Gaming piracy is a serious problem that seems impossible to eradicate. But is there hope for game developers? According to Atari founder Nolan Bushnell, there is, thanks to the TPM encryption chips that are being built into some of the latest motherboards. More in the full article.

 

Codes02 has released the General IdStorage Repair and 1.50 ipl Enabler, a new application which will help you with your TA-082 PSPs. In fact, it should be able to repair the idstorage on TA-082 units PSP, provided you have the technical know-how to use this app properly.

Since even I don't even know everything there is to know about this app, and to avoid any confusion, here's some verbatim information straight from Codes02 on the new app. Just remember that newcomers to hacks and homebrew better wait for more info to come along before trying this and that we won't be responsible for any bricks you may incur, alright?

From Codes02:

This is a program I have created and generally modified for my own use as new developments in the idstorage on ta082 motherboards were revealed. With the recent revelations by SilverSpring, the fact that only the 0x5 key must be corrupt to boot the 1.50 ipl, and due to random confirmations of this by numerous other forum members, it now seems we have reached the end of the path of idstorage modification for the purpose of fixing ta082 mobo's.

This program is for kernels with module loading already patched and that support normal eboots (these usually are bundled one in the same).

SE and OE firmwares as well as HEN revisions should certainly function.

It features functions to repair the idstorage (except for key 5, with it modifies and restores so that it is seen as corrupt) from every idstorage fixer program i could think of. If you have done custom modifications to your idstorage and shuffled the keys yourself, don't use this. In fact, if it tells you you utilized a program you did not, i recommend you exit immediately and perhaps notify me in some way (don't scream) and i may decide to fix it.

In any case, if run from a non idStorage Fixed psp (such as one running 2.71 or 2.80) it will detect this and do a simple 0x5 key corruption in the same way done on the hardware downgraders. The second byte of 0x5 is changed to 0x68 from 0x6b.

Download: General IdStorage Repair and 1.50 ipl Enabler

We're going to break this thing gently to you. Remember the Terminator movies? In the third installment, Rise of the Machines, we were introduced to a stronger and faster killing machine. It was called TX. T-101, as Schwarzenegger's character said, is already an obsolete design. Don't forget however that during its prime, T-101 gave humans a ton of problems.

Now, think of the cursed TA-082 as the T-101. Why? Because rumors are spreading that Sony just unleashed its own TX. In a post in 0okm's blog, there's an image that shows the latest motherboard PCB called TA-086. Rumor has it that it's another one of those hellish motherboards made specifically to crush the scene. As of now, the homebrew community is still unable to fully crack the previous TA-082.

So, what information are known regarding this TA-086? Unfortunately, no one knows for sure. Firmware restrictions, what firmware it ships with, we do not know. Some are even saying it doesn't actually exist. Good then if that's the case. But what if it's the other way around?

We've got some pretty bad news for PSP owners out there who have firmware 2.50 with the cursed TA-082 motherboards. Coder 0okm, who was working on a SoftDown downgrader for TA-082s, has decided to stop working on the said project. This decision came about after somebody tried to hack into his Gmail account and discredited him with some nasty gossip.

All the people who were generous enough to donate support for 0okm's work were fully refunded - which is a good thing - but we still can't help but feel a bit down about this news item. Hopefully, either 0okm will decide to work on the project again in the near future or someone else will pick it up.

Right now, let's all show some support for 0okm in whatever his next homebrew project is.

Some thought it might be impossible, others simply felt that only God's hands could code a software downgrader for the unfortunate TA-082 people. Well, let's just say that 0okm might have finally broken the shackles imposed by the TA-082 PSPs.

Firstly, a small primer for anyone new to the whole TA-082 thing. A while back, before the Undiluted Platinum modchip came out, most people were quite oblivious to the whole mobo-mania. Then it was revealed that the modchip wouldn't work with the TA-082 motherboards. Even Dark_Alex's "downdater" couldn't downgrade 'em. Few people who were brave enough to still try it were greeted by shiny bricks. Here's how you can check if you're one of the unlucky ones to have a TA-082 mobo PSP.

