Magic 2 - Point W - The VIA hole

Can anyone offer a very small bit of advice, before I start my Magic 2 install on my V6 PS2?

Concerning point W (the VIA hole)

Is there an alternative? as the Magic2 is supposed to be a clone on Messiah, and messiah diagrams show W in what seems to be an easier position...

Are there any alternative diagrams showing easier connection points?

All the other connection points wont be an issue (I hope).

Anything else I should be aware of before I start? I am proficient at soldering (did PS1 mods for many years, and used to do some SMT rework).

It matters which PS2 version. If it's a v7 or v5.x my Install Guides don't use a via for W. And nor should you.

Never mind what others say if ithose preverts say use the via - Charlie (who obviously knows JS) says don't use the vias - do read my Install Guide(s).

Thanks. I'll take a look at your guides. After having a read of some forum posts, here is what I can gather (in summary).

1/ Keep my GND wire short (otherwise I may get unreliable boots).

2/ Use a decent gague wire for GND, +5 +3.3

2/ Keep my S line short (to prevent DVD skipping).


After rooting around, I found my old PS1 chipping stuff. The wire I used to use, which I am planning to use for this, is professional prototyping wire, single core, labelled 30AWG Kynar. Is this suitable? It's nice to work with (I remember). I'll have to search around for some odd's of wires for the power connections (or is 30AWG OK?)

My soldering iron is a bit beefy for the job (45w), so I need to go shopping this afternoon. Anyone know a highstreet store in the UK, that sells 15w soldering irons (cheap).

Cheers.

My PS2 Soldering Tips specify the wire in SWG, as used in the UK.