Vita:DIY Ethernet Adapter

PCH-2000 with Amazon PS92LQ adapter

PS Vita Devkits and Testkits come with ethernet dongles but they are expensive, and not compatible with retail/consumer units. This is unfortunate because WiFi on the Vita is often painfully slow during file transfers. Thankfully there is a relatively easy hardware/software modification that allows inexpensive USB Realtek RTL8152 adapters to be used!

Full technical details are available here: https://github.com/isage/vita-usb-ether

Note: Adhoc multiplayer is not supported via Ethernet and will continue to use a WiFi connection.

Compatible ethernet adapters

Finding a RTL8152 USB ethernet adapter is often the most difficult step. Thankfully there is one easily acquired adapter, the Amazon PS92LQ, better known as "Amazon Ethernet Adapter for Amazon Fire TV Devices". This adapter is ideal as it requires no modification to be used on a 2nd generation PS Vita, PCH-20xx.

Software installation

1. Transfer ether-enabler.skprx to ur0:/tai/ using FTP mode in VitaShell
2. Transfer usb_ether_mtl.skprx to ur0:/tai/
3. Transfer ur0:/tai/config.txt to your computer and open the file with a text editor
4. Under the *KERNEL section add:

   ur0:/tai/ether-enabler.skprx

   ur0:/tai/usb_ether_mtl.skprx

5. Save the file, close it, and transfer it back to ur0:/tai/ on your PS Vita
6. Reboot your PS Vita

Hardware

PCH-10xx

If you are using a 1st generation PS Vita "PCH-10xx" you will have to modify your ethernet adapter before it can be used. The 1st generation PS Vita do not use micro USB-B and instead use a proprietary connector that does not supply power. Thankfully third party cables can be bought for under $5 USD and can be easily modified to connect to an ethernet adapter. This is especially easy with an Amazon PS92LQ adapter as power is supplied externally. If you are using a different ethernet adapter you will have to supply 5V DC externally as the PS Vita will not provide it.

Modifying an Amazon PS92LQ

Cut a PS Vita USB cable in half, and cut the micro USB-B connector off the PS92LQ adapter. Make sure you leave a lot of cable length to work with.

Strip back the insulation on both cables to expose the wires inside. Connect the green, white, red, and black wires to the corresponding wires in the other cable. This will allow the PS Vita to communicate with the ethernet adapter and charge at the same time.

For more details please see the github link above for a wiring diagram.

PCH-20xx

If you are using a 2nd generation PS Vita "PCH-20xx" and Amazon PS92LQ adapter no modifications are required. Simply connect ethernet and power to the adapter and plug it into your PS Vita.

Enabling LAN

1. On your PS Vita open the Settings application
2. Select Network
3. Select Internet Connection Settings
4. Under Connection Method select LAN Cable
5. Select Connect

   If successful the Internet Connection Settings screen will now show Connected (LAN Cable)

6. You can now close the settings application.