... courtesy of Chunglam, who's decided he'd try something a bit towards the hardware side this time. It's not the first attempt we've seen at making a wireless external storage solution for the PSP: a long time ago (okay, just a little under a year ago) someone wrote up a How-To on using an Asus WL-HDD drive enclosure as an external storage device for the PSP, using RSS.

This time, Chunglam used an Asus WL-500g/gx/gp Wi-Fi router with attached 40GB USB drive and the source code with the precompiled binary for the router. The code is available at the DL link below; custom firmware for the router (not the PSP this time) will be required and can be downloaded separately (click on via below for more details). Needless to say, whoever wants to do this needs experience with working with Wi-Fi routers, not just the PSP.

It's still not a perfect solution, Chunglam notes: the router requires an AC outlet (hence the quotation marks in "portable", but at least you can take 40 gigs of storage space with you to the nearest power outlet if it comes to that). The "pure" portable solution, he says, would be to use a... Microsoft Zune, since it also has Wi-Fi. But first, he says we have to hack its firmware security and run Linux in it.

Is it just us, or is it possible that Chunglam just said that with a wry, ironic smile plastered on his face?

Download: [Source code for Asus WL-500g/gx/gp]

Well that sure was fast. After bringing you guys release 2 of Devhook Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.65c3: CSO Cache System with WiFi Support, Chunglam's now back with a third release!

And this time, the list of changes is real short but it's real useful nonetheless: improved CSO reading speed through WIFI connection. Yep, so if in earlier versions, you guys were complaining that the speed is really slow, you can say buh-bye to those speed woes now with Release 3.

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty techie stuff now, shall we?

umdcisomod.prx

• Improved the CSO reading speed through WIFI connection, I got over 4mbps(500kbytes) peak data rate and average 200kbyes per second(game: Dragon ball z) in my test. Please note actual data rate you can get is highly depends on your WIFI setup, environment and even the data reading pattern of a particular game.
  

nethostfs.exe 1.5a for Windows

• Now you can put CSO files in any folder of nethost0:/

Installation Guide:

• Make sure you have installed my mod version 1.65c3
• Unrar and copy all files in folder "dh" to "ms0:/dh", overwrite old version files if needed.
• Copy nethostfs.exe in "pctool" (need cygwin1.dll from full package) to your PC folder contains your original CSO files and run it.
• Edit "ms0:/dh/hostip.txt" to match IP address of your desktop PC.
  
• Please make sure you can use first network infrastruction connection setting to connect PSP to your desktop PC.
• Please re-copy("Copy to MS") CSO cache file by using the new version Vshexmod 1.26b comes with this patch. Previous version of Vshexmod has bug and always copy incomplete CSO cache file.
• Run the cache CSO file from "ms0:/iso/cache"
• When you play the game and game data is missing from cache file the system will try to load game data from original CSO file in "ms0:/iso", then "usbhostfs0:/iso"(if USBFS is enabled) and lastly the "nethost0:/"(any fodler) by WIFI connection. The new game data will be appended to CSO cache file if the CSO Cache flag is enalbled. WIFI connection will be closed if idle for more than 15 seconds(may be longer depends on how frequent the game read data from CSO file) to conserve battery power.
  

And as usual, Chunglam reminds us that Tekken still doesn't work with the WiFi feature. You can find more info on Chunglam's Devhook Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.65c3 right here. Muchos kudos to you Chunglam for telling us about this release!

Download: [CSO Cache System with WiFi Support Release 3]

Alright, just a teeny weeny update to Chunglam's Devhook Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.65c3, yep, the one with the enhanced CSO cache system with WiFi support. Well, it just got even more enhanced!

Remember how in our previous post, Chunglam included Vshexmod 1.26a in the package? Well now he's just released an update to that with Vshexmod 1.26b. He's fixed some bugs and added some new stuff to improve his VSHEX Mod 1.65c3.

Changelog:

• Fixed bug of non-working cache file generated from usbhostfs
• Moved CSO cache index files to "ms0:/iso/cache", old index files in "ms0:/dh/thumbnail" still been used by cache system but new or updated index files will be saved to "ms0:/iso/cache"
• Updated systemctrl_dh4se.prx and systemctrl_dh.prx from 2.71SE-C and HEN_D by Dark_AleX
• Added nethostfs modules from IRSHELL 3.0 public release by AhMan

The changelog may be short, but nonetheless oh-so-sweet, especially for those who have been having fun with Chunglam's VSHEX Mod so far. He would like to know though if there are a lot of you guys who actually use the CSO cache system because according to him, he's putting a lot of effort into making it work but he's gotten very few feedback about it. So if you have the time, please drop him a line or two, alright?

