PS2 [MX4SIO/SIO2SD] SD Card Adapter and SD-driver for the PS2 SIO2 interface

[Vendest]

Hey bro, for me it was 87% working - i didn't pass on the 13% to @Versatile that didn't work for the spreadsheet, because most of those games were already in Red on the list from before, when TnA + Anakin was testing them, and those didn't work for me either.

I used a Kioxia Exceria (which is Toshiba) 16GB and also a 32GB one. Each time before i loaded another list of games into the memory card to test, i formatted it every time with GuiFormat, the cluster size was 16k. That helped with the compatibility for sure.

I also have a Toshiba Exceria 32GB which gives the same results.

EDIT: ...i forgot to add that a Sony PS1 / DS1 controller caused many games not to load / crash. Having a Sony DS2 controller (only) on port 1 helped alot, especially for racing games, and some others.

That was very helpful, thanks! Used GuiFormat and set the cluster to 16k which increased greatly the games compatibility.
Good to know that the 128GB Kingston Canvas works as intended.
I use a Sony DS2 mainly and a modified arcade stick based on an early Sony PS1 controller for the shmups.

 

[AngryHelder]

The cluster size was 16k. That helped with the compatibility for sure.

Formatting the SD Card in 16k clusters helps with compatibility? This should be posted where people can see this information, perhaps on the first post.

 

[fpp]

Can someone reupload the link for the schematics? Or send me a photo of it? I want to make my own PCB but for THT components and with wider copper tracks so its easier to manufacture at home. Thanks!

 

[indrora]

Can someone reupload the link for the schematics? Or send me a photo of it? I want to make my own PCB but for THT components and with wider copper tracks so its easier to manufacture at home. Thanks!

My version is built to be hand solder-able. Finding a full size SD slot that has bigger pads would make it fairly easy to hand solder.

The head of the thead has the design from @Takeshi linked.

 

[Workz_777]

That was very helpful, thanks! Used GuiFormat and set the cluster to 16k which increased greatly the games compatibility.
Good to know that the 128GB Kingston Canvas works as intended.
I use a Sony DS2 mainly and a modified arcade stick based on an early Sony PS1 controller for the shmups.

Nice! Shumps are my favorite! Yeah if ever a game doesn't load with a PS1 controller, try with only a Sony DS2 (or DS3 via USB / BT) ...and see if that helps. I noticed Shumps work fine with a PS1 controller, but alot of racing games only work with a Sony DS2.

It's best to add all the games you want to the memory card in one go, after formatting of course. Rather than adding a few games first and then adding some more later. I put all the games into one folder, then copy them all across to the DVD folder on MX4SIO.

Formatting the SD Card in 16k clusters helps with compatibility? This should be posted where people can see this information, perhaps on the first post.

I think for 32GB cards and above, GUiFormat will default to 16k clusters, but for a 16GB card GUiFormat will default to 8k clusters, so it might be worth selecting 16k clusters and then quick format. I have a couple Nintendo DS lites that use RGF's YSMenu Fork, and i remember the dev saying for best compatiblity to format the MicroSD memory card using 16k clusters, so out of habit i'm always doing that now.

Can someone reupload the link for the schematics? Or send me a photo of it? I want to make my own PCB but for THT components and with wider copper tracks so its easier to manufacture at home. Thanks!

Here is the link to download the MX4SIO folder, inside it has the MX4SIO (PDF) manual in different languages. The manual has all the schematics and BOM.

https://www.trisaster.de/file/sony/ps2/mx4sio/dl_hardware/09-002-0_MX4SIO.zip

Whoa..
I was able to build my own prototype of MX4SIO (without sacrificing my precious PS2 memory cards ).
Thank you everyone who made MX4SIO possible.
Since I do not have enough equipment I decided to etch memory card contacts only by masking contact area.
and... it worked !!!!!!!
OPL detected my homemade MX4SIO sd card games and it worked so much better than running games from USB drive!
I couldn't believe that my homemade prototype PCB actually worked..
I might just build slightly improved prototype.

If you can get cheap PCB mask, ferric chloride and copper board, you might be able to build this by your own.

Very nice!

 

[fpp]

Here is the link to download the MX4SIO folder, inside it has the MX4SIO (PDF) manual in different languages. The manual has all the schematics and BOM.

https://www.trisaster.de/file/sony/ps2/mx4sio/dl_hardware/09-002-0_MX4SIO.zip

Thanks for this, I already finished copying the schematic back to kicad for later pcb-routing.

