V4 PS2 Questions

Alright well I have a V7 USA PS2 already chipped with a DMS3 and my good friend has a V4 he's gunna give to me cheap...if the problem is what he says it is, Im pretty sure I can fix it without much trouble. He hit the top while it was on and reading and now it wont read any discs. Im figuring its probably just the alignment and even if it isn't, I'm only out $20 or so for the PS2. If I can get it to read games, I wanted to take a crack at modding it. I've been practicing a lot on very small VIA's and BIOS points on old PC components and Im starting to get confident in my soldering abilities. What chip would you recommend for a total n00b to install in this provided I can get it working? I wanted to use that certain chip using the Ice code but I don't think I will just because it isn't theirs to sell(The Ice Code). So basically, what are my options for the next easiest install? Magic V? Messiah? I'm not too sure about what would be the best choice. Any opinions and input is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Magic V? Messiah? Theses two chips still require up to 23 wire to solder. It also depends on what you want the chip to do. But if you feel confident and depending on how much you want to spend. The magic V chip is pretty cheap. But the Messiah is just as good and alittle more exspensive. Its really up to you and your solder skills.

Hope that helps

Law

I just want something that can play backups with no swap, thats all. I won't use the DMS3 as I heard nothing but trouble with V4's with ground bounce. I know for a V4 it doesn't get much harder than the DMS3...I dunno, I dont wanna spend a lot either. $30 or so is alright so I have two choices I think. Ice code ripoff, or Smartchip...

Look around for the DUO chip and the Magic V chip you may be happy with one of those.

Law

go with duo or messiah. magic v might not work on your v4.

Yeah, the DUO on a V4 is quite nice, easy, and inexpensive.

Magic V is only for v5 and up. I recommend installing a matrix mxl2 or matrix infinity due to less wires on the cd/dvd controller pins.

Looks like if I can get this up and running again Duo is what will be installed. I'm thinking worst case scenario, I need a new laser so that shouldn't be too bad, pretty low cost to have a backup PS2.

Question though about supplies. This is what I have...15w radioshack iron (w/ the tip that came with it..unsure of size), de-soldering braid and also .032 dia. 60/40 Rosin Core Solder. I know I at least need some AWG 30 wire for BIOS points and the likes, and 22 for Power and Ground. is the .032 solder ok though? I also planned on picking up a multimeter. Is This one good? I will also need it in case I have to do a voltage adjustment on the laser so I just want to make sure I get the right one. I know its weird that I'm asking questions like this and being so ambitious on such an old unit but I'd like to learn how to do this stuff, I figured a $20 V4 with laser issues with a cheap chip is a good start, and if I were to mess up I'm not out a lot of cash. Should be an interesting learning experience :)

Can I see install diagrams for the MXL2 or Infinity? I'm waiting to order the chip anyways, until I see if the V4 can get back in working condition so maybe money won't be any type of issue. MXL2 and Infinity both do auto-detect disc types right? Also, what would you say is more troublesome on a mod install? VIA points or the CD/DVD controller points?

infinitymod.com basically the same as duo some points differ cause of different chips