How do I fix the Gym glitch having purchased an Action Replay Max?

[Tarunbhandal]

I encountered the GTA: SA gym glitch where it doesn't matter how many times or when I go into any of the gyms in the game it never lets me workout it always just says "You cannot work out at this time, please come back tomorrow!" something like that. I have done just about everything in the game to fix this and nothing has worked. I decided then to go online, get this device and fix it that way.

[OrionSR]

If you have a version of AR-Max that can copy saves between the PS2 memory card and a USB device then copy the save to PC, uploaded to GTASnP.com, select the Gym Fix option under Modifications, download the repaired file, and copy it back to your memory card.

 

This is more complicated than it sounds because few versions support USB, it's hard to tell which version is which, only old-style USB devices work (<512MB, maybe) and the software never quite worked right anyway. I could never figure out how to crunch my SA folder to a .max file on the memory card to copy it to USB, but I could simply copy the entire folder. The .max file was required to copy from PC to memory card. The format for the max file depends on versions, v1 or v2, and NTSC or PAL. Use PS2 Save Builder to package your save into the appropriate type of .max file downloaded from the internet.

 

A basic cheat code might be an easier solution, but it's been many years since I've worked with PS2 cheat codes. I'll review my old notes on the topic, hopefully I posted something when I was current on the subject. Otherwise, it might take me a while to come up to speed again.

 

Which version of San Andreas PS2 do you have?
NTSC-US/C or PAL?
V1 or V2?

NTSC-J might be possible with proper examples of working codes that manipulate global variables.

Found something that looks like it should work. (Unless you have PAL v2.) These old posts are a bit of a mess due to forum updates over the years. I'll try to clean it up a little.

Edited November 10, 2019 by OrionSR

[Tarunbhandal]

34 minutes ago, OrionSR said:

If you have a version of AR-Max that can copy saves between the PS2 memory card and a USB device then copy the save to PC, uploaded to GTASnP.com, select the Gym Fix option under Modifications, download the repaired file, and copy it back to your memory card.

 

This is more complicated than it sounds because few versions support USB, it's hard to tell which version is which, only old-style USB devices work (<512MB, maybe) and the software never quite worked right anyway. I could never figure out how to crunch my SA folder to a .max file on the memory card to copy it to USB, but I could simply copy the entire folder. The .max file was required to copy from PC to memory card. The format for the max file depends on versions, v1 or v2, and NTSC or PAL. Use PS2 Save Builder to package your save into the appropriate type of .max file downloaded from the internet.

 

A basic cheat code might be an easier solution, but it's been many years since I've worked with PS2 cheat codes. I'll review my old notes on the topic, hopefully I posted something when I was current on the subject. Otherwise, it might take me a while to come up to speed again.

 

Which version of San Andreas PS2 do you have?
NTSC-US/C or PAL?
V1 or V2?

NTSC-J might be possible with proper examples of working codes that manipulate global variables.

Found something that looks like it should work. (Unless you have PAL v2.) These old posts are a bit of a mess due to forum updates over the years. I'll try to clean it up a little.

1) How would I know if I have an AR Max which lets me copy between saves?

 

2) I have PAL, it doesn't say on the disc if it is version 2, it just says PAL. But one thing I must say is that the hot coffee sex minigame is not in my game. 

 

3) How can I copy saves between the PS2 memory card an a USB device then copy the save to PC, and then upload it? 

 

4) How would the formats differ between either which version of the PS2 disc it is?

 

5) I could post you a picture on my disc to you if that would help?

 

I know considering that my version of the game as well me not being too well inversed into all of this can make this harder for you. I appreciate the effort that you are making to help me with this and will comply in any way you need. 

Edited November 10, 2019 by Tarunbhandal

[OrionSR]

No need to quote quite so much. (Just Like my reply and I'll be sure to check the topic.)

