Gonna buy a PS2...

[rubber2k1]

Thinking about getting rid of my PSX1 and get a PS2. Thought about just buying a used one or refurbed one. Are there any special model #'s to look for like in the PSX1? Also what is a good mod chip to get? I have about 40 cd-r games that i used on my psx1, those are playable on the ps2 with the modchip, right? Are the controllers swappable? Anything else i need to look or watch for? thanks for your help

[BG]

I would rec. against buying a used PS2 (unless you know who you are buying from and the history or the machine..)
If you buy a new one you will probably get a V7... You want to try to get a V5 or above... The sticker on the back of the PS2 has a number that looks like this: SCPH-xxxxxxx try to get one with a R at the end of that number(but be careful, there are some V4's with a R)... The website I usually refer people too is currently down... Should be up later... I'll post the link later so you can see EXACTLY what I mean... It has all the info you will need as far as "what version the PS2 is that you are going to buy"
The best mod chips to get are the NO-SWAP chips like the Messiah, Magic 2, or Apple... They are more expensive to purchase and have installed BUT are worth EVERY PENNY....

Your CD-R backups of the PS1 games will work on your PS2... Also you can use PS1 controllers on your PS2...

[BG]

Here is a reference chart for PS2 versions: This was posted in another forum by Charlie_PS2 (a moderator on this forum)

Quick US/C PS2 Version Reference Chart

Acknowledgements to Crazycowpie and Stonegreg50

I ask you to contribute to the database by inputting the following details of your system to be found on the sticker at the rear of the PS2:




SCPH model number

Uxx - the first two digits of the Serial number

PTxx - the first two digits of the barcode number

Datecode 0x, 1x or 2x

# of screws in the upper rim of the Expansion bay (30001R)**

The name/version of any Messiah class modchip present



[AUS/EU/UK] PS2 PAL
30002/3/4 v1-3 = 10 Screws on base of PS2
30002/3/4 v4 = 8 Screws on base of PS2
30002R/3R/4R v4 = 8 Screws on base of PS2 & 2 screws in upper rim of expansion bay
30002R/3R/4R v5/v6 = 8 Screws on base of PS2 & 3 screws in upper rim of expansion bay
39002/3/4 v7 = 8 Screws on base of PS2 & 3 screws in upper rim of expansion bay

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT GUARANTEED & IS STILL BEING COMPILED. In particular we need to know the motherboard GH number for V4R Datecode 1C and all those listed below as having Messiah problems.


GH-003 15000
GH-003 18000 (piggy back BIOS 020)
GH-004 v1 (BIOS 020)
GH-005 v1
GH-006 v2
GH-006 v3 (Top BIOS non Gap)
GH-007 v3 (Gap BIOS 020)
GH-008 18000 (Top BIOS 010)
GH-010 v4/1B (No Gap BIOS 030)

GH-013 v4/1C (BIOS 030) [Not reliable info]
GH-014 v4 (BIOS 030 - some; which had BIOS 040?)
GH-015 v5 (BIOS 040)
GH-017 v7 (39002 BIOS 050)
GH-018 v7 (39003 BIOS 050)
GH-019 v7 (39001 BIOS 050)

[USA] PS2 NTSC
30001 v1-3 = 10 Screws on base of PS2
30001 v4 = 8 Screws on base of PS2
35001 v4 = 8 Screws on base of PS2 Serial # U5*** & U6***, Datecode 1B, 1C
30001R v4 = 8 Screws on base of PS2
30001R v5.x = 8 Screws on base of PS2 with three screws in top rim of expansion bay
39001 v7 = 8 screws on base of PS2

US Serial # & Barcode #
u1* w/ 10 screws = v1 (PT11*******) (Datecode 0C)
u0* w/ 10 screws = v2 (PT10*******) (Datecode 0D)
u2* w/ 10 screws = v3 (PT12*******)

u1* w/ 8 screws = v4 (PT11*******) (datecode 1C have Messiah problems)
u2* w/ 8 screws = v4 (PT12*******) (datecode 1C have Messiah problems)
u3* w/ 8 screws = v4 (PT13*******) (datecode 1D)
u4* w/ 8 screws = v4 (PT14*******) (datecode 1B)
u5* w/ 8 screws = v4 (PT15*******) (030 BIOS) Incl. Datecode 1C
u6* w/ 8 screws = v4 (PT16*******)

