PS2 CDR Problems - Clicking / Squeaking

[Theta]

Hello everyone!

First off, I have a v5 machine, about 3 months old. Nothing's ever been wrong with it before, and it reads original PSX CDs/PS2 CDs/PS2 DVDs just fine.

Also, I have a DVD-Key installed (Auto Key 3) which allows me to play basically anything, though it's a swap chip. Thankfully, it doesn't hurt the laser like a Neo tends to do.

So, my problem exists when I play CDR backups on PS2 games. PSX backups work flawlessly, with very little noise - they sound just like originals.

Also, please note that I've used a multitude of different media, and different burning speeds (2x/4x/8x/16x/32x/40x). I'm using a Lite-On 40125S burner, with running OPC, so that's not the problem...

When I play CDR backups (straight copies of PS2 games, or DVDrips), I usually get a clicking sound when they're first loading, and intermittantly during gameplay. I know DVDrips are harder on the laser, so I'm aware that I may have clicking there.

However, I would think a 1:1 CloneCD copy of a PS2 CD game wouldn't click like mine do. For instance, SSX (PS2 CD) clicks and spins up and down quite a bit when it's loading almost anything. It's really quite loud, in my opinion. It sounds like there's a clicking, followed by a spin up, and up, then down... Then repeats. During this cycle, the laser sled sounds like it's constantly trying to focus - back and forth, back and forth. It's sort of a squeaking sound mixed in with the clicking.

So, to me, this sounds like an azimuth/COG problem, with the laser not reading the media at a correct angle. This weekend, I attempted to adjust my azimuth and COG, but it helped very little. The sounds are still there, although a bit quieter. I was thinking that a slight adjustment to the CD pot would help me out, but I'm not sure, since the v5 should have a very strong laser to begin with.

I'm sure there will be some damage to the laser or assembly if I don't get this figured out.

Can anyone identify my problem?

Thank you so much.

-Sean Rayfield

[Theta]

Bump for help.

[charlie_ps2]

From a laser standpoint there is no difference between PS1 and PS2 backups. The focusing stuff on the backups will, however, be a consequence of the focus settings for the bot disk.

So either clean the laser lens thoroughly with a brush cd lens cleaning disk or recalibrate the CD laser by 10% as per my guide.

The only long term way out of the problem is to use a no-swap mod so that the initial focus is the one that matters.

[Theta]

Well, I've cleaned the lens thoroughly using a direct method - 91% alcohol with a cotton swab.

If the brush method would work better, I'm open to that.

But you're saying there's no way around the clicking issue unless I use a no-swap modchip?

Any other ideas spring to mind before I adjust the pots? Don't want to burn up a v5 laser if I don't have to - they're impossible to find.

Thanks!

-Sean Rayfield

[charlie_ps2]

You've had the technical reason with that swap chip and there's no way round the consequences of that.

A no swap chip may well not need recalibration because it finds the groove on the target disk.

[Theta]

Alright, understood.

Now I guess my last question would be...

If I adjust the laser pots (less than 10%, I'm shooting for 5%), will I be able to correct this problem? Or is it just something I need to deal with?

Will this constant clicking / focusing ruin my laser eventually, or cause damage in general?

Many people still use swap chips, and I've never heard of anyone else having this problem, which seems sort of odd. A lot of people still use the no solder, etc. and don't report this problem - just seems odd.

Thanks!

-Sean Rayfield

[Theta]

Charlie,

I'll wait to do anything until I hear from you, as from what I've seen, you're the resident expert around here.

If you use IM, my info is in my profile. Otherwise, I'll just keep watching this thread.

I know it's a bit late in the UK now, damn time zone differences.

Thanks for all your help.

-Sean Rayfield

[charlie_ps2]

Originally posted by Theta
Alright, understood.

Now I guess my last question would be...

If I adjust the laser pots (less than 10%, I'm shooting for 5%), will I be able to correct this problem? Or is it just something I need to deal with?
It is something you have to deal with. I try and diagnose from a distance, but you're the person on the ground. At least you have the guides with which to work.

Will this constant clicking / focusing ruin my laser eventually, or cause damage in general?
Sort of. Itis exercising the mechanism and the diode. It needs resolving if it can be or else the laser will not be save-able.

Many people still use swap chips, and I've never heard of anyone else having this problem, which seems sort of odd. A lot of people still use the no solder, etc. and don't report this problem - just seems odd.
This is a very common problem. Search the various forums on the word "Clicking" or similar. There are other causes which can be checked by Sony:

1 The whole jig is out of alignment. The White Cog and Azimuth adjustments are available to you though.

2 The BIOS chip is phucked and needs replacing

3 The CD/DVD Controller is ditto'd.

Indeed some dead laser PS2s can only be explained in those terms.


Thanks!

-Sean Rayfield

[Theta]

Well, I guess it won't hurt to try a laser adjustment...

Hopefully that will get it back in check.

If not, will that clicking during PS2 backups eventually kill the laser? I noted your previous response, but I was wondering if that was less dangerous for it then upping the power to the laser.

Thanks!

-Sean Rayfield

[charlie_ps2]

The best solution is a no-swap mod.