Pandora Gadgets: Latest News

Quadpad does it again!

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:09:51 +0000

We don't mention other websites often, but we thought we'd break from the mold and talk briefly about a new 3g tablet pc, we tested out an ipad recently and although we were big fans of the iphone, we weren't overly impressed with the enlarged iphoney interface of the ipad.

We felt that the Quadpad was much better suited for users who want a slightly more features than what exists in a glorified ipad, for one thing it comes with 3 USB ports, expandable memory, printer fuctionality and the ability to use all the software you may have on a Windows PC.

And that's the great thing about the Quadpad 3G, you can actually print, have the freedom to completely customise your machine.. Absolutely fantastic for interactive home interactive systems, as well as commercial use.

Iphone expansion battery pack coming soon

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:09:12 +0000

We're in the process of procuring some high quality iphone batteries which will make your device last 3x longer on a single charge. Hopefully with the add-on pack you'll be able to use your device for much longer and not worry about running out of charge.

The iphones capabiltiies have never truly been realised, due to the huge battery drain of push notifications and other resource hogging software, so users have been reluctant to explore iphone-to-iphone IM, video playing, internet lookups etc.

With an extended battery life it should be less worrisome to use your iphone til your hearts content.

Pandora Issues

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:08:41 +0000

There are some known pandora issues that some users may be experiencing, we want to keep everyone informed about any compatibility issues that are relevant. There have been someone recent developments in the PSP releases that will make it difficult for users to downgrade their PSP.

TA-088 motherboards
Some new models of slim PSPs are hard coded to not allow PSPs to convert normal batteries into pandora batteries. Users have the option of buying a pandora battery, or getting one of someone else who has access to a workable PSP. We'd recommend the former option and keep it for safe keeping and use as and when required. As M33 developments become more complicated over time, so will the liklihood of end users making errors in the implementation, causing bricks.

TA-085v2 motherboards
Affects the newest releases of PSP slim version 3.95 factory and beyond, TA-085v2 motherboards are released AFTER TA-088 motherboards, contrary to the numbering system. Sony have modified the core processor of the PSP to not install any custom firmware on PSPs, at the moment only signed upgrades by Sony will install on the PSP. Team M33 are currently developing a workaround for this system.

Pandora FAQs

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:08:15 +0000

What are the features of the Pandora?

* High quality Pandora Battery for PSP & PSP 2000(PSP SLIM)!
* You can unbrick & downgrade any version psp to version 1.5, or any firmware of your choice!
* This is a non OEM generic product.
* Weight of the battery pack: 33g.
* Package includes one piece of Unbrick PSP Battery Pack for Sony PSP (generic product).

Can this Pandora battery downgrade or unbrick any PSP?

Yes, you can unbrick any currently available PSP. And you can downgrad any non-bricked PSP that you own.

Can I restore my battery back to its normal state after this process?

Yes, you can if you've backed up the contents of your battery's flash into a file on you memory stick; although, this defeats the purpose of having a battery ready for unbricking. That is why you are suggested a spare pandora battery for emergency use.

Pandoragadgets.co.uk has found some very cheap batteries. Get them while they're still cheap.

Does unbricking work on TA-082 motherboards?

It is known to work on all motherboard revisions. The reflasher will ask you to apply the patch. Press 'X' to do so.

I've heard that new versions of PSP are not compatible with Pandora Batteries, is this correct?

The new PSPs (factory version 3.9 and above) are able to detect harded modded pandora batteries, which are battries that have been physically tampered with to pandorize it. We do not sell these types of battries, and all our pandora batteries are "soft modded" and are NOT affected by this update

Downgrading guide

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:07:35 +0000

Downgrade/Unbrick any PSP via the PC

Things you'll need:
1. A Pandora battery
2. A genuine pro duo memory stick (between 256mb and 2GB capacity, anything larger or small will not work)
3. A package named 14749_TOTALNewbieasyInstallerPandorasmenu. This is about 135MB in size.

May need:
1. Pandora's GUI 1.5
-This is for the IPL if the previous application doesn't function.

Steps:

1. Boot up your PSP with the memory stick inside.
2. Go to the system settings in the options tab and format the memory stick.
3. Plug in the PSP via USB.
4. Put the device into USB mode.
Note: You may need to remove the memory card from the PSP and put it into a card reader so that your PC can access it. I can't remember if the PSP provides the interface or not as you'll need to specify a drive letter for the memory stick when you reach step 7.
5. Go to your PC and extract the 14749TOTALNewbieasyInstallerPandorasmenu package.
6. Run START.exe. If you're using Vista, you'll have to run it as the root or the Administrator.
7. Follow the instructions given by the application. You may select any option you wish for the firmware or unbricker. If you're using a PSP slim, I'd go with option 3 as it will create the proper PSP slim memory stick.
8. When it's finished, turn the PSP off.
9. Remove the original battery from the PSP.
10. If you've removed the prepared memory stick from the PSP, put it back in.
11. Put the Pandora battery into the PSP.
12. It should boot up automatically and the screen will appear blank.
13. Hit X.
14. Wait until the PSP turns off automatically.
15. Take out the Pandora battery and replace it with your normal battery.
16. Turn the PSP on and enjoy. At this point, you can update the existing custom firmware or do whatever you want.

Alternative:

LinkDead suggested that 3.71 slims can only be downgraded with DA's universal unbricker. This is actually included in the install package I believe which means you can't just flash CFW on to the PSP but that's not a huge deal. He also suggested an alternative instruction set that would replace steps 12-14.

"Pop in the memory stick, then pop in the battery. Your memory stick access light and wifi lights should blink.

Then press SQUARE to backup your NAND. The psp will dump the NAND (takes about 3-5 minutes) and power down.

Pop the battery back out and in. This time press X and it will flash 3.71m33."

Note: If your PSP doesn't do anything after you hit X and walk away, try using Pandora's GUI to just build the IPL on the memory stick. If this doesn't work, start the whole process again. If you still can't get it to function, try a different memory stick. If you still have issues, microwave your PSP.

Good luck.