Version & Tools question
 

First off, I want to order the M chip from Charlie, however, before I do so I would appreciate if someone could confirm the version of the NTSC ps2 I have. Model # = SCPH 3001, Serial # U437----- barcoded # PT14----- , Date Code # 1B.
Based on the reading that I have been doing I believe that my PS2 is a version 4 which the messiah is compatible with.
Lastly, I am going to attempt to do the soldering myself. I have very limited soldering experience and would like to know where to go to get all the right tools before I start the project, including wires to be soldered. TIA

you should get a soldering iron with around 15 watts max, with a pen tip of 0.4 mm or less. 0.5 mm solder (none of the acid-free or "biologic" crap).
a magnifying glass is helpful unless you got very sharp sight.
also, you should get solder grease, it makes tinning and making contact alot easier.
for the wires, either enamelled copper wire (0.15 or 0.1 mm) or a cut up UDMA 100 HD cable will work.
you also need a bit of "normally" sized wire for the 3.3v and GND lines.

very important.. if you never soldered on small chips before, don't do the mod yourself. it's not an easy one, and the risk is high. the pictures make things look ALOT bigger than they really are.

yeh...
my installer that was used to doing neo keys managed to scratch my messiah so afew tracks were cut making the chip useless :(

Neo 2, Neo 2.2, and 2.5 are not that hard to install. You may get by with limited soldering experience. Messiah, Origa-chip, Starchip and the new Novachip are a bit tougher. Expertise in soldering is a must, especially on a messiah. unless you want to wind up like Jd_13 you might want to find a qualified installer.

I earnestly advise you to take your installer to the small claims court or whatever they have to protect consumers in Australia. If he has negligently cut tracks on your Messiah, he is accountable to you. Your case would be solid here. You shouldn't bear the cost of this sad story.