Playstation 1 LASER REPLACEMNT HELP!

[Jorel]

Hello. I'm kinda new here and I have an issue I'm hoping somebody could maybe help me with. I have a modded playstation 1 model 9001 and it works great. But I'm looking to get a few replacement laser assemblies just in case my current one begins to fail. So I ordered 3 from ebay, from 3 different sellers. I got them in the mail and I decided to test them out before sticking them in the closet. None work! After I instal the new assemblies I try running an authentic scratchless ps1 game and it won't read the disc, at all. I've spent hours upon hours searching the net and from what I can tell installation is a breeze. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. Or maybe these parts are just made like crap? When I put my old assembly back in my ps1 it works perfectly. The assemblies I'm using are the KSM-440 AES. Which from what I read are pretty dependable and it's the same model laser assembly that comes stock in the ps1 9001. It's really strange and kinda frustrating. I like to shmup it up on my PS1. Help me Shmup forum, you're my only hope.

[kel]

Did you remember to desolder the anti-static solder blob on the ribbon cable of each laser assembly?

[ZOM]

Do PS1 assemblies also come with that safety blob? I remember them only on PS2 lasers...but it's a while ago since I last swapped assembly on a PS1.

[Jorel]

I don't see any safety blob on the ribbons. I think that's only a PS2 thing. Good looking out though Kel. I appreciate the response.

ZOM, you've done this before? Do you remember ever having to do any laser configuration, or aligning or anything of that sort? I don't think it's necessary here with this particular model unit. But I'm not 100% sure. I'm starting to think that these parts are just made kinda crappy and don't really work. But that kinda seems insane to me.

[ZOM]

ZOM, you've done this before? Do you remember ever having to do any laser configuration, or aligning or anything of that sort?

No, not that I remember. It baffled me a bit and that's why I first didn't reply to your initial post; like you already found out, it should be a pretty basic and straightforward process.
(I don't even know where the adjust pot is on ps1 assemblies )

I still have a PS1 somewhere, will take a look later if I find something, but can't guarantee that I come up with any useful infos.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Many moons ago, my modded PSX with SCPH-5501 model number was acting up and would incessantly spin the official PSX game disc(s) but not load it up. Took it into a local game shop and the owner said that it would need a newer laser eye assembly. He proceeded to replace the old one and got a newer laser assembly from another PSX (he had a bunch of used PSX consoles in stock so that wasn't a problem). Charged me $15.00 for the service and it has worked great/flawlessly ever since that eventful day.

My modded 5501 PSX is endowed with an Super Game Wizard cheat device (aka Goldfinger) via the built-in Parallel Port I/O to access even more goodies (like JPEG images, MOV. files & gain access to Yellowbook audio/BGM files as well) with any booted up PSX game whether it be a domestic or import title. Opens up more user options with your favorite PSX games rather than just having the option/ability to boot up import titles with a "plain vanilla" PSX mod chip (which is a plus in my book).

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Jorel]

Zom, I greatly appreciate it.

PC Engine Fan, I'm not sure I follow you. Are you suggesting that I buy a used PS1 with an I/O port so I can just plug a device in to run imports? Because the thought had crossed my mind, but I don't really want to go that route. I'm looking to get some laser assemblies for the PS1 I currently have. It works great right now, but I want to have some back up lasers for when my current one eventually runs down. Throwing out a perfectly good PS1, and buying a used one every time the track on the laser assembly wears down, seems kinda silly to me. And I really only want to play games on the PS1. But thank you for taking the time to post a response.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

I was just merely suggesting my PSX booting up woes and what it took to get it fixed. Those PSX consoles with said Parallel Port I/O are quite cheap nowdays...around $30.00 or so. Not to mention getting ahold of a Goldfinger cheat device...cheap as well. They used to sell at MSRP of $39.99 USD back in 1999-2000.

Using a PSX mod chip in conjunction with a Goldfinger on a PSX with parellel I/O = priceless fun indeed

The very last PSX console with the proper I/O port was the 7550 series (for the North American market), then SCEI went ahead with removal of the I/O port on the 9000/9001 series of PSX consoles so you couldn't use those cool PSX I/O port based Gameshark or Goldfinger cheat devices on it. Eventually, Datel came up with a PSX CD-Rom version of the Gameshark + the usage of a standard PSX memory card (to save & implement GS codes) to work around the issue of those PSX consoles not have an I/O port.

