Sony PSP 1.5 Firmware Value Packs on Amazon

markl9

I was thinking of getting a PSP for Christmas and some of this talk about firmware, motherboards etc has me a bit confused. Can anyone suggest a good source of information do I can get myself up to speed.

Cheers.

Keldin

markl9
I've just got a PSP and was a bit confused as well. I have a colleague with one so hew was able to help a bit and it all worked out pretty easily. I don't know how technical you are so I'll explain it as basic as I can so feel free to skip ahead if I'm explaining too slowly.
Basically the firmware is the equivalent of the operating system on the PSP. Like your home computer can have Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows XP with Servcie Pack 2 etc the PSP has firmware with version numbers starting at 1.0 and going in jumps to bersion 1.5 (the magic one) and 2.0 , 2.50 , 2.60 , 2.71 and 2.80 and on.
New versions offer new features and maybe some fixes.
1.5 is the magic one for most people because that allows you to run what they call homebrew which is games and software not written by Sony. Also you can play games without needing the actual UMD disc. (UMD is the type of disc that the PSP takes - it's sort of a mini cd in a plastic case) Instead you just need a copy of the game which is saved as a cd image file with a .iso file extension. I would imagine this is the single biggest use of 1.5 firmware PSPs. Once you go higher than 1.5 this 'feature' is unavailable. You will need a memory card to put the iso file on so you generally get a 2Gb card for the PS on ebay for around £30.
To get a 1.5 firmaware PSP you either buy one like that or get a newer version and downgrade it. I have done mine and it was dead easy. It was 2.60 when I got it and I first upgraded it to 2.71 and then down to 1.50 (thats easier than trying to go from 2.60 to 1.50)
Now that you have a 1.50 version PSP you will find that a few things don't work. This is because some features like wireless were introduced in higher version firmware and some games (even if you have the UMD disc with them on) only work on higher version firmaware.
There are numerous methods of getting around this but the easiest I found is a piece of software called DevHook. You run that (which you can since you now have a 1.50 version PSP that can run non Sony software) and it allows you to temporarily run any higher version firmware and also 'mounts' your .iso game files you have in place of actual discs. Mounting the .iso file makes teh PSP think it's an actual UMD disc in the PSP. You then play the game just as you would a normal disk.

The motherboard issue you have heard about is probably that there are some newer PSPs that can't be put back to 1.50. Doing so will render then useless. This is easy to check and there are pictures on websites all over the interweb showing you how to check.

I can help you find DevHook or give you more info and answer any more questions you may have assuming the mods don't have a problem with posting that info here or you can PM me.
If they do please speak up I can modify this post accordingly.

Hope that helps
K

PS I've only had my PSP a couple of days so I'm not be considered an expert.

Ankh

I do a lot of PSP repair etc so if anybody needs any help or information then just ask or PM.

Thanks

purpleronnie_3

got my date.
despatched next monday/tuesday with poss accessories kit free.
Also says
Due to varying international delivery timescales, we are unable to advise on an exact day of delivery, however it will arrive on or before Monday 4th December.
just hope there is no problems with quality due to the extra pressure zu has been put under to find a alternative supplier.
cheap has got me worried talking about dead pixels.

frazer_coglan

Received the same e/mail as you ronnie,it's a massive weight off my mind.They admit its been a long wait but credit where credit is due they are going to honour their promise and throwing in a free kit extra as good will.The dealings i have had have been with an Alex Cohen who appears to be as good as his word, so lets hope everything goes smoothly on the run up to chrimbo.:D :T :rotfl: :beer:

Hotchocolate

Thanks for the update, lets us know when they arrive and also if there are any customs payments due.
Alex Cohen is the name i got on my e-mails too.
Ask zudirect/Alex for a tracking number so you can watch your order progress through the courier network.

Uncle_Cuddles

I just got an email with the following, after I asked for an update last week:-

Date Ordered: Thursday 09 November, 2006

The comments for your order are

Your order is being prepared for despatch, delivery should be within the next
5-7days.



Your order has been updated to the following status.

New status: Processing Conf

Please reply to this email if you have any questions.

grayme-m

What do you recon?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110057336441

freddysmith

grayme-m wrote:

What do you recon?

Strange how this bloke can get 50 of them and Zudirect hasn't supplied any yet, going by recent messages.

grayme-m

These are brand new unsealed too.