Broken Playstation?

[spooky]

BOT-CK is right!

From what you have said, your friends PSX was one of the first which makes it an SCPH-100x. These units have 3 points where laser adjustment can be made, i will describe only one of them as the others require a multimeter or oscilloscope to correctly adjust.

This method will re align the laser and help it compensate for wear in the laser glides.

You will need to remove the top cover of the PSX to expose the laser assembly, you will see a small almost see through copper coloured ribbon cable that connects between the laser and the main board. At the top of this cable there is a small POT (POTENTIOMETER) that can be turned clockwise or anti clockwise. You only need to make a small adjustment and then test the unit, if it seems to get worse then turn the pot in the opposite direction and re test. After a couple of goes you should be able to re assemble the PSX.

NOTE: Dont be tempted to use a screwdriver to turn the pot as you may end up tearing it off the ribbon cable, i find that it can be done easily with a finger. Also make a note of the position of the pot so if it dosent get any better you can at least return it to its original position.

I hope all this helps and you get it sorted.