2SP / Napalm Patcher FAQ

@PS_2

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Playstation 2 tutorials

 · 8 Dec 2019

2SP / Napalm Patcher FAQ
========================

Q: What is this hype all about ?
A: In the last few days Napalm released a patcher to make homebrew PS2 cd's bootable after a swap with the Gameshark CD. This version was limited to a max. filesize to 250 MB. A smart scene warrior - know as 2SP - had lifted this barrier, so the modified 2SP / Napalm patcher can now patch any PS2 and PSX iso/bin to be booted on your PS2.

Q: So what does it do ?
A: If you patch a PS2 or PSX iso with this patcher, you can play *all* PS2 and PSX backups on your PS2. No modchip needed ! You need however a Gameshark 2 or Action Replay 2 to swap with.

Q: That sounds pretty cool. What do I have to do in order to make it work ?
A: First, download the 2SP/Napalm patcher from Zimas website (http://home.rochester.rr.com/rshomepage/). Then create a iso or bin image from the original game you want to backup on your harddrive (details see below). Next apply the patcher to the iso. Then burn a new CD from the iso...your backup is done.

Q: How do I play it then ? Just put it in and switch on ?
A: No. In order to play your backup, you have to switch your PS2 on with the Gameshark 2 / Action Replay 2 CD's and the dongles inserted. Once GS loads, the disc stops spinning. Now press 'Start Game', 'Without Codes'. When the message 'Please insert the game disc' appears, swap with your backup, however DO NOT PRESS THE EJECT BUTTON TO SWAP ! Press X and your game will boot :-)

Q: You say i should not press the eject button. How do I swap the discs then ?
A: You have several options to do this:

1. You can install a tray switch to open and close the tray without pressing eject. Fairly easy to install. You find detailed descriptions on Zimas homepage.


2. You can use swap method known as "Unreal Tournament / LH" swap. This requires you to open your PS2 and keep it open as you have to manually swap the discs and put the magnetic white spindle back on.


3. You can use the 'cog' method. Advantage of this is, that you don't have to open your PS2 at all (keeps the warranty sticker intact ;-) More details on this later.


4. We are working on a dial with Friedrich and Walter Meyer from modchips.com right now to get a hex code available for a chip, which opens and closes the tray for you. Scan this area for updates.

Q: I am confused. You said I don't need a mod chip. Now you are talking about a chip ??
A: Yes. However this is not a modchip as you know it. This chip does not inject any SCEA/SCEE/SCEI or whatever signals into the data stream. All it does is to open and close the tray without letting the PS2 know :). It has 4 wires and should be pretty easy to install, if you already installed a mod before (or at least know how to solder).

Q: What models of PS2 does this work on ?
A: We could not identify a specific model yet where it does not work. That means it should work fine on all US,PAL and JAP models of all generations. I might be wrong with this one, though as I do not have so much to test with :)

Q: What versions of GameShark do I need ?
A: It is confirmed to work with versions 1.0 - 1.3

Q: Whats about Action Replay ?
A: Dunno. But it should be the same. After all AR2 (EUR) = GS2 (US)

Q: Do I need to adjust my laser ?
A: No ! If your PS2 can play Audio CDR, it should be able to play PSX/PS2 backups without any adjustments.

Q: So I don't need a neo or neo 2 chip then ?
A: No. You can play all PSX and PS2 backups with this method.

Q: Say why is this method better then the new neo 2 chip ?
A: We never said it is. I guess it is just a question of taste, but once you have the tray open/close chip or tray switch installed, this is a fully fletched method to play all backups on your PS2; therefore at least as good as a mod chip. And it is for sure a hell of a lot cheaper :) But it's your choice. If you like the mod-chips better, please do not try to convince us !

Q: Will this method work, when I have a modchip already installed ?
A: Yes, the method works even if you have a chip already installed. Just don't activate it :). But even activated this should not influence the patch/swap method if done correctly.

Q: How is the exact procedure to patch ?
A:

1. Insert your original in your CD-ROM.


2. Open CDRWin (or any other image extractor) to make an iso image of the game on your harddisc. Click on 'Extract Disc/Tracks/Sectors'


3. Here are the settings which work for me (!):
   
   • Disc Image/Cuesheet
   
   
   • File-Format: Automatic
   
   
   • Reading-Options:
     
     • RAW,CD+G,CD-TEXT and MCN/USRC all UNchecked
     • Error Recovery: Ignore
     • Jitter Correction: Auto
     • Subcode Analyses: Fixed
     • Data-Speed: MAX
     • Read Retry Count: 10
     • Audio Speed: MAX
     • Subcode Threshold: 900

     
     

   • There are a lot of reports, that Raw reading also works, but I had problems with it enabled.

   
   

4. Click on 'Start'


5. Once the image is done, close CDRWin.


6. Open the 2SP/Napalm Patcher.


7. Click on 'Browse'.


8. Select the image you've just created.


9. make sure that you click on '2352 Sector Size (RAW)', when you had raw-reading enabled.


10. If you did not use raw reading, leave '2336 sector size' selected.


11. Click on 'PatchIt'


12. After a few seconds, you should see a message like this:
    'System.cnf found at offset xxxxx, size 57, starting at LBA 26'
    'BOOT2=/cdromxxxxxxx\slusxxxxx'
    'Ver = x.xxx'
    'Vmode = xxxxxxx'
    'Succesfully Patched'

    If you don't see the 'succesfully Patched' message, don't even bother to continue.
    Something went wrong with the patching and the backup won't work !



13. Now go back to CDRWin and click on 'Record Disc'.


14. Click on 'Load Cluesheet' and load the image you've just patched.


15. Click on Start Recording to burn your image.

Q: How about recording speed ?
A: Although it is generally a good idea to keep the speed below the maximum of your burner (in order to get better quality CD's), people report success with all speeds (up to 16x).

Q: Will this method damage my laser and/or my motor or other parts of my PS2 ?
A: Not that we know off. The PS2 handles the backup just as any normal game, without clicking sounds of the laser etc. Just be careful not to damage the laser or other parts of the DVD drive, when you swap with the unit open.

Q: What's about CDR media ? I've heard that Verbatim are the only onces which work ?
A: Yeah I think Verbatims are one of the best available right now, and it for sure does not hurt to use good CDR's in your expensive console. However you should not be required to use verbatims. The method has been reported successful with a lot of other brands, including Maxell, Sony, Fuji, Altima, Imation and even cheap no-names. Just try it. A good idea would be to use the same you used already for your PSX. If they don't work, you can get better brands.

Q: How about PSX games ?
A: You can play all your existing PSX backups using the GS2 / AR2 CD #2 as a boot CD (also known as bonus CD). Just make sure that you do not hit the eject button when you swap ! Use the methods mentioned above. You do NOT have to re-burn or re-patch PSX games.

Q: I have a lot of already patched games. Will they work with the new patcher ?
A: Reports are, that all already patched games do work when being re-patched.

Q: Are you sure that *all* games work ?
A: No - nothing is for sure in this world. But so far we did not found a game that did not work. There is quite a impressive list from Gokun on Zima's message board.

Q: What's about imports ?
A: Hmmm. Dunno. Somebody can check this out ?

Q: I've heard the EA games won't run because they have a special protection.
A: That is apparently not true. All EA games so far do work fine !

Q: Can I play all region DVD's with this method ?
A: No

Q: I can't make the method work :(
A: Make sure that you followed all instructions. Make sure that the patch was succesfull and that your image burned o.k. If the CD does not load, try another brand and/or lower recording speeds. Also, try to read with 'RAW read' enabled. Again: DO NOT PRESS THE EJECT BUTTON TO SWAP !!

Q: I still can't make it work. The CD spins up, then slows down and nothing happens ?
A: Some CD-ROMS (including mine) do have problems with RAW read. However neither CDRWin nor the patcher complain about it. Also, evem if you have RAW read enabled, you can not write in RAW mode, as the patcher does not re-create the checksums! Please read in the 'about' box more about this. Are you sure that you did not played around with your laser adjustment before ? Try to re-adjust it to the factory settings (was 940 ohms on mine). Another thing to try is, to read the iso actually from your burner, rather then your CD-ROM. Burners are usually much better with raw sector reading, sub-code analyses etc.

Q: I don't have a PIC programmer. Where can I get this chip ?
A: Check our Zimas message board. There is a forum there where people sell chips in specific regions for $5 or below.

Q: How much will this all cost me ?
A: Well, you need GS2/AR2. Street price may vary, but I saw it as low as $29. That's basically all you need. If you want to get fancy, get a chip for another $5. And lot's of blank CDR's :)

Q: I still have further questions.
A: Good. We all have. Keep in mind this method is brand new and not 24 hours old at the time of writing. This FAQ is (hopefully) constantly updated. Also, a good source of information is Zima's website and message board. If you want to talk to somebody directly try #ps2-zone on efnet and ask your questions there.

Q: Who the hell figured all this out ?
A: Hehe. Lots of people have been active in the last few month to save your expensive originals. To many to list them all here. But I guess the most importants are:

Zima - For providing the patcher and the base for all the development and discussions. Your website rocks, man !
Duke / NAPALM - to create this patcher in the first place
2SP - our all hero, because he made it possible to patch iso's > 250 MB !!!
Gokun - who spend a busy night testing, buring, swaping, patching and answering questions all at the same time !
Walter Meyer and Friedrich from modchip.com to create the tray open mod chip and constantly provide support and feedback ! Thanks guys !!!
purebeast, creature, PlanNine and all the other folks from zimas messageboard and #ps2-zone. That was certainly an interesting night, and we all where part of making history there ;=)

Hawat 02/2001

USING PADUS DISC JUGGLER INSTEAD OF CDRWIN: (section by Peanutbudda & TheGoat)

Patch the bin, then open discjuggler 2.0, select create image to cd, and add the image(bin),
but select all file types in order to see it. Don't worry about the cue... burned at 4x with verbatim cd, did not verify!

ps1

1. you have to switch your PS2 on with the Gameshark 2 CD (PSX CD) and the dongle inserted (usually in slot one, but maybe either).