Also, Chunglam says that the Wi-Fi idle time detection still isn't accurate because the cache system can only get control when the game is reading data from the CSO file, and that the Wi-Fi feature may not work with all games (Tekken being one of those known "non-working" games). Installation process is still the same, but in case you're new to all this, you can check out the instructions here.

Download: [CSO Cache System with WiFi Support release 2]

Less than a week after releasing Devhook Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.65c3, Chunglam has updated it again to add a few more features. In case you didn't know, this mod has undergone countless changes and revisions to reach where it is today.

Not one to rest after releasing a new version, this update adds a few minor things with big ehancements  - you can now stream CSOs over a Wifi connection. Plus, the CSO cache system makes sure that your games don't lag even if the streaming is slow. He'd like to have more feedback from you guys about the CSO cache system, so once you've used it for a while, a few comments would be appreciated.

Anyways, on with the instructions:

• Make sure you have installed mod version 1.65c3
• Unrar and copy all files in folder "dh" to "ms0:/dh", overwrite old version files if needed.
• Copy nethostfs.exe in "pctool" (need cygwin1.dll from full package) to your PC folder contains your ISO/CSO files and run it.
• Edit "ms0:/dh/hostip.txt" to match IP address of your desktop PC.
• Please make sure you can use first network infrastruction connection setting to connect PSP to your desktop PC.
• Please re-copy you CSO cache file by using the new version Vshexmod 1.26a comes with this patch. Previous version of Vshexmod has bug and always copy incomplete CSO cache file.
• Run the cache CSO file from "ms0:/iso/cache" and make sure you put the original full version CSO file inside the desktop PC ISO folder.
• When you play the game and game data is missing from cache file the system will try to load game data from original CSO file in "ms0:/iso", then "usbhostfs0:/iso"(if USBFS is enabled) and lastly the "nethost0:/iso" by WIFI connection. The new game data will be appended to CSO cache file if the CSO Cache flag is enalbled. WIFI connection will be closed if idle for more than 20 seconds to conserve battery power.

Chunglam would like you guys to know that currently, the streaming speed over Wifi connection is pretty slow (60-120 Kb/s), and it will be fixed in later versions. Secondly, the core modules for WIFI connection(nethostfs.prx, nethostfs_dev.prx, netuser.prx and nethostfs.exe) were taken from IRSHELL by AhMan and have been enhanced from original source code of daxdumper by DarkAleX. Emulated FW2.71 with HEN_C is needed for these modules. Enjoy the download!

Download Link: [Devhook Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.65c3 - Enhanced CSO cache system with WIFI support]

The last we heard of Chunglam was way back in the tail-end of October when he just released version 1.65c of his creation, the Devhook Launcher/ VSHEX Mod. But, lookie here, Chunglam is back at the scene, doing what he does best - and that is dishing out updates for this app. This time, he released version 1.65c3 of this app.

First time QJ reader? New PSP owner? Just in case everything in this article looks like Cuneiform to you, well let us give you a picture of what this app is. Basically, Chunglam's Devhook Launcher/ VSHEX Mod is a spin-off of TheBuzzer's Devhook GUI Launcher Mod. Chunglam doesn't want you to be in the dark as to how to use this app so he provided a detailed readme, Mini FAQ, and history texts that you should all read - regardless if you're a first-time user or not.

With this update, Chunglam is indeed keeping up with the times as he just added cheat device">Edison Carter's Cheat Device 1.0d PRX for GTA-LCS and Cheat Device 2.1a PRX for GTA-Vice City Stories. Before we end this, we would like to thank BobJoe for the tip. So with that, let's jump to the changelog.

Version 1.65c3

• Added Cheat Device 1.0d PRX for GTA-LCS by Edison Carter
• Added Cheat Device 2.1a PRX for GTA-VCS by Edison Carter
• Added modified MP3 player PRX by AhMan, please note this is not same prx as the mp3 prx comes with IRSHELL
• This is a modified version of the opensource mp3 prx for irshell. It will play mp3 files from ms0:/PSP/MUSIC (no subdirs). It has random and sequential play modes.
• Controls
• Note + Left Trigger = pause/resume playback
• Note + Right Trigger = next song
• Note + Square = switch playback mode between random and seqeuntial
  

• Added USB Host File System server/driver for Windows
• Updated CW Cheat to 0.1.6
• Updated Cheat Master 0.6 alpha
• Updated systemctrl_dh4se.prx from 2.71SE-B3

Vshexmod 1.26

• Added "Add-on Menu" to enable/disable "CW Cheat", "Cheat Master, "Cheat Device LCS", "Cheat Device VCS", "IRSHELL" and "MP3 Player" in game mode, use "SELECT" key to toggle  enabled/disabled mode. Please note "IRSHELL" option is only for IRSHELL 2.2SE.

