Bighap? Help for the Elderly?

Frankie4Fingers · #1 31-03-2003, 16:07

You young kids, really put us to shame with your knowledge of this stuff. Bighap I've been lurking a while, and you seem rather knowledgable, so mind the dust from my brain as I try to gather all this information.

As the father of some younger kids, but no means a spring chicken myself, I'm trying to protect the live of their DVD collection, and now their PS2's.

I've recently purchased DVDXCOPY 1.4.1, and I'm extremely happy with it. Such a breeze to use with my new Sony 500ULX firewire burner...plus I have a cloneCD able Sony Expressa external firewire also for cd's plugged into my Audigy. Anyway, to cut to the chase...

In regards to PS2 Backups, my Sony came with Recordnow DX, which is simple and looks easy to use. I've backed up their CD based games with CloneCD as well, no problems. My questions now, now that I am moving into the DVD arena...

They have 2 PS2's, one is a Version 1(not 010 bios) and another is either a 4 or a 5, but I'm more thinking of the 4. I think, I shall definitely verify it. My question is...they have the USB Mod/NeoKey for both, but it won't do DVD-R backups as you know, and I have a fresh 100 pack of Ritek's just waiting anxiously. And with the wear and tear they all put on them(plus clumsy handling tendancies, but I'm trying to be a little more stern and have them handle equipment properly!) is wanting me to get busy in backing up their existing games. I know that I will likely have to upgrade to a new mod chip, so I am asking what is good to use with the Version 1, if applicable...I know there are no-solder ones likely for the 4, 5, 6, 7 models, but...will these even play above 650 meg discs? I'm very confused on that point, and haven't seen a nice and easy cross reference chart for us old folks who aren't into the scene much. I'm not a terrible hand at soldering, but it's been a while. I am not completely adverse to it. If I should say...get an Messiah/Magic 3.1, and put it in the Version 1, will it even work? That's my main concern, I suppose. For the no-solder one, will it play their cd backups that are bigger than 650 megs? What about DVD-r? I'm quite lost, if you haven't gathered.

So in a nutshell...for movie backups, DVDXCOPY. For PS2 games, Recordnow DX. Now my question is about the mods, and what you might recommend, for a version 1(definite) and I think either a 4 or a 5. I gotta find out for sure about that. Which chip would you recommend?

I greatly appreciate your help to instruct the unenlightened elderly :P

UrrBodyH8sMe · #2 31-03-2003, 16:13

ver 1 system i would not even install a mod on that system they wont play dvd-rs very well at all. there so old and for ur ver 4 u can go cheap rout and buy a ver 4 no solder and gameshark2 or u can go with a messiah2 or apple they both work great but if u dont know how to solder u would have to get a pro to do so and theres some on here say dust2dust hes dose them and a phew others

monteca820ce · #3 31-03-2003, 19:27

Where are you located?

bighap · #4 31-03-2003, 19:37

Like UrrBodyH8sMe said, don't bother modding your v1. V1 lasers suck and rarely play dvd backups well or at all. If you still want 2 ps2s, sell your v1 and buy a new ps2. Since you have got kids and because it is the best mod around, I would get a Messiah 2 for your v4 and new ps2(if you go that route). Or you can get an apple chip like me for about $30 less per chip. You don't want your kids handling the discs more than necessry, which you have to do if you use a swap mod like the no solder.

p.s. I replied to your dvdxcopy post too.

Frankie4Fingers · #5 31-03-2003, 20:32

Once again, you've not been a disappointment. I really appreciate the prompt response. Being not as 'still handed' as I used to be when I worked on electronics, I've been looking over the various mod options...I do have some professional gear and equipment left over, nice 15 watt motherboard needle point kit, etc...I saw some discrepencies about the no-solder kits.

They're already not _too_ bad with the swap trick and have it pretty much down well, with the USBMod/Neokey and uhh...the fish controller...gameshark? Yeah. (Gets laughed at by his oldest). Anyway, will it play over 74 minute CD's with the no-solder types? Is that what the Swap Discs that come in the combo packs offer with the no-solder types? I'm just trying to make sure they will be able to play their old 74minute and 80 minute cd backups, as well as the new DVD-R's when I get to that stage. Thanks for the heads up on the V1 laser...we'll find a solution for that archaic one, I think they have friends who are looking for a used one, and I'll get them a new one...they've come down greatly in price, as with all things. I remember paying 250 dollars for a 2400 baud modem! You kids and your internet...we used to have to stand on the roof and yell '1...0...1...1...0...1....1' in college and THAT was our internet. After climbing the hill in the snow both ways to even get there...anyway, thanks for the help, I really appreciate it all. Let me know your opinion on the no-solder one and compatability, (might be easiest to install, as no one around here to install such things, and I'm not 100% certain of my steadiness). Thanks again!

PS> So I'll have a V4 and a V7 PS2. I see a place with a 2 for price of 1 special on the no-solder, which is a nice touch too...last question for a while, I promise!

bighap · #6 31-03-2003, 20:43

Your 74 and 80 minute backups will be fine. If you have a Gameshark 2 you don't need the swap magic discs. Gameshark 2 is better anyways, but GS2 doesn't work with the no solder and the v7 system. You have to use swap magics for a v7, but I personally think these suck. You can't even boot some games. You are best off with with a no swap mod.

eatme · #7 01-04-2003, 13:28

I had a ver 4 with a neo key and i opted to get a new ps2 v7 premodded with the messiah 2,, cant go wrong there... avoid yourself some headaches and just get yourself a premodded messiah 2 and sell your old one.. you wont regret it... im really happy with mine.;..