Need some firmware advice

Hello, I'm rather new to the homebrew scene, and was wondering if anyone had some advice as to what kind of firmware to use, and how to install it.

my psp's specs:

- Recieved it from a friend in Japan months before it came out in the U.S, so I have the Japanese version (will this effect homebrew?)
- Right now its firmware is version 3.01
- Does not have the numbers in the UMD drive.

I'm just wondering which firmware to use, and how to install it.

Check this tutorial out.
Basically it does not matter what motherboard you have for this tutorial, but before this downgrading technique, "IC3001" was recognized as a TA-082 (the motherboard you would want for homebrew back then). What you'll need is there, except...

Since you're at 3.01, it WILL be required to have a copy of GTA: LCS with the 2.0 version update. To check to see if you have the right version, pop in the UMD and look under GAMES to find the update icon with the description. If it says 2.0 update you got it, if it's anything else such as 2.6 somehow you'll need to find the 2.0 version.

Following the tutorial will absolutely prevent your PSP from bricking during the process, but remember it's your responsibility to make sure you're following directions. Anything can happen.

After being successful, your PSP will be version 1.5. From there you can install a custom firmware (I prefer 3.03 OE-C). Don't worry about the custom firmware right now, but make sure about the top information.

Any idea where to get hold of the original GTA:LCS in Hong Kong? Most of the shops that I went into claimed that it had been taken out of circulation.

Failing this, is there a difference in hardware between the earlier 1.5 firmware PSPs and the newer models, or is it just a firmware difference that Sony has brought in for 'copyright protection' issues? [I understand that there is a different motherboard on some of the later models, but does this give better performance, or is it just a 'security' upgrade?]

I ask, as I have the opportunity to buy a 1.5firmware PSP. I take it that this would be an easy way out (can just upgrade to the latest custom firmware, correct?) but would prefer to get the later model if it will have a better performance.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Thanks for the help, I now have 1.5 firmware installed on my PSP with no problems.

EDIT: I now have 3.03 EOC running fine. Can I delete the instalation files, or will that mess things up?

yes

I just tried to put Daedalus on my PSP, but it will not run, giving me the error: "this game could not be started (8002014c)"

[DarkPacMan77]

I just answered a thread with this problem. You have to enter the recovery menu (holding the r trigger when you first power on) and change the kernel to the 1.50 game folder in the configurations submenu.

-DarkPacMan77-