Acekey v5 w/ GS2 v2.0 will not boot DVDRs!

[skiman777]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum, I need your help.

I have a PS2 v5. I installed an Acekey v5 [w/ GS2 v2.0] some time ago and it has worked great for booting CDR backups of all kinds, PSX and PS2. I never connected the one wire to allow for PSX auto-boot but recently decided to do this. Although I made the connection, it made no difference ... still cannot auto-boot PSX games. No big deal.

My problem is that this same chip that has worked so well with the CDRs will not allow me to boot the two DVDRs I tried [Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers +RW] and Simpsons Roadrage [DVDR] using a Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers as the original.

I have tried all of the instructions I could find, one detailing setting the default code to Dave Mirra BMX2 [I never got the error stating "too many codes" even when I selected all 153 in the BMX listing] and then tried another procedure that started out by creating your own generic code named -- New Code -- but the directions for that one do not detail correctly how to create this. On both of them, I followed the directions the best I could but could not get the PS2 to boot the DVDR backup. I am not sure whether the DVD aspect of the Acekey is bad or whether or not I did not follow the proper procedure [this is what I am thinking]. I even tried the non-v2.0 GS2 instructions for booting a DVDR with no luck.

Can anyone help me out here? Does anyone have some real good directions for this for allowed theirs to work?

Thanks for your time, I appreciate it.
Rich

[TylerDurden]

Hello and welcome. I must say make sure you read the stickies on the top of the ps2 forums. Especially the Rules and Ultimate info sticky.


With that covered. I remember the Acekey very vaguely, it was sort of a neo type plug and play right? I kind of wonder if it requires the double swap for dvd games like many of the ghetto style neo pnp mods out there.



Tyler!

[skiman777]

Tyler,

Thanks for the reply. I did a search on the forum and found a few posts about the Acekey but none that helped me. The Acekey is similar to the no solder chip, in fact that is what I ordered but consolesource sent me the Acekey instead, but I cannot complain, it has been a good chip up to this point. The Acekey plugs into the side of the card cage [the ribbon cables are removed from there and then inserted into the Acekey].

Yeah, for the DVDR boot, it is a double swap ... boot with the Gameshark 2 ver. 2.0 disc and then you swap it with a PS2 DVD original with a TOC larger than the backup and then ultimately you swap that one for the DVD backup and boot. No such luck however. Any idea where I might be going wrong or do you know I could find some good instructions for the Acekey v5 with GS2 v2.0? Thanks for your time.

I will read those sticky posts now. Thanks.

Rich

[TylerDurden]

You should read the stickies first. Anyways, Im thinking it has to do with your gameshark, I remember the pnp chips requiring a certain old version of gameshark that allowed for a second eject.

Does your chip eject twice or just once?



Tyler!

[Warlock]

There are two versions of Ace key for v5, one is the Ace 2.5 it has one wire and doesnt support dvd-r. The other is the v2.6, it has 6 wires and does support dvd-r. Which do you have??

[skiman777]

You should read the stickies first. Anyways, Im thinking it has to do with your gameshark, I remember the pnp chips requiring a certain old version of gameshark that allowed for a second eject.

Does your chip eject twice or just once?

Tyler!

Tyler,

Here is an example of the directions I used [for GS2 v2.0].

http://www.chipzone.com/installation/playstation2/operating/acekeyop.cfm

So it seems like it should work with what I have. It sounds like it
should allow for that second eject. What do you mean by: does your chip eject twice or just once? Thanks for the help.

Rich

[skiman777]

Originally posted by Warlock
There are two versions of Ace key for v5, one is the Ace 2.5 it has one wire and doesnt support dvd-r. The other is the v2.6, it has 6 wires and does support dvd-r. Which do you have??

Warlock,

Thanks for the reply. I have the box the chip came in and it says Ace Key V5 + V6. The chip came with one yellow wire, it was the one-wire configuration [and that one wire is optional]. I was not aware there was a 6-wire config. I have had the chip for at least a year and a half now. Thanks.

Rich

[TylerDurden]

What I meant is does your chip eject the tray once or twice for the double swap. If your not getting a double swap thne you cant load the TOC disc or your ps2 dvd game.


Or you can just get a better no swap chip like the Duo.




Tyler!

[skiman777]

Originally posted by TylerDurden
What I meant is does your chip eject the tray once or twice for the double swap. If your not getting a double swap thne you cant load the TOC disc or your ps2 dvd game.


Or you can just get a better no swap chip like the Duo.

Tyler!

Tyler,

When I hold down the eject button, the tray comes out and closes automatically but it does not then come out a second time ... none of the instructions I have read for this chip indicate that it should do this.

