PS2- anyone modded?

Has anyone here modded their PS2 themselves? Or it harder to do than the Neo(as the PCB is smaller and more densely packed with stuff). Is it better just to get a game company(eg in my local city) to do it? I have on of the newer models(slimline, with the external power brick).
I was wanting to do a mod with a chip that does everything, including playing DVD's region free, and removing green masking on RGB/component(sometimes component doesn't work with my TV, perhaps it's because of this, I end up having to use composhite instead. Also sometimes the audio doesn't work, maybe it's something to do with the cable I use.

The slim ps2's are a complete arsepain to do if your not a genius at soldering. Open it up and have a look at the points your going to be soldering to, if your not comfortable then get someone else to do it

Of course it is harder than the Neo, lots of SMD shit. Still, for anyone with reasonable soldering skills it shouldnt be too much of a challenge.

Its not a walk in the park my friend especially for the fat ps2 considering you have to go through alot of hardware to get the mobo out before the real work begins. But slim or fat the soldering a chore for even experienced solderers.

The fat ps2 isn't bad doing. But like others have said... it is pain a to to disassemble everything completely. The slim, iirc, you have to do a few small extra mods as opposed to just installing the chip like on the fats... don't really remember though as I've only worked with the older guys. But the mod is pretty straightforward. There are a lot of photos and guides floating around that you can check out first to see what you are getting into.

The thing about installing a mod-chip is that IIRC even the best ones have like 22 small surface mount solder points you'd have to deal with. Another problem is that installing some modchips can kill the laser faster if you don't put in an extra circuit or so. It's not hard, but most people don't find out about it until their laser dies....

I modded mine with a 7 wire chip way back before the 20+ wire chips came out.

You have to swap with a GS or Swap Magic disk which gets annoying - plus DVD games can be tricky sometimes

The solder points for the 7 wire was a bit of a pain - but this was years ago and I am better with an iron now. A few points you solder to the side of surface mounted resistors - and there are a few points where you have to solder sequentially to the legs of a surface mounted chip

I have done a couple with the 20 odd wires - it is hard work even with good soldering skills.

joe8 said:

Has anyone here modded their PS2 themselves? Or it harder to do than the Neo(as the PCB is smaller and more densely packed with stuff). Is it better just to get a game company(eg in my local city) to do it? I have on of the newer models(slimline, with the external power brick).
I was wanting to do a mod with a chip that does everything, including playing DVD's region free, and removing green masking on RGB/component(sometimes component doesn't work with my TV, perhaps it's because of this, I end up having to use composhite instead. Also sometimes the audio doesn't work, maybe it's something to do with the cable I use.

Click to expand...

I've done plenty of PS2s in the past, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're *really* comfortable with soldering extremely small surface mount connections. As others have said: Open it up, and take a look. If you're still comfortable enough at that point, give it a shot.

A few pointers for you:

Since you're modifying a Slim unit (What model # by the way?), you will want to install the diode fix with your modchip. This will prolong the life of your system's laser. Personally, I consider this a necessity on Slim consoles.

Next, you'll want decent equipment if you don't have it already. I'd recommend soldering with a low wattage (15 watt is perfect) pencil iron, with the smallest needle tip you can find. In addition to this, you'll want proper solder, and wire. I'd recommend 30awg (solid strand) Kynar Wire Wrap for the wire, and 60/40 (lead) Rosin Core for your solder. Do NOT use acid core solder. You should also have some toothpicks, a razor blade (personal preference), and flux paste. Plumber's flux is cheaper, but don't even think about using it. WAY too acidic. Doesn't hurt to have a desoldering braid handy either, in case you bridge a connection.

As far as the actual chip goes, the ModBo 4.0 is a good chip. It's a Matrix Infinity clone, and doesn't cost too much. These usually come with the diode fix I mentioned earlier, but you might want to ask if you have any doubts. If you decide to go with a Modbo 4.0 and can't seem to locate one for a decent price (under $15 U.S. or so), I'll link you via PM.

Anyway, I think that pretty much covers everything... Just take your time, and I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck.