Memory Card discussion

[VxJasonxV]

[LouieT]

[VxJasonxV]

The first time I ever made 5th mix link data I lost all my U.S. game saves on that card. We did it again and found out that it was the link data writing process wiping the memory card...

Must ask Cutriss about this.
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[Cutriss]

That's a fluke, I'm afraid.

Louie's right. There's no region-protection system.
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Sentient Mode is capable...

[VxJasonxV]

What???
...it wasn't an isolated incident either...
It happened to quite a few people out here. On a few different PS1s... with a few different copies of 5th mix.
...
I'm confused now.
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Amusing Pictures: lolddrfreak | Road of LoQ

[LOKI]

I have edits from both US and JP. The saves themselve may have region coding on them (IE DDR) so they will only work with specific region games but the cards are universial like all sony playstation peripherals.
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[Mr_Blasty]

Im importing ddr extreme and i want to know if i can use a memory card that has had U.S. game data on it if i delete that memory to use on a japanese game
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[Cutriss]

To answer your question, I've added this to the FAQ:

[pastapup]

If two people are using the same game, can our results be saved so we know who has what scores? Also, sometimes, the results on the "high scores" under "records" is not the same as the score I record at the end of a game. Any ideas why? TIA

[Cutriss]

You'll need separate memory cards and system files. The home versions of DDR don't support separate record keeping.
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Sentient Mode is capable...

[CrazyBabyDoc]

Is there any way to import Sharkport saves on PC into Excel files?

[Cutriss]

[CrazyBabyDoc]

I'm running a research study on child obesity prevention using DDRMAX2. Out of 60 kids, 40 will be randomized to get a PS2, DDRMAX2, and two Ignition-style pads for 28 weeks. After 12 weeks, the control kids get DDR as well. Kids that complete the study get to keep the gear.

We are using an activity monitor called a CSA accelerometer to track their daily activity for a week in 15 minute blocks at baseline, Week 12, and Week 28. During the first 12 weeks they will also wear a pedometer (step counter) and keep a daily log.

We are using a PS2 memory module to set these kids up but I was hoping I could export Sharkport data to Excel as an independent assessment of activity. It looks like we will just have to pay some poor bloke to look at all the cards (using a PS2) and enter the data manually. Or we may just forget it all together.

thnx

Oh . . . if you know any 7-8yo living within 45 minutes of Chapel Hill, NC . . . drop a line. Our project goes public next week. It's called DANCER.

[Cutriss]

I guess it depends on what data you're looking to extract. Truthfully, you probably should have investigated the feasibility of this prior to finalizing your study (which apparently you're starting next week). I've worked on clinical research before involving games as testing environments, so I'm familiar with the pitfalls involved.

I don't know that anyone has tried to reverse-engineer the Workout Mode data (which I presume is what you want), but if anyone would know, I'm sure Konami would. I don't think it's the sort of programming project that interests most people here. If you talked to someone at Konami, I'm sure they would be happy to document the file format for you so that you could get some useful data from it. It's hardly worth keeping secret.

And that's another point - you need to make sure your subjects know only to use Workout Mode, and you may want to make sure the game is fully unlocked before you give it to them.

And for the record, AFAIK, there's no automated data extraction tools for the Sharkport/X-port format. You would have to use PS2 Save Slicer to extract the save from the Sharkport file, and then use your extraction tool on *that*.
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Sentient Mode is capable...

[CrazyBabyDoc]

Actually this study is extremely well designed. We are not limiting use to the Workout mode (that wouldn't be very "natural" for the typical kid). I've spent the past 4 months field testing Xbox/Ultramix, PS2/MAX, and PS2/MAX2 in 4-10yo kids before settling on MAX2. Our physical activity monitor (accelerometer) is state of the art.

But thnx for the advice on consulting Konami.

Although we are using 8MB modules to set up "kid-friendly" game options, I nixed the idea of unlocking all of the options/songs. This study is a feasibility pilot (n=60) for a larger public health study. It's far more likely that the "typical" kid/family starting DDR will not have access to Sharkport, etc.

Further, I think there's a certain degree of positive reinforcement that comes from the incremental "achievements" of unlocking songs and game options.

[Cutriss]

[Ronin Ishii]

I'm having a very weird problem. I did NOT turn it off when it was saving. And the data is NOT corrupted (according to the ps2 browser). Now for my proablem. My MAX 2 says "FAILED LOADING SYSTEM DATA" when it tries to load my system data. I looked in my mc to see if the data is corrupted, but it's not. Even when I saving in the options menu, it said "OVERWRITE?". Which means it knows the data exists right? Then how come it cannot load the data?
PS I didnt know it should always be left in stand by mode. I always turn mine off. But I turn it off by holding the power button in the front then I turn off the back.

[Cutriss]

[SxyPhonZ]

PS2 cards are universal.

I have all my data from DDRMAX, DDRMAX2, DDR Extreme, DDR Party Collection, DDRMAX(US), & DDRMAX2(US) all on the same card.

[Cutriss]