It was designed to handle PSX auto-boot, PS2 CDRs (80-min also) and DVDRs with double swap. It should do everything I need it to but it does not. I read the sticky notes and the information was very helpful. I guess that Lord of the Rings copy on +RW is hard for the PS2 to handle, I guess -R is the best, my Simpsons disc is probably -R though and it does not work either.

How much is the Duo and does it work with the GS2 v2.0? Thanks.

Rich

[Warlock]

Have you tried the "nightstalker" method posted in the stickys??

[EVOEvo]

u could try this away it works useing no solder chips u first load ur gs2 then when it loads and u dont hear the cd spin u hold ur button till tray comes open then u take out the gs2 disk and put a real game in like gta3 or devil may cry something with a big TOC now tray will go closed by its self then u wait about 30 secs then goto the cheat code list change a code any one of them just change it or make a new code then hit start game with codes u dont have to trun any on then it will say updateing code list plz wait then u hold the button down again tray will come by its self u hurry and take origianl game out then put the copy in tray will then shut and the game will load on its own


the reason why it dose not say that in the diractions is casue a person came out with that boot not a company

u could always try swap magic disk i belive they would work with ace key there easier to use then gs2 u could always ask this guy he sells them cheap and would prob know if it would work :)

http://www.saveware.com/ps2_No_Solder_Mod_Chip.htm

[skiman777]

Originally posted by Warlock
Have you tried the "nightstalker" method posted in the stickys??

Warlock,

I believe these are the directions you are referring to:

Thanks to Nighstalker for this method!

• Boot GS2 disc 1.
• At the main screen, press the EJECT button to eject the CD tray.
• Replace the GS2 disc with an original PS2 DVD game.
• Close the CD tray (press EJECT again) and wait for 15 seconds.
• Select gameshark codes and turn on or off any code on any game.
• Press start, select with codes and press x to load game.
• A black screen will appear saying "updating codes please wait"
• Do the R-mod swap by pressing and holding eject, swap with backup, tray will close and game will load.

• NOTE: The swap must be performed within the time you see the black screen.

• Nighstalker has tested this method with GS2 v 2.01 through 2.11.

• It works 100% of the time providing the backup is good.

Yes I have tried this one, but I figured it should not work because this is for v2.01 and beyond. I did everything as stated but it never leaves the "updating codes please wait message" and the game never loads. My box says Gameshark 2 version 2.0 but maybe there is some further numbers there they do not mention on the box. I wonder if you can find the version somewhere in the Gameshark program after you have loaded it? If so I have not stumbled upon it yet.

My wife thinks I hosed up the chip when I recently added the one-wire to the chip that was supposed to enable no swap booting for PSX backups [it did not work however, but the PSX/PS2 backups still work so I assume everything is fine.

I could not locate the yellow wire that came with the unit so I used a wire I had laying around, a thicker guage non-stranded wire so I am sure this is worse than the one that came with it. I do not have a low power soldering iron so I used a standard one and wrapped some wire around it to fashion a wire point tip so that I would not inadvertently overheat the electronics. I made the connection but I believe the end result was a cold solder joint on the PS2 side of the wire. But I do not believe I burned anything up. Any further ideas? Thanks for all the help guys!

Rich

[EVOEvo]

Yep thats them try it that away it should work it work with the no solder chips R-mods

[Warlock]

skiman777, I do not think the single wire mod supports dvd-r backups. Look at the Ace key 2.5 plus at www.modchips.ca. If thats the type of mod you have it only supports cdr backups.

[EVOEvo]

Well i bought my first v5/6 r-mod from the and i tryed to use it for dvd-rs and couldnt and i called them and they said i could only play cd-rs and ps1 games with that chip so i tryed ghoststalkers method and it booted dvd-rs with useing the gs2 if it opens the tray w/o the ps2 knowing it came open it will play dvd-rs as stated in ghoststalkers boot that 1 wire solder i belive lets the ps2 boot 80 min cdr cause the guy said my r-mod would not boot 80 min cdr just 74 min unless i solder the wire to it which i didnt cause i heard it kills the laser

[Warlock]

I did find a one wire Ace key at chipzone.com that claims to boot dvdr. This is the dvd boot method it has posted.
PS2 DVD Backup Games With (AR2/GS2 v2.0x):

Note: The first thing you have to do before playing a DVD backup with AR2 (GS2) V2) is the following:


Please make sure the cheat code of "...BMX" exists in your AR2 (GS2) cheat list.
Set the cheat code of "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX2" as default cheat code. (Just enter "select cheat code" and select the "Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX2" code, then return to Main Menu).


