Hacking [Release] ARK-4 CFW port for PSP.

[Databoi2023]

Hi.

Does ARK-4 need any separate plugin to be downloaded and set in order to read PSP DLC, especially from PSP EBOOTs?

Is it compatible with all PSP ISO/EBOOT games?

Also, what does "If you have issues with stability, it might be necessary to run freemem() algorithm in the kernel exploit file (K.BIN)" in ARK-4's GitHub repo mean? I haven't had any issues with ARK-4.

Thanks.

 

[krazynez]

Hi.

Does ARK-4 need any separate plugin to be downloaded and set in order to read PSP DLC, especially from PSP EBOOTs?

Is it compatible with all PSP ISO/EBOOT games?

Also, what does "If you have issues with stability, it might be necessary to run freemem() algorithm in the kernel exploit file (K.BIN)" in ARK-4's GitHub repo mean? I haven't had any issues with ARK-4.

Thanks.

We are compatible with PRO. The only diffrence is how you enable/install plugins. As for the freemem ARK4.BIN already does it now when executing we just have to update the readme as such. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[Databoi2023]

We are compatible with PRO. The only diffrence is how you enable/install plugins. As for the freemem ARK4.BIN already does it now when executing we just have to update the readme as such. Thanks for pointing that out.

Hi.

Sorry, I asked about the PSP game compatibility in general. I don't understand if it loads all PSP games (regardless of the format) or not. I didn't even mention PRO-C. Does it need any plugin to load all PSP DLC (from PSP EBOOTs/ISOs)?

OK, but what is freemem in the first place and does ARK-4 have any issue or only older versions did and because of that the information is not updated and will be removed from the Readme?

Also, why is there a standalone ARK-4 version and a version that runs from Adrenaline instead of only one of the two and why aren't released new ARK-4 versions every time a commit is released?

Thanks.

 

[krazynez]

Hi.

Sorry, I asked about the PSP game compatibility in general. I don't understand if it loads all PSP games (regardless of the format) or not. I didn't even mention PRO-C. Does it need any plugin to load all PSP DLC (from PSP EBOOTs/ISOs)?

OK, but what is freemem in the first place and does ARK-4 have any issue or only older versions did and because of that the information is not updated and will be removed from the Readme?

Also, why is there a standalone ARK-4 version and a version that runs from Adrenaline instead of only one of the two and why aren't released new ARK-4 versions every time a commit is released?

Thanks.

Yes it will load all PSP games and PSX games (or at least I have yet to run into one that did not run) [npdrm_free](https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/Recommended-Plugins#npdrm_free) is recommended and can help with some drm PSN games that the builtin sometimes does not work with.

freemem is exactly what it sounds like its free memory. Its just something that was not added until later so its not needed for developers to know anything about it now.

Standalone is faster, however PSX sounds is a bit glitchy at times. Adrenaline is like using a PSP on your Vita. All core functionality impacts all version of ARK if we do commits its pre-release things not Stable. When we add features and test that is usually when we release a new version or revision.

 

[Databoi2023]

I guess it can help with DLC as well but if using it should I also uso the NPloader plugin as well? Do you of any games that need the npdrm_free plugin? Are those DRM games in ISO format or only in the EBOOT.PBP?

I get that. I simply don't know how to run the (freemem) algorithm, that's all. Anyway, it seems it doesn't matter any longer.

I've noticed commits have been added to stable releases, so not pre-release ones.

 

[RedTony]

Hi there and happy 2024.

First of all, thanks for this amazing custom firmware. I have installed it on a PSP2000.

1) USB charging setting under "customer firmware" does not appear to do anything. i.e. The red LED would not switch on, and the battery appears as "in use" when checking battery under the system settings. Is it as intended? (i.e. is it charging anyway, just not shown?).

2) Is there any available documentation about the different setting options? I have checked the wiki but there are just some screenshots. I would like to know what "balanced battery mode" or "memory stick speed up" do, for example. Likewise, what does "enable USB" in the custom launcher file browser do? Allow the PSP to be connected to a PC?

If there is no proper documentation done I would gladly help filling in the wiki, as long as someone can point me out where to dig.

 

[krazynez]

Hi there and happy 2024.

First of all, thanks for this amazing custom firmware. I have installed it on a PSP2000.

1) USB charging setting under "customer firmware" does not appear to do anything. i.e. The red LED would not switch on, and the battery appears as "in use" when checking battery under the system settings. Is it as intended? (i.e. is it charging anyway, just not shown?).

2) Is there any available documentation about the different setting options? I have checked the wiki but there are just some screenshots. I would like to know what "balanced battery mode" or "memory stick speed up" do, for example. Likewise, what does "enable USB" in the custom launcher file browser do? Allow the PSP to be connected to a PC?

If there is no proper documentation done I would gladly help filling in the wiki, as long as someone can point me out where to dig.

Happy 2024 to you as well.

1.) Not sure I have USB Charge on in CFW Settings and its charging my 2K PSP right now. Make sure you have the latest Stable version I would say if you do not. It might take some time to start mine does not kick in right away just after a bit of time the battery starts to drain and then the USB charge kicks in. The only way you can tell is the light and the battery bar the settings stay the same and just its in Use.

2.) https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/settings (but yes I do like the idea of having a more user friendly way to put it in CFW Settings on the wiki thanks for the input.
2.) https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/Custom-Firmware-Settings

Added a table of names and descriptions of what each does.

 

[RedTony]

Happy 2024 to you as well.

1.) Not sure I have USB Charge on in CFW Settings and its charging my 2K PSP right now. Make sure you have the latest Stable version I would say if you do not. It might take some time to start mine does not kick in right away just after a bit of time the battery starts to drain and then the USB charge kicks in. The only way you can tell is the light and the battery bar the settings stay the same and just its in Use.

