Hardware: Sony Playstation Troubleshooting FAQ Game System: Sony Playstation Cheat Category: FAQ Game Company: Unknown Game Category: Unknown Hint, Cheat, Walkthrough:   **************************************************************************** * __ ------| * * : \ : __ | ___ * * : | : / \ \ / |-----| ------ __ ------ | / \ :\ : * * :-- : / -- \ \_/ | | /--\ | | | | : \ : * * : : : : | | | : : | | | | : \ : * * : :___ : : | ------| | : : | | \___/ : \: * * * * * * - Playstation - * * - Troubleshooting/FAQ * * - Version 1.0 - * * =By Skyler Boerens * **************************************************************************** Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Contacting Me III. Misc. Information 1. Basic PSX Questions (Very Early Questions) 2. PSX Specifications 3. System Care 4. Playstation Console 4.0 Playstation External 4.1 Taking the System Apart 4.2 Installing the PSX 5. Troubleshooting 5.0 No Power to the PSX 5.1 No Picture 5.2 No Sound 5.3 No Picture #2 5.4 Skipping (Sound/Video) 5.5 CD Freeze 5.6 Game Doesn't Start 5.7 Controller fails to work 5.8 Game you've played doesn't work anymore 6. Frequently Asked Questions 6.1 What is a MOD Chip 6.2 Alternatives to MOD Chips 6.3 Checking Your PSX Model Number 6.4 PSX Really Play Audio 7. Precautions for PSX 8. Resources 9. Great Games for PSX 10.ESRB Rating System 11.Alternative Methods to MOD Chip Introduction ************ Well welcome to my Playstation Troubleshooting Guide, while some of this stuff came straight out of the PSX Manual itself I am sure most of you don't want to go digging for it, also I will cover the basic care for a playstation...and ultimately how to solve things that go wrong with a playstation (Especially in the 1st Models) I will also Cover some specs. of the Playstation Game Console, although not in great detail, I will explore every aspect of the PSX That I can, some in good detail others not. Also if you dont have a playstation, GET ONE! Even though the PSX2 will be coming out it wont be at least until the end of 1999! Contacting Me ************* Email : Deceased_x99@yahoo.com AOL Instant Messenger: DkDemonPSX Misc. Information ***************** I DO NOT WANT THIS POSTED ON OTHER SITES! AT LEAST NOT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO POST THIS ON YOUR SITE PLEASE EMAIL ME AND ASK ME IF IT IS ALRIGHT! DO NOT USE THIS GUIDE TO SELL...ETC. THANK YOU. ALSO ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR PSX IS YOUR FAULT NOT MINE, BY READING THIS YOU AGREE! DO NOT COPY MY WORK WITHOUT PERMISSION FIRST!!!!!!!! Basic Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1. What is Playstation or PSX? Playstation is a 32-bit gaming system, which runs on CD's which I believe the first video game system that runs on CD-ROMS, of course your PC CDs will not run on your Playstation. The Playstation was released September 9th 95 it was a success, made by one of the best companies today, Sony. 2. What is the future of PSX? Sony is making a new system by the name of PSX² which is faster and runs on DVD I will explain only a little bet of information. Processor: 300 Mhz with help of a 150Mhz Graphics helper (Like a 3D Video Accelerator) Memory: Bus bandwidth of 3.2GB/Second That's just a little bit of information. 3. Who is this FAQ for? It is for any playstation user that is having problems with there playstation, or need general information about Playstation. PSX Specifications -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Now that we got that out of the way lets learn a bit about the playstation Console, and how it works. _________ |Processor| »»»»»»»»» R3000A 32-BIT RISC Processor 33Mhz 30MIPS Performance 132MB Bus Transfer Rate Instruction Cache: 4KB Data Cache: 1KB _________ | CD ROM | »»»»»»»»» 150K per second transfer 200K Per second transfer (Double-Speed) Max capacity - 660MB Audio CD Player _______________ |Geometry Engine| »»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Performance : 66 MIPS 3D Polygons: Flat Shaded : 1.5MB per second Gouraud,Textured, Light Sourced: 500K Per Second _______________________ |Data Compression Engine| »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Preforms at: 80 MIPS Directly Connected to CPU Bus Motion-JPG like Engine __________________________ |Hardware Rendered Polygons| »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» up to 360K per polygon per second Texture Maping Flat or Gouraud shading _______ |Memory | »»»»»»» Main RAM Slot: 2 MB (Megabytes) Video RAM Slot: 1 MB Sound RAM Slot: 512KB CDROM Buffer: 32MB OS ROM: 512KB _______________ |Sound Processor| »»»»»»»»»»»»»»» 24 Channels 44.1 KHz Sample Rate PCM Audio Source Digital Events: Envelope Looping Digital Reverb Load up to 512K of sample waveforms Supports MIDI Instruments ______________________ |Sprite Special Effects| »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Rotation Scaling Up/Down Warping Transparency Fading Priority Vertical and Horizontal Line Scroll _________________ |Full Motion Video| »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» FMV or Full Motion Video is one of the best quality of Video you can get. ××××××××××××××××××××× ×Playstation Console× ××××××××××××××××××××× ______________________________________ | | | ____________ | | / \ | | _ | | | | /6\ | 4 | | <--- Vents to let air