Yep, it's good to stock up on replacement PSX laser assemblies just in case if the need arises. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Jorel]

Yes that's right the 9001 doesn't have the I/O port. I'm not really interested in it. Just looking to find out why these replacement lasers don't work. Thanks anyway.

[Daigohji]

PC Engine Fan, I'm not sure I follow you.

He goes off on tangents. You'll get used to it.

[fagin]

You have the KSM-440 AEM right... not the AES as posted above?

The unit will simply plug in and "just" work.... if it doesn't work either they have sent you the wrong assembly, your PSX is not compatible with that assembly or the assembly is mullered.

[Jorel]

Yes the KSM-440 AEM. That's what I have. I guess I just got unlucky and ended up with 2 bad assemblies. Hopefully the replacements they send me will work.

Is it possible that the mod chip in this playstation is some how making it impossible to switch the laser out? I mean, I know it's possible. But is it as unlikely as I'm thinking it is?

A regular at the arcade I work at, is going to give me his 9001 model playstation. We know the laser in that one works, so I'm going to try and put that laser in my PS1. See if it works.

Daigohji, heh, yeah. But that's cool. I'm just stoked people are actually trying to help. I like it here.

[neorichieb1971]

I'm looking for a SCPH1000 replacement laser. I know that later iterations fit. If anyone has a laser I can test I'd appreciate it.

[Jorel]

Okay quick update. I got another KSM-440 AEM laser assembly in the mail yesterday. Installed it, and it worked for about an hour. Now it stutters, skips freezes all the time. I tried cleaning the lens which seemed to improve it a tiny bit. But it still won't make it through an FMV. I think this proves that these assemblies are just made like crap. I don't know if any of them on the market work, and if so, where do I find one that works? It's kinda far out. The whole thing. Pretty strange.

[undamned]

I have a crapload of spare PS1 laser assemblies, but I'd like to know of a good way to test them. I'm not convince that just firing a game up to the title screen is sufficient. Any really thorough ways to verify 100% functionality? If I can verify some of these, I'll make you guys some smoking deals on extras
-ud

[Jorel]

Undamned, check the FMV's on authentic store bought games and CD-R back ups. Let it run for a bit. You gotta really test them for a couple hours I guess with no skipping. I used this last one for an hour and it just stopped working. My guess is though, most of your assemblies don't work properly. But! If you test them out and have some that are for sure good and reliable. I would totally buy a few from you.

[undamned]

Aight. I'm in agreement with letting them run for a while, but it sounds like I'd actually need to monitor them the entire time? I'm all for thoroughly testing, but I'm not spending 2 hours on something that is worth a few monies to me.

What about playing a full length audio cd? I wouldn't mind putting on some background music while I do something else and just listen for skipping/grinding/etc.
-ud

[Jorel]

That's understandable. I would assume, that if you can make it through an entire full length audio CD, and at least 1 full FMV without any skipping freezing or stuttering, than it should be copasetic. I need the KSM-440 AEM model assembly though.

[viletim]

Okay quick update. I got another KSM-440 AEM laser assembly in the mail yesterday. Installed it, and it worked for about an hour. Now it stutters, skips freezes all the time. I tried cleaning the lens which seemed to improve it a tiny bit. But it still won't make it through an FMV. I think this proves that these assemblies are just made like crap. I don't know if any of them on the market work, and if so, where do I find one that works? It's kinda far out. The whole thing. Pretty strange.

I can't speak for the Playstation 1 in particular, it's been ten years since I've replaced the laser assembly on one, but I can tell you that your experience is typical for cd players with a Sony laser. Faulty laser after faulty laser from the local spare parts distributer... It was a problem for all brands, but Sony brand lasers were the cheapest and quite possibly are made like crap.

Lasers diodes are easily damaged by static electricity. They must be protected in storage and in transit buy a shorting diode/switch and/or an anti-static padded box. When installed, the environment must also be ESD-safe. If the assembly was sold as new, check carefully for signs of use such as dust in the mechanism, hair and thred around the spindle shaft, etc. Rubber grommets on the mechanism is a sign that it has been pulled straight from a chassis.