Insert AR2(GS2) Disc into PS2. ( v2.0X )
Boot on PS2 and after a while, the Main Menu will appear on screen, at this time press the Eject button TWICE. The cd tray will come out automatically. (The Reset and Eject lights will flash for about 5 seconds).
Swap the DVD Original in place of the AR2(GS2) disc within 5 seconds. After 5 seconds the cd tray will close automatically, and the Reset light will turn RED.
Wait apx. 10 seconds, and Reset light will turn GREEN. Then select "START GAME", and "WITH CODE", then press the "X" button of the controller. An Error message, "Too many codes....", will appear on screen. Press the "O" button on the controller twice to return to the Main Menu Page.
Press "START GAME", and "WITHOUT CODE", then press and hold the Eject button for one second, the cd tray will open automatically. Swap the DVD backup for DVD Original within 5 seconds. (The Reset and Eject lights will flash for about 5 seconds and the cd tray will close after 5 seconds)
Press the "X" button on the controller, and then the game will start up.
This info is posted at www.chipzone.com if interested. Hope this helps.

[skiman777]

Originally posted by EVOEvo
Well i bought my first v5/6 r-mod from the and i tryed to use it for dvd-rs and couldnt and i called them and they said i could only play cd-rs and ps1 games with that chip so i tryed ghoststalkers method and it booted dvd-rs with useing the gs2 if it opens the tray w/o the ps2 knowing it came open it will play dvd-rs as stated in ghoststalkers boot that 1 wire solder i belive lets the ps2 boot 80 min cdr cause the guy said my r-mod would not boot 80 min cdr just 74 min unless i solder the wire to it which i didnt cause i heard it kills the laser

EVO,

You mean to tell me that soldering that wire is a bad idea? Maybe I should disconnect it since it is not doing me any good, I was under the impression that I could no swap boot PSX backups but that does not work. I am not going to do any DVD ripping so the 80-min CDRs will not help me out. So that kills the laser? Now that I think about it, my PS2 has been a little more flaky than usual since making that 1-wire connection, it seems like the unit is noisier when accessing the CD.

My GS2 disc is getting scratched up, can I make a copy of that and use the copy as a boot disc, I am thinking it will not work? Thanks for the help.

Rich

[skiman777]

Actually, now that I think about it, since adding that 1-wire to the Ace Key, it seem like the laser is accessing the CD ALL THE TIME. It seems excessive, but I cannot remember if it did this before.

Rich

[skiman777]

Warlock,

I tried those directions too from chipzone and still no luck there. Maybe I will try disconnecting that wire and see if this stuff all the sudden works ...

Rich

[Jupiterak]

Just to let you know the Ace Key will not boot dvd-r's. The info from from ConsoleSource and others is incorrect. I've had one in my v5 PS2 for two years now and was disappointed when I found out the hard way.:mad:

[eh.]

Originally posted by Jupiterak
Just to let you know the Ace Key will not boot dvd-r's. The info from from ConsoleSource and others is incorrect. I've had one in my v5 PS2 for two years now and was disappointed when I found out the hard way.:mad:

Sorry to hear about your disappointment; hopefully you'll be pleasently surprised to learn that it can be used to boot DVD-R's (if it's the version with the optional wire)!

The Ace Key doesn't actually "boot" a DVD-R directly though, it just serves as a tray opener in the process.

The method for booting with it depends on the type and version of the boot disc/s being used. Which do you have?

[eh.]

Originally posted by skiman777

I wonder if you can find the version somewhere in the Gameshark program after you have loaded it? If so I have not stumbled upon it yet.



The exact version is imprinted on the disc itself. It's in the thin, lighter blue area between the inner plastic circle and the main, darker blue recorded area of the disc.

If you hold it correctly in suitable light you'll find a few things are imprinted; the exact version number is after the "GAMESHARK 2 - VERSION 2" section. Which version do you have?

[TylerDurden]

We used to tell people to take their gamesharks to the bathroom to be able to see the version better.




Tyler!

[Jupiterak]

The method for booting with it depends on the type and version of the boot disc/s being used. Which do you have?

I've got the v2.01 and v2.11. And never been able to boot DVD-R's in any swap method.:(

[eh.]

Originally posted by TylerDurden
We used to tell people to take their gamesharks to the bathroom to be able to see the version better.


I'm pleased to see that no one took this opportunity to tell us it was the best place for them generally... :)

[eh.]

Originally posted by Jupiterak
I've got the v2.01 and v2.11. And never been able to boot DVD-R's in any swap method.:(

Sounds like you've probably tried it almost every way in the past. When you've attempted the Dave Mirra trick with the 2.01, have you tried it with 77 codes enabled (or thereabouts)?

