Undiluted Platinum
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Undiluted Platinum (UP) is the first modchip for the PlayStation Portable. It was announced on May 28, 2006 and released on June 26 [1].
The modchip adds another 32MB NAND flash chip to the PSP, allowing the user to dual boot by pressing L at start up.. The original chip on the PSP will boot to the default firmware and the one on UP will boot to whatever firmware is on the UP. The UP allows even bricked PSPs to be reflashed.[2]
The firmware on UP can be updated by software. The project is open source, making it easy for developers to improve it. The price is US $99, or €77.
[edit] Compatibility Issues
Compatibility issues[3] have arose, concerning PSPs with a TA-082 motherboard, due to a difference in voltage produced by the PSP. It is not yet known how, and if, this problem can be resolved.
It is possible that future game releases would be able to detect the Undiluted Platinum. Future firmware updates could also detect the device and refuse to update, though the prospect of customised community firmwares could get around this by using epsilon bios which would take you to the recover menu before starting the firmware. This may allow the application of patches needed to install any blocked firmware updates. However, future games will work, but the WiFi multiplay will not work, as is the case a modded Xbox and Microsoft's Xbox Live service.
To check your PCB version, open the UMD drive. If the code IC1003 is visible on the top-right side of the PSP side of the drive, then your PSP has a TA-082 PCB, making it incompatible. See example. A user who has a TA-082 can always purchase an older motherboard and replace it, but this is a complex procedure and may seriously damage the PSP itself.
[edit] Installation
From information released, it seems the Undiluted Platinum board is to be placed over the Wifi / Memory Stick daughter board behind an RF shield. Like modchips for many other consoles, it is likely that many wires will have to be hand soldered between the device and points on the original PSP motherboard which first you have to scrape off the solder mask which is very difficult and should only be attempted under a 10x microscope.
The complexity of installation means that an unexperienced person may permanently "brick" the PSP by accidentally bridging points or damaging components on the motherboard. A failed installation resulting in a non-functioning PSP could be fixed by replacing the PSP motherboard.
Install Diagrams have been released.
[edit] References
- ^ Shoy. "Undiluted Platinum PSP Modchips Have Arrived!", PSPUpdates.QJ.net, June 27, 2006.
- ^ Zeus. "Undiluted Platinum - World's First PSP Modchip - Install Pic & Features List!", MaxConsole, May 28, 2006.
- ^ 0okm. "Undiluted Platinum may have Compatibility Problems", QJ.net, June 11, 2006.