Download: [Devhook Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.65c3]

From version 1.65b, Chunglam is now up and about reminding us that the Devhook Launcher/VSHEX Mod ain't over till the whole dev thingy is over. We've counted just a little less than a week and bang! Another update called version 1.65c. This time it's quite a smaller one though, and here's the changelog:

• Compatible with 2.71SE-B
• Added Korean font (generated from TrueType font) and language file by friends from Korea
• Added Chinese game title macro "names.big5" by friend from Taiwan
• Added Simplified Chinese help file by CrUmp Zhao
• Updated Portuguese Brazil language and help file by Pender666

As we've taken account in the past blogs dedicated to Chunglam's Devhook Launcher, the mod is actually a bit like a spin-off of TheBuzzer's Devhook GUI Launcher Mod. The developer stresses that this is mainly for Korean users. Anything you want to know on how to install and how to use the mod can be found on the Readme.txt file. Also check out the mini-faq.txt if you got questions that Chunglam might just be able to answer. Thanks and keep 'em good stuff coming, Chunglam!

Download: [Devhook Launcher/VSHEX Mod v1.65c]

Okay, do us a favor. Open pspupdates on a new tab, and then go type the name of DEVHOOK Launcher/VSHEX Mod's developer on the search box. You'll see that Chunglam's been very busy. That's how many updates in how many days?

The guy just keeps updating, and updating, and updating, and updating, and updating...  Anyway, we'll skip to the important things you guys would want to know, like, er, what's new in this version.

Changes for Version 1.65b

• Added font5x10.LATIN1, font6x12.LATIN1, font10x10.GB and font10x10.BIG5 - Chunglam says that the quality isn't very good though, since they were generated from TrueType font.
• The menus of launcher and vshexmod can now be in SJIS, GB, BIG5 and LATIN1 encoding format. Chunglam asks that you specify encoding format in your language file.
• Updated Chinese name macro "names.gb"(GB) by angelspsp(CNGBA) / eavlvoe (MaxC). Added Chinese name macro "names.sjis"(SJIS) by friend from Taiwan.
• Added Simplified Chinese language file by CrUmp Zhao. Added Polish language file by derdzik. Added Portuguese Brazil language and help file by Pender666.
• Changed background image contributed by tv8 and Whiplord.
• Added firmware 2.00 config text files.

What's new with the Launcher?

• You can now remove "ms0:/dh/kd/devhook046.prx" to prevent launcher prompt you "Switch Devhook" menu. Chunglam says that this is a little something for all your Devhook 0.45 fans out there.
• Re-added firmware 2.00 selection.

Notes for Vshexmod 1.25b

• Auto load name macro (names.*) if encoding format is specified in language file otherwise load "macro.txt"
• List only compatible fonts if encoding format is specified in language file.
• Added loading cover bitmap "cover0.bmp" in root of ISO/CSO image.

Great work Chunglam! Anyway, at the rate Chunglam is updating we think it's safe for you guys to keep posting your inputs on how he could improve his amazing app on the comments. Oops sorry, it seems that you guys have already been doing that. Silly me.

Download [DEVHOOK Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.65b]

Once again, the hard-working Chunglam has informed us that he has come up with another update for his DevHook Launcher and VSHEX Mod. This bumps up the version to 1.65. Here's what's been changed since v1.64a:

Version 1.65

• Replaced XMB-BOOT.cso(you can remove it from ms0:/iso) with smaller dummy.cso(in folder ms0:/dh/res) and used by Launcher to disable auto start game, start emulation by CROSS to boot into XMB or CIRCLE to start normally. Please note "Autorun/Autoboot" always boot into XMB
• Updated all language files because of menu re-arrangement, please re-select your language
• Updated Chinese(GB) name macro "names.cn" by angelspsp(CNGBA) / eavlvoe (MaxC)
• Updated name macro "names.eng" by sanaell
• Added Czech language file

Launcher

• Auto detect UMD disc for "NOUMD" and "ANYUMD" mount method of fw1.50 emulation mode.
• Now display "BOOT SELECT" menu only if you select fw1.50 emulation mode
• Moved "Thumbnail Mode" and "Auto Disc ID." to main menu
• Now save *.vsh icons with disc ID. and can be packed into "ms0:/dh/thumbnail/icons.cso"
• Press "SELECT" to switch USB modes: USB HOST File System, USB Mass Storage and Off.

