"Noisy" Gradius V on PS2

[Erik]

Hi all,

My name is Erik, aged 29 and I live in the Netherlands. Surprisingly, I am very fond on good old SHMUPS! Recently I bought a new, original PS2 (PAL) to accompany my even older, thrusthy PS1.
I rented Gradius V for PS2 - superb game IMO. Without a doubt, the rental disc was covered with small scratches. Game ran perfectly, but the PS2 made a lot of "cracking" noise during certain sections of the game. The noises were quite loud and I was wondering if this was OK - It certainly did not sound that way! The only remedy was to turn the volume up. I thought it may be part of the game, or had to do with the scratchy disc. Later on I purchased the game as NEW (no copy) and guess what... same noises from the PS2.
I tried another disc, e.g. R-Type Final and there were no issues at all. PS2 itself was all quit. I wonder if this got to do with fact that R-Type Final is a "normal" disc and Gradius V a "purple" (double-layer?) disc? But the PS2 is brand new, latest model and the game itself is original, as new... Sony Helpdesk could not identify the problem by phone. They could also not say if this was "normal" or not. What I would need to know if this is either damaging the console or disc. I send a mail to Konami but got no reply yet. I am now at a point that I can trade my PS2 for a brand new one if I want, as it is just 2 weeks old.
I was wondering if any one else experiences this issue with Gradius V?

[BIL]

Blue-bottomed PS2 discs are actually CD-ROMs. Double-Layered DVDs are dull gold, if I remember right, and regular DVDs are silver. You're right though, PS2 CD-ROMs are known to be more troublesome.

My copy of Gradius V (bought brand new) has always been pretty noisy, with the disc constantly spinning; I believe it's to do with the game's coding. It's done no damage at all to my PS2 in three years (actually, I had it repaired before getting Gradius V), so you should be fine.

edit: however, I only experienced a constant smooth "humming." If there are harsh scratching noises coming from your PS2 when you run CD-ROMs, the rubber ring the disc sits on may be worn down. That's what happened to mine with Contra: Shattered Soldier. I can post a fix for it, if you like.

[lgb]

Purple PS2 games are CD-ROMs... played in a PS2, they should produce a loud humming noise, but I've never heard any sort of "cracking".

[Seelen]

I've never had cracking noises with a CD-ROM. Have you tested to make sure it isn't the connection in any way? Also, are you using high(er)-end audio gear? I'm guessing the mp3s on the game aren't exactly the greatest ever made.

As far as disc noise, I just bought Raiden III and it's like WHRRRRRRRR the whole time I hadn't noticed it with Ico or anything like that, but I imagine it's pretty common. Sort of annoying though.

[Sly Cherry Chunks]

Yes, I have this annoying problem with Gradius V and all other CD based games on the PS2. Best to just try and find a decent surface to try and reduce the ammount of vibration as much as possible.

[Erik]

I only have this issue with the Gradius V disc. On both scratchy rental version as well as my own copy (as new). It is the blue disc.
The other discs, both PS1 as PS2 games are normal discs and I have no issues on that. The console is placed horizontally on a stable shelf.
The game is played on a standard TV on the 50Hz option (unfortunately, downside when you live in a PAL area). Sound is played via normal TV speakers (yes, I am real old-fashioned, should get a plasma screen). The only not-original Sony part in my system is the RGB cable.
I was really in the process of returning my PS2 to Sony and get a new one (as I have full warranty). Now I am doubting, as I read that more of you experience disc sound issues. It could be that the problem is resolved when I get a new console, or maybe it is bad luck and I experience the same issue over again (it won't cost me a thing though). Hmmmm...

[BIL]

I think Gradius V's coding is unique in some way... I know Ikaruga (another Treasure game) does some novel things with the DC hardware. Either way, it does seem to be "streaming" the game while I play, causing that hum.

If the game is still running, but the PS2 is making harsh noises (not just humming steadily), you may eventually have the problem I once did (violent noises and no loading at all). In case it's any help to you, here's what happened with me and how I solved it.

The CD sits on a rubber ring, with a gripping surface. Over time it can become worn down to a smooth surface, causing the disc to not spin properly (and making a horrible "tyre squealing" noise). I think the PS2 spins CDs at a higher speed, hence the humming even when they're working properly.

The fix is pretty simple. Just apply a thin coat of rubber cement to the rubber ring, and let it dry for a few hours. It'll regain its rough surface, and blue discs will spin properly. I did this once three years ago for Shattered Soldier, and haven't had any trouble since.

If you're going to do this to a fat PS2, you'll need cross-point (Phillips) #1 and #0 screwdrivers, to open the shell and to take off the drive cover. This'll void your warranty, in case that's a concern for you. Be VERY careful not to rip the silver ribbon cable holding the top half of the shell to the inside of the PS2 - other than that, it's quite simple. Feel free to PM me if you decide to do this and want detailed help.

Like I said though, this might all be nothing. Just detailing the fix in case you're having the same problem I did.

[Rob]

I only have this issue with the Gradius V disc.

Same. I've played about 40 PS2 games and this is the only one to make harsh noise when running. My PS2 works fine, it's that disc.

[MadScientist]

I've never noticed a problem with Gradius V, though Silpheed made horrendous grinding noises in my PS2 and then stopped loading altogether (some might say that was for the best...). It's also a blue disk - I put some tape around the middle of the disk as shown here;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/ ... 1240103778

And it now works fine. Something to do with making the disk thicker/heavier so the drive can grab it better. Or something. Apparently standing the PS2 on its side can also help. Anyway, it's easier than adjusting the laser as some places tell you to do.