The only problem I encoutered is that appearently, none of my local electronic components shops have/work with the T20 mosfet (BSS84). I was wondering if someone could help me to find another similar PMOS, and then I try asking to my local electronics shops if they have them in stock.

Sadly buying the component from digi-key or other sites isn't an option, since I want to buy components to manufacture one PCB, and add to that the delivery fees, and all the other fees that my country adds when buying things from other countries. That would drastically rise the overall price, and it wouldnt be worth it.

Something I was thinking about, if the PMOS mosfet is the one in charge of controlling the data transmission LED of the SD card, why to bother with such uncommon PMOS, and instead use a more redily aviable NMOS, and just flip the LED and 3.5v/GND? Even better, I could use the same 2N7002E NMOS MOSFET and maybe its just as easy as that. But considering that I dont know anything about the SD protocol or SPI, and Im also kinda of a novice at MOSFET, I prefer to ask here and have the opinnion of those who actually know about SD and MOSFET.

 

[indrora]

Thanks for this, I already finished copying the schematic back to kicad for later pcb-routing.

The only problem I encoutered is that appearently, none of my local electronic components shops have/work with the T20 mosfet (BSS84). I was wondering if someone could help me to find another similar PMOS, and then I try asking to my local electronics shops if they have them in stock.

I believe the reason was "had them on hand", since much of the design was done before the part shortages kicked in.

 

[fpp]

I believe the reason was "had them on hand", since much of the design was done before the part shortages kicked in.

So, in theory, if I just readjust the resistor values, I could use any mosfet I want? I mean, anything I choose wont affect compatibility, right?

 

[Versatile]

I will add a note to the spreadsheet 16k clusters help with game compatibility.

 

[fpp]

So, in theory, if I just readjust the resistor values, I could use any mosfet I want? I mean, anything I choose wont affect compatibility, right?

Also, taking a look at both MOSFET circuits (for the /ACK and the CD), I was wondering why are those 10ohm resistors prior to the gate of the mosfet. As far as I know, mosfets dont require a resistor in series with the gate. My guess is thet it "isolates" different parts of the circuit, but im not sure. Can someone explain why are those resistors there and if they affect in some way the mosfets?

Other thing to mention, the 10K resistor (r22), why is it there? I understand that its a pull-up resistor to prevent a floating voltage on the gate of the mosfet, but isnt it a data line? I can understand why there is a 10k pulldown (r13), but it dosent make sense for me to add a pull-up to a data line.

This is what ive done so far:

https://ibb.co/ZLqgrth
The circuit appears to work fine on Proteus 8.13. The signal on the gate is a 3.3v 2Hz 50%DC, and a 3.3v voltage is supplied to the R1. Please give me an opinnion of this circuit. I'm not sure of what I did.
Thanks!

 

[Coro]

Also, taking a look at both MOSFET circuits (for the /ACK and the CD), I was wondering why are those 10ohm resistors prior to the gate of the mosfet. As far as I know, mosfets dont require a resistor in series with the gate. My guess is thet it "isolates" different parts of the circuit, but im not sure. Can someone explain why are those resistors there and if they affect in some way the mosfets?

Other thing to mention, the 10K resistor (r22), why is it there? I understand that its a pull-up resistor to prevent a floating voltage on the gate of the mosfet, but isnt it a data line? I can understand why there is a 10k pulldown (r13), but it dosent make sense for me to add a pull-up to a data line.

This is what ive done so far:

The circuit appears to work fine on Proteus 8.13. The signal on the gate is a 3.3v 2Hz 50%DC, and a 3.3v voltage is supplied to the R1. Please give me an opinnion of this circuit. I'm not sure of what I did.
Thanks!

there is no picture...

 

[fpp]

there is no picture...

Sorry, fixed! (the preview dosent works :/)

 

[Coro]

Sorry, fixed! (the preview dosent works :/)

probably because that website will not send the image alone. they may require the user to goto their site to view an image.

i tried to fix it but failed. some sites like that will send the image anyway. you just goto the site and copy the file location, then use it for priview insead of the link the site says to use.