Vshexmod v1.25

• Now search *.vsh icons by disc ID. in folder "ms0:/dh/thumbnail" and file "ms0:/dh/thumbnail/icons.cso"

To start pimping out your DevHook Launcher, just click on the link below to download DevHook Launcher and VSHEX Mod v1.65. If this is your first time installing this homebrew app, don't forget to peruse the readme and mini-faq included in the download. Installation and usage instructions are in the readme file.

---

UPDATE: Chunglam never cease to amaze us, why? He recently informed us that he had released an updated version of his creation, the DevHook Launcher/ VSHEX Mod. The newly released mod, now on version 1.65a, fixes a couple of things with the launcher and with the VSHEX mod. With that, let's go and check the changelog.

Changelog for v.165a
Launcher
- Fixed unable to browse "usbhostfs0:/" bug
- Fixed language setting bug

Vshexmod 1.25a
- Fixed show "dummy.cso" bug

Download: [Devhook Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.65a]

Looks like somebody is really slaving to perfect an almost perfect app. Showing the grit, determination and the skills that a model homebrew developer should possess, Chunglam has once again updated his mod of TheBuzzer's DevHook GUI Launcher. A couple of days after releasing the DevHook Launcher/ VSHEX Mod version 1.64, he has once again made us gush with his busy-bee ways and updated it to v.1.64a. Truly, the homebrew community is loving this mod and with the constant updates and great features, who wouldn't?

Again, we find it hard to believe that this is the first time that you'll be reading about this, that is if you are an ardent QJ reader. But if for some insane reason you've skipped reading about this app or this is your first time to land on QJ territory, then we suggest that you catch up on your reading. The dev has provided a very detailed mini FAQ and readme text that comes with the download. We also suggest reading our past coverage of the app so as you'll have a clearer picture of what you're getting and how to maximize its functions.

In version 1.64, he has added firmware 2.71 SE-A support (including 2.71 NANDFLASH emulation mode) among many other improvements. The launcher and VSHEXMOD also had their share of ample changes. This time around, there was no reported change in the VSHEXMOD, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Let's jump to the changelog shall we? And on a more personal note, keep up the good work and spunk, Chunglam. We hope to hear from you soon.

Changelog for Version 1.64a

• Updated French language file and added French help file translated by Guilouz
• Added Chinese (GB) name macro "names.cn" contributed by angelspsp / eavlvoe
• Updated name macro "names.eng" to 1067 game titles by sanaell
• Added Dutch language file translated by X-tra

Launcher

• Fixed incorrect icon display for some games (Exit2, Myst), please remove those incorrect *.vsh icons from "ms0:/dh/thumbnail"
• Fixed non-functional autoboot for fw2.71 version

Download: [DevHook Launcher Mod v1.64a]

We think homebrew developer, TheBuzzer, would be so proud of fellow dev, Chunglam. Merely a few days after releasing the DevHook Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.63a, Chunglam has once again informed us that he has come up with version 1.64 of this DevHook GUI Launcher Mod. The DevHook GUI Launcher was the creation of TheBuzzer- hence the reason why he might be so proud of his fellow dev's conquests.

If this is the first time you're reading about this app, it wouldn't hurt you guys to read over the mini FAQ and readme files provided with the download. We don't want you inducing harm to your PSP or suffering any inconvenience, so read on, it's good for you.

In the small span of time ever since the release of v1.63a, the good developer has obviously tinkered around the app that resulted to many new additions in this versions, so let's go over them now.

Changelog

• Added fw2.71SE-A support, including 2.71(NANDFlash) emulation mode
• Added dummy XMB-BOOT.cso

Launcher

• Added background image support to fw2.71 version
• Now launcher will not save icon png file to MS, it will directly load icon from ISO/CSO file. You can remove all previous generated *.png files from "ms0:/dh/thumbnail". The *.vsh files still needed for Vshexmod.
•  Added help screen, press SQUARE to display help.
  

Vshexmod 1.24

• Auto extract disc ID from ISO/CSO file if no disc ID embedded in file name. It is still recommended to pre-extract disc ID in Launcher mode to smooth file browsing operation.
• Now the cover bitmap files can be packed into a single CSO file "covers.cso" in folder "ms0:/dh/covers"

Please note Launcher in folder "ms0:/psp/game" is ready for fw1.50 and fw2.71(HEN&SE), you DON'T need copy any file to "ms0:/psp/game150""

Download: [DevHook Launcher/VSHEX Mod 1.64]