v12 Silver Slim PS2 Laser repair and slimfix?

[egparadigm]

My PS2 is pretty much conked out good and proper now.

I can get it to play normally by simply sticking on diagnostic mode, but it's a bit of a hassle. Would it be possible to simply adjust the voltage inside the PS2? I understand that is what diagnostic mode does. If this is a good long-term solution, then that would be the preferable option. Somehow I suspect this would still ruin the laser.

The other option is to get the laser replaced and a slimfix installed (any more info on exactly what the laser's problem is or what the slimfix actually does would be a great help.) I have emailed Ghost2Fitter (who supplied the console originally) and they said they no longer supply lasers, so I'm going to have to buy one and send it to them. Looking on eBay and PS2repairs.co.uk, it seems I have the more expensive wide-style laser, costing between ?16-30. Is this style of laser important (could I get one of the cheaper ones?)

g2f will install the laser for free and the fix for ?8+?8 postage. Plus the postage to get the item there in the first place, so probably another ?8. ?24 total.

So I'm spending a minimum of ?40 to get the thing fixed. Does anyone know of a reliable place that could supply and fit the new lens and fix? If not is this a reasonable price for all of the hassle?

Thanks in advance for any help,

mono.

[chaoticjelly]

My PS2 is pretty much conked out good and proper now.

I can get it to play normally by simply sticking on diagnostic mode, but it's a bit of a hassle. Would it be possible to simply adjust the voltage inside the PS2? I understand that is what diagnostic mode does. If this is a good long-term solution, then that would be the preferable option. Somehow I suspect this would still ruin the laser.

The other option is to get the laser replaced and a slimfix installed (any more info on exactly what the laser's problem is or what the slimfix actually does would be a great help.) I have emailed Ghost2Fitter (who supplied the console originally) and they said they no longer supply lasers, so I'm going to have to buy one and send it to them. Looking on eBay and PS2repairs.co.uk, it seems I have the more expensive wide-style laser, costing between ?16-30. Is this style of laser important (could I get one of the cheaper ones?)

g2f will install the laser for free and the fix for ?8+?8 postage. Plus the postage to get the item there in the first place, so probably another ?8. ?24 total.

So I'm spending a minimum of ?40 to get the thing fixed. Does anyone know of a reliable place that could supply and fit the new lens and fix? If not is this a reasonable price for all of the hassle?

Thanks in advance for any help,

mono.

As with most CD and DVD laser arrays, when failing to read, increasing power to the lens will cause it to work, but normally for only a short time, after which the laser will conk out completely.. its only a very temporary fix..

Slimfix contains extra circuitry which monitors the power going to the laser, and if it reaches too high a level it will shut down power to the laser within about 50 miliseconds and then turn the PS2 off.

This provides protection against too much current going through the laser, as it only takes once to bum your laser good and proper.

Im not sure if you could get a cheaper laser, but I'd think that like-for-like replacement would be best.. after all.. if the cheap laser worked in every model, surely there would be nowhere supplying the "wide" type of laser? I had a quick look on ebay and one auction asked for the buyer to check their console to make sure this was the correct laser.. so I suppose it may matter?

The price G2F has quoted sounds very reasonable.. I doubt that you'll find cheaper than that.. after all he has to receive the parcel, fit the laser (for free) and then connect wires from the slimfix to the very small points on the PS2 motherboard.. and then sort out return delivery.. I would imagine he would only be "making" on the delivery a couple of pounds at most.. so I think its a very reasonable price.

G2F seems pretty reliable, im sure he won't let you down.. good luck!

[Pavey]

For that price though you could probably just buy a new PS2,put your silver shell on it and there you have a new console.

Aren't they ?50 somewhere now?

[anephric]

I've got a bog-standard V12 and bought this replacement laser and have had no probs. You get the whole array off this guy too, not just the laser.

[egparadigm]

Thanks for the help, guys.

I really think CJ is right - that is a great price for installation. The only reason I'm a little alarmed by the price is because when I first enquired with g2f they said they could supply and fit the laser for £15 - and I'm on a bit of a tight budget atm.

On a more technical note: are you saying that my PS2 could switch itself off without notice whilst I'm playing a game? How frequently am I going to be halfway through a level and then lose all progress?

@Nick: The reason for not doing that would be the new console would obviously not be chipped - which is a little useless since a few of my games are imports.

@anephric: g2f say I have to open the console and look at the part number to verify which laser. EDIT: They say they can identify by a picture of the tray.

[Jei]

Just as a word of warning though, All of the V12 fixes are NOT 100% proof.

Personally I wouldn't bother risking it, buy yourself a new V14/15 and have piece of mind.

The PStwo doesn't switch itself off btw, it shuts down the IC components of the drive (Ie stops it from spinning/reading). I had it done to an old V12 and worked perfectly until the same problem came up around 7 months later.

[egparadigm]

Oooh... and indeed err. Here's me having already ordered a laser. Which version slimfix was it that let you down? I think the one on g2f is v4.

Has anyone else had a slimfix let them down or know of any evidence to the contrary? Either way shelling out ?100+ for a new chipped machine isn't really doable.

[Jei]

It was the Comsoft Slim-Fix V4 that was installed in mine.

If you've already ordered a laser then it's not a bad thing, certainly a lot cheaper than buying a whole new machine. I was just stating the facts that no fix has been found to be completely 100%.

Diode Fixes were argued to deterorate the lifespan of the laser by making the Drive/Laser have to work harder with reduced voltage......and all fixes without Diode's have been argued to not be 100% successful everytime.

[egparadigm]

I sent the console out to G2F on Thursday and got it back this morning!

Also, when I was corresponding with them, they told me to buy the wrong kind of laser, which I promptly did. When I received the laser and realised my mistake I contacted G2F and they kindly swapped it out for the correct laser and installed it!

Now lets hope this laser lasts a little longer than poor jeimuzu's!