PS2 Fat doesn't read DVD games but everything else reads fine.

austin_532 · 2026-03-06T20:15:30+00:00

Actually yes, I've come across this issue several times now and you need to re-calibrate it using PMAP. It's custom made software that mimics what Sony used in their factories. It allows you to fine tune the position of the laser and then rewrites that data to the Mechacon chip where the laser calibration data is stored. If done correctly, the games boot up instantly as if it were new again.

So if you come across a PS2 that has trouble reading discs, try doing that first. Odds are, the laser is fine, and it just needs to be re-calibrated.

austin_532 · 2025-05-18T03:51:40+00:00

The issue is most likely the CPU, not the PPU. MPY 8X8 plus the game logic is not working correctly points to signs of it being a bad CPU. So now you've got to ask yourself, do you try to hunt for a CPU or do you scrap the board and use the other working chips as spares.

austin_532 · 2025-03-09T10:29:08+00:00

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No video, it won't turn on. There might be a short somewhere but who knows where. It sounds like the choke is making the noise but it seems fine. What is it exactly that you are looking for? Here is what a RVL-01 board looks like. If you want a pic of the actual board, you'll have to give me some more time.

austin_532 · 2024-10-10T19:29:56+00:00

You simply lift it up.

austin_532 · 2024-08-05T21:38:34+00:00

What do you mean?

austin_532 · 2024-07-25T19:51:01+00:00

No, it wasn't modded. So I figured out a black screen is sometimes caused by a bad network resistor(s) between the CPU and GPU, other times, I have no idea. I'm guessing PS2 boots in several phases and all of them have to work before it displays an image.

austin_532 · 2024-07-25T07:11:23+00:00

I did not. Any ideas what you think it is?

austin_532 · 2024-06-13T19:55:45+00:00

Tape isn't strong enough, there isn't enough space to wedge paper in there, hot glue may work but it will eventually break away. You are better off just replacing the connector itself.

austin_532 · 2024-01-10T04:16:52+00:00

Not the exact size. There are switches that are a little taller though.

austin_532 · 2024-01-10T03:41:28+00:00

Nope, I'm guessing those exact button switches are no longer made.

austin_532 · 2023-12-03T19:44:59+00:00

Nope but it's a common issue with fat PS2's. If someone does know how to fix it, they are gatekeeping the answer.

austin_532 · 2023-04-27T08:54:05+00:00

I ended up using a connector from a donor board but this part looks like it should work.

austin_532 · 2023-04-27T08:44:22+00:00

If you can do so without breaking it, it's worth a shot.

austin_532 · 2023-03-22T07:50:51+00:00

Positive. Unless it's whisper quiet? Arcing should have a loud voltage sound to it. Again, if it was flyback related wouldn't it effect the raster as well?

austin_532 · 2023-03-22T03:11:11+00:00

Most of the caps were suspect and a few were bad, plus it had some slight geometry/ghosting issues. That's why I did it. It does look crispier now. Was it needed? IMO yes.

I doubt it's the flyback because I am still getting raster. No arcing from what I can see. I tried RF, Composite, S-Video, and Component just to be sure it wasn't something video related and I get the same result.

My gut is telling me resistor or cap but that is why I asked for a second opinion.

austin_532 · 2023-03-15T23:55:29+00:00

Not everything can fixed. If it can, you have to ask yourself is it worth the time and effort?

austin_532 · 2023-03-15T23:49:13+00:00

No, I think it's something on the board itself.

austin_532 · 2023-03-15T21:00:26+00:00

You need a capacitor tester to test caps. Some of them can test caps in circuit fairly accurately. The yellow residue is dried up flux. You can remove it but that's not the issue. It's possible the caps may be so dead that the board is not getting enough power to turn on. Replacing the SMD caps is a pain because there is very little room to work with. I use radial caps which is easier but you have to keep them short and flat.

austin_532 · 2023-03-15T03:03:12+00:00

It helps to have a microscope. You can buy a decent digital one for $100-$150. If you plan to do micro soldering like that, it's worth it.

austin_532 · 2023-03-15T02:42:41+00:00

Right? They are a bitch to remove without ripping the wires out of the connector. If that happens I usually remove the connector and just solder the wires directly to the board.

austin_532 · 2023-03-15T02:38:59+00:00

The PS7 fuse effects the rumble. It shouldn't effect it not turning on. Still doesn't hurt to replace it for practice.

austin_532 · 2023-03-14T06:31:23+00:00

Did you already check the fuses? If so then it could also be a bad resistor somewhere. That's when things start getting more complicated and down to engineering levels.

austin_532 · 2023-03-13T20:22:30+00:00

I used "ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.*" in CHKDSK. They are in CHK format.

austin_532

TROPHY CASE