[Seelen]

Don't let adjusting the laser scare you, it's REALLY easy. If you have a multimeter around, it's even simpler...although I don't think it would help in this situation, since it sounds like it just isn't grabbing right.

[Erik]

I only have this issue with the Gradius V disc.

Same. I've played about 40 PS2 games and this is the only one to make harsh noise when running. My PS2 works fine, it's that disc.

Are those scratchy, cracking noised too instead of loud humming noises? I assume it didn't do any damage to your disc or PS2, as otherwise you would have mentioned it.
Strangely enough the Sony Helpdesk never heard of this issue, but hey : In fact they did not even know the game...
To be honest I am not fond of putting any tape, cement or other stuff on the disc or opening my PS2 (warranty yes). I am not technical at all, neither handy, so probably I would do more damage then good

[ST Dragon]

Hi all,

My name is Erik, aged 29 and I live in the Netherlands. Surprisingly, I am very fond on good old SHMUPS! Recently I bought a new, original PS2 (PAL) to accompany my even older, thrusthy PS1.
I rented Gradius V for PS2 - superb game IMO. Without a doubt, the rental disc was covered with small scratches. Game ran perfectly, but the PS2 made a lot of "cracking" noise during certain sections of the game. The noises were quite loud and I was wondering if this was OK - It certainly did not sound that way! The only remedy was to turn the volume up. I thought it may be part of the game, or had to do with the scratchy disc. Later on I purchased the game as NEW (no copy) and guess what... same noises from the PS2.
I tried another disc, e.g. R-Type Final and there were no issues at all. PS2 itself was all quit. I wonder if this got to do with fact that R-Type Final is a "normal" disc and Gradius V a "purple" (double-layer?) disc? But the PS2 is brand new, latest model and the game itself is original, as new... Sony Helpdesk could not identify the problem by phone. They could also not say if this was "normal" or not. What I would need to know if this is either damaging the console or disc. I send a mail to Konami but got no reply yet. I am now at a point that I can trade my PS2 for a brand new one if I want, as it is just 2 weeks old.
I was wondering if any one else experiences this issue with Gradius V?

Is it a CD or DVD? Does it say "Compact Disc" on the top or DVD?
At what point in the game do you hear the noise? At the FMV intro/Ending, during gameplay or the whole time?
What PS-2 version do you have, slim or bulk model? (It is usually written next to the serial)

Wait until this evening (in 2-3 hours), until I check my copy of Gradius V on my two PS-2s (Modded & Unmodded).

I strongly recommend checking this disc on a couple of other PS-2s 1st!

I think it will be a total waste of time sending it to Sony! If the worse comes to the worse, they might even ruin it by opening it. (If there is nothing wrong with it simply don't open it)

But if they send you a brand new/sealed one and don't mind the 2-3 weeks delay, then send it to be 201% sure!

But I'm pretty sure it's your specific copy of Gradius V combined with that specific version of PS-2 that's causing the problem.

There are over 15 different PS-2 models, all bundled with different brands of DVD-Roms. None perform the same. For example, my 39004 modded version has a slightly lower default sound volume than the 50004 unmodded version.

Go figure...

[neorichieb1971]

The system hums and the drive moves about like its trying to read an abrasive part of the disc, thats normal for PS2 CDrom operation.

It happens on Ico, Rez, Gradius 5..

[Erik]

It is the PAL blue/purple disc version. If you can check your copy that would be great, but I received more and more input that it really is the game/disc itself and I have no need to worry. To be honest, I already packed my PS2 to be returned to Sony to be 201% sure, but did not have time yet to bring it to the post office. Although it won't cost me a thing, I lose my machine for 2-3 weeks, maybe to just experience the "problem" again on a new PS2 again. I am now really doubting to send it to Sony, I think it will be of no use?

I am not adjusting anything, neither disc or laser/system itself.

[ST Dragon]

Right, so I got back from work and as promised, I tried to simulate your problem.

I tried R-Type Final PAL DVD-Rom & Gradius V PAL CD-ROM (Blue/Purple) on a modded PS-2 39004 Bulky Model & an unmodded PS-2 50004 Bulky model, both connected via RGB cable on a regular 21” SONY CRT TV with on-board stereo speakers. (Which were muted during the test)

R-Type Final worked flawlessly on both PS-2s with no cracking or scratchy sounds at any point of the game.

As for Gradius V, there was no noise in the Intro or menu, but I did notice a very slight/faint scratchy, cracking sound while playing the 1st two stages (With a time interval of 5-6secs between its “crack”), as if the disc is constantly spinning & "streaming" the game while playing.
Bear in mind though that I had to stick my ear right next to the DVD-ROM and mute the TV speakers to actually hear it and I would not have noticed it for sure, had you not mentioned it.

However, if this noise is very loud and frustrating on your PS-2 and you’re sure that SONY will send you a brand/new/sealed PS-2 (Preferably different model), and don’t mind waiting for 2-3 weeks, then by all means send it to them!

But I'm pretty sure it's your specific copy of Gradius V combined with that specific model of PS-2 that's causing the problem.

[ST Dragon]

I Hope this helps.

[Erik]

Thank you

[Erik]

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but amongst some advises I just send my PS2 back to Sony (as I have full warranty). A brand new-one, boxed and sealed arrived last Friday. Although the PS2 does 'hum' some more with Gradius V, the loud cracking noised as mentioned earlier can not be noticed anymore.

[ST Dragon]

I'm glad your problem was taken care of.
So it looks like the cause was not only Gradius V combined with that PS-2 model, but also that specific PS-2 must have had some problem with the DVD-ROM too.

Happy Shooting!