Wait, it needs hardware modification even though it plugs into the back? I was under the impression it was a plug-and-play device and only needed modification for the later units which had the port removed. That could be a big hindrance for a large amount of people who want to purchase the device but have no technical skills.
I think that is where the majority of arguments started in the old threads, they weren't as forthcoming with the fact that a hardware mod was still necessary.
I don't think so. You can certainly buy a board that's been modded if you can't mod it yourself. Just look at all the people that had modchips installed back in the older days, or bought modded systems. This would just be a similar situation. If it works well and you are big on the PS it'll be worth it. However if you are more casual I can see how it not being plug and play might be enough to discourage you.
@MottZilla You make a good point with the modchips. I wasn't saying that nobody would want it, but it's not as convenient as say, a truly plug-and-play Everdrive-type cartridge which anybody with no technical skills could use. Internalizing the adapter could be a pretty nice mod as well. It could probably fit inside many models with some work and a slot cut for the SD card. I wonder if the load times will be sped up as well since the port is faster than the CD-drive?
Personally, I think I'll wait for an USB version so I can plug a disc in it. Can't store all the games on an SD card (yet). And before you ask "What do you need all games for?", I don't need it, but I want them accessible at all times, so that's why.
I don't think that this thing will be able to compete with something like an Everdrive from Krikzz. Still, it's nice to see some hardware developed for the Playstation these days.
This is that thing from haunted right? Who complained about Gemini Translations working on a operating system for the PS1? Well at least this is something.
They are still sending out PS-IO. Supposedly the very last batch will be mailed next week so some of the later ones may get it in a few weeks to a month (depending on customs clearance, I pity anyone in Brazil) Well, it did need a few lines to toggle between CD drive and the PS-IO and to inject the data simulating CD loads. There are 3 lines that were needed and not present so the switch board was made to fix that issues. Soldering is hard. 8 wires, 3 traces cut, tiny spots to solder in, a meter to verify cut traces and no shorts, and one needs magnifying glass and a good iron to do the job. So unfortunately it can be a hinderance to those who wants one and has zero skill. It can be internalized. Those that has parallel port, just wire it to the port spot on the board. The version for installation in a 9000 model and the PSOne models should be available later. Since it streams data like a simulated CD drive, it will load about the same. You can skip the slow Sony boot logo by adding fastboot file and setting it in the preference, that should shave oh about 6 or 7 seconds from the power on. Supposedly planned later. The PS-IO does have USB port but only as a device to upload data from your computer. It can't be used for USB drive. 64 and 128GB SD card seems to be working when formatted as fat32. The benefit of PS-IO is easier to make game since you don't need to make multiple CD-Rs to test every major and minor bug fixes. Also for those who don't collect games but want to play games a single SD card is much smaller than a stack of 40 or 50 game discs. And PS-IO should last a very long time while the CD motor and laser will burn out eventually and replacement can be hard to find in the future.
Can you point me to a guide for that? I have at least one of each ps1 pal models. Just the other day, think it was last thursday, I checked their website and joined the forums. I was aware of some modding in need but if that's really that hard to an inexperienced user, I'll have to agree that a great lot of potential buyers will be put aside. Still, I keep my interest but will have to consider shedding out for a soldering service (adding that to the 150 AUD price tag, can put a strain on most wallets). In any case, that's good news.
I think they were hoping it wasn't going to be, but severely underestimated how much work that would take. The basic problem is that although the PSX has CD-ROM access routines built into the ROM, only the very earliest titles used them, and anything more recent has the CD library linked into the code - often in multiple places. This leaves you with only a few options. 1) Do a hardware mod and put your simulated control registers in the correct place. 2) Use the breakpoint registers to set up a trap when code tries to access the hardware and redirect it. Slow and invasive. 3) Patch the code to redirect CD-ROM accesses. Requires either a very smart patching engine or distinct patches for every game - both would require lots of time and testing. I have actually had a play with option 2, and it basically works - it breaks libcrypt (because the BP registers are used for storing data by it) and because PSX games vary so much in the way they use memory it's hard to find where to put the hook routines - you can put them in ROM in the expansion space, but this is very slow, and this approach is slow enough already.
Biggest problem with that idea is that the PSX doesn't have a separate drive controller board. On systems like the DC, Saturn or Gamecube you can disconnect the drive and have a drive interface to hook up to - on the PSX, all you have are the low level mostly analog signals from the optical pickup assembly. So you would basically have to emulate the drive mechanics and then simulate the whole low-level signal format of a CD (subcode, EFM streams, merging bits, etc.) - just so that the CD DSP could throw it all away again. It's doable, but it's a much bigger problem than designing something for a machine with an accessible CD interface.
It would in theory be the best solution though. Something you could plug into any PS system in place of the cd-rom assembly. But unless and until that happens this seems like the best option.
My beta cartridge is on its way. I live in the US so it's taking longer and I waited a few days after the beta opened to order it. As far as the switch board is concerned, I had a PS1 mainboard with bad video and just ordered a board from them with the switchboard installed and killed two birds with one stone. I believe the switchboard is for certain games but I also think it's a form of anti-piracy for PSIO itself. There are many references in the manual stating that the switch board must be installed or damage could occur.
