working fine.


2b) If you really need SATA for some reason (you cannot find IDE, you need bigger disks, you need faster disk, you dont have motherboard with IDE support etc.) you have to check
this post (Adapter for SATA HDD) Of course if you use SATA disk step 3 is much more easier.


3) Next - you have to find PC with old motherboard which have possibility to connect old IDE hard drive. Or you have to find some USB-to-IDE adaptor. Unfortunately there is no other way for now. As for me I just swap my old DVD-ROM with this hard disk drive (caution don't do it if your PC is switched on). But if you use some USB-to-IDE you can connect it without turning PC off.


So assuming - you need Fat PS2, Network Adapter, IDE Hard Disk and PC with ability to connect IDE devices (running windows).


4) After hdd connection you have to launch some windows on this PC. Start program called HDD Raw Copy Tool (search google).


Here we have to select the SOURCE. Click FILE and select the dump file - ULE_442B_SMALL.IMG (search google).
Click continue...
Here we have to choose the TARGET HDD. Select your PS2 HDD in the list. MAKE SURE IT IS YOUR PS2 HDD AND NOT ONE OF YOUR PC HDDS.(search google)
Click continue...
Click continue;
The "warning" message appears. Make sure it shows the name of your PS2 HDD then click Yes



5) Thats all. Now you can connect Hard Drive to your PS2. Dont forget to set jumper settings into Master. In some cases you have to disable modchip (if you have one). After console launching it will show you uLaunchElf And with uLaunchelf you can launch what ever you want.

Click here to download Fat soft mod files.