 

1) It was never easy to tell if AR-Max supported USB unless you bought it at a store and it came with a compatible USB device. If the disk says "Evo" on it then it may be worth pursuing further. There may be more specific version info buried in these forums or elsewhere; I'll leave it to you to dig it up. This stuff is so old that many of the good references have disappeared. If you aren't planning to take advantage of some of the other advanced save modifications available through SnP (super glitchy traffic due to too much time played) then this line of investigation is probably more trouble than it's worth.

 

2) Probably PALv2 then. There are topics in these forums describing the differences between v1 and v2. For now I'll assume PALv2 since you are confident you have a version without Hot Coffee. 

My PALv2 codes were always guesswork. but I believe someone confirmed at least one of the codes I posted on PALv2. I'll try to dig something up as a test code to confirm that I know how to port codes to PALv2 and if that works I'll try to port the gym glitch fix codes.

[OrionSR]

Please test. What I need here is a game ID so AR-Max will accept the code as valid for your version. I didn't write these codes and I'm not sure if they work. The code is suppose to: "Da Nang members carry empty Desert Eagles." If this doesn't work, please provide a working AR-Max cheat code so I can format the gym fix codes correctly for your version.

 

PAL v2

Action Replay Max

UX94-KW3Z-5G5ZB

6AWY-GKX2-EJPB4

F7P9-WADX-6ZUKZ

KBHZ-C9WR-X3DDV

 

or maybe

N2ER-T6ER-QM0PM

6AWY-GKX2-EJPB4

F7P9-WADX-6ZUKZ

KBHZ-C9WR-X3DDV

[Tarunbhandal]

If the disk doesn't say Evo then would you say it isn't worth pursuing forward? What exactly do you want me too dig up? If it is the version of the AR then I will look into what the specific version information is for it and tell you later on. In the meantime I might send you a link to the exact make. What do you mean by if I'm not interested in taking advantage of any of the other save modifications available through the SNP? And why would it be more trouble than it is worth? 

How can I get you a game ID? I'm sorry this is quite foreign to me and rather complicated but you are doing a good job helping me. And also I don't have the AR on me right now, I will be picking it up and bringing it home on the 13th of November. I will try the test then, during the time it would be greatly appreciated for you to give me as much information to help me as possible, thank you. I will try and get a working code, there should be one on the Action Relay when I put the disc into the PS2. 

[OrionSR]

Chances are, even if you have the version of AR-Max that can work with USB that you won't be able to find a compatible USB device. It was never easy to identify AR-Max versions and I'm not interested in doing the research considering the chance of it actually working are pretty slim.

 

Some repairs, like resetting every timer in the game to fix issues with glitchy traffic, can't be accomplished with AR-Max codes. IIRC, I couldn't fix the Madd Dogg glitch either. If save modification is really something you are interested then there are probably better options available. Cheat device codes are a little more straight forward.

 

If you can find any working AR-Max code for your game then post it here. I have tools that can extract the appropriate ID code and apply it to the raw codes used to make the modifications.

 

If you want to learn more about AR-Max codes and how they are created then consider reading through the Cheat Code Creation topic. It is sort of a blog of my experiments with creating codes so it include much of what I learned as I learned it. So keep in mind that some of the info earlier in the topic might not be completely accurate.

However, you are bound to be a little frustrated by the fact that almost nothing posted is directly appropriate for PAL v2. It should be possible to convert the codes if you are interested, but first we need a working code so we can test a gym glitch fix. If that works you can try to apply the conversion strategies to other codes.

Edited November 11, 2019 by OrionSR

[Tarunbhandal]

I see. I will put a USB stick to the side to just be safe but yes it is rather discouraging in that aspect, I agree. I really am interested in save modification. I chose AR Max as I couldn't find any cheat device codes online for fixing the gym glitch. I have looked into and will look into more into the Cheat Code Creation topic. How likely or possible in your experience under these circumstances do you think it is that I can find a working gym glitch with giving you a code for the AR Max that does work for game? 