2. Once GS loads, the disc stops spinning.


3. click until you see 'Start Game', than choose 'Without Codes'.


4. When the message 'Please insert the game disc' appears, swap with your backup, however DO NOT PRESS THE EJECT BUTTON TO SWAP !


5. Press X and your game will boot :-)

ps2
unzip and install napalm modded patcher to c:

A:

1. Insert your original in your CD-ROM.


2. Open CDRWin 38c (or any other image extractor) to make an iso image of the game on your harddisc. Click on 'Extract Disc/Tracks/Sectors'


3. Here are the settings which work for me (!):
   
   • Disc Image/Cuesheet
   • File-Format: Automatic
   • Reading-Options UNchecked)
   • RAW,CD+G,CD-TEXT and MCN/USRC all UNchecked
   • Error Recovery: Ignore
   • Jitter Correction: Auto
   • Subcode Analyses: Fixed
   • Data-Speed: MAX
   • Read Retry Count: 10
   • Audio Speed: MAX
   • Subcode Threshold: 900



4. patch it with napalm modified... "using 2336 bytes sector size"


5. open disc juggler vers. 2


6. burn image to cd, open bin file (use all file types)


7. pop a good quailty (verbatim) cd into cdr burn

B:
Boot up Gameshark2 PS2, at menu, when cd stops, replace with game, choose start game WITHOUT codes...

DUMMY FILE TUTORIAL (BY GOKUN):

Ok, by popular demand, I'm going to give you all a tutorial on how to do this using the 2 methods I've had the most success with. I'll try to be as detailed as possible. Here goes...
The first thing you need to do is get the files from the cdrom(the PS2 game) to your hard drive. You can do this several ways. You can simply drag the files from windows explorer. Or you can open the CD in WinImage or ISObuster and choose "extract files".

This is done in both programs by selecting the files and right clicking on them. The extract files option will then be available.Perhaps the easier way however, is to make a BIN or ISO of your original CD and open *that* in either Winimage of ISObuster. In Winimage you will need to select files of type "All files" and then you can open the BIN just fine. OK, now you should have all the files on your hard drive. You will now want to create a 30MB dummy file. You may do this using the dummy file make which accompanies the modified ps2patcher, which can be found off of Zima's home page.

Select you location(the same as the game files),select your size, and hit build. In a couple of seconds you will have the dummy. Now, go to the directory where all the files are and rename the dummy file "0". Now comes the fun part. You can re-build your image in several ways, as I' mentioned at the start.

I'm only going to cover the most straight forward and successful methods...

OPTION 1: NERO:
You can load up Nero(the demo version available on the web will work just fine) and select the build new data cd wizard. The wizard opens automatically at startup. Select: Compile New CD,NEXT,Data CD,NEXT,Compile a new data cd?,NEXT,Finish. You'll now have two windows open in Nero. From the window on your right, locate your game files and drag them to the window on the left.

Highlight all files except for the dummy file and select properties...under this tab you will see an option which says priority...select high. Now select dummy file and repeat previous procedure except this time select LOW priority.Once this is done, right click NEW in the left window and hit properties. Under the multisession tab select No Multisession.Under the File Options tab select ISO level 1,Mode 2 XA, ISO9660, and check both options under relaxed filenames.

Under Volume Descriptor input the volume label of the original CD(in the case of TTT it would be tekkentagtournament. Under the dates tab make sure the default option(use dates from file) is selected. Finally under the Burn options select write and finalize cds, select your speed, etc. Now hit OK.

We're ready to burn. Just hit the burn button. The wizard will ask you a couple of straight forward questions. answer them appropriately. Good to go. Now, make an image of this *new* cd using cdrwin and patch it using the modified ps2patcher(choosing the second option:2352 bytes sector size (RAW).). Now burn this image back to CD. Voila. Dummy file successfully inserted and patched.

OPTION 2: EasyCD:
This is basically the same premise as Nero. You open a new data CD and make sure that you select Mode 2/XA under the options. Also select write ISO image to hard drive. In easyCD you might also need to reparent the files to ensure that they go to the proper locations when burned. To do this right click on them and select reparenting. I'm trying to stay somewhat generalized here because there are MANY versions of easycd which have slightly different features but all operate in the same way.

For example I'm using easycdpro95. However this method works in all versions of easy cd if you just take the time to find the proper options tabs, etc. Ok, back to the subject. Make sure the dummy file is first when you drag all the files into easycd, then make your image. Since you made an ISO image, there is no need to burn it first. Simply use the napalm patcher now selecting the second patching option;2352 bytes sector size (RAW).

Image patches successfully and you can now burn back to cd by re-loading easycd and choosing make cd from image file. You could also use cdrwin to burn if you feel like writing a cue sheet. Anyway, there are 2 methods of how to insert the dummy file. Hope this helps people. Again, I can't be more specific about the easycd method because of the number of different version that people will be using.

However, as I said, the stuff applies to all versions if you just take a little time to find the proper options, etc. An questions or comments? Feel free to ask. I got both of these methods to work on tekken tag. however, the game hangs about round 4. I had no luck at all on R5. For those of you wish to help out, you can try varying, smaller dummy file sizes on tekken tag.

Later folks!