DARKSOFT CPS III Bios and CD Releases

[ricard2798]

Yeah that's fine. I have a number of ones that doesn't have Capcom on the silkscreen

All that matters is they work

I think that the 2 128mb modules do not finish the mem test. I am wondering if I can remove thye mem chips from other modules, anbd use them on failing 128mb module to get at least one working (since i got a working 128mb)

 

[kazuo]

Just to confirm - there's no version of the Ultra BIOS that defaults to a specific region (e.g. USA), is there?

Are the Super BIOS or "look original" BIOSes bugfixed from the input navigation glitch in the Darksoft menus that the older Super BIOS has? That bug is annoying enough that I'd rather deal with region select.

Thanks!

I think that the 2 128mb modules do not finish the mem test. I am wondering if I can remove thye mem chips from other modules, anbd use them on failing 128mb module to get at least one working (since i got a working 128mb)

Yes, as long as you're sure the other chips are working, this will work. They're all the same regardless of the module size, but make sure you use the chips with the correct orientation as appropriate; e.g. use the REVERSE pinout chip if you're replacing one with a reverse pinout.

 

[Mitsurugi-w]

You also can't swap Hitachi chips in for Fujitsu as they are different size and pinout.

 

[Mitsurugi-w]

We do have auto-boot to region versions of the ultrabios but we just haven't taken the time to publicly release them.

Every version of the ultrabios has the cursor glitch fixed.

 

[VodkaGobalsky]

my cd rom seems to be busted as it keeps telling me it’s not connected properly. I’m new to cps3. What’s the best way to use the darksoft without having to have a cd rom attached? Preferably not super expensive solution either.

 

[hatmoose]

my cd rom seems to be busted as it keeps telling me it’s not connected properly. I’m new to cps3. What’s the best way to use the darksoft without having to have a cd rom attached? Preferably not super expensive solution either.

Cheapest and easiest CD drive replacement is the BlueSCSI 1.1;
super simple to setup, the SD card is formatted just like any other mass storage device

I made my own by following these instructions and wrote about it here
https://www.arcade-projects.com/thr...t-others-have-shared-bluescsi-for-cps3.23819/
https://www.arcade-projects.com/thr...t-others-have-shared-bluescsi-for-cps3.23819/

 

[kazuo]

If you're just trying to play one game (I assume 3rd Strike) you may just want to get a NO CD BIOS.

Otherwise, buy a SCSI2SD or equivalent. Here's one option: http://store.inertialcomputing.com/

 

[xodaraP]

+1 for BlueSCSI - you can DIY and make it even cheaper if you want

 

[VodkaGobalsky]

If you're just trying to play one game (I assume 3rd Strike) you may just want to get a NO CD BIOS.

Otherwise, buy a SCSI2SD or equivalent. Here's one option: http://store.inertialcomputing.com/

Will this one work? https://store.rabbitholecomputing.com/ZuluSCSI-Compact-Homebrew-p/zuluscsi-compact-homebrew-kit.htm

 

[kazuo]

Yep, that'll work! There's a config guide for it somewhere around here, should come up with a search.

 

[VodkaGobalsky]

I ordered it. I'll try it out when it gets here.

 

[VodkaGobalsky]

Got everything working, thank you for the help!

 

[yagamikun]

Hey all - new to CPS3 stuff (not at all new to arcade and jamma).

I found a No CD version of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure for a good price, and seeing as it's the only CPS3 game I like, I don't mind having a dedicated board.

My question: Basically, worried about an eventual battery suicide in the cart. Since I'm not at all interested in the rest of the CPS3 library, can I just use an UltraBIOS flashed cart instead of the Jojo's cart with the kit and boot like normal?

• If I can, what's the best way to get a flashed cart? The only one I can find for sale is from Aliexpress for $392 - which makes this good deal not as good of a deal if that's my only option. lol

Appreciate your all's help and time. Cheers!

 

[mR_CaESaR]

You can always get your cartridge battery changed so the battery can last a few more years. @Mitsurugi-w should be able to change the batteries for you. Reach out to him if you want to go down that path. He'll also be able to flash your cart with any flash you wish and he might even have a few more repro carts if you want to keep your original JBA cart. I'm sure the price of the repro cart is cheaper than the Aliexpress version

If you put an UltraBios in, you will need to re-write the game as the original flashed game won't work. Since you have a NoCD version of the game, I'd suggest you get a BlueSCSI or any other SCSI2SD device to allow you to write the game.

All the UltraBios flash has a choose region selection screen on boot, so if you want an auto boot into the game without having that selection screen, you're going to need to use one of the SuperBios below

BIOS that forces USA Region Always - UPDATED August 28th 2019. Region selection menu doesn't show up at all.

http://www.mediafire.com/file/qy2548e23pm4su1/SuperBIOS_for_custom_SH2_USA.7z
http://www.mediafire.com/file/3bdwbq2wbzfvta2/SuperBIOS_for_standard_SH2_USA.7z

BIOS that forces Japan Region Always - UPDATED August 28th 2019. Region selection menu doesn't show up at all.

http://www.mediafire.com/file/aq4k34mm3v342pn/SuperBIOS_for_custom_SH2_Japan.7z
http://www.mediafire.com/file/5jamvv221ntwdmi/SuperBIOS_for_standard_SH2_Japan.7z

NOCD Japan and USA BIOS VERSIONS FOR STANDARD and Custom SH2 (4 BIOS in total) - UPDATED November 13th 2020. Region selection menu doesn't show up at all.

http://www.mediafire.com/file/x0qul3rlzfje8bn/SuperBIOS_NOCD+AsiaNOCD_Custom&Standard_.7z/file

 

[yagamikun]

You can always get your cartridge battery changed so the battery can last a few more years. @Mitsurugi-w should be able to change the batteries for you. Reach out to him if you want to go down that path. He'll also be able to flash your cart with any flash you wish and he might even have a few more repro carts if you want to keep your original JBA cart. I'm sure the price of the repro cart is cheaper than the Aliexpress version

If you put an UltraBios in, you will need to re-write the game as the original flashed game won't work. Since you have a NoCD version of the game, I'd suggest you get a BlueSCSI or any other SCSI2SD device to allow you to write the game.

All the UltraBios flash has a choose region selection screen on boot, so if you want an auto boot into the game without having that selection screen, you're going to need to use one of the SuperBios below

Thank you! Much appreciated.

 

[dave11674]

You can send it to me and I'll convert it for you for a small fee. Given that now sending things in or out the EU is a bit of a pain, try to get someone local first maybe. If you can't PM me.

Is this an easy mod ?
I can buy parts and do it myself ? Or does it need custom code ?
Thanks

 

[kazuo]

I don't know that I'd call it "easy", but it's doable if you have experience and the right tools. It's a TSOP 48 which is pretty fine pitch, and you need a way to program the chip (the files are in the OP of this thread).

I'd personally send it to DS.

 

[Mitsurugi-w]

Well if you have a programmer that can do 29F400TA TSOP 48, a hot air station, and basic soldering skills I'd give it a try. Darksoft can do it and his soldering is.....not the best. Lol.

 

[Darksoft]

Well if you have a programmer that can do 29F400TA TSOP 48, a hot air station, and basic soldering skills I'd give it a try. Dsrksoft can do it and his soldering is.....not the best. Lol.

You talking to me ? :p

 

[Mitsurugi-w]