 

[Vendest]

I used different MOSFET than the ones indicated in the BOM due to lack of stock.
I picked the ones with the closest possible spec but definitely not 100% matching. The adapter works fine so far.
2N7002H6327XTSA2 for T10 - Mouser ref 726-2N7002H6327XTSA2
DMN53D0LW-7 for T20 - Mouser ref 621-DMN53D0LW-7

 

[Workz_777]

I used different MOSFET than the ones indicated in the BOM due to lack of stock.
I picked the ones with the closest possible spec but definitely not 100% matching. The adapter works fine so far.
2N7002H6327XTSA2 for T10 - Mouser ref 726-2N7002H6327XTSA2
DMN53D0LW-7 for T20 - Mouser ref 621-DMN53D0LW-7

Nice one, yeah the original MOSFETS are super hard to get hold of. I just ordered some from a contact i have in China, even then they weren't any cheaper than DigiKey's original prices. Probably because my contact checks DigiKey prices before quoting me lol. The shipping was also $30+ so i had to get quite a few units just to make sense of the shipping fees.

Good to know @Vendest you have found some good working alternatives, i have written them down and will look to order them from Mouser next time i use them, so i can go over the minimum order amount to get free shipping.

EDIT: Also there is an eBayer called "dicikey-max" who has the MOSFETS from the original MX4SIO BOM, but they are not the same brand. I have ordered some to see what they are like. They were very cheap, like crazy cheap (which worries me lol) we're talking 100 x units for less than $5 total including shipping, sounds too good to be true, right? We'll have to wait and see what the multimeter says ...and if they even arrive (which he said might take 40+ days...gulp)

I will add a note to the spreadsheet 16k clusters help with game compatibility.

Lol that game compatibility spread-sheet seems to have gone viral, with so many Youtubers reviewing MX4SIO / MC2SIO and featuring the spread-sheet. Good to know it helps. I wouldn't mind doing another round of testing to add more to the list, it's just finding the time at the moment isn't easy.

Just on a side note... not heard from @TnA in a while here. Hope all is going very well at his end, and the reason for his absence is just because he's busy counting the millions of Euros he just won on the Lottery, or something good like that. Anyways Bro come back we miss you already. Plus Bob from RetroRGB was looking to feature MX4SIO on his podcast soon and had a few questions maybe you could help him with.

 

[indrora]

DHL Guy had some goodies for me:

Unfortunately, I fudged up and left DO floating and VSS tied to what should have been DO, not GND. Whoops!

Nothing a quick bodge can't fix:

It works! Zero for two on SanDisk, but a cheap Kingston did fine with it.

I can confirm that adjusting the circuit to use cheap jellybean NPN transistors works just fine. I used 10k prebiased ones.

(An interesting observation: The official Sony memory cards have a 47ohm resistor in-line with the ACK line, before it goes to a logic pin on the IC, which I suspect they're driving low while the card is ready. The counterfeit ones I have contain no such resistor and go straight to a pin on the gloptop. More research is needed...)

Within the next few days, I'll send the third rev of my design out to a board house:

 

[Vendest]

@indrora That's a nice design! do you expect the rev.c to have better compatibility with SanDisk cards? Do you plan to release the design with a compiled gerber files and BOM once the hardware is finalized?

 

[Joe_cisco]

Hi,

Still no breakthrough on having 9000x compatibility?

Cheers

 

[AngryHelder]

This is what ive done so far:

https://ibb.co/ZLqgrth

An interesting observation: The official Sony memory cards have a 47ohm resistor in-line with the ACK line, before it goes to a logic pin on the IC, which I suspect they're driving low while the card is ready. The counterfeit ones I have contain no such resistor and go straight to a pin on the gloptop. More research is needed...

Hmm I wonder if this is what makes the bootleg FMCB not work with the Beta OPL from this thread?

 

[uyjulian]

Just some little tidbits, posted here for visibility...

To improve compatibility, probably need to reverse sio2man, mcman, libmc2 etc. to the point where it can be used as a module replacement to save on IOP RAM (e.g. Open PS2 Loader's CDVDMAN/CDVVDFSV module)

Hooking can only get you so far. As a bonus, this would also improve pademu and VMC compatibility and reduce RAM usage increasing compatibility some more.

---

The card communication stuff is here: https://github.com/ps2dev/ps2sdk/bl...edfdd77713ebb1/iop/sio/mx4sio_bd/src/mx4sio.c

Some things you could possibly do with a MCU/ESP32:
1. Remove bit-swapping (will reduce the CPU load and allow other processes to run while utilizing DMA)
2. May be able to handle 48Mhz speed (24Mhz is currently being used, so using 48Mhz on the card side may need to add some post-processing to deal with some data being dropped)