[OrionSR]

There's a pretty good chance I can make a working gym glitch fix code if we can find a decent collection of PALv2 codes to use as an example, but I haven't been having any luck finding anything confirmed to work on PALv2. Any code that works should provide the game ID required by AR-Max. If the code is easy to understand or comparable to NTSCv2 codes then it should take the guesswork out of the conversion process. 

 

It's my understanding that uLaunch Elf (?), or a newer iteration, is the current best strategy for managing saves on PS2. It uses a network adapter for transferring files. If I understood what I was reading correctly, the process requires access to a custom memory card with a boot loader installed. I wasn't curious enough to make this investment as AR-Max was still working the last time I tried.

 

There is an in-game strategy for managing the gym glitch. The gym glitch is installed when CJ exceeds the daily workout limit and the game records the current in-game month and day - stats you can't see without a save editor. Normally the game will allow CJ to exercise again if the current month or current day is greater than these recorded values. The glitch occurs the next year when the month rolls over to January and may persist for many months, but only for the first few days of month. As long as you didn't exceed the limit on 31st there should be a day or two at the end of the month where the gym equipment works. If CJ exceeds the limit on a working day it will reset the glitch for another year.

You can advance the calendar day by saving, or letting the clock roll over past midnight. The best fix with this method involves finding the first of the month when the glitch returns, then reverting to a save on the last day of the month. Start to exercise a little before midnight and exceed the limit past midnight - then your glitch will be restricted to only the first day of the month.

 

[Tarunbhandal]

That's very reassuring to hear there is a good chance this can be fixed. I have spent so much time lately trying to figure this out. Thank you so much for helping me with this, I couldn't do it without you. I'm not familiar with managing save files for the PS2. 

I have looked into this on different threads. I have a really hard time understanding what it means to manage the glitch in game and how to make it so when the current in-game month and day are greater than the recorded values. As you said there is only 1 way to find our via a save-editor. I don't know how to know what day of the month of the year it is or how to roll or over to the next year or anything like this. It is worth concerning myself with this? 

[Tarunbhandal]

I now own an Action Replay Max and when I open the cheat code list to this game there are plenty of cheat codes available for this game from Infinite Health, All Spray Tags sprayed ect.. Will any of these help us find out the Game ID to get a working gym glitch fix? I will go on the forums and try collecting and testing as many as I can. Including the one you send me. If I remember correctly most of the Da Nang Members will be in the San Fierro area right? I will look into this at a greater level. 

[OrionSR]

Awesome! Good luck.

 

Yes, any working code should provide the proper ID. I need something in AR-Max format. If you review the various examples people posted for AR-Max, CodeBreaker, GameShark and RAW in the cheat code creation topic then it shouldn't be too hard to identify the mixed alphanumeric format used by AR-Max. 

 

It would help a lot if the working code includes a "joker." This is the term used to describe a conditional test of button presses that trigger the activation of the code. Something like L3+R3 to activate the cheat.

[Tarunbhandal]

I now have a proper working code I think. 

 

NNZV-TRPH-5RY7C
78C4-8RXV-NK21V
K9HN-75F5-Z1QER
WJ9A-TK8F-WFHGR
K9HN-75F5-Z1QER 

 

It was listed online as the always driving cheat whenever you date girlfriends. This one goes through on the action relay max database and is listed under "new cheat" I'm really hoping this can be of some help, figuring out the Proper Game ID, thank you.

 

I will continue to put more cheats that I can find and see what does and doesn't go through to the Action Replay Max's Database. 

[OrionSR]

Interesting. This game ID matches PALv1; 06A3.

Try this gym fix code.

