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https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4

Custom Firmware for the PSP and PS Vita.
https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4

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Custom Firmware for the PSP and PS Vita.

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README 

        
# ARK-4 e/CFW for the PSP and PS Vita.



New, updated, improved and modern `Custom Firmware` for the `PSP` and `PS Vita`'s `ePSP`.

Simple to use and full of unique features, `ARK CFW` aims at keeping the `PSP` experience fresh. Being a successor to `PRO` and `ME`,

`ARK` is now the most feature-complete `CFW` for the `PSP`, having all features from classic `CFW`

as well as unique and exclusive new features not found anywhere else.







Join the PSP Homebrew Community Discord




We are located in the #ark-cfw channel











### Installation Guide located in WIKI

ARK-4 WIKI











### Table of Contents (Quick Links)

  * [FEATURES:](#features)

  * [Installation on PSP](#Installation-on-PSP)

  * [Installation on PS Vita](#installation-on-ps-vita)

  * [Changelog](#changelog)

  * [Warnings](#warnings)



## FEATURES:



- `Core` system for unsigned code execution heavily updated from traditional CFW with robust patching algorithms and improved API.



- Heavily optimized `Inferno 2` Driver compatible with all known PSP formats (ISO, CSO, ZSO, JSO, CSOv2 and DAX).



- `Popcorn` controller for custom PS1 games with support for external configuration files and anti-libcrypt protection.



- Built-in No-DRM engine `Stargate`, fixes many anti-CFW games. Expandible via other NoDRM plugins.



- `Plugin` support for PSP games and homebrew, PS1 games and VSH (XMB), including the ability to enable and disable plugins per-game.



- `Region Free` playback of UMD Video on all PSP models. Change the region of your UMD drive on-the-fly.



- Compatible with all `PSP` models on firmwares `6.60` and `6.61`.



- Compatible with all `PS Vita` models on firmware `2.10` up to `3.74` OFW or Henkaku, including support for the `Adrenaline` pspemu mod.



- Compatible with `6.60 Testing Tool` and `6.60 Development Tool` firmwares for testkit and devkit units (inlcuding `CEX2DEX` converted units).



- Updated `cIPL` compatible with all PSP models, including toolkits, for truely permanent CFW.



- Can be fully installed and booted on memory stick via `Time Machine`.



- Can be used to unbrick any PSP model using `Despertar del Cementerio Version 10` in combination with a `Pandora Battery` or `Baryon Sweeper`.



- Resistant to `bricks`, easy to recover from bad configurations, various recovery methods including being able to load `DC` via `cIPL` without any special device.



- `Custom game launcher` with built-in game categories, file browser, FTP server and client, modernized look and more.



- Built-in extensions allow the CFW to be managed entirely via the `XMB`.



- Compatible with `PRO Online` and `Xlink Kai`.



- Compatible with Legacy Homebrew via `eLoader` and `Leda`, including with the classic `KXploit` format.



- `OTA` updates. Fully updateable via the internet.



![CFW Settings](.github/screenshots/cfw_settings.bmp "CFW Settings")

![Advanced VSH Menu](.github/screenshots/advanced_vsh.bmp "VSH Menu")

![cIPL](https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/wiki/.res/system_settings.bmp "System Info")



#### Compiling ARK ( For Developers )




    Build script will allow you to use the correct SDK that ARK was built with.



- Docker container: `docker pull docker.io/krazynez/ark-4:latest`



These are utilized either with cloning the repo or using the Docker container



- Release: `./build.sh` 

- Debug: `./build.sh --debug`

- Manually: install the oldest possible SDK (ideally the one used to compile M33), then run `make`



Use `-h` or `--help` to show all available flags 



#### Installation On PSP



##### The instructions are as follows:

  

- Move or copy `ARK_01234` folder into `/PSP/SAVEDATA/` folder.

- Move or copy `ARK_Loader` folder into `/PSP/GAME/` folder.

- Launch `ARK Loader`. It will install ARK modules on PSP Flash and boot the CFW.

- At this point `ARK` will work as a `Live CFW`, meaning that `ARK Loader` will need to be run every time the console is turned off or rebooted.

- To convert `ARK` into a `Permanent CFW` you can use either `cIPL` or `Infinity`, along with the `Full Installer` for a complete permanent experience.



##### Permanent CFW via cIPL



- `New cIPL`: works with every retail model (1K, 2K, 3K, Go and Street) on firmware `6.61`.

- `Classic cIPL`: works with `1g` and early `2g` on firmware `6.60` or `6.61` as well as `Testkits` on `6.60 Testing Tool`.

- `DevTool cKBOOTI`: works with `DTP-T1000` (devkits) on `6.60 Development Tool`.

- Installer will choose the correct version according to your model.

- Move or copy `ARK_cIPL` folder to `/PSP/GAME/` and run the program.

- Press the corresponding button in the installation page to install or remove the cIPL patch.

- Warning: unlike classic cIPL, the new cIPL method can't be easily uninstalled. To revert to offical IPL, use ChronoSwitch to reinstall 6.61 OFW.



