Any Self-Install Tips for a DMS3

[Warlock]

Originally posted by ottoman
Basically the problem with fitting to a version 9 is that some of the wires need to go to Vias on the motherboard. These are smaller than the solder pads on the version 5,6 and 7. The alternative is to solder directly to chiplegs which is a bit of a nightmare.

However, take your time ( like put aside a whole day to do it ), an you'll be fine.

The first mod install I did was a Messiah 1 an it took me about 5 hours. Now I can get an M2 in in about an hour (Yep, still slow, I know). My m8 who does it for a living can get one done in half that time..... but we all started slow.

To be really honest, if you've got any doubt then get an installer to do it for you. I'm lucky that I've got access to professional surface mount soldering kit but have done one at home with magnifier an smally soldering iron.

Ottos top tip is use liquid flux.....LOADS OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top tip two is always use Kynar insulated awg30 wire for all connections except the 3.5Volt line and the ground. Use something slightly thicker for that.
I installed an M2 into a version 4 console about 10 times and couldn't get it to run ps2 backups, PS1 backups booted fine, so after ripping my hair out an having a breakdown I tried using the recommended wire rather than any old cheap thin wire an it worked perfectly first time. It does make a big difference what wire you use.

Final comment: turn the clockwire into a twisted pair i.e run the wire and run a second wire connected from ground on the chip board to a groundpoint on the ps2 ( I use the gold edge around the motherboard) and twist em together. This puts a sipble shield around the clockwire an reduces the chance of emc problems on the clockwire.


Regards

Good advise Otto