 

Gym Glitch Fix (untested)

Joker L1+Right

 

AR-Max ID 06A3

XXK9-Z241-EVZAU

5NB5-URYH-PZQWV

42DV-RGED-T79HC

3T27-20DC-JXYZR

 

PAL v1 RAW

E002FBDF 00700A42

406B7470 00040001

FFFFFFFF 00000000

Edited November 12, 2019 by OrionSR

[Tarunbhandal]

I have found another code from one of your older threads. https://gtaforums.com/topic/350108-cheat-code-creation/page/3/?tab=comments#comment-1058178034

Should I try the Pal version or this one first before trying the one you are suggesting now? Should both work?

[OrionSR]

Either, it's the same code (last 3 lines) with a "replacement" first line in case there's a conflict with another code.

 

I'm expecting these codes to work. The working example code you supplied modifies v1 global variables, so if that worked, this should too.

 

Edited November 12, 2019 by OrionSR

[Tarunbhandal]

So put in the codes for the AR then when I go to the game press and hold down the R3 and L3 buttons to activate this cheat? Or to activate the other cheat on the other thread I linked? Sounds like it all makes sense, I'm still playing around with the disc. If I don't tick new codes I added, is it normal for them to disappear when I remove the disc and turn my PS2 and put it back in.  Or does that suggest something? Excuse me for asking so many questions, as I'm very new to this coding. 

Edited November 13, 2019 by Tarunbhandal

[Tarunbhandal]

As it is the same code which modifies the same variables so would I put this code:

 

ID 06A3

XXK9-Z241-EVZAU

5NB5-URYH-PZQWV

42DV-RGED-T79HC

3T27-20DC-JXYZR

 

Or this code first: 

 

E002FBDF 00700A42

406B7470 00040001

FFFFFFFF 00000000

 

I can make a reasonable guess that is would be acceptable to do both. Oh and is ID separate from the code. I really just want to get this all correct.

Edited November 13, 2019 by Tarunbhandal

[OrionSR]

The joker for the code you linked is L2+Up, the code I posted is L1+Right (so the codes aren't quite identical but perform the same function).

 

I'm sorry, it's been close to a dozen years since I was actively working on PS2 cheat device codes so I don't remember too many details of how to use the software. I also found it easier to work with codelist.bin (?) files on USB to manage large sets of codes in raw format and seldom used the tools to enter individual codes. However, the software was designed to be used by kids without any technical knowledge so I would expect things to be fairly straight forward.

 

Below is RAW code. IIRC, it could be used directly by CodeBreaker but most of the Cheat Device programs included some sort of encryption to avoid issues with using codes on the wrong game. The raw code is a mix of commands, data and memory addresses in hexadecimal format. If you convert this code from RAW to AR-Max using MaxConvert or OmniConvert it will encrypt the codes by combining it with the game ID so it can't be used on a different game with different memory addresses. I still work with hex a lot and can recognize the data and addresses in these codes.

 

E002FBDF 00700A42

406B7470 00040001

FFFFFFFF 00000000

Edited November 13, 2019 by OrionSR

[Tarunbhandal]

I put in both of the codes you provided on this page and neither of them had worked. The AR Max just said it was an invalid Action Relay Code. Do I have to put them in together or one their own because on their own they didn't work?

[OrionSR]

If this is a "proper working code" - you tested it and it worked. All dates are driving dates.

NNZV-TRPH-5RY7C
78C4-8RXV-NK21V
K9HN-75F5-Z1QER
WJ9A-TK8F-WFHGR
K9HN-75F5-Z1QER 

 

Then this code should fix the gym glitch when L1+Right is pressed.

XXK9-Z241-EVZAU

5NB5-URYH-PZQWV

42DV-RGED-T79HC

3T27-20DC-JXYZR

 

 

Edited November 13, 2019 by OrionSR

[Tarunbhandal]

So I have to do L1+Right and then activate the code for it to work as a valid AR Max code? My apology for leaving this discussion early, I'm going to work. I will get back to any messages you send when I come home

Edited November 13, 2019 by Tarunbhandal

[OrionSR]

Release data on GameFAQs - Can you identify the product ID on your San Andreas game disk?

