how to boot DVD-R backup with AR 2 V2?

[3sc0b4r]

I've just got my AR 2 V2 from eBay, but booting DVD-R backups with it hasn't worked so far.

I got a PAL Playstation 2 (30004) with Neo 2.2, Devil May Cry 2 (PAL) backed up on Ritek G03 media, Action Replay 2 V2.30 and as original TOC I use Virtua Fighter (PAL).

Trying to start DMC 2 I first tried the booth method shown in the sticky on this page, but it wouldn't work neither with Virtua Fighter nor a magazine's demo disc.

So I looked up some other boot methods and found one that works with the David Mirra BMX 2 codes. It says that all codes on David Mirra should be activated, and when you try to start the game it should say "error, too many codes", but that message never ocurred using that boot method? Acutally I've seen that message accidentally trying to boot the way shown in the sticky, when I turned on/off Vice City codes?

Can anyone please give me some advice on what to do?

Could it be that the TOC of Virtua Fighter is too small for DMC 2?

[Gurm]

Goooooood luck.

There were games I had trouble booting no matter what I did - on my Neo2.5+DVDR with a GS2 that was properly overloaded and set up.

I suggest getting a new chip. They're cheap now.

- Gurm

[3sc0b4r]

I'd really appreciate some help on this specific issue.

It seems like I can't properly overload the AR 2 V2.30, I've tried with GT Vice City, and everytime it says that there were too much codes I can't get back to the main menu, although the program didn't really freeze. The only button it takes during this status would be the X button, but the only thing happening then is that the screen fades black for a second?

Dave Mirra didn't bring the too much codes message and Dark Cloud has only 8 codes with my version.

[scamper]

i only thought u could use ar2 v1.90 or 1.93 , i didn't think the new ones could do this

[3sc0b4r]

Guess it can't be helped, I'm going to sell the AR 2 and eventually get the Magic 3.1 instead.

Do I need to flash that Magic chip with a BIOS? On the retailer's page where I want to get it, it says that the chip features BIOS 010 support?

Btw, I have to get someone to solder the Neo 2.2 out and the Magic in, is that hard to do?

What about that slider card, could I use that without soldering out the Neo chip and would it boot dvd-r and cd-r media with my PS 2?

[scamper]

forget about the magic chip and get a messiah 2/messiah 2 pro instead

[3sc0b4r]

k, thx

I've just found a dealer that sells the Messiah 2 (Accessor) for 25 Euro and Magic 3.1 for 19 Euro.

I'll go for the Messiah 2 then, can anyone tell me something about how hard it is to get the Neo 2.2 out and the Messiah 2 in?

Btw, does the Messiah 2 work in my V3 console (C15.... / 30004)?

[Gurm]

Yes, it should - but beware places that have Magic and Messiah chips priced very close together.

The Messiah is a nicer chip, it boots everything, but it is RATHER pricier than the Magic. That place sounds like it's selling a clone.

As for soldering in/out - if you know someone that solders for a living or as a serious hobby... then you're fine. If not, then it's a bit tough for a beginner/amateur.

As for chips/mods:

Slider Card = Knife Trick with no Knife. Utter crap.
No-Solder = Stops the CD, but it's just a swap trick with a little help. Lots of games don't work, and lots of games need double-swaps and are a pain.
Magic = Some good, some bad. Poor quality control is why people recommend against this chip.
Apple = My chip of choice. Cheap as a magic, but works good like a Messiah. Only game known to cause trouble is Splinter Cell, and only on V7 consoles.
Messiah = God of chips. Boots all games, every time.

- Gurm

[3sc0b4r]

hmm, I'm getting a bit confused slowly.

Another big dealer that is selling the Accessor (Messiah 2) says that it wouldn't work in V3 consoles, only V4-V7? The one offering it for 25 € told me that it might cause problems in some V3 consoles.

Having a V3 console I guess I should rather settle for Magic 3.1 since Apple and Messiah 1 modchips don't seem to be available in my country. Best chips here are supposed to be DMS 3 and Sniper 2 but they cost round 60 €.

[Gurm]

DMS3 is VASTLY overpriced.

I am not sure what the Sniper2 chip is, I haven't installed one personally and none of the sites I use have it advertised.

I'd go for the Magic in this case, although be aware that there are some issues with SOME Magic chips and DVD-9 games.

You can't just order an Apple or Messiah (genuine) and have it shipped internationally?

I'd be VERY wary of this so-called "Accessor" thing.

- Gurm

[3sc0b4r]

I've just ordered a Magic 3.1 chip today.
I guess having an Apple chip shipped internationally would've worked as well but the charges for shipping are very high.

I'm really looking forward to having the chip installed, someday using that AR-2 boot procedure would have gotten on my nerves anyway.

Thx for the help Gurm.