U.S. PS2 and imports, anyone modchip their ps2?

themachinist · Post by **themachinist** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:02 am

Hi, I'll be acquiring a slimline PS2 soon and wanted to know what methods you all used to play imports on them? I did a search and read about the swap magic method but would prefer not to do any swapping... has anyone successfully installed a mod-chip that works well with most if not all imports?

neorichieb1971 · Post by **neorichieb1971** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:07 am

I've never actually heard of a slimline been modded before.

I just bought 2 slimlines.. 1 US, 1 JP.

elvis · Post by **elvis** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:11 am

neorichieb1971 wrote:I've never actually heard of a slimline been modded before.

You can mod a slimline. You just need to make sure that the modchip you use also includes a laser mod to boost the voltage going to the read laser.

Aleanil · Post by **Aleanil** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 2:56 am

elvis wrote:
neorichieb1971 wrote:I've never actually heard of a slimline been modded before.
You can mod a slimline. You just need to make sure that the modchip you use also includes a laser mod to boost the voltage going to the read laser.

It's a simple enough process (beyond the 20-some wires to solder and the laser fix); I had mine done about two years ago and it's still running without any problems now.

themachinist · Post by **themachinist** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:33 am

Aleanil wrote:
elvis wrote:
neorichieb1971 wrote:I've never actually heard of a slimline been modded before.
You can mod a slimline. You just need to make sure that the modchip you use also includes a laser mod to boost the voltage going to the read laser.
It's a simple enough process (beyond the 20-some wires to solder and the laser fix); I had mine done about two years ago and it's still running without any problems now.

20 wires! So you had yours professionally done?

After doing some more googling and getting more info I'm debating between having it done by someone else or doing it myself. Way back in middle school I was scared shitless opening up my psx and soldering the chip, which only had like 8 wires or something. 20 sounds like a pain. Also, that was my first and only soldering experience

. Luckily it went smoothly and it still works.

Battlesmurf · Post by **Battlesmurf** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:13 am

I just had mine done- paid SegaSonicFan here to do it for me

http://shmups.system11.org/profile.php? ... ile&u=1886

great kid- send some business his way

There may be a waiting list- but I assure you it's worth the wait. I love my slim PS2

(and I think I would've killed it had I had to solder that many fucking wires to one of those things!)

themachinist · Post by **themachinist** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:52 pm

Cool, I'll be sending an inquiry via PM to him.

Which chip did you get installed?

Aleanil · Post by **Aleanil** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:03 pm

I'd have to recommend getting someone else to do it if at all possible. There are some really tough solder points and you have to be pinpoint accurate. I definitely wouldn't trust myself to do it, and I have had a little bit of experience soldering before.

Battlesmurf · Post by **Battlesmurf** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 11:11 pm

^^^^^^^^^^^

Damned if I remember the name-matrix something or other. I haven't found a game yet that I can't play (Gunner's Heaven- but I think it's my disc, if anything) great setup. I backed up all the discs I had, and keep the originals nice and safe. Great guy to deal with, though.

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:34 am

I have a mod-chipped fat model PS2 and a stock slimline PSTwo. Both are U/C region.

For the slimline, I use Swap Magic discs, it's super easy and safe. Swapping discs at the beginning of each play session isn't THAT much of a hassle.
I heard DDP DOJ death label has some issues, I'm not sure if it still is on the newer versions of Swap Magic.

lawnspic · Post by **lawnspic** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:49 am

http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

Davebere, only one you need. He has done both my slim ps2's. Also no laser fix was needed after V12

Post by **system11** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:27 am

I put a fliplid on my slimline and use SwapMagic.

Never_Scurred · Post by **Never_Scurred** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:40 pm

I use the slimline with Swap discs(I love you!) and did the tissue and tape mod. Like someone said above, its not a big hassle. I'm thinking about either modding my ps2 to play ps1 imports or buying a jp ps1 off of ebay.

Nullsleep · Post by **Nullsleep** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:25 pm

Battlesmurf wrote:^^^^^^^^^^^

Damned if I remember the name-matrix something or other. I haven't found a game yet that I can't play (Gunner's Heaven- but I think it's my disc, if anything) great setup. I backed up all the discs I had, and keep the originals nice and safe. Great guy to deal with, though.

Matrix Infinity, probably? This is the same one that I have installed in my slimline PS2, and likewise I've never had a problem with it.

Had it installed by a local guy here in NYC.

Aleanil · Post by **Aleanil** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:30 pm

Mine's a modbo chip, a 2.0 I think.... cheap knockoff of the matrix infinity.

I had my slimline ps2 (V12) done while I was in Singapore a couple years back. Good thing is that it works *great*, has never had a problem booting a game yet (ps1 or ps2). Bad thing is that if you try access the setup screen that the real Infinity chips have and change any values, you fry the chip. Found that one out the hard way ^^;. The business that modded it replaced and resoldered the chip for free though - it even came with a one year warranty.

I'd figure that almost any modern chip would work fine though. The PS2 is a pretty stable platform nowadays as far as chips go.

PC Engine Fan X! · Post by **PC Engine Fan X!** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:57 pm

The easiest way to play such JPN PSX & PS2 import is to get an JPN region PS2 console -- that way you'll have no worries about compatibility problems, etc. Sure, by going this particular route will net one two seperate country region PS2 consoles but gain such a true Region 2 DVD player in the process..... ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Ganelon · Post by **Ganelon** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:08 am

But then you'll have some slight compatibility problems with PS1 games. A JP PS1 would also be necessary for full compatibility.

lawnspic · Post by **lawnspic** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:22 am

I know i will sound like a dick (quite good at it BTW)

Read above post by me, use Davebere (or anyone else qualified for that matter). All problems solved.

Matrix infinty if not planning on using HD with slimline Ps2, or DMS 4 pro SE if you want HD add on later with slim (later will not work with V15 revision of hardware)

Crystal is good on budget, do not recommend Modbo (will crash w/flash upgrade from infinity)

elvis · Post by **elvis** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 2:57 am

I've got a "chubby" PS2 with Modbo 2.1. Don't have any problems with it.

I have heard they are rubbish on slimlines though, even with a laser mod.

themachinist · Post by **themachinist** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:55 am

Thanks for the replies. Matrix Infinity sounds like the chip to get. I like the idea of super convenience with the modchip but I am balking at the prospect of having to pay $100+

for chip, solder service and shipping. I am a student and only work part-time...

. I may go the swapmagic 3.6 route. The slim ps2 will be in my hands mid next week so I have some time to decide

.

lawnspic · Post by **lawnspic** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 10:08 pm

SM is ok, but i think you will like the convenience of direct boot of imports and backups instead of swapping which with alot of use will put more wear and tear on the system (spindle hub for sure). Also,you wont have to worry about patching certain games if you intend to backup your games.

As a side note a laser fix is only needed for V12 slimline as Sony fixed the "Dead beef syndrome" from the first batch. Subzero fix is recommended

themachinist · Post by **themachinist** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 2:48 pm

I agree, the ease of direct boots would've been convenient. I got swap magic up and running yesterday and I have to say it's working out great.