What have we (re)learned so far in the QJ Homebrew series? First we had the definition of terms, then the identification of specs for each PSP model. And then we gave you the Firmware Database. See where the flow is going?

Right. The next step then is to line up the things you'll need to get your PSP to run sweet, sweet homebrew. And that's exactly what we have here for you in this issue of QJ's How-To series: What you need to get homebrew running on your PSP.

Now, don't be expecting an installation guide in this post -- we're saving that for next week. Let's take this one step at a time so the new ones out there won't be overwhelmed by all this information. Ready? Take a deep breath, then. Here we go with QJ's How-To Issue #2.

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Things you need:

• A PSP handheld
• MemStick
• USB cable
• Custom Firmware
  
• Pandora's Battery
  

Okay, that's pretty simple thus far. The first three items listed above are self-explanatory. As for the Custom Firmware and Pandora's Battery, that's where we'd like to zoom in for this issue. We've already provided you with the database for the CFWs, so that should help you in eeny-minny-miney-moing your way to the gates of golden homebrews.

However, it is important to note that as each CFW is custom-made (pardon the pun), while they do, in general, harbor the same characteristics, there still are differentiations in their nitty-gritties. Also, before anything else, you have to identify which Official Firmware is in your unit.

But how do you do that? Aw, it's simple. And yes, we're addressing even the noobest of questions. Here's how to check your firmware:

1. On the XMB, go to Settings
2. --> System Settings
3. ------> System Information

With that done,  you can cross-check your FW and what you need to enable homebrew with the table below.

Firmware Requirement

OFFICIAL FIRMWARE	COMPATIBLE CUSTOM FIRMWARE/ EXPLOITS
3.51 and Up	Pandora Memory Stick/ Battery is a MUST
3.10 – 3.50	Downgrade to CFW 1.5
2.81 – 3.03	Either upgrade to CFW 3.03 + 3.03 HEN Or downgrade to 1.5
2.80	2.80 Downgrader: TA-079 to TA-086 Or eLoader 0.995 (latest version) Or  limited TIFF apps and games
2.71	Generic Downgrader/ TA-082 Downgrader Or eLoader Märzenbien Or HEN C
2.70	Upgrade to 2.71 + Generic Downgrader Or eLoader Märzenbien Or HEN C
2.50 / 2.60	eLoader Or  upgrade to 2.50/ 2.60 and then downgrade to 1.5
2.01	eLoader Or upgrade to 2.50/ 2.60 and then downgrade to 1.5
2.00	Downgrade to 1.50 Or eLoader
1.51 / 1.52	Upgrade to OFW 2.00. You need this in order for you to downgrade to 1.5
1.50	HOMEBREW HEAVEN

Pandora's Battery Requirements

• CFW'ed PSP or homebrew compatible FW
• PSP battery for conversion
• USB cable

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That was a lean one, huh? Don't worry. We won't leave it at that. We'll still go in-depth into the installation procedures for the must-haves in homebrew. And what do you know, that's lined up next in QJ's How-To #3 for next week. Same time, same day, Fridays, ayt? Don't forget! Especially to the new kids on the block.

And for the veterans out there, do give a shoutout and lend some helping hand as well. We'll have nice long chats about this and more in our forums. Over tea and crumpets. Or nuts and ice cold beer. Whichever you want. Because here at QJ, we're all about giving you whatever you like.

*cue in T.I.* Stacks on deck, Patron on ice, and we can pop bottles all night. Baby, you could have whatever you like. I said you could have whatever you like.

Ahem, Ahem. Yeah. Guess we're done here. For now. Catch you all again next week!

Visit: QJ.NET PSP Guides forum

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Related articles:

• QJ How-To Issue #1: Know your PSP models
• QJ QuickGuides Issue #2: What's your Firmware? OFWs and CFWs database
• QuickJump QuickGuide: the PSP Homebrew Dictionary