A number of "noob" questions

[symptom]

Hello! I am pretty much new to the modding scene and had a number of questions regarding my current PS2 situation. I did read the UIS and although it did answer some of my questions and (moreso) motivate me to mod my PS2, I am still uncertain as to what I should do in my current situation.

My V4 which has survived for quite a few years is finally giving me the disc read errors with silver PS2 games and DVDs. I tried cleaning the lens and adjusting the voltage slightly but with no luck -- I'm still getting the disc read errors and clicking sounds while trying to read the disc (not sure if this started before or after I decided to poke around inside the system.) I've decided to give up on these "temporary fixes" I've read about because I don't want to spend money modding a PS2 that is gonna crap out on me soon.

So anyway, I want to be able to play backups of my PS2 games and at this point don't feel confident installing a modchip myself. Should I try to find a place that will fix my V4 and install the chip? Or should I buy a premodded system? If so, should I avoid getting a V12 and try to get an earlier version? Which of the earlier versions should I get? Which are still available, and where should I look? I'm trying to spend as little money as possible as I don't have much.

Any advice is appreciated :)

EDIT: Sorry, apparently I have a V3, not a V4.

[H|LLJD00]

Sell your V4 on eBay, get as much as possible for it. The buy a V7 from a friend/local paper (this way u can make sure its a V7)..

Now either practice soldering untill ur confident and give it a shot, or get someone to install it for you. I suggest getting a Crystal Chip.

Now.. If you have lots of money :) Practice soldering on your V4 motherboard and sell the rest of the V4 as parts on eBay. Or even, install the chip on the V4 if it works sell it chipped, get lots of money this way. Then you can do all the above and still have money left over for more ps2 games :) or even a HDD :d

[symptom]

Thanks for the reply! How much do you think I could get though, for a V4 that doesn't play silver PS2 discs or DVDs anymore? Should I mess around with the voltage or lens alignment just to try to get it working for sale?

I think this is probably a common question, but how hard is it really, to solder the chip yourself? I've never worked with solder before so I really have no idea. I have a few years of decent experience with desktop/laptop PC hardware and messed around with the PS2 hardware enough to adjust voltage and such. I'm pretty decent with my hands I guess. How easy is it to mess up?

Thanks!

[spedmetal]

The good thing about V4's if your willing to spend money to make them better that is, is that the KHS-400C laser (which is what the v5-v10's have) can be directly swapped out for the crappy KHS-400B thats in it and the V4 is then very similar to a V5/V7.

I have done this on many V4's with great success.

[symptom]

So would you suggest that I replace the laser instead of getting a new console? Would this be difficult to do?

[spedmetal]

If your willing to spend the money, sure try a new laser.

[H|LLJD00]

oh a direct fit? thats cool, saves you buying a new console :) Try that. That should do it. Also on another note, get a side stand for ur ps2 this helps as the dust cant settle on the motherboard/laser as easy.

[Warlock]

So would you suggest that I replace the laser instead of getting a new console? Would this be difficult to do?
I think i would replace the laser before i would sell it and buy a PStwo. Even if you find a v7 on ebay or something there's no guarantee the laser isnt worn and you have to do the same thing to it.

[symptom]

I think i would replace the laser before i would sell it and buy a PStwo. Even if you find a v7 on ebay or something there's no guarantee the laser isnt worn and you have to do the same thing to it.Yeah that's kinda what I was afraid of.

But if I put a KHS-400C laser in my V4, what would keep it from being just as "modworthy" as a V7?

Also could somone give me a hint as to how risky it is to attempt replacing a laser? Thanks guys :o

[Warlock]

Why dont you email Spedmetal about getting a duo2 se modchip and a new laser in your current v4. Everyone here will agree he does great work. I say this because you dont just buy a new laser and pop it in. It has to be adjusted and if you dont know what your doing you can fry the new one on power up. Best to get a Pro.

[symptom]

That sounds like a good idea to me, I may do that.

May I ask though why you recommend the duo2 se? From reading around I was under the impression that the MI, DMS3/4, and CC chips were the most popular. Is it just because of the lower price or personal preference, or is there some other benefit to going with the duo2 se?

[lufcfan]

Lower price... That's about it.

[symptom]

Ah ok... hmm.... well I might be willing to spend an extra $30, if it's worth it. I guess I don't need it though, I mainly just want to be able to read backups and later maybe get into HDloader. The Duo2 SE should be fine for that, no?

[lufcfan]

the Duo should be fine for that

EDIT: However, the extra 30 is definately worth it...

[Warlock]

If all you want is to load backups the Duo2 is one of the best on the market and is cheap. If you like the extra features then yeah the MI and Crystal are the top.

[symptom]

Ok, I must be an idiot because I just did the version check at nocalmods and my PS2 has 10 screws, not 8. I guess this means it's V3, not V4. The serial number starts with U1 and the date code is 1A.

I was thrown off because the website I was at before said "if there is an electrical hazard warning on the bottom of the case then it is a V4." Well, mine has the warning, but it also has 10 screws :( I'm assuming this means I can't replace my laser with a KHS-400C?

....damnit.....

EDIT: I did some looking around and if I'm not mistaken, the KHS-400C should work in a V3, shouldn't it?