There's sometimes a "magic number" of codes that will result in the "Too Many Codes" message with the 2.01 (whereas more than that will just halt the system). If you can get that message to occur then the disc will stop spinning and the R-mod swap will subsequently work.

[Jupiterak]

eh., thanks for the suggestions. Worth a try and see what'll happen. Maybe there's a magic code # somewhere.

[EVOEvo]

if u dont want a solder chip trash the ace key and buy a no solder chip there only like 10$ and any thing below v7 gameshark will boot the games


this guy is fast on shiping and has great prices

http://www.saveware.com/ps2_No_Solder_Mod_Chip.htm

[Warlock]

Originally posted by Jupiterak
I've got the v2.01 and v2.11. And never been able to boot DVD-R's in any swap method.:(
The boot method posted by nightstalker is tested and proven to work with GS2 v2.01 thru 2.11 providing the backup works. Have you tested your backups on a different console to be sure they are working backups and not coasters?? Also make sure the original dvd game you use to swap with has a higher TOC than the backup??.
Dont you think its time to update to a no-swap chip so you wont have these problems.

[skiman777]

Originally posted by eh.
Sorry to hear about your disappointment; hopefully you'll be pleasently surprised to learn that it can be used to boot DVD-R's (if it's the version with the optional wire)!

The Ace Key doesn't actually "boot" a DVD-R directly though, it just serves as a tray opener in the process.

The method for booting with it depends on the type and version of the boot disc/s being used. Which do you have?

I have the one-wire Ace Key for my PS2 v5. It boots PSX/PS2 CDRs fine with the swap trick using the GS2 version 2. I never knew where to check for the exact version so your tip about it being on the inner band is extremely helpful ~ thank you. I will check that tonight.

At first I never connected that one-wire and it worked fine for CDRs but then recently connected that wire to non-swap auto-boot PSX games but that did not work ... in fact the system still booted the CDRs as normal [swap trick] but it was a little more glitchy with the laser sounding louder and more clunky [someone mentioned that connecting that wire would burn out your laser] so I disconnected it.

Yeah when I bought the chip it was marketed as being able to boot PS2 DVDRs even though I have been unsuccessful up to this point. But there are numerous procedures listing how to do it so I believe it can be done, but maybe the DVD aspect of my chip is bad or I have misinterpreted the instructions. Knowing the exact version of my GS2 may solve this problem.

Thanks for the help.
Rich

[EVOEvo]

maybe ur useing worng version of gs2 i know 1.9 worked for me on swaping on a v6 no solder and that one wire solder will kill the laser in time my firend did a v1 with a sbox mod 1 wire solder it played ps1 games just fine no swaping but the laser started getting worse and worse it no longer reads any thing now

[skiman777]

Originally posted by EVOEvo
maybe ur useing worng version of gs2 i know 1.9 worked for me on swaping on a v6 no solder and that one wire solder will kill the laser in time my firend did a v1 with a sbox mod 1 wire solder it played ps1 games just fine no swaping but the laser started getting worse and worse it no longer reads any thing now

EVO,

Yeah based on your recommendations I removed the one-wire that I soldered on the Ace Key for my PS2 v5. I only had it on there for a couple of days, I hope it did not cause too much damage.

Rich

[skiman777]

Okay, I checked the version of my GS2 CD. This is my system configuration.

PS2 v5
GS2 version 2.11
Ace Key [1-wire]

no-swap boots PSX/PS2 CDR games
will not boot DVDR games, so far ...

I have used a couple of combinations of originals and backups to no avail.

Original / Backup
Lord of the Rings 2 / Lord of the Rings 2 [DVD+RW]
Lord of the Rings 2 / Simpson's Roadrage [DVD-R]
Scooby Doo / Simpson's Roadrage [DVD-R]

I have not confirmed that the copies work well though. It is my understanding that a DVD+RW (I made it using DVD decrypter) is a format not easily read by the PS2 so that might be part of the problem. The Simpson's Roadrage was burned by a friend on media he said was kinda flaky, he said the copies sometimes skipped in his machine.

So what in your opinion is the best format to use for PS2 ... DVD-R? What is the best software? I used DVD decrypter before but now I have Nero 6.0.3.2.

I am going to try that Nightstalker approach once more. Thanks for your assistance. If I cannot get this to work I will probably buy that $10 no solder chip, sounds like a good deal.

Rich

[skiman777]

Update: PS2 v5 / Ace Key [1-wire] / GS2 v2.11

Using the Nightstalker method, I attempted to boot a backup of Simpson's Roadrage TOC 2.32GB [TDK DVD-R] with original Scooby-Doo Night of 1000 Frights TOC 2.45GB ... everything goes as planned, until the end. The black screen "updating codes ..." appears and I do the R-mod swap and the backup spins up for a short time but then stops never leaving that "updating codes ..." screen.