Can you specify the exact file size in bytes (not rounded to kb) and date of data\script\main.scm if you put the SA disk for PS2 in a computer?

 

Expectations:

• When you enter the code into AR-Max it will accept the code as valid or not.
• If valid, when you visit the gym the equipment won't work until L1+Right is pressed.

The codes will run continuously in a loop. The joker gives you control of when it will actually do something.

 

Hopefully AR-Max will actually display the game ID for the current disk, but you shouldn't need to enter it anywhere. Usually I use the game ID with MaxConvert to encrypt raw code into the AR-Max format. It can also reverse that process, so the game ID is already included in the code.

Edited November 13, 2019 by OrionSR

[Tarunbhandal]

I can identity that it is the Pal version out of what you've displayed. It is identical to the front and back over of the EU version. I will get back to you on the exact size files in the bytes if you need it. I will put the code you told me should work if the AR Max did accept the one I did put in. I typed it in wrong I think.

It turns out that I did infact put in wrong and that now I put in both codes that the AR Max both registered them.

Edited November 13, 2019 by Tarunbhandal

[Tarunbhandal]

Is there anything left I should know or take into consideration before trying out either of the two cheats I put in? Like what you said about the Game ID and that I wouldn't typically need to use it for anything. 

[OrionSR]

The question about file size is intended to confirm the script version, but if the gym fix code works then we know it's v1.

I was hoping for a product ID like SLES-52541/P or NPED-00070 just so I know what's floating around on the market.

 

I guess that's another advantage to the AR-Max code encryption, it won't accept the code if you type it wrong. If you made a mistake entering raw code it could cause some serious damage.

 

I think we're just waiting on a final test on the gym equipment. Follow up would be more about what other codes have caught your attention or how to manage save files and code lists with AR-Max and USB.

 

And since we're on the general topic of PS2 codes... If you would like to pioneer some new modding methods on PS2, I've been developing a strategy for embedding custom "cleo-like" scripts in save files - like Teleport to Marker or Save Anywhere. I've been trying to work the bugs out on PC and Android but the real advantage of this strategy is on systems like PS2 that currently don't have methods to add custom scripts. The strategies should work on PS2 but I haven't bothered to try as there doesn't seem to be an audience for this sort of thing; not many PS2 players can manipulate their save files.

Edited November 13, 2019 by OrionSR

[Tarunbhandal]

I want to say thank you very much for helping me with this, when I put the Joker in it worked and I can now workout at the gym whenever I want when I haven't literally worked out enough. I've been playing a great deal of the game since and it is working perfectly. You have been of great help to me,  I apologize for taking such a long time to reply as I have been playing it so much. At one point while the Action Replay was acting up, I was considering if I made a mistake getting it. But no! Bless you, Sir. I think as it won't accept a code that doesn't work is one of the best features of it. I am open to messing with the save files more and I've found the AR Max helpful in other ways like I had 49 horseshoes and went to use the AR to get 50. Stuff like that really helps. 

One thing I'm interested in cheats which include jokers like L1+R1 to go back and play certain missions. 

[OrionSR]

Thank you very much for the feedback. It's actually immensely frustrating to work through a problem like this for a few days, think a viable solution has been found, and then not know if it actually worked or not.

 

Also, confirmation makes the information more useful to the next person with a similar problem. 

 

7 hours ago, Tarunbhandal said:

One thing I'm interested in cheats which include jokers like L1+R1 to go back and play certain missions. 

Be careful with mission replay codes; they tend to corrupt mission flow variables and can easily break the story. It's best to save these until the end of the game. Or don't save after use, and keep a backup of your good save.

 

If you are really interested in PS2 save editing we can pick up the conversation in the appropriate topic. Don't worry about bumping my old topics - they aren't dead, just waiting on the next batch of players. But don't worry about it too much. I was mostly just putting out bait for anyone interested in new PS2 modding strategies.