Replacing Playstaion 2 Laser

Remove this screw to slide laser off track.

Greetings programs!  Today's experiment is replacing the laser in a PlayStation 2 Slim unit aka SCPH-75001 NTSC.  Why?  Because it went from getting picky about the games it loaded to intermediately loading certain games to not even even trying to spin the disk.  I knew this had to mean that either the motor had died or the laser no longer functioned at all.  Because of the finickiness before I bet my money on the laser, or about eight bucks from Ebay.   Replacement laser part name is PVR-802 (KHM-430).  Now some people argue that simply buying another PS2 for an extra twenty bucks is a way better idea.  Those people are idiots who need to leave the building right now...I'll wait....okay we good?  So other than a new laser you'll need some jeweler Phillips head screwdrivers, some de-solder braid and a soldering iron.  This whole project took about 30 minutes but really can be done in about ten minutes or less.  Start of course by removing the screws and cover from the unit.  Make sure you're new laser has the protection circuit de-soldered before installation!!!

 

This piece releases the laser from the worm gear that drives it back and forth.  

Freed laser still attached via ribbon cable.

Although they have different model ID's, marking the removed laser isn't a bad idea.

If you do not remove this solder point your unit will NOT work!

 -kaokensho

PSIO Prototype in the Works

The official website of the PSIO announced on Jan 15th of this year that their protoype SD card reader for the PSX is in the works.  The card will plug into the parrellel I/O port in the back of the unit.  I may be wrong but I believe only the first generation of PS1's have this port, however, that is still a large part of the total units out there.  It will use a customized version of Sony's XMB (Menu Bar) and will work in all regions.  It will also feature a Gameshark style hex edititor.  The project is currently accepting donations and is worth looking into.  We'll keep an eye on this one! -kaokensho

Redstone Lamp

So how is this old gaming?  It's Minecraft!  And it's my blog too.  I purchased a "Krafty Block" at my local craft store ( amazon sells then but for more ca$h ).  This one is 7 inches, the larger of the two sizes.  I printed out the best red stone pic I could Google and printed two copies,one on an 80# card stock and the other on a plain stock bright white paper.  Carefully using an exacto knife and my wife's old cutting board, remove the "red" colored areas. Now you have two choices.  One is to use a strong adhesive like rubber cement and glue the two sheets together lined up as close as possible ( hold them up to a light source ).  Then you just have to glue the set of sheets to the glass block and insert a string of 100 count Christmas lights.  The second option is to take your two sheets and have them "lami-labeled" which is just a heat activated lamination with an adhesive on the back.  Your local copy shop, Staples, or Kinkos can provide the service for around four or five bucks.  This laminated method will last longer.  I also bought some of these little switched from the glorious Home Depot to take the hassle out unplugging them all the time.

-kaokensho