Hello,
I was wondering if the new "Slim" PS-2 model, can be modded more easily & if they?re more reliable than the older bulky PS-2 models?
I have modded (for others) up to models 50004 V10-11 which need about 24-25 wires to be soldered on the PCB (depending on the mod chip), but I have not modded anything for almost 2 years mow, so I would like to know if the new "slim" models require less than 20 wires and if it?s more stable / reliable than the older models once it is modded? Also do they need to be soldered on ?tricky? spots as they were on the 50004 models?
If it?s easier, I might consider buying a new one just for that task, instead of opening my good old bulky 50004 model.
Any diagrams / links?
Also is it possible to play original imported Japanese PS-2 games on a un-modded PS-2 with the use of a region boot-disc like the Dreamcast. (Or any other similar method)
Modding it is pretty much the same as the old bulky version, but it does have a liability, the laser dies quickly once its chipped, so you need to install a laser fix to protect the laser.
Forgive my ignorance, but what is that exactly?
I don't remember installing anything similar in any of the older PS-2 and they all worked perfectly.
Unless you're referring of the re-adjustment of the CD/DVD lens resistance with a small screw-driver?...
So you're suggesting that it would be best to mod my bulky 50004 model or one of the older 3900x models instead?
Isn't there another way to play original imports without the need of a mod chip?
Boot disc maybe like the ones on the Dreamcast?
Quote:So you're suggesting that it would be best to mod my bulky 50004 model or one of the older 3900x models instead?
The 3900X models were the most reliable PS2s ever made with 5000X a close second. The new slim ones tend to overheat and the lasers are not as reliable like waleedwc said. I would say mod the 3900X if you really want a modded PS2.
Quote:Isn't there another way to play original imports without the need of a mod chip?
Boot disc maybe like the ones on the Dreamcast?
You can use Swap Magic and a fliptop to boot your imports if you are not interested in making a major modification to your console.
The problem would be tracking down a new 3900X PS-2 these days.
As for Swap Magic, I've seen it in action and I don't like the idea of stressing the motorized ray tracer of the DVD door by pulling it out whilst turned on.
i've heard that GameShark will allow you to play import games on your PS2 with no modding
Do you have any links about GameShark?
How does it work?
I've also heard some wild stuff of new mod chips that connect to the expansion bay, without the need of soldering them onto the PCB.
But I don't know if it's true.
I do remember a mate of mine having a usb modchip, but it wasnt that good, it required to be started up by a boot cd, which made it crap, but sometimes it didnt work, but this was for the v1 or 2 i think, there is a no solder mod chip that i used once in a v4 which was good, cant remember what it was called but it was reliable.
Well, from experience at my previous job, PS-2 modding does not provide 100% reliability / compatibility & wears down the laser (Especially on the 50004 model which I have)
That?s why I turned towards the newer slim models in case they were more reliable systems to mod, but I might end getting Swap Magic & GameShark for the slim model instead.
The reason I did not like the Swap Magic for my "bulky" 50004 model, is that you use a small slide card / latch thing to pry the DVD door open whilst powered up & then inserting the boot disc. However, that stresses the motor of the DVD lens and that?s something I would like to avoid.
So, how reliable is Swap Magic & GameShark on the Slim PS-2s?
Does it wear down the lens like the mod chips?
And what is it's game compatibility / reliability?
Can it play all PS-1/PS-2 backups & original Japanese imports?
Does that apply to GameShark as well?
Is it a Boot disc like Swap Magic?
I've heard good things about them.
Swap Magic 3.6 works great on the slimline, but its not swap magic that wears the laser out, it get worn out when you use cheap media they stress the ps2 laser out, coz it has to try harder to read.
So if I mod my "Slim" or "Bulky" PS-2 & use excellent Verbatim / TDK media, will my lens be ok, or will the mod chip still wear the lens out forcing me to change it every 2-3 months?
Swap Magic is safer then a mod chip for the slimline, but if you do buy a mod chip for the slimline you will have to buy a laser fix, that has a few diodes on it to protect the laser from excess voltage, what it does is if the laser gets to hot or to much current it turns the ps2 off, not every fix does this, the real good quality ones do, so with a mod chip, cheap media have a effect, and the modchip does also, so you need to have a laser fix, otherwise you will fry the laser within 2-3 weeks of use.