out of the PSX | \_/ | | ___ | Vents are also located on the opposite Side. | ___ | | / 3 \ | | / 5 \ \____________/ \___/ | | \___/ | | _________________ | |_________||__1__| |__1___||_________| |_________||__2__|___|__2___||_________| As you can see it is pretty difficult to draw a PSX console from text. 1 = Memory Card Slot - This is where memory cards go in, this is so you can save your game, the average Memory Card has 6 blocks. This is the graphic you will see if the game requires a Memory Card: _____________ | /\ |Memory \ |»»»»| Card | |»»»»|1 Block | (____)________| 2= Control Slot - This is where you insert your control to use to play the game, unlike the Memory Card you *must* have a controller to play any games, all PSX units come with a controller if not they have two. 3= Open Button - This is to open up the cover so you can put a CD inside of the console. 4= Disc Cover - This is to protect the CD from getting bumped, or so you don't mess with the mechanism inside. 5= Power Button - Turns on the machine 6= Reset Button - If the machine ever freezes just hit this button and it will start the game all over. A Note about Memory Cards: There are some black-market people that modify Memory cards so they do not work properly, if the package doesn't have the Sony Copyright on the package it is recommended that you do not get it! Taking it all apart ------------------- Okay first off, I would like to say, if you don't know what you are doing do not open the PSX at anytime (Unless I give you the instructions! :) I also recommend that you wait at *least* 20 minutes before taking it out if you have just had it on, cause you don't want to be fried. Okay He is a "picture" of the back of all models of the playstation: _________________________________ |S S | | | | | | -- -- | | | -- -- | | | -- -- | | | -- -- - - | | | -- -- - - | | | -- -- - - | | | -- -- - - | | | | | |S S S | | |_______________________________|_| Screws are located at every point where there is an S, on the back of the playstation, use a screw driver and remove all the screws. NOTE: This will void the warranty if you take it apart. Anyway once you have taken all the screws out, CAREFULLY hold the front of the PSX and flip it over, now remove the case, if you do not have a hold of the front of the PSX the CD Laser will come out and may break or get dirty, either way it will hold undesired operation next time you play it. And there you are you are looking at the inside of the PSX. Installing the Playstation -------------------------- Here is a guide to installing the Playstation: - Connect the adapter with three wires to your TV, or on your VCR, and connect the other side to the PSX, illustration below: ____________________________________ | | |_____ __ __ | |_____| |--| |--| < Insert | <--- Back of the Playstation Console | »» »» Here | |____________________________________| - Take the power cord and hook it in the last port on the right, and then into a wall socket. - Turn on the PSX and volah! Enjoy! The Controller -------------- Top of the PSX Controller: ____________________________ | |_L2___| |_R2___| | | |_L1___| |_R1___| | |____________________________| Front of the PSX Controller: _______________ _________________________ | 2 | | _ 3 | | ^ |_| /\ | | < 1 > _ | | V 6 7 X (_) | | _ _ 4 5 | | - - | |_________________________| 1= D-Pad - moves character on screen during game play, also lets you select options, etc. 2= Square - Multi-Functions depends on game. 3= Triangle - Multi-Functions depends on game. 4= X - Multi-Functions depends on game. 5= Circle - Multi-Functions depends on game. 6= Select - usually for selecting things, but also depends on game. 7= Start - Mostly starts game or pause, but also depends on the game you are playing. Controller Care --------------- Well, Yes I have to add this, Controller is one of the most used thing on the Playstation. - Clean off the controller with Windex if it ever gets dirty. - DO NOT Eat food while playing video games (Explained below) - Dont keep the control laying on the ground! (Biggest Mistake Made!) People do walk on floors and accidents do happen. - Roll up the controller when you are done with it, you should also unplug it from the console and then set it on top of the Playstation. Explanation: as with any electronic component the more dust,dirt, etc. the less life it has so just be nice to the controller. Memory Card ----------- You are probably thinking, what is there to do with a memory card! Well here is a couple: - Take the memory card out of the console when you are done and put it in a case, because the bottom of the Memory Card is very sensitive, if it is bumped into something or something touches it, it may corrupt the data on it. - Buy Sony Brand Memory Cards ONLY! I know what your thinking they are expensive, there are no Guarantee that it will work, and some are also defective and you wont get your money back if there is problems. Thats about it for Memory Card Care. ×××××××××××××× ×System Care × ×××××××××××××× This will cover some general system Care Guidelines for all the different models The first model is especially important because it has problems. To verify what model you have look on the back of your playstation, on the black sticker on the top right side there will be a model number, that's your