2.) https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/settings (but yes I do like the idea of having a more user friendly way to put it in CFW Settings on the wiki thanks for the input.
2.) https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/Custom_Firmware_Settings#custom-firmware-settings

Added a table of names and descriptions of what each does.

Thank you Krazynez!

I think this is the latest stable version: (4.20.66). Anyhow, if it's working for you that means the issue is in my PSP so nothing to worry about, I will check what is happening. It might well be as you explain.

Regarding the wiki, the table you added is just perfect. Extremely appreciated.

 

[Databoi2023]

Happy 2024.

After installing ARK-4 via the new FasterARK method and running it, ARK-4 often crashes in the "ChovySign" part with a C1-2858-3 error message, and when it doesn't, it often crashes when running PSP ISOS with a C1-2858-3 error message. This only happens if the "Memory Stick Speedup" setting is set to "Always". I use SD2VITA, if that matters.

Thanks.

 

[krazynez]

Happy 2024.

After installing ARK-4 using the FasterARK method and running it on the PS Vita and the PS TV, it sometimes freezes right away in the "ChovySign" part, and when running PSP ISOs, it sometimes has a black screen for some seconds until it crashes with the C1-2858-3 kernel error. This only happens if the "Memory Stick Speedup" setting is set to "Always". I use SD2VITA, if that matters.

Thanks.

Updated your K.BIN sounds like you have an old version of it.

 

[Databoi2023]

Updated your K.BIN sounds like you have an old version of it.

I already installed the latest ARK-4 version. Anyway, does that setting actually do something for SD2VITAs?

 

[krazynez]

I already installed the latest ARK-4 version. Anyway, does that setting actually do something for SD2VITAs?

You have to actually install FasterARK from the latest Stable to get the K.BIN not just upgrade. SD2Vita has no impact on either or or even internal memory.

 

[Databoi2023]

You have to actually install FasterARK from the latest Stable to get the K.BIN not just upgrade. SD2Vita has no impact on either or or even internal memory.

But I removed ARK-4, reinstalled FasterARK and reinstalled ARK-4 and I still have this problem.

Also, I've noticed commits have been added to stable releases, so not pre-release ones unlike you said.

 

[krazynez]

But I removed ARK-4, reinstalled FasterARK and reinstalled ARK-4 and I still have this problem.

Also, I've noticed commits have been added to stable releases, so not pre-release ones unlike you said.

You don't understand git then. Also welcome back again Windows10User/RandomGuy2023.

 

[Databoi2023]

You don't understand git then. Also welcome back again Windows10User/RandomGuy2023.

What are you talking about?

 

[Zealotus]

@krazynez
Hey there sorry to ping you out. I have a question. Acid_snake said we can customize the launcher of ark but he doesnt mention how to do so. He mentioned we can replace the default launcher and recovery but he doesnt make a guide. Why is that?

 

[krazynez]

@krazynez
Hey there sorry to ping you out. I have a question. Acid_snake said we can customize the launcher of ark but he doesnt mention how to do so. He mentioned we can replace the default launcher and recovery but he doesnt make a guide. Why is that?

Customize it how so? Themes? https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/Custom-Themes

As for replacing it you can just the other launchers have not been updated in a long time. https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/Other-Launchers

 

[Zealotus]

Customize it how so? Themes? https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/Custom-Themes

As for replacing it you can just the other launchers have not been updated in a long time. https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/Other-Launchers

Omg! There is a wiki? Maybe im just dumb. You see this is what im talking about thank you.

 

[krazynez]

Omg! There is a wiki? Maybe im just dumb. You see this is what im talking about thank you.

Ahh yeah we recently transitioned a lot there. We just kept basic stuff in the README.

 

[SkullHex2]

Hi, I'm on the latest ARK release and I can't get Vice City Stories to work anymore. It used to run right before I updated ARK, although I haven't in a long time so I can't say which version broke it.
The system turns off after the PSP logo. I tried another random game and it seems to work, at the very least it goes past the logo.
Here's my PLUGINS.TXT file content:

Spoiler

always, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/Brightness-Control/brightness.prx, on
always, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/LEDControl/LEDControl.prx, on

game, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/PSPEText/pspetext.prx, on
psx, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/PSPEText/pspetext.prx, on
game, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/TempAR/tempar.prx, on
psx, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/TempAR/tempar_lite.prx, on
game, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/in-Game_DayViewer/dayviewer_game.prx, on
psx, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/in-Game_DayViewer/dayviewer_game.prx, on

game, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/noumd.prx, on
xmb, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/noumd.prx, on

game, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/prxshot/prxshot.prx, on
game, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/pspstates/states_menu_pict_mod.prx, on

psx, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/popsloader/cdda_enabler.prx, on
psx, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/popsloader/popsloader.prx, on

xmb, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/DayViewer/dayviewer.prx, on
xmb, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/Game-Categories-Lite/category_lite.prx, on
xmb, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/XMB-item-Hider/xmbih.prx, on
xmb, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/macrofire.prx, off

ULUS10160, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/cheatdevice_remastered_lite.prx, on
ULUS10160, ms0:/SEPLUGINS/Brightness-Control/brightness.prx, off

And SETTINGS.TXT:

Spoiler

vsh, powersave, on
ULUS10160, overclock, on

The only thing I tried for now was to disable overclock in SETTINGS.TXT. I'm gonna try disabling CheatDevice next.

-- Edit: Looks like it worked. Can you look into it? Given it used to work before updating, is it something you can fix?