V4 Arrived...

[EntwinedWS]

Well its in better shape than I expected. So far its reading audio CD's, PSX games and PS2 CD based games but on DVD's, I get the clicking which leads to a DRE. With the top off,I noticed it spins up fast, clicks, slows down, clicks, stops and then starts up again, clicks 3 or 4 more times and then I get a DRE.

I've tried cleaning the lens, also I gave a slight adjustment to the white cog but that made no difference. I then tried the screw on the rail, no change so its back at its original position. I have access to a multimeter and found a decent FAQ on the adjustments...I only paid $20 for this and haven't got a lot to lose really. Should I go ahead with a slight voltage adjustment? I figure worst case scenario, I have to pick up a new laser for the PS2. What do you guys think? Just want to get some feedback before I make any decisions. BTW the laser is a 400B, is this a bad laser? I'm trying to even figure out if its worth replacing if I can't get DVD's to work at all.

[mann75]

you could adjust the voltage but that will only get you a quick fix and you will end up posting again on this problem. you need a new laser get a 400c they can fit inside that version ps2 and it is a better laser than the b.

[EntwinedWS]

I'm pretty sure the DVD functionality is FUBAR right now. As I'm really new to this part of the PS2 I accidentally cranked it up to about 1400 ohms (btw, oddly enough both the CD and DVD pots started at 900 on this..) so I'm pretty sure it won't play DVD's ever, not with this 400B. Everything else is in good working condition at the moment (PSX, PS2 CD, Audio CD's..) so I may just go ahead and order a 400C laser soon. Oh well, live and learn.

Can anyone recommend a good place to get a 400C? I found one site for $50 or so, is that as good of a deal as I'll find? Also, the pic I found of a side by side comparison of a B and C, they look similar...is it just a matter of putting the ribbon cable into the new laser and swapping it in? I just want to make sure I know exactly what I'm getting into.

[spedmetal]

I'm pretty sure the DVD functionality is FUBAR right now. As I'm really new to this part of the PS2 I accidentally cranked it up to about 1400 ohms (btw, oddly enough both the CD and DVD pots started at 900 on this..)

Ummmmm....... I think you have the wrong idea. To increase the lasers strength you need to reduce the ohms on the pots not turn them up. Turning them up will make things worse. On your DVD pot try putting it around 800 ohms but no lower then 750.

Good luck

[EntwinedWS]

I tried that range, no dice. I'm about ready to call it a day on the voltage adjustment and pick up a 400C in August when I'll have a little extra cash, or just part this system out. Everything seems to be great except for the laser though so it would be kind of a waste to just get rid of it so the replacement laser seems like a better idea.

[mann75]

get the new laser from here http://richspsxparts.com/v7c.html

[fj4]

Decided to reopen this old thread...
One of my v4's (KHS-400B) will now read DVD after some pot tweaking Finally found the resistance measurements here after a while of searching, eternal thanks guys. I have been putting off repairing these because I have no oscilloscope, only have a multimeter (that I built from a kit as high-school senior electronics project ) But with the DVD pot at 800 Ohms, it refuses to read DVD-9's, only DVD-5's. Question is, does anyone think taking it down to the lowest recommended 750 Ohms will help at all? It's such a pain as the ribbons are fragile already from disconnecting, adjusting, reconnecting, you know the story. I am probably going to order new KHS-400C's anyway but just wondering if there's any useful life left in this one.
Thanks in advance.

[mann75]

no it wouldnt help. to be able to read dvd-9 it has to be up more than that since you are already having troubles. your best bet is to replace the laser and move on, your laser is just about on its way out the door.