##### Full Flash Installation



- This allows you to install and use all of ARK's features on the console's internal flash memory, allowing you to entirely remove the `ARK_01234` savedata folder or memory stick.

- Copy `ARK_Full_Installer` to `/PSP/GAME/` and run it from `ARK`. It will install some extra files into the console's flash.

- If the `Custom Launcher` is not available (i.e. you delete the ARK savedata or remove the memory card), `PRO Shell` will take its place.

- When no savedata folder is available the default ARK path used to store settings will be `ms0:/SEPLUGINS/`.

- Even if files are stored in the console's flash memory, the ones in the savedata folder will still take priority in loading.



##### Time Machine and Despertar del Cementerio



- `Time Machine` allows the ability to boot the `6.61` firmware and `ARK` entirely from the Memory Stick.

- `Despertar del Cementerio` allows the ability to revive a bricked PSP when used in combination with a `Pandora` or `Baryon Sweeper`.

- To install `DC-ARK` you must first format the memory stick leaving enough space for the boot sector. You can use `PSP Tool` to do this.

- You can install `DC-ARK` either using a `PSP` or a `PC` (Windows, Mac and Linux).

- On `PSP` you need to be running a `CFW` to install `DC-ARK` (ARK itself or any other).

- Copy the `ARK_DC` folder to the `/PSP/GAME/` folder and run the installer from the `XMB`.

- Follow the instructions to install DC-ARK and create a magic memory stick.

- On `PC`, you need `Python 3` and run `MagicMemoryCreator` with `admin`/`root` priviledges.

- On compatible models, you can use `Advanced VSH Menu` to create a `Pandora Battery`.

- Use a `Pandora` or `Baryon Sweeper` in combination with your newly created `Magic Memory Stick` to boot up `Despertar del Cementerio`.

- From here you can either boot ARK from memory stick, install 6.61 Firmware with ARK on the Nand or install 6.61 Official Firmware



#### Installation On PS Vita



##### Standalone (Official PSPEmu)



- Works on Firmware 3.60 up to 3.74, requires Henkaku/h-encore or any native hack.

- Download and install NoPspEmuDrm (you can use `AutoPlugin`).

- Copy `FasterARK.vpk` from `PSVita/` folder anywhere on your vita and install using `VitaShell`. 

- Open `FasterARK` and wait for the install process to finish.

- Both `ARK` and `ARK-X` bubbles will appear in `Live Area`.

- Use the `ARK` bubble for `PSP` games and homebrew. It can play `PS1` but with limitations related to sound playback.

- Use the `ARK-X` bubble for `PS1` games without any sound limitations.

- Once `ARK` bubbles are installed, you can delete `FasterARK`.

- To `exit` from a game or homebrew back to the `custom launcher`, press `L+R+Down+Start` (on `ARK-X` use `L2+R2+Down+Start` or `L1+R1+Start+Down` for `VitaTV`).

- NOTE: Some features are not available in standalone installations, mainly the official Sony `XMB` and `Force Extra RAM` setting (needed for `PRO Online`).

- NOTE: If you want to have an `ARK` bubble that works on `Official Firmware` you must use `ChovySign` with a valid license. Instructions in Wiki.



##### Adrenaline (Patched PSPEmu)



- Works on Firmware 3.60 up to 3.74, requires Henkaku/h-encore and `Adrenaline` (https://github.com/TheOfficialFloW/Adrenaline).

- (Skip this step if `Standalone` is already installed) Install `ARK_01234` folder into `/PSP/SAVEDATA/` folder.

- Install `ARK_Loader` folder into `/PSP/GAME/` folder.

- Use `Adrenaline Bubbles Manager` to create an autoboot bubble for `ARK Loader`: https://github.com/ONElua/AdrenalineBubbleManager/releases

- Note: this does not permanently modify `Adrenaline` in any way.



#### Updating ARK



##### There are three ways to update ARK:



- Option 1: Use the `System Update` feature in the XMB. Requires your PSP/Vita to be connected to the internet.

- Option 2: Copy the `UPDATE` folder to `/PSP/GAME/` and run it.

- Option 3: Copy `ARK_01234` folder and (on PSP) run `ARK Loader` again to install new flash0 files.



#### Changelog



- `ARK-1`: original port/rewrite of `PRO CFW` for the `PS Vita`. Codenamed `PROVITA`. Source code can be found here: https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-1-PROVita-

- `ARK-2`: dynamic patching allows it to work with most of `PS Vita` firmwares. Source code can be found here: https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-2

- `ARK-3`: device-specific runtime allows `ARK` to run in multiple scenarios (`ePSP` and `ePSX`). Source code can be found here: https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-3

- `ARK-4`: ported to the original `PSP`. Huge amounts of improvements and fixes over previous versions.



`Note`: this is a simplified `changelog`, for a full version you can visit here: https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md



#### Warnings




- ARK comes with no warranty whatsoever. It was designed to be noob-proof, however it is possible for the universe to create an even greater noob capable of using ARK to destroy the Earth (or his PSP). I cannot be held responsible for this.



- ARK may cause ejectile malfunction if your hard drive is not hard enough.



- If this software malfunctions, you can turn it off and on again.