Proving times is impossible (just yet)

[Wity]

If I see another poor sod saying he wishes he had a digital camera so as he could prove his times I think I will go doodally.

Mr P went out and bought one thinking it would prove something as did Zero Cool and both now realise they prove nothing. As the fact is no "system" yet exists to prove anything other than a replay which will show whether or not wall banging or shortcuts were made.

Even with replays there is nothing there yet to prove that a code or codes were not entered into a cheat cartridge to boost the bhp lower the weight, increase the down force whatever.

With GT2 a guy over at Kenji's named mk wrote some software that takes a replay and shows all the bolt on bits and the settings used. Now
until such time as replays are available and that software is re written for the PS2 proof for GT3 times is just not possible.

There are four options currently around that enable replays to be e-mailed and effectively use your p.c. 's harddrive to store PS2 memory card saves.

Datel’s X-port (UK) / Shark Port (USA) £30. Uses usb and out now.
Review: http://www.omnimelon.com/equipment/x-port.shtml

The EMS Ideal if you do not have usb as it uses serial ports only. At around £20.
Review: http://www.omnimelon.com/equipment/emsmalc.shtml

Joytechs Harder Drive. Cheapest at £18 and possibly the best.
No review available, though it can be pre ordered. (Try a search for "Harder Drive + Joytech")

Then there is the Shark drive (effectively the omega zip drive) but at around £100 not to everyone’s budget.

My preference is for the Joytech Harder Drive as the other two work in the same way as the X-plorer / Gameshark for the PSX in that you have to connect via a cable the PS2 and the P.C. Joytechs answer is like the Dex Drive it merely connects to the P.C. plus it is the cheapest current alternative. Though when it will be launched I don’t know. I first saw it in a uk magazine before the PS2 was launched here and have had no reply from e-mailing Joytech.

Just to show what a waste of time a digital camera is for times here’s one I doctored in two mins by just using cut and paste of the date and entering it into the time slot which could just as easily been a faster time from another photo.

Useful as a camera yeah but proves nothing .

Next time anyone says “got proof ? somebody just “up” this post please.

 

[Pako]

Good point, and thanks for the lesson.


The shark port is a great idea! And although PAL and NTSC saved game versions are not compatible, I'm sure you can find someone else to verify the times.

Are your guys required to provide saved game files from such devices when submitting times? Just curious. . . . .

 

[Wity]

lol I just told Mr P on MSN to go see this and though he knew they were not 100% he was to say the least shocked to see how easily they can be doctored. Kinda surprised me too as I thought I would have to blank out the time and type in a new one till it dawned on me to copy and paste.

Most site racers race against friends and trust one another. Cheating is really pretty rare. Though the bigger the membership the bigger the problem.

I guessed we would have problems with the nine boards competition as there were so many stranger v stranger cenario's but in the end it was pretty good.

It is gutting to find tho as Mr P just said :

"Hell it took me hours to do that and you can blow it out in what 2 mins? Thats the last time I use the damn thing!"

 

[Mr P]

"capture card for sale "

going to the highest bidder one capture card with tv tuner built in with a nice remote control and wait for it two batteries , all these will go to the next mug who thinks they can provide picture proof .

wity has shown now that until the harder drive is available these other gadgets are totally a waste of time and money

i will provide no more screen pics as validation of a fast time , you guys are just gonna have to trust me

i will put my card to good use if no offers come in for it , i will posts pics of cars and simpson characters , i dont waste £ 50 for nothing , you must have heard about scotsmen , tight as the ring on a duck lol cheers wity you've ruined me

 

[Wity]

Recieved today:


Dear Sir,

Thank you for your query regarding the Joytech Harder Drive.

There has been an initial delay on launching this item due to an upgrading of the software. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Once the upgrade and testing has been completed then we are hoping to launch in March 2002 but this is dependent upon testing. The launch date will be advertised on our website at
www.joytech.co.uk.

With best regards,

Charlotte Thubron

Joytech Support
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

March seems a long way off dunno if this is a or a At least it sounds like it will be working properly from day 1

 

[vat_man]

Originally posted by mr persistance

i will put my card to good use if no offers come in for it , i will posts pics of cars and simpson characters

I could think of no nobler purpose

 

[Jon]

Originally posted by mr persistance
"capture card for sale "

going to the highest bidder one capture card with tv tuner built in with a nice remote control and wait for it two batteries , all these will go to the next mug who thinks they can provide picture proof .

wity has shown now that until the harder drive is available these other gadgets are totally a waste of time and money

i will provide no more screen pics as validation of a fast time , you guys are just gonna have to trust me

i will put my card to good use if no offers come in for it , i will posts pics of cars and simpson characters , i dont waste £ 50 for nothing , you must have heard about scotsmen , tight as the ring on a duck lol cheers wity you've ruined me

I give you a $1