I going to try and make a backup of Harry Potter 2 tonight and see if that works. Unfortunately the -R media I have probably are not very good ... Khypermedia DVD-R, Starlogic DVD-R ... I also have some +RW media, Memorex DVD+RW and Ritek DVD+RW.

Any other suggestions? Thanks.

Rich

[EVOEvo]

i dont know about a 2.1 gs2 i dont think they will boot copys i saw a guy one eather newz or ownz selling new 1.9 gs2 i can find the link for u or u could buy a swap magic cause i belive its the gameshark thats the problem cause newer versions wont boot copys

[skiman777]

Originally posted by EVOEvo
i dont know about a 2.1 gs2 i dont think they will boot copys i saw a guy one eather newz or ownz selling new 1.9 gs2 i can find the link for u or u could buy a swap magic cause i belive its the gameshark thats the problem cause newer versions wont boot copys

The Nightstalker approach says GS2 v2.01 to v2.11 so that should include the one I have if indeed the instructions are correct.

I just burned a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone [Starlogic / Princo DVD-R] with my MicroAdvantage 4x DVDRW drive using Nero 6.0.3.2 and used my Scooby-Doo original to boot it with NO LUCK. [b]I hear Princo is good for PS2 games, correct? I believe the Khypermedia I have are re-labeled TDKs.

I am disappointed now. A friend of mine uses a GS2 also, maybe his is older, or I will purchase that no solder chip for $10. This sucks.

Rich

[bighap]

Princo sucks. Stay away from them. If you are going to try new media get some Ritek.

[skiman777]

Originally posted by bighap
Princo sucks. Stay away from them. If you are going to try new media get some Ritek.

Doh! I heard the name [Princo] many times on forums so I thought it was a commonly used media. They are Starlogic from OfficeMax but DVD Decrypter identified them as Princo, it identified the Khypermedia as TDK. Are the TDKs good for the PS2? Thanks.

Rich

[eh.]

Originally posted by Jupiterak
eh., thanks for the suggestions. Worth a try and see what'll happen. Maybe there's a magic code # somewhere.

You're welcome; having just the first 77 codes active, including the "M", works for me (and overcame the same sort of issues you've experienced with the Ace Key).

[eh.]

Originally posted by skiman777
Doh! I heard the name [Princo] many times on forums so I thought it was a commonly used media. They are Starlogic from OfficeMax but DVD Decrypter identified them as Princo, it identified the Khypermedia as TDK. Are the TDKs good for the PS2? Thanks.


Although the Princo are generally not great, they're used by many so they are unlikey to be the primary cause of your DVD-R boot issue. To find out more experiences with media for your burner (and possibly with PS2's) this site might be useful:
http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdwriters.php

(skiman777, I've also PM'd you...)

[skiman777]

I have tried everything and my PS2 v5 with Ace Key one-wire and GS v2.11 [also tried GS v1.93] will not boot my DVDr backups. It does however boot my PSX/PS2 CDR backups.

So I am looking for a quick, cheap solution. I was considering the no-solder chip but then I saw this "flip top cover" sold at a site that someone posted the link to. Here is the link:

http://www.saveware.com/Flip_Top_Cover.htm

The claim is that it will boot both CDR and DVDr media without modchip [I would remove mine] and you do not run the risk of burning up the drive door. Is this true, is this a good, safe method? I wonder if you have to pull the media out when it is still spinning? It still needs to be used in conjunction with a GS or equivalent. Maybe I will email the site to get the scoop from them. Before seeing this link I never saw this item before. Thanks for the help.

Rich

[Warlock]

Geez :rolleyes:, You are trading one problem for another! Dont buy this crap. Save your money, get a no-swap chip and be done with it.

[TylerDurden]

Maybe he enjoys suffering.




Tyler!

[skiman777]

Warlock and Tyler,

Thanks for the prompt reply. So what you are saying is that flip-top PS2 cover is worthless and does not work??? Personally, it seems too good to be true. I was planning on getting the no-solder chip but thought this might be an even better long-term solution with little installation effort.

And for the record, you are not the first to mention me liking to suffer. :) I tend to do things the hard way!

Thanks for the help.

Rich

[TylerDurden]

Just get a Duo chip man, they are only around $20 free shipping and everything. Im sure you can find someone to install it since its only like 16-17 wires. This will boot all your backups without the need of a swap. Dude you just love it.


No suffering included.


Tyler!