PS3 Should I try HFW?

[Luis De Sousa]

Hi all.

I'm new to the forum. I've been reading a lot about the 4.84 HFW and decided to do it (Ps3 Slim, CECH-3XXX, with bluetooth/WiFi anthena damaged), and reading this guide, I noticed the disclaimer about the bricked PS3 the author mentions, with pretty much the same status as mine.

So, my question is, should I install the 4.84 HFW? Does not having the bluetooth/WiFi module bring more chances of bricking it? Or should I try to buy and replace that module before attempting HFW?

Thanks in advance!

 

[psykosis]

Hi all.

I'm new to the forum. I've been reading a lot about the 4.84 HFW and decided to do it (Ps3 Slim, CECH-3XXX, with bluetooth/WiFi anthena damaged), and reading this guide, I noticed the disclaimer about the bricked PS3 the author mentions, with pretty much the same status as mine.

So, my question is, should I install the 4.84 HFW? Does not having the bluetooth/WiFi module bring more chances of bricking it? Or should I try to buy and replace that module before attempting HFW?

Thanks in advance!

If you have ANY hardware issues, updating your firmware in ANY WAY is inadvisable. You can partially brick your system in an update loop.

HFW is OFW 4.84 for all intents and purposes. The only real difference between the two is that HFW will allow HAN to work, whereas OFW 4.84 will not. That's why there is no 4.82(and below) HFW, there is no need for it.

Fix your wifi/bluetooth BEFORE you attempt this, if you value your system at all.

 

[sandungas]

When the firmware is installed there is a point where is made a check to the wifi/BT module, incase it doesnt replyes the firmware installation stops and you could be trapped in a loop becuse you dont have any firmware installed, and you cant install it
This happens also when installing the official firmware

The point is... if you was able to install an official firmware then your wifi/BT module is not completly damaged
Maybe is just the antenna cable or antenna connectors ?... in this case doesnt matters, the firmware installations should work

 

[Luis De Sousa]

When the firmware is installed there is a point where is made a check to the wifi/BT module, incase it doesnt replyes the firmware installation stops and you could be trapped in a loop becuse you dont have any firmware installed, and you cant install it
This happens also when installing the official firmware

The point is... if you was able to install an official firmware then your wifi/BT module is not completly damaged
Maybe is just the antenna cable or antenna connectors ?... in this case doesnt matters, the firmware installations should work

As you say, I've updated the OFW several times before with a LAN cable, without any issues. I'm not really sure if it's the antenna or the module (is there any way to know beforehand without having to buy one or the other?). I opened my PS3, cleaned the antennas, even checked conductivity of the antenna plate with the connector pin with a tester, and did a Database reset. Think I might try a complete reset, to see if that works.

Now, taking what you are saying, if I update to OFW 4.83 and it works, then technically I could install OFW and HFW 4.84?

 

[sandungas]

As you say, I've updated the OFW several times before with a LAN cable, without any issues. I'm not really sure if it's the antenna or the module (is there any way to know beforehand without having to buy one or the other?). I opened my PS3, cleaned the antennas, even checked conductivity of the antenna plate with the connector pin with a tester, and did a Database reset. Think I might try a complete reset, to see if that works.

Now, taking what you are saying, if I update to OFW 4.83 and it works, then technically I could install OFW and HFW 4.84?

Yes, if you try to install a OFW and the installation is completed successfully it means your wifi/BT module is "alive"
Installing a firmware is the easyest way to know if the wifi/BT module is damaged, is the most risky too because the risk of falling in that blackscreen loop i mentioned, but you did it already so... is working

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I guess the problem is in the antenna cables/connectors, are very tiny so is easy to damage them while disconnecting/connecting them

One thing you could try for tests is to disconnect the antenna cables, turn ON the PS3 and try to use the dualshock veeeeery close to the module
And repeat the same test by placing a router very close to the module
The point is by disconnecting the antennas the range will be very low (maybe less than 50cm) but it should work if you place the other device very close
The antenna cables are an "addon", but the wireless signal exists even without antennas