Bad Infinity Clone or user error (V4)?

So I was not smart and got a Matrix Infinity clone. :banghead: I don't care about upgrading firmware, etc and I figured one was as good as the next. I know clones are taboo here, but I'd appreciate any advice I can get.

It was labeled Matrix Infinity 1.54. I had a bit of trouble soldering the I and B points, but eventually I got them. Chip didn't work, PS2 still worked normally. Double checked everything, then got instructions from elsewhere that said H needs to be soldered for NTSC, so I added H. Double checked all the points with a continuity tester using alternate points on the board. Double checked again with a continuity tester to make sure I didn't bridge anything.

Exactly ONCE I got the chip to show its logo and boot a backup. Every other time was the RSOD. Also once I got it to show DISABLED when holding down Start. Sometimes the PS2 would not boot, and holding down Start or Select while booting would usually clear that problem. I could never get into the chip's menu. Originals still booted fine.

So I figured bad chip. The reseller was out of stock on that one, but sent me ANOTHER clone to replace it (this one labeled Matrix Infinity SE DNS 1011. I thought it was going to be a real one, but the site says "Official Infinity SE Mod Chip") I swapped it out, shortened a couple of the wires, and prevented crossing them whenever possible. Most of my wires are 1-2cm long. Double checked all connections again, double check to make sure nothing is bridged.

The new one will boot into the menu when I hold down circle and triangle, but only on the very first boot after power on. I can change the settings (AND save them w/o locking up. And they do indeed save.) But I've never seen this mod chip display any sort of logo on a regular boot (and yes, I tried to let it boot before changing any of the settings in the menu.) Backups all produce RSOD. Originals still boot fine. I also tried it without the H connection, but it didn't work any better.

So, either clones don't work on a (gapless) V4 like they claim to, or I've got something wrong. I've checked the connection points so many times I've practically got them memorized.

So I need a bit of expert advice: does this sound like a clone problem or a user-error? I'll gladly buy a real Matrix Infinity if it will fix my problem, but I'd hate to go through another mod chip swap just to have a similar problem.

I can post a picture of the installed mod if someone wants to double check my work - after all the futzing, it is pretty clean now.

Here's the install. I guarantee you that the A,B,I,H wires, despite the angles and amount of exposed wires, are not touching anything else. The camera angle just doesn't show them coming off the board very well.

Your ground point is too long. Shorten it and solder to the golden edges of the board.

Like this:
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/8...nfinity4uc.jpg

Thanks for the hint. I just shortened it and moved it to where you describe, but it didn't help (same symptoms.) :(

The MODBO 745 also doesn't work on the V4 PS2. It plays real games fine but doesn't do back-ups. This sounds like same problem you are having, since they are both Matrix clones. Your going to have to get another chip that supports V4.

Where's the best (read: cheapest) place to get a real MI? mod-chip.com is $48.

Gamecubesuxs and Netmech, check their threads in the BUY SELL TRADE VENDORS section.

I also purchased the same "Matrix Infinity SE DNS 1011" as you described. My PS2 is going through the same thing you are mentioning. I would definitely like to know what solves your problem; please keep me posted.

By going into the config menu, you fried the chip.
As far as I know if you go to config menu with a clone the chip is dead and therefore it doesn't play backups .
also shorten the power wire, the shorter the better, recheck al the wires.
the only way to find out if it is a clone problem or a instal problem is to get you a real Matrix infinity and instal it, see what happens.
If backups work ok , if they don't you have to remove all wires, clean everything up and start over again.
Keep us informed

If you can't afford the Matrix Infinity. Get a Duo 3.