PSX Help

[GryeDor]

Hey everyone, hoping someone here might be able to help me out.

I've got two First Generation Playstations (1 model 9001, and 1 model 1001 [the one with RCA outputs]) and neither are currently reading a disc.

The 9001 is the same one my brother and I have had for ages. We had a mod chip put in it to play imports (back in our "Dragon Ball Z is the greatest thing in the world phase), although I don't know the specifics on the type of chip. Right now, it isn't even loading the CDs. It'll pull up the Memory Cards and CD Player, but won't read a Playstation disc. Everytime I put a disc in, it gives me the "Please inset a Playstation CD ROM" message.

The 1001, I actually just got for free from a co-worker who got it from Good Will for $2. This one will actually read a disc... for a little bit. I put in Vagrant Story and it brought up the first "Now Loading" screen and won't move off it. And, again, I can bring up the memory cards, etc...

Any thoughts? Thought I'd get some input before I try to crack them open and make them worse.

[Rurouni_Fencer]

I've got a 1001 as well, and I feel your pain.. I feel like the mod-chip in mine is just going to waste..

What I've figured out is that the laser on the machine itself is going bad.. What does work for me, however, is if I actually turn the console over either on it's sides or even upside down. I recommend trying it out with the CD door facing the floor, although you'll want to flip it over before you turn it on, so you don't risk damaging the disc.

I know it sounds crazy, but it works for me..

[CRTGAMER]

Not keen on upside down PSX, here is another approach.

Might got lucky and it could be the door switch. Hold door down while game loads.

Maybe clean the discs and the laser eye?

After cleaning verify if PSX will play:
1. A non-CDR music disc
2. A non-CDR PS1 disc
3. A CDR verified Music disc
4. a CDR verified PS1 disc

If only #1 and or #2 working laser a little outta alignment.
If only #4 not working mod chip soldering came loose.

[jinn]

Are you burning the PSX ISO correctly?

Have you tried cleaning the laser?

Try adjusting the laser POT



clockwise = increase laser power
counter-clockwise = decrease laser power

Use a multimeter to get original setting (Example 1000)
Then decrease or increase by 10-25
You might have to try several times until getting it right.
If that does not work then you need a new laser $15-$20.

[avrame]

Might sound silly, but hear me out:

Have you tried turning the system upside down?

As crazy as it sounds I had a Playstation that would not load discs, and it would play fine if I turned the unit upside down. Had something to do with stressed out motors on the spindle and the lens arm.

[Rurouni_Fencer]

Might sound silly, but hear me out:

Have you tried turning the system upside down?

As crazy as it sounds I had a Playstation that would not load discs, and it would play fine if I turned the unit upside down. Had something to do with stressed out motors on the spindle and the lens arm.

Glad to see I'm not the only one...

[Dylan]

Might sound silly, but hear me out:

Have you tried turning the system upside down?

As crazy as it sounds I had a Playstation that would not load discs, and it would play fine if I turned the unit upside down. Had something to do with stressed out motors on the spindle and the lens arm.

Glad to see I'm not the only one...

You guys are referring to the gear on the laser. If I remember correctly, the top gear on your PS1's is worn out, so the laser can't track when it's rightside up (I also have a PS1 with this issue). Turning it upside down allows it to mostly use the bottom gear, which got less use in the past and so hasn't yet worn out.

[Hobie-wan]

The 1001 also has more plastic bits in the drive assembly and they were on the side toward the nice toasty warm power supply. Poor ventilation would speed the demise of the drive. Later units have more metal bits and the laser assembly is to the right further away from the warm power supply.

[GryeDor]

Wow, thanks guys for all your suggestions! I'll have to put some of them to the test tonight when I have a chance.

Never knew about the laser power adjustment.

Will let you know what happens!

Thanks!

[jinn]

I mod PSX/PSone systems and sometimes I need to clean and adjust the laser so it can read CD-Rs and Originals without Audio or Video Skipping.
I would also recommend to regrease the gears and sled.