u0* w/ 8 screws = v4R (PT20*******) (datecode 1C) Some reports also of v5/u0/1C**
u1* w/ 8 screws = v4R (PT21*******) (datecode 1C) Some reports also of v5/u1/1C**

u2* w/ 8 screws = v5 (PT22*******) (datecode 1D & 2A)
u3* w/ 8 screws = v5 (PT23*******) (datecode 1D) Some reports also of v4R/u3/1D**
u4* w/ 8 screws = v6 (PT24*******) (datecode 2A)
u0* w/ 8 screws = v6 (PT30*******) (datecode 2B)

u4* w/ 8 screws = v7 (PT5x*******) (datecode 2B GH-017)
u5* w/ 8 screws = v7 (PT5x*******) (datecode 2B)

Date Code is on the US version serial sticker.

** A v5/v6 PS2 can be identified by looking inside the top rim of the Expansion Bay. If there are three screws, two flush (brass) and one recessed in a flange (silver) then it's a v5 or v6,


__________________
Charlie
My advice is offered at your risk!

PAL v5 Magic 2
NTSC U/C 39001 v7 Magic 2
JAP 15000 Origachip 1.25
Pioneer A03 (fw 1.90)
Yamaha 2100S (Running OPC)

[rubber2k1]

Its a refrubed one with a warranty. I will get the info when they respond back. thanks

[rubber2k1]

I noticed that consolesourceDOTcom sells several different versions for different models of the PS2 that dont need soldering, just plug N play basically.

version4

version5-6

Other ps2 modchips

Whats your thought on these? and what do you recommend on ANY modchip out there? thanks

[TylerDurden]

Very nice work BG!


Rubber2k1, I used to work with ConsoleSource and know that the plug and play modchips are at the bottom of the barrel. Get yourself a new ps2 and a good modchip and you will be all set from there on.


Look here for some notes on a couple of good chips FACTOIDS




Tyler!

[psx_paul]

If you definately want to mod it (with a decent chip) you might be better off financially purchasing a pre-modded machine. If you are in the UK Charlie/Dust or Andex are your main men.

[BG]

Originally posted by rubber2k1
I noticed that consolesourceDOTcom sells several different versions for different models of the PS2 that dont need soldering, just plug N play basically.

version4

version5-6

Other ps2 modchips

Whats your thought on these? and what do you recommend on ANY modchip out there? thanks

My thought on the no-solder mods is they suck....(my opinion)
The ONLY good thing about them, is that some don't require soldering..... BUT you have to worry about patching games, swapping discs, and other headaches.... They are just too much trouble... And to use a no solder mod, you will have to buy a Gameshark 2, original high TOC dvd based game, and the chip.... When you start adding all of that up, the no solder mod is not much cheaper than getting a no swap chip....AND YOU STILL HAVE TO SWAP TO PLAY BACKUPS.....

When you get the version number of your PS2 then I will tell you which chip I would get.... (Although regardless, it will be the Messiah, Magic 2, or Apple)

[BG]

Oh yeah... One other thing.... If you look back through this forum.... You will see MANY, MANY, MANY, post like"HELP No-Solder mod"

[rubber2k1]

One ps2 i am looking at is model30001R. So if i go one at walmart i really dont have change to choose which model/version i want. So what do i do?

[BG]

If you get one at wal-mart you will most likely get a V7.... So you will be fine....

The 30001R you mentioned see which one it is.......

30001R v4 = 8 Screws on base of PS2
30001R v5.x = 8 Screws on base of PS2 with three screws in top rim of expansion bay

If its the V5 you should also be fine.....

[rubber2k1]

When i buy one of these mod chips i hope they included a detailed diagram of where to solder the 23 stinkin wires. I think i am decent solderer but messing with a $200 toy kinda scares me.

[bighap]

You have to be a very experienced soldier to do a 23 wire mod. The points are extremely close together. If you dont buy a premodified system send it to Bill at freedomlives.com to do the mod for you.

[rubber2k1]

I have done soldering on DSS satellite reciever circuit boards before. I just want to make sure i'm soldering the right wires on the right spot. I have a 15w soldering pencil and small solder for circuit baord stuff.

[bighap]

Images for a magic 2 install can be seen here