The reason was quite unknown. A lot of theories existed, but it was difficult to pinpoint the real problem. Well, we can safely consider it as part of the past now, because 0okm states that he has successfully downgraded a 2.50 TA-082 PSP using a software downgrader. Until now, the only other way to accomplish a downgrade was by using hardware hacks, like 0okm's multi firmware module.

Not anymore though, because we might just have a solution for the TA-082 motherboards! Here's what he states in his blog:

"Success SoftDown FW2.50 TA-082 to FW1.00/1.50

Had found a method SoftDown TA-082's FW2.50 PSP to FW1.00/1.50
But the method is quite complex, SoftDown a TA-082's PSP need about 45min

1. Use software Read Data From TA-082's NandFlash & DDR DRam
2. Analyzes the Data than make a "FW1.00/1.50 NandFlash img" that can Boot on TA-082
3. Use software Write that "FW1.00/1.50 NandFlash img" to TA-082

maybe late i will make a software to let "FW2.50 TA-082" user to dump "NandFlash & DDR DRam" data to me
than i can make the "FW1.00/1.50 NandFlash img" to help them SoftDown their TA-082 :P"

Well, so the method might take a while and it might be a bit complex. But trust the great programmers to make an easy installation method for everyone to use. 0okm has said that he might release something as a proof of concept. Keep the fireworks ready!

0okm has released a modified version of eLoader for 2.50/2.60. We are probably all aware of 0okm's hardware modifications to the PSP, but this is one of his most recent software creations, and this time it comes to eLoader.

eLoader was developed by Fanjita and Ditlew using the GTA exploit. Now, for those who did not downgrade or can not downgrade (those with TA-082 motherboards), you can now run eLoader and use a USB connection to transfer files to or from your PSP. In the past this was not possible using the eLoader on 2.5/2.6, but 0okm has worked his magic and it is now possible! Although eLoader can not load the USB call function, this program can. All you have to do is run this application after having started eLoader

Thanks MedievalAnubis for the tip!

UPDATE: Those who earlier tried to download this application complained that the download link was not working. We apologize for that. But you can go ahead and try it now...the link has been fixed. Have fun!

Download: [eLoader w/USB (2.50/2.60)]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]

Update: It seems that some of the members here mistook my excitement as a prelude to a downgrader announcement which would happen in the future. Just so that none of the readers get a wrong idea, I will clear a few things out:

This does not mean that there will be a software downgrader for the TA-082 PSPs anytime soon, or even if there will be one ever. Until now, all of us thought that the downgrading failure was something to do with the 1.50 IPL; that it had been blocked on the newer TA-082 motherboards. However, reading a lot of good material from the accomplished hardware hackers has put me in doubt. Rather than trying to translate it into 'noob'-speak, and mis-translating it in the process, I'll first quote some an important observation by 0okm in a thread in the PS2DEV forums.

"i use Hardware Downgrader make it to FW1.00
and try use FW1.50 EBOOT.PBP to update it but not success
the error same as software Downgrader :P
1007 with FW1.00 or FW2.00+1.00index.dat can't run 1.50 update EBOOT.PBP !!
so the problem is NOT on the IPL !!"

Now, in simpler words, it means that he downgraded a TA-082 PSP to firmware 1.0; using his hardware downgrader of course. Then, trying to run the 1.50 update gave him the same error which you would get when trying the 2.0 -> 1.5 MPH downgrader. This simply proves the fact that it isn't JUST the IPL which is blocking/getting blocked here.

Normally, flashing 1.0 firmware onto your PSP would also flash the 1.0 IPL, which should theoretically allow you to update to 1.5. But here, that is not the case. This does prove the fact that Sony have done a lot of hard work in trying to block firmware 1.5 on the newer motherboards. Obviously, the part about using a 1.0 update doesn't come into the picture because we don't even have a 1.0 update eboot.

It has been verified by 0okm that the new motherboards can support all firmwares including and upwards of 1.51, which leaves out 1.0 and 1.5. Although you might wonder why they still support FW 1.51 and others, you should know that the first TA-082s were sighted in Asia (Hong Kong and Singapore to be specific) and were using FW 1.51 and above.