[Jorel]

Viletim, that's some excellent information man, thank you. So, are you saying that if the assembly comes with the rubber vibration dampeners then it's most likely used?

What you're saying makes complete sense. Do you have any advice on how to find a solid back up assembly? Because right now I'm thinking my best bet is to just get a few working used PS1 9001's and just use those assemblies... since I know they work at least.

[viletim]

Viletim, that's some excellent information man, thank you. So, are you saying that if the assembly comes with the rubber vibration dampeners then it's most likely used?

How was it packaged? It should come in packaging specifically designed for that mechanism. Either foam or vacuum formed plastic inside a cardboard box. The rubber bits are always seperate part because they can deteriorate as well.

Sometimes a faulty cd player has a laser mechanism is in perfect working order, only the rubber has gone bad and the laser can't focus on the disc because the part of the mech supported by the rubber has sagged.

I just pulled an electronic spare parts catalog off the shelf. It's from 2003 and has a video game section with the Playstation lasers listed. As you can see, there are no rubber grommets in the photo.

http://etim.net.au/temp/psx_laser.jpg

What you're saying makes complete sense. Do you have any advice on how to find a solid back up assembly? Because right now I'm thinking my best bet is to just get a few working used PS1 9001's and just use those assemblies... since I know they work at least.

If it's a Playstation specific laser (and it may well be, designed optimally for those black discs) then the official spare parts have probably run out long ago. You are better off scrapping a working unit yourself.

[Jorel]

They come in little plastic trays packed in a little cardboard box. With the rubber dampeners. So... yeah it's trash. They're refunding my money. So I'll probably just take assemblies out of used playstations. Thanks for the info man. Greatly appreciated.

[undamned]

Yeah, the units I have are out of used systems. I'll post back here when I've got some tested (full audio CD + some FMV, like you suggested)
-ud

[Jorel]

Cool man thanks.

[yojo!]

Okay quick update. I got another KSM-440 AEM laser assembly in the mail yesterday. Installed it, and it worked for about an hour. Now it stutters, skips freezes all the time. I tried cleaning the lens which seemed to improve it a tiny bit. But it still won't make it through an FMV. I think this proves that these assemblies are just made like crap. I don't know if any of them on the market work, and if so, where do I find one that works? It's kinda far out. The whole thing. Pretty strange.

I bought 2 replacement lens (KSM-440-ACM) from RichsPsxParts and I have the same problem. Does anybody know a good place to buy brand new working lens from?

[ZOM]

What's up with all these fuxxored assemblies? Pretty strange to hear that.

RichsPsxParts

I recommend to stay away from there, he got already a very bad reputation in the past, especially concerning scavenged replacement parts not working.

[Jorel]

Zom is right. I read about richspsxparts, and they suck.

Yojo!, dude, if I knew where to get brand new laser assemblies for the ps1 I'd be a happy man. Honestly, it's really strange, but it looks like they really don't exist. It's insane. These people are selling junk and getting away with it, because I think, most folks who buy these things, just stick them in the closet without testing. Maybe a few years ago it was a different story. But right now, the situation is grim. If you find some place that has brand new working laser assemblies for the ps1, please for the love of god and all that is holy, post it here on this thread. I will do the same.

[Jorel]

Also, stay away from Easyworld electronics, and Liberty Electronics. They sell junk.

[yojo!]

I found a place in France that still sell them;From the different forums I went to , they are working and the shop is relaible. They don't have the KSM440ACM I am after , but I hope that helps someone else.

http://www.dealgame.org/dg_boutique/Pla ... t_671.html


The quest continues...

[Jorel]

Really? Those guys have working laser assemblies huh. Maybe I'll give it a try...

Why do you need the ACM? I think the ACM is the older crappy model anyway. Plastic guide rails and they wear down faster. Couldn't you just get the AEM? It's an old school grey ps1 console right? If the cable on the AEM is too short, you can get an extension for like 3 bucks. Christ knows if the extension cable will work though. Heh.