PS2 network adapter's ethernet not working (error code 203 in OPL)

I'm just trying to figure out where the problem lies because the places I bought this stuff are quite stuffy about returns that have nothing wrong with them and want to either 'repair or replace' instead of money back. Good luck with something like the official NA. So ideally I don't want to be opening anything up.

Basically, I was using my fat ps2 SCPH-5003, Sony network adapter SCPH-10350 (SKD) connected to IDE (PATA) Seagate ST3320620AV 320GB to stream files from shared folder in OPL and after a while of getting 'SMB error 300' I started to get network error code 203 in Open PS2 Loader. I thought my IP or permissions had changed, but it turns out it must be either the PS2 or network adapter because I plug my slim PS2 in via croscross-over cable and it works fine.

The light no longer comes on anymore on the ethernet port of the NA whereas it used to. It comes on pretty quickly with the slim. When I ping the fat PS2 no packets get through. Incidentally, because I think this is a separate hdd compatibility issue, the hard drive could never 'keep' it's format so I could transfer and play ISOs when the NA's ethernet was working, but it would show unformatted on cold boot. I was using this transfer method because I had no IDE to USB adaptor to use Winhiip, so tried formatting the hdd using ulaunch, hdloader and hdlgameinstaller to no avail.

Could anyone advise on the most likely culprit and their recommendations about what to return? Spent so many hours trying to set this up cos loading is much faster.

Thanks

 

Seems like a bad connection. Try removing everything connecting the PS2 to the computer and reconnect. Might as well dust the other connectors out as well maybe.

 

Error 203 means that your network adaptor would not be initialized. If you have another PlayStation 2 to test your network adaptor on, that will be great.

Avoid using SMB if possible, since you already have a HDD unit. If you can do that, you will soon understand why I think that way.

 

I tried that many times and it didn't make a difference.

Unfortunately I do not have another fat PS2. I only have x1 fat and x1 slim. I don't know anyone who still has a fat I can test.

Yeah, I don't want to be using SMB trust me, that's why I bought a fat PS2, NA and IDE hard drive. Faster loading time and more self-contained and maybe even more energy efficient solution.

It's been a nightmare though (hdd wouldn't keep format and even when it was working for a while I got error 300, with the light coming on belatedly, and now error 203 constantly and no light at all on NA ethernet port.

 

Okay, the HDD issues are known to be difficult to diagnose without a spare Network Adaptor and/or PlayStation 2 console. So let's start with the obvious...

Have you tried reseating the network adaptor, cleaning the expansion connector and checking it for broken pins? If you can't get OPL to detect the network adaptor anymore, then it's most likely dead and you may have some success with another network adaptor.
While I have personally caused my SCPH-39006's expansion bay to become dysfunctional through use (IC link on the 12V line blown), I don't think that it's likely the cause. Especially since you seem to be already having issues with this network adaptor.

BTW, your PlayStation 2's model is SCPH-50003. PlayStation 2 consoles have 5-digit model numbers.

 

Yes, I have tried re-seating the NA about 4-6 times. I blew into the connection just to see whether any dirt came out and it didn't. I wiped it with a screen cleaning wipe with no change. I don't see any bent pins, however the metal frame around the pins is slightly deformed in one very specific place top right (it was like that when I bought it and I commented on it to the shop staff). When I connect it I make sure that the NA is screwed in so it is flush with the PS2. There is no movement or 'looseness' that would indicate it is not attached correctly.

Btw - Is this alcohol good for cleaning the pins and any electronics? http://www.amazon.co.uk/SHL-BRAND-I...=1423304428&sr=1-1&keywords=isopropyl+alcohol

Yes, I left out a zero on my model no. You are correct, it is SCPH-50003.

Since trying all those things with no success I took it back to the shop and trying to explain to them what the issue is. As you can imagine it is difficult to diagnose this problem without having multiple fat PS2's and network adapters. The shop I took it back to do not have any spare network adapters to test. Well, they said they would take a look at it for me and if it is faulty give a repair or a replacement. It's just that I was reluctant to take it back to them because their policy means I have to either wait for them to have another NA in stock (they're quite rare), wait for them to repair (not hopeful) or if nothing wrong end up paying travel expenses of getting to the shop (It'll end up costing more than the NA in travel expenses going backwards and forwards).

The joys of second-hand electronics. I will keep you posted.

 

Doesn't the PS2 network adapter have some kind of protection?
I thought it was fused...

Is it a genuine one...


Otherwise if you are in the market for another unit try here >
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/For-...rk-HDD-Adaptor-made-in-China/32279981907.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free...-Adaptor-SCPH-10350-For-Sony/32250528848.html


Slightly off topic but here is a neat retrofit sata conversion kit for the SCPH-10350 NA>
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/SATA...-SCPH-10350-with-fre-shipping/1690899561.html

 

I don't know whether it is fused. Looked genuine to me. I didn't open it to check chips etc. because otherwise the shop would have accused me of a botched repair attempt and not replaced it if faulty.

 

FYI, these are clones! D:

But okay. To be honest, I've seen at least 1 more or less decent IDE one that appeared to have working network support. Its ATA support was like 99% compatible (at the hardware level) too. The only glitch was that it didn't understand what the homebrew ATAD was doing when it wrote 0x86 to the DMA control register, so it got confused when I split that into two consecutive writes like the SONY driver do (0x06, before 0x80).

So it is not too bad, but then I wouldn't expect it to work with SONY software. I put a workaround for the DMA EN glitch in the PS2SDK and OPL, since it seems like some people get similar network adaptors and wonder why things don't work. But I cannot vouch for its longitivity or general compatibility with software though (it'll work with OPL at least, but I don't know if it has other issues). I'm saying that it's already one of the best, for as far as compatibles and clones go.

But as for SATA adaptors... I haven't seen one that actually works fully and has network support at the same time. =_=

Most likely, network support won't happen because they will need registered things like MAC addresses.

 

Ask an American if you have to. The USA NA can be found under $10 by itself, or under $30 new in box.

 

did the op ever get this fixed? i am getting the same thing and have tried cleaning and reseating the NA multiple times

 

In the end I managed to get a replacement official adapter from the shop I bought it (they took a really long time) and my setup works now. I think it was a faulty adapter although I can't be 100% sure because I now use a usb enclosure to be able to use Winhiip instead of ulaunch for format and hdlgameinstaller for games.

So I scanned the drive in Winhiip and let it repair errors. I then did a full 48bit format which took over 3 hours. I then installed my games again using Winhiip and so far everything is working flawlessly. I tried on different days just to make sure and it's all good. From now on I'm sticking with winhiip and OPL. Only problem is the power adapter for the enclosure I bought from Amazon was faulty (it would switch on/off when you touch the cable flex relief of the plug going into it) so now I have to find another good one for ide 3.5" which isn't easy. Any recommendations?