I posted this at another forum but since this site is more active and knowledgeable about DVD drives maybe I can get help here...

I have an old PS2 that has trouble reading backups. It has a new laser and is still having problems.

It turns out my V3 PS2 died, but I have parts to compare it to my V1.
What I'm trying to accomplish is to remove or disconnect the motor that resets the white cogwheel for the laser in my V1 PS2.

To make this more understandable have a look at the pictures.

This first picture is of my V3.
Notice the large white cogwheel/thingy only has a metal arm holding the Cogwheel's position.



Now notice the V1 PS2 Cogwheel and notice there is a small electric motor resting beside it. This motor automatically resets the laser to a factory setting no matter how many times you adjust the cogwheel.



I am wondering if anyone out there has ran into this problem before and if so how did you correct it? Is there a cable I need to unplug or disconnect? Can I order a new drive tray to replace this that doesn't have the motor? Should I just simply purchase a 400c laser and hope for the best?

Sorry I cant say I know the answer but if no-one else here does either check out PS2 Scene's forums as I'd say someone their would definately know...

http://www.ps2-scene.org/

Thanks, I posted a thread there too.

I noticed that on the backside of the drives there is a ribbon connector on the left that powers the entire DVD drive daughterboard. However, on my V1 there are two ribbon connectors. I've never seen two on the underside of a drive like this so it is possible simply disconnecting one could do the trick. But then again, it seems unlikely Sony would use a ribbon cable to drive a small electric motor. Unless, ofcourse, that cable sends and recieves other information to tell the motor how far to spin.

Laser Adjustment: You have problems with the drive, here is a little guide for adjustment.

Tuning your PS2 laser for optimal reading of CDRs

1. Remove the 6 screws on the bottom of the ps2.
2. Remove the plastic case.
3. Remove the 2 screws holding the 2 metal plates.
4. Remove the 2 metal plates.
5. Stand the PS2 on its end.
6. Disconnect the HD tray
7. Remove it,
8. You now have access to the pots.

9. Plug in your ps2 and switch it on.
10. Press the Eject and pen the tray.
11. Put in your AR/GS and follow the method that you normally use for different games.
12. When you get to the stage that your problem game does not load or locks up, you are now ready to tweak the laser.
13. Firstly, this can only be done if the pots are in the open space. If not you will need to start again.
14. Take up your adjusting tool (more on this later) and place the end in the uppermost pot.
15. Turn the pot to the left and you will hear the noise that the laser makes "flatten out" and go quiet.
16. Turn the pot to the right and at about half way you will hear the noise begin, increasing the further right you go.
17. Right, start at the most counter clockwise point and slowly move the pot clockwise.
18. Keep turning until the noise JUST begins. This is the point at which your CDRs will be most reliable whilst still keeping the ability to read you ps2 original discs.
19. You will find that this point will be anywhere from half way to three quarters of the way round.
20. You can see here where the pot is adjusted to on our test machine.
21. Restart the ps2 and try your difficult game again
22. If it still doesn't load, a very small adjustment in either direction may be required.
23. When you are happy, turn off your ps2 and re-assemble.
24. Check the console fully when re-assembled.


Pot adjustment tools...

You should not use any heavy duty screwdrivers for this adjustment as there is a very real risk of pot damage. The best tools for the job are dedicated non metal fine adjusters. These are available in any good electronics shop. Failing that, precision screwdrivers but be very careful !