I am conscious that nobody expert in AR2/GS has replied so maybe a few more words from me might help just a little. IF YOU ARE UK BASED YOU COULD SEND ME YOUR AR2 ORIGINAL AND I'LL CHECK IT OUT ON MY SYSTEM.

I thought I would try PS2 backups, and www.origachip.com did said that AR2 is possible for backups too, i bought AR2 v1.9, and it did not work. AR2 v1.9 can't boot a backup, which i tried a Winning Eleven (NTSC/Jap) from my friend to test out, and it can't even load my original GT3 (NTSC/US), Ridge Racer V (NTSC/J), Tekken Tag. (NTSC/J) too without codes.

Questions:
1. Has anyone successfully used AR2 with the origachip? My box has is labeled the jap version of AR2, but does it matter since the origachip is in my PS2? Or must I get the Eur PAL version of AR2? I tested my PS2 set with a Gameshark 1.6, and it worked! So wat's wrong? version wrong? or region wrong?
ANSWER: Someone else will have to answer that as I use DVD Region X (PAL) to boot my backup games. The Jap AR2 must surely work in your PS2 (as should a PAL AR2). If you tried GS (US) then use it if it'll do the job. But it shouldn't be like that (Jap AR2 no boot) and I can offer no explanation unless it's media. Have you e-mailed Origa? They take their time replying but do reply.

2. I would like to use AR2 to enter codes for my original games, can a AR2 (jap) allow me to enter code for NTSC games? or only strictly for PAL games? To play NTSC(US) games, i need the Gameshark issit? How about NTSC(J) games??
ANSWER: So far as I know, the codes are specific to the region because different regions' games are not binary identical. Agaian there are GS/AR experTs around (as you requested) and I hope they come forward (they haven't so far).

3. Charlie might suggest me getting a DVD region X boot disc instead, but I really dun wish to see my AR2 money spent wasted, (sigh, dead broke in the holiday season), i tried the jap backup version u mentioned in a previous post, but how do i swap the disc with my Utility disc 1.01?
ANSWER: I tried to answer that in the previous post - but you could also try it with the GS 1.6 if indeed you need to.

4. Can AR2 or gameshark enter codes for backups? does it matter if they are encoded in NTSC or PAL formats? if they can work in the first place that is...

5. for dvdrips, there is no need to patch them with the relevant region patch issit?
ANSWER: The DVD rips I have are not region patched. Some are PAL some US NTSC.

I noe I have long winded, and frankly I don't understand this ps2 mod and backup process at all.. pls help however u can, anyone.. thanx
ANSWER: Don't worry. Your sort of questions are most welcome.