I have a ver 1 PS2 with a Smartchip that I can not get into PS1 mode.
I have been dicking around with this for a while now.
The red led never goes on (Stanby)
It boots everything fine except PS1 games. (backup or original)

Would this have something to do with it?

I have backed out of the install. And it boots PSX just fine then. With a chip installed, it just boots PSX to the browser screen.

I am using an alternate SCEX point on the top side of the board.