Nonetheless, this doesn't undermine the importance of this accomplishment. Even though we've covered 0okm's Multi Firmware Module before, I'll do a quick recap here. I can safely assume that this hack was done by 0okm primarily to let himself run any firmware on any PSP, without being restricted by the limits of software.

For a few months now, we've heard news about this hack. And it wouldn't be wrong to call it a modchip. The main advantage here again is the ability to manually flash any PSP with external hardware, and onto a separate storage chip. Now compare this with the Undiluted Platinum chip which is currently being sold commercially and you can see the similarities. I haven't been able to talk personally with 0okm to clear a few doubts, so I can't speak on anything apart from what I've read in the public forums.

But it's known that the TA-082 chip uses different voltages when compared to the earlier motherboards. The fact that 0okm has been able to apply his Multi Firmware hack on this newer model means that he has a few things already sorted out. Obviously, this doesn't prove that you will be able to downgrade your TA-082 PSPs to 1.5 any time soon. It's still a grey area as to how the chip is actually blocking the 1.50 update, and until someone can solve that problem, we can't hope for a downgrader, whether hardware-based or software-based.

What we can surely hope for, is that 0okm can continue his research on these 'cursed' motherboards, so that their owners can join us soon. Now onto my original post.

---

These last few weeks have been ones of great agony for some PSP users. No, they're not the ones with firmware 2.71, but rather, the ones who have one of the cursed TA-082 motherboards in their PSP.

They've been staring at all the downgrading and homebrew goodness for a while now, but can't downgrade because it would only lead to a brick. Well, it was only a matter of time before the great hackers found a way to override the restrictions in that motherboard.

And who better than the mad-scientist 0okm to accomplish this amazing feat! Yes, that's right; 0okm's latest entry in his blog states that he has been able to successfully use his multi-firmware module on a TA-082 motherboard. To those who don't know, 0okm is one of the very few (and by that, I mean about 3-4) people who've actually made their own modchip. His customised creation allows him to test all his wicked mods without fearing a brick.

Although currently not very useful for anyone here, since he isn't selling them yet, this does prove that you can actually hack and slash even the evil TA-082 motherboard.

Here's what he had to say: "PSP Multi Firmware module will support TA-082 on NEXT Ver. so if your TA-082 PSP is FW2.50 or FW2.60 don't update !!! :P"

Start the fireworks guys! The TA-082 people could be joining us 1.5 users! Time to partaay!

Homebrew developer, UberOne, has just informed us through our forums that he has released the real and faster FINAL version of his homebrew app -- eChanger. Just a little refresher for all those who have no idea what this is, eChanger is specifically created for those people using GTA Boot. This is a program that will allow you to change the eMenu easily in such a way that you need not restart GTA to view the changes.

And if you could recall, we earlier reported that the good developer has already released a final version of the app. Although he had earlier mentioned that he anticipates that there aren't many who'll get a chance to use it since a lot of people have just downgraded, the guy just can't leave the app alone knowing that it isn't 100% good.

He said through our forums that "I knew something was wrong in the code that made it take forever to load. I have since fixed this problem though and now everything is instant. I would like to add that i promise this will be the last version seeing as there is nothing else i can do." He again mentioned that "there is not much need of this in the homebrew scene anymore due to the fact of downgraders. But some people do choose not to downgrade and some have TA-082 motherboards."

So with that, here is the final version of the eChanger which, according to the dev himself, won't take forever to load. We here at QJ are thankful to guys like UberOne for sharing their knowledge and expertise to the gaming community, and we won't be surprised if the guy comes out with a new and awesome app in the future. Also, don't forget to hook us up with your constructive opinions, suggestions, criticisms and other what-nots in our comments section.

Download: [eChanger Final Version]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]

Those who own an Undiluted Platinum Modchip, or those who ware waiting on their order will be pleased to know that ModchipStore have given us a video to show the flashing process of an Undiluted Platinum modchip. Although not great quality, the video shows every part of the flashing process including the flashing software installation on Windows PCs to the actual flashing of the PSP. Take note that at the point of flashing the video is sped up just to keep the file size down - the actual flashing process takes about five minutes.

