So, I'm finally starting to experiment with different setup for my PS1 dev environment. I'm waiting to get a Win98-capable box to make things easier; in the meantime I have a WinXP 32-bits with built-in parallel port. Here are my questions so far: 1-I'm planning on using a GameShark Pro. Before flashing it with Caetla, I'd like to backup the ROM (it's v.3.1, which is pretty rare). Can I backup the ROM from within WinXP prior to flashing caetla? If so, how would I do it? 2-I read the only way to communicate between WinXP and Caetla is using Catflap, due to all other tools being MS-DOS based (i.e. trying to direct access the HW, which NT family does not allow). I downloaded catflap 2.36 (latest version I could find), but whenever I run it, I get an error message about missing catflap.sys. The application still runs, though I wonder if it'll work fine without that file. If anyone can provide said file, I'll really appreciate it. 3-Is Userport a MUST when trying to get this setup under Win2k/XP? 4-Is there any (un)documented (either official or not) API/whatever that allows a PS app to interact with the Parallel port, without needing the PC? That is: I'd like to make an PS1 app that works like the BIOS dumper, but dumps the ROM of the cartridge (ie. GameShark/AR/Xploder) to the Memory Card or to the PC. Can this be done somehow without having to further investigate the hardware and programming in R3000 assembly code? I tried to be clear in each question, but let me know if there's anything I missed.
1 - You need to de-solder the PLCC or PDIP ROM and see if your flasher can accept it. As for the other questions, I am not certain on the answers.
I guess I did not specify that: I do not have and do not plan on purchasing a flasher and/or desoldering stuff. The question was if it is possible to do it just with the cartridge in the PS1 connected with a DB25 parallel cable to the computer.
No? :thumbsup: program one? an app dat is loaded from Cd or Actionreplay that located its memory adress and buffers them in memory, then put it on the serial line or someting. or rewrite a PC upgrade app to try to download the rom, is there a verification protocol? then maybe it can rewriten to download I saw a method of writing an reading eproms on the IDE bus. in linux, but i think you still need to desolder it then. I just made a dip socket while i was doing a desolder. http://hitmen.c02.at/files/docs/psx/GS32Comms.htm#7 isnt that telling us we can access alot of memory? ist the AR located in memory space or even copied to it? i dunno, just my thoughs, im now doing a small xbox project.
Ok, I guess there's no existing tool that will do that. I hope it can be programmed without too much hassle. Now regarding my other questions... anyone?
Of course there are such tools ! Hanimar has made a lot of research for the Action Replay 3. On Xianaix's page, you can download AR3 flash rom tools : http://xianaix.net/filez.htm Burn a CD, plug the LPT cable, and launch the utilities. You can have more information on his old page (this is a mirror) : http://gamehacking.org/sites/www.reocities.com/SiliconValley/station/8269/
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm already familiar with the tools in xianaix site and none of them will serve my purpose: to dump the ROM of my GS Pro to a memory card, like the BIOS dumper does. I still have to retry with catflap+AR3 flash CD, but haven't had luck last time; need to check my LPT configuration.
