PS2 SCPH-15000 with SCPH-20400 HDD

L

Larry Kuzniak

Forum Noob
Hey everyone,

Looking for some information regarding the PS2 and HDD above.

I am trying to use Free Mcboot with my SCPH-15000, but it hangs on a black screen.
I read that this model requires a kernel patch. Is this installed with the HDD Utility disc?
Where does it install to?
For anyone who has the same setup, does your SCPH-20400 turn on and show a power light if it is not connected to your PS2? Or does it need to be connected and run the HDD Utility to power on the HDD?
Any information regarding this setup would be appreciated.
 
No, it is not.

FMCB is for Memory Card, not disk. But as I understood, You tried to install FHDB v1.966. How did you run the installer in the first place? Because black screen on boot after FHDB install sounds like You have soldered modchip in the console...

HDD Utility Disc is for installing so called HDD OSD. You can use it with FHDB if you like but you cannot overwrite FHDB bootstrap and you will need to rename main executable.
 
I ordered the PS2 from Japan. I believe it is stock with no mod chip.
I know FMCB is for the memory card. I ordered two from Kaico thinking the first one was bad. Both only boot to black screen.
After some research online, it shows FMCB is compatible with my model 15000 with the kernel patch. I believe the kernel patch gets installed from the HDD utility disc. What im asking is, does the kernel patch get installed somewhere onboard the PS2 from the DVD, or is it like the DVD software for my model that gets installed to a memory card?
As for the HDD, mine uses the PCMCIA slot. I received two of them, but when I plug them into an outlet, neither turns on. Im wondering if installing the HDD software from the utility disc will activate the drive and allow it to turn on. I dont want to tear apart the HDD to troubleshoot until I know if the software is required first.
 
I'm not familiar with "protokernel models" so it is possible that they need update on MC to start FHDB etc. I don't know if this is related anyhow to powering up disk case. And no, kernel patches are something for homebrew developers to handle those models properly. Until it is how Sony naming the update on MC, which again, I don't know.
 
The FreeMcBoot installer should detect your console and install everything you need. If 1.966 blackscreens, try 1.953, make sure your console does not have a modchip installed or it will never work. You might consider another entry point if your just buying pre-loaded memory cards.
 
How would I check for a mod chip without opening the console? I also have a PS3 memory card adapter on the way, so I would like to create my own Free McBoot card via the PC, so how would I install 1.953 that way?
As for the kernel patch, as far as everything i have read, my 15000 requires it in order to use free mcboot, but nothing tells me where to get it or how to install it. I thought it was installed with the HDD utility disc, but i cannot find any more information about it.
 
I found this "
  1. Protokernel system update: these files are used only by Protokernel PS2, FreeMcBoot installer pastes kernel patches that also redirect the system update into the executable used by the SCPH-18000 patching the kernel and loading FreeMcBoot at the same time. However: Only Browser 2.0 is capable of patching properly and fully this early kernel.
So my question is, how to I find the correct free mcboot that includes the kernel patch and how do i install it with the ps3 memory card adapter?
 
That is code to add in source code of target app compiling, not a file to put on any storage. Protokernels supporting FMCB 1.9xx, PS2BBL and OSDM. Normal homebrew applications don't need to.
 
I'm currently using 1.966 and it always boots to a black screen. I'm not sure where to go from here. I want to try an earlier version, but I cannot find installation instructions for using the PS3 Memory card adapter.
 
This may be memory card problem, when i repair and sold many ps2 three years ago (10k/30k/50k). These black screen problem are caused by fake memory card, mostly noticed on 10k series and jp region. If i use genuine card. It will work fine on all consoles.

You should buy "licensed" 3rd party card instead of "Sony" looking ones, these sony are very likely to be fake.
 
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I have numerous "First party Sony" memory cards. Is it possible to use the PS3 memory card adapter to copy the files from the non Sony card to the Sony card? Or does it need to be installed a different way?
 
You can install eg. FMCB via PS3MCA Tool and card inserted to PS3MCA (must be original). However, buying it (and/or different PS2MC) is totally waste of money while we have now MMCEs.

You cannot copy FMCB from one card to another and excepting it will work. OSD Update executables are signed per physical card. Copied FMCB will not boot on different card than one on which was installed without resigning.

I putting bet on that you have modchip. ;P
 
Without opening could be not possible. Eventually you can try run burned DVD-R with PS2 game. Normally it shouldn't work (console should display so called Red Screen of Death). It is not super reliable test due to burning discs is art, ;) also modchip could be from 1st generation like eg. Neo which can boots games from only CD-R and not without pressed boot disc before swap.

About discs, more you can find here:
https://www.psx-place.com/threads/how-to-hack-playstation-2-in-2025-roadmap.37271/
 
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So, how do I make the card specifically for a protokernel? How do I choose Every Model? Can I use the PS3 memory card adapter, and if so how do I use it to install the correct version?
 
Larry Kuzniak said:
So, how do I make the card specifically for a protokernel? How do I choose Every Model? Can I use the PS3 memory card adapter, and if so how do I use it to install the correct version?
Click to expand...

You need another PS2 to do that. You run the installer and the options are on there.

The PS3 version is 1.8c (or b), (although thinking about it, I'm unsure why a newer version wouldn't work? They're just files).
You can't "copy" FMCB, it needs "signing" to your card.

I've been tempted to get a Kaico card just for research purposes. I 100% know they're only signed for certain models.
 
I dont have another PS2 to do the installation, thats why I got the memory card adapter so I could install using a PC. I watched a tutorial on youtube for doing it this way, but it doesnt mention selecting a certain model of PS2 or for all PS2.
 
You can take any FMCB install based on PS3MCA Tool and replace XLFs by different FMCB or PS2BBL. Then choose install for all models. Payload is the same for all, just differently named for all firmware versions and console regions, and protokernels needs three additional modules. You will not do that without ps2 scene knowledge.

I will try in this week prepare such package, with only missing ps3mcatool exe/elf which you must find on your own (because contains embedded Magic Gate keys).

Which operating system are you using?
 
I am using Windows 11 Pro. I have read some people couldnt get the adapter to work with this version, but ill give it a shot or ill use a different operating system.
 
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