model number. SCPH-100x (Has three cords to fit in the back, or has one cord to fit in the back, and three video plugs to plug into the TV or VCR) --------- This is the first model, the x represents any number from 1-9. This model needs some major care This is the recommended Guidelines: - Only use SONY products! (This is very important some other brand controllers have messed up an entire system! Especially in this model) I have this model. - If you must use the "Gameshark" use the latest version, because version 1.x has some major problems with it, it messed up my SONY. - Do not touch the Lens inside of the CD Holder, it wont run as good or it will not run at all. - Unplug the power cord and Video Cord from the PSX, this will save you in the long run, by allowing more heat to escape. - Only Play for about 2 hours on this model, because it has some heat problems I know this is tough especially in RPG Games. But I have heard of cases where it has actually partially melted the lens! - You may want to use little folded up pieces of paper and put it where the system stands on, on the back, on all four of them, this will allow you to play the PSX longer because it will allow more heat flow out of the bottom, don't cover up any of the vents though. SCPH-550x/SCPH-700x/SCPH-750x/SCPH-900x (Has one plug for the PSX, and three for VCR/TV) --------- These are the latest versions of the PSX, it doesn't have nearly as many problems as the SCPH-100x does, it is much better. Here are the guidelines: - Only use SONY Products. - Use latest version of Gameshark - Play at max 3 to 4 hours, although it is a newer model, it still can overheat, all models can over heat. - You don't need to unplug the cords in the back, as it is not a major factor in this model That's all for the rest of the models pretty easy to do, huh? The first model are the ones you need to watch. ××××××××××××××××× ×Troubleshooting× ××××××××××××××××× Well we have arrived to what this Guide is all about! This is all the Troubleshooting stuff I could answer, well Read on. Q: There is no power going to the PSX, What's going on? A: Make sure that he powercord is plugged into both a functional Wall Socket and that it is all the way plugged into the back of the PSX. If this doesn't work, if you have another power adapter for the PSX, try using that cord instead, if that doesn't work or you don't have another adapter call SONY : 1-800-345-7699. Q: I am experiencing no picture, how do I fix it? A: Which ever AV/RFU Cable to the VCR/TV you have make sure it is completely in then try it again, if it still doesn't work try buying a new one at the store they aren't hard to find, if that still doesn't work you need to call SONY and get a replacement for your Playstation, Also make sure you are matching it up correctly like Yellow with Yellow, White with White, and Red with Red. Q: I am experiencing no sound. A: Try adjusting the TV Volume, or make sure that the TV is not on mute. Q: No Picture #2. A: You may be on the wrong channel for example on VCR's L1 is not the correct channel if you have an L1 and L2, select L2 would make it work in this situation, The General rule on TVs is Channel 3 or 4. Q: FMV (Full Motion Video Skip) or Sound Skips. A: This there are two solves for, one is permanent Solve another is a Temporary Solve. This may also be a damaged CD like finger prints, Scratches, etc. Solves for this situation is answered below. Temporary Solve Flip the system upside down while it is off with the disc in, and then play it, this makes the laser closer to the disc making it easier for the disc to be read. this is easiest to do from the permanent Solve. Permanent Solve You need to take apart the system (explained above). When you open it look at the lens and where it is connected (Orange see-through Connection) right by there will be two Small and I mean small screw like things, you should use a star shaped screwdriver which will measure the amount you turn the screw, so you can reverse how much you have turned in case you have messed up, you can also use a normal screw driver and turn it, I used a regular screw driver and turned it slightly clockwise, It didn't work I went on for about 20 or so times because I over turned it the first time which prevents the CD from booting, eventually I got it working! so this is very effective method to fix it. Even though I didn't use the proper tool to turn it, I HIGHLY REC. THAT YOU USE THE CORRECT TOOL AND SOMETHING THAT MEASURES THE DISTANCE YOU TURN! Q: The CD has froze during gameplay. A: Have you been playing the game for say more than 3 hours? If so there is probably I would say 80% chance that the System has overheated so, I would give it a rest and then try it again in 30 minutes or 45 minutes. If you haven't been playing it for a long time then the Disc may be bad, the chances of the CD being dirty and actually freezing the game is very rare because 99 percent of the time dirt will make it skip not freeze it, so if you have not played it for awhile I would suspect a defective CD, you may want to call the company that made the game and ask about it. Q: My Game doesn't start! A: Sometimes the disc can get so scratched up that the PSX will not boot it! Check the CD see if it is scratched, if it is try using toothpaste and rub it on the scratches this should