Gamesd Vita

gamesd
File:Gamesdvita.jpg
General
Author	xyzz
Type	Plugins
Version	1.6
License	License
Last Updated	2019/08/31
Links
Download
Source

Gamesd is a plugin or a driver for SD to Gamecard adapters. This is PS Vita gamecard to microSD adapter.

What is gamesd?

Gamesd is a plugin works as a driver for SD to Gamecard adapters (formerly know as SD2VITA). SD will be mounted as ux0:/ partition.

Gamesd's Software

driver contains a kernel module. Add it to taihen's config.txt KERNEL section. You can download a precompiled .skprx from the Releases section.

Your microSD card must have no partition table. exFAT filesystem should be written directly to the device. On Linux, do:

mkfs.exfat /dev/sdx # (without a number)

On Windows, this works: https://redd.it/6o4gqh

On Mac this should work (Tested on OSX 10.12):

# List your attached storage, find your sd card
sudo DiskUtil list
# If necessary, unmount volume
sudo diskutil unmountdisk /dev/diskn (where n is the number of the mounted sd card)
# Format drive
sudo newfs_exfat -R /dev/diskn  

After that, the card still works on both Linux and Windows, however other devices might have some problems.

Compiling the driver for Gamesd

To compile:

cd driver
mkdir build && cd build
cmake ..
make

Gamesd's Hardware

board contains Autodesk EAGLE schematics and board files. Note: last revision still untested.

The pcb has to be 1mm thick. This means I only tested 1mm thick PCBs and found them to work fine. I don't know if other thicknesses work.

Note how the pcb has a hole in place of microsd socket. You need to flip the socket and mount it into the hole.

The socket should look like that. You can buy these from aliexpress for about $0.1-0.2/piece. Check out issue 2 for a buying guide.

There's no case for the adapter. Make sure to cover testpoints with some tape to prevent shorts. (v3.0 of the design has no test pads so you do not have to insulate anything). You also will have to use tweezers to remove adapter from PS Vita. Don't grab the adapter by the socket or you risk damaging it.

The adapter does not use Vita gamecard push-pull mechanism. If you feel a spring while inserting it, this means you are inserting it wrong.

If you accidentally short contacts, the Vita will power off. However, in my testing, this does not seem to cause any permanent damage.

Once you insert the adapter, you can replace microSD without taking the adapter out.

Hardware Version history

v3.0

• Reduced gamecard pads total width by 0.2mm.
• Removed testpads.
• Removed unused INS pad on the microSD socket side.
• Changed routing to reduce number of VIAs and the probability of electrons falling out of the board.

This design is not tested yet.

v2.0

• Reduced gamecard pads total width by 1.0mm.
• Removed fourth microsd socket leg.

This design is not tested by me yet, but other people confirmed it works.

v1.0

• Original design.

Some Alternative Gamesd Designs

You can find some alternative designs here:

• https://github.com/Gadorach/SD2VITA
• https://www.elotrolado.net/hilo_proyecto-hardmod-para-poner-un-lector-de-micro-sd-en-la-psvita_2229693 (Spanish)

Changelog

(v.1.6)

• Added 3.71/3.72 support.

(v.1.5)

• Added 3.69/3.70 support.

(v.1.4)

• Fix sporadic wakeup issue

(v.1.3)

• Added appmgr patch to allow memory card remount.

(v.1.2)

• Added 3.68 support.

(v.1.1)

• Added 3.65/3.67 support.

(v.1.0)

• First Release.

License

• Code inside the driver directory is licensed under GPLv3 or later.
• Contents of the board directory are licensed under CC0.

Special thanks to

• @motoharu-gosuto for their work on gamecard RE
• @TheOfficialFlow for providing original version of the usbmc plugin

External links

• Github - https://github.com/xyzz/gamecard-microsd
• VitaDB - https://vitadb.rinnegatamante.it/#/info/285