The video is 3 minutes long and it's probably the best you can get for a step-by-step guide on how to flash your modchip from the word go, and could even persuade some of you with normal PSP motherboards to purchase the modchip.

If you haven't ordered a Undiluted Platinum modchip yet but would like to, here are the links necessary to get yourself on the route to PSP firmware freedom:

• Buy the modchip and do-it-yourself (or have a friend help out)
• Have it professionally installed by ModChipStore.com
• Buy a pre-modified Black PSP with Undiluted Platinum already install

Couple the Undiluted Platinum Modchip, firmware 1.5, firmware 2.7 and this video and you have homebrew perfection!

Download: [Undiluted Platinum Modchip flashing video]

UPDATE #4: A few more installation pictures have surfaced showing detailed examples of the Undiluted Platinum Installation. These new images are much larger and will be extra handy when soldering in those small areas. We hope you put them to some good use.

UPDATE #3: Shortly after receiving and posting the PDF guide, we were informed that it contained some serious errors. If you downloaded the PDF before Tuesday, June 27, 12:00am (Noon) EST then please re-download the file.

UPDATE #2: The Undiluted Platinum Installation guide has just arrived, complete with disclaimers that the installation is for "skilled professionals only, and should not be attempted by amateurs" (Check images below). The installation guide is in a .pdf format, so you will need Adobe Reader to view this.

UPDATE #1: We've got diagrams for chip installation on TA-081 motherboards! Scroll down, guys! (The diagrams for the TA-080s will follow shortly.)

This just in hot off the presses from the dudes and dudettes behind the eagerly anticipated first PSP modchip, "Undiluted Platinum." Finally we have some concrete information on where the chip stands as far as PSP compatibility goes.

"The U.P. team have released the first set of installation diagrams for their upcoming modchip.The diagrams show installation position of the FPC cables , traces which require soldering of wire to and usage procedure of the installation aids. The first release is for Motherboard TA-079, with TA-080 and TA-081 to follow tomorrow. TA-082 is not supported, however, they seem to be limited to Asia and have 2.6 or above firmwares. We believe that overall numbers of TA-082 as a proportion compared with TA-079, TA-080 and TA-081, should be quite limited."

If that all sounds and looks like Sanskrit to you, fear not, we're here to transambulate the kooky techspeak for ya. Apparently 0okm was right when he stated that PSP's with TA-082 motherboards wouldn't be able to benefit from the sweet chip's modular magic, but don't panic, here's the skinny:

The chip will work with all PSP's that contain motherboards with model numbers TA-079, TA-080 and TA-081. However, the installation of the chip across these three motherboards will differ, the images below show the installation of the chip on a TA-079 motherboard.

  

As promised, here are the diagrams detailing installation on TA-081 boards (you can also download these from our DL site, have a look at the link down below):

The current iteration of the U.P. chip will NOT work on newer PSP's with motherboard models TA-082. The makers of Undiluted Platinum are however aware of this fact and according to our sources are working on a second generation chip to rectify the situation. As mentioned in the quote above, the number of PSP's with TA-082 motherboards is most likely very small, and most current PSP owners (especially in the states) should be in the clear and out of the woods.

This is NOT something we recommend to anyone without any previous soldering or modding experience. As a reminder, USA based ModChipStore.com will be providing 3 services for those of you that are lazy who don't have the time, or are afraid of breaking their PSP by installing this.

• Buy the modchip and do-it-yourself (or have a friend help out)
• Have it professionally installed by ModChipStore.com
• Buy a pre-modified Black PSP with Undiluted Platinum already installed

Keep watching QJ.NET and PSPUpdates, we'll keep you posted on all Undiluted Platinum news as soon as it breaks!

Download: [UP Installation Diagrams for PSP TA-079]
Download: [UP Installation Diagrams for PSP TA-081]
Download: [UP Installation PDF Guide]