help, however I have never tried it. Also if the game does not have the label: NTSC and U/C on it then the US PSX will not run it. You will need to get the American version of the game. Another problem could be is that the Lens is damaged you may have to buy a replacement which is about 50 dollars from Sony. Q: Controller Fails to work A: Look at the description of the Console above and see if you have put the Controller in the controller port, also make sure it is all the way in, See if another controller works, if it does then the Control was defective, if both do not work then the chances are that the control ports are defective, contact Sony to get replacements. Q: The game that you have played before doesn't work now. A: Try another disc, if that works the CD is probably dirty clean it with water and a lint free cloth, or even try a little of dish soap, just be sure to wipe it clean after! If it still doesn't work try toothpaste on the scratches, if this STILL doesn't work the cd is ruined for good so just throw it away. ×××××××××××××××××××××××××××× ×Frequently Asked Questions× ×××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Q: What is a MOD Chip A: A mod chip is a special chip which you install on the mainboard of the PSX, that will bypass the CD Check and Area Check on the system, allowing you to play imported games from other countries, and also allowing you to use CDR CDs! (Warning: MOD Chips are illegal, also copying Rented Games from a store is also Illegal) Q: I don't want to pay for a MOD Chip is there any alternatives? A: Yes there is but I am not going to explain them. Q: How do I install a MOD Chip? A: I cant tell you but on the Resources section you can get information on how to install one. Q: How can I tell what Model of PSX I have? Look on the back, with the black sticker, in the right hand side there is a Model number, below is the description: SCPH-100x - First Model of PSX SCPH-300x - Second Model, slightly better technology, and heat control. SCHP-500x - Third Model, a lot of upgrades, better CD Skip protection, and heat control. SCHP-700x - Last Model, some more heat control. Q: Does PSX really run Audio CDs? A: Yes it does, boot without the CD, then allow the screen to show up insert your Audio Disk! ××××××××××××××××× ×PSX Precautions× ××××××××××××××××× Safety: - Do not have the case off the PSX while it is on! The laser may be harmful to your eyes. - If any liquid/objects fall on the unit turn int off, and call Sony at 1-800-345-SONY. - Recommended that you unplug the powercord when you are not using it. Health: - Take breaks at *least* 20 minutes to every two hours. - Keep safe distance from TV On Operation: - Do not block the air vents because it can cause overheating. - Do not put the Playstation near anything emitting heat, uneven surface, moisture, or any other thing that may harm the system. - Do not touch the lens inside the cover, is can cause undesired operation next time a game is played. - Do not move the system while it is on (meaning do not lift it up and move it somewhere else) Handling Discs: - Do not expose the CDs to extreme heat. - Do not write on the balkside of the disc. There is most of the important precautions straight out of the PSX Manual! ××××××××××××××××××× ×Resources × ××××××××××××××××××× MOD CHIPS / INSTALLATION http://www.psxmod.com http://www.modchip.com OTHER PSX SITES http://i.am/omni31 - Information, and more links ××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× ×Great Games for Playstation× ××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Here is a list of Games I have personally tried, I recommend you try them if you are new to PSX: Final Fantasy VII - A Great RPG (I dont know if it avaible anymore it is such a great game) Twisted Metal 1-3 - This is a racing game in which you go around and blow up cars, etc. Crash Bandicoot - A Fun adventure Game. Parasite Eve - An Action/RPG Game. ××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× ×ESRB Rating System × ××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Well you pratically see this rating on every system out there but here is what it means: _________ | TEEN | | ----- | | | | - Teen Rating - Should be for 13+ people, can contain mild - violence,language, | | | troublemaking stuff. |E S R B | |_________| _________ | MATURE | | | | |\/| | - Mature Rating - Must be 17+ to buy, however no one checks age! It can contain | | | | Major Violence, Sexual Themes, Bad Language, ETC. | E S R B | |_________| _________ | ADULTS | | | | /_\ | - Adult Rating - Must be 18+ to buy, come on do I have to explain the contents of | / \ | these? | E S R B | |_________| _________ |E.CHOOD | | |-- | | |- | - Early Childhood - For kids 3 to Adult, usually for little kids. | |-- | | E S R B | |_________| ___________ |Kids2Adults| | | | | | |/- /_\ | - Kids to Adults Rating - For all ages, most people will like the game and find | |\ / \ | Contents Suitable. | E S R B | |___________| ×××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× òòòòòò òòòòòòòòò ò ò òòòòòòò ò ò ò òòòòòòò ò ò ò òòòòòò òòòòòòòò ò ò ò ò ò ò ò ò ò ò LAY ò TATION ò ò TREME ò òòòòòòòò ò ò ×××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××× Credits ------- Sony - for the information in the instruction booklet Sony.com - for the PSX Specifications.