It's not a bad idea to make Sticky on how to install M3 switch.

[bmrboy]

can somebody make the step by step detailed instruction on how to install Switch on buggy Magic 3 chip for newbie like me??
thx guys.

[RockerNJ]

Needless to say open your PS2, and take the metal shield off the mainboard.

Measure out and cut 3 lenghts of 25 AWG wire, long enough to reach from your chip to where you want to mount your switch.

Cut trace on chip (as indicated in diagram) To do this, use a razor blade or a small jewelers flathead screwdriver. Be careful not to cut any other traces!

Solder your wires onto the chip as noted in the diagram, you will probably want to put different color ink markings or tape on each wire, so that you can tell which is which after you start reassembling.

Reassemble the PS2, routing the wires towards your final switch mounting place.

Drill hole and mount switch (suggested location in pic), if you dont mind voiding your warranty. If you dont plan on drilling it, I would advise heat shrinking the 3 wires on the switch to avoid possible shorts.

Now attach your 3 wires to your switch as indicated in the diagram.

Finish assembling PS2 case.

Flip switch to ON position, and boot backup. When game starts loading, flip switch to OFF position.

Enjoy a Magic III that doesn't freeze KH and GTA:VC

[jason63]

Great post on the switch
I have a ps2 v7.
Magic 3.5 (3.0 code)
Would like to put a switch on it but points are different.
can you please help?

In my picture i've marked 5v, mclr, and Ground.

I have 1 problem.

PROBLEM: I can't trace the 5v to the mclr it's not on the top of the pcb board and can't see it on the bottom either.
Here is a monstrosity of a pic. top pic of chip. bottom pic (mirriored to make it easier to refrence, & a combonation of the 2 super imposed.
(hope i'ts good enough)

could I lift the mclr pin off the board to disconect it from the 5v? ( I know they are conected but can't find where!!!)

[Kagetsu]

Feeling kinda left out. Anyone have ANY clue on how one with install a switch for a Apple 2 Chip? I have no idea where this mclr pin is on the apple 2 as it is not the same chip. Appreciate any help you guys can offer. I'm about to tear all my hear out trying to figure it out.

[usafa92]

Originally posted by RockerNJ
...Now attach your 3 wires to your switch as indicated in the diagram...

Question: Does this diagram also apply to the Magic 3.1 chip for switch installation? I'm wondering because i"m interested in fixing a switch to one of my Magic 3.1 installs.

I've read some messages about a MCLR in relation to switching Magic 3.5 chips. Shouldn't the Magic 3.1 switch setup work like the Magic 3 switch, or does the Magic 3.1 have a MCLR as well?

[eakinsme]

where can i buy this switch?

[ShadowKnyght]

All I need to say is - Power - on, power off....

if you remove the power from the chip i.e. connect the switch inline with the wire that grabs it from the main board and then just switch it off - the chip is effectively dead!

don't cut tracks! it is not needed!

Switching the input to ground is also not really needed but may help those who are worried about power on the signal lines some how being enough to power up the chip... I don't personally believe this could happen but hey - I am only an engineer...

Also you don't need to find this MCLR or what ever just cut power between the wire and the pad - that way it does not reach the chip at all!

The only thing I am worried about is the fact that even though the chip is turned off it may load down the signal lines that it is still attached to - i.e. capacitance of the wires, and low input resistance of some of the pins of the chip etc causing problems with the connection points... but if it works for most then why not give it a go...

Please correct me if I am wrong about this MCLR cutting thingy but as far as logic dictates - it is not required.

[kamaleon]

i got a magic 3.5 and i used the swith. i dont know if it fully disables teh chip or not but it does teh job.

i.e then the swith is on it will boot backups and originals.. when the swith is off it will only boot originals. I put an LED to make sure when it was on and off.

in the Magic 3.5 i lifted the leg (pin #28) because int he 3.5 the track runs in the middle of the board.

to the engineer.. the logical rationale is to cut the power feed to disable the chip but, have u identified how many places does the chip get a power signal from?

the mclr swith works, its purpose is to disable the chip to get arround the mod detection on certain games.

test an other way fo doing it then post it.

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by ShadowKnyght
All I need to say is - Power - on, power off....

if you remove the power from the chip i.e. connect the switch inline with the wire that grabs it from the main board and then just switch it off - the chip is effectively dead!

don't cut tracks! it is not needed!

Switching the input to ground is also not really needed but may help those who are worried about power on the signal lines some how being enough to power up the chip... I don't personally believe this could happen but hey - I am only an engineer...

Also you don't need to find this MCLR or what ever just cut power between the wire and the pad - that way it does not reach the chip at all!

The only thing I am worried about is the fact that even though the chip is turned off it may load down the signal lines that it is still attached to - i.e. capacitance of the wires, and low input resistance of some of the pins of the chip etc causing problems with the connection points... but if it works for most then why not give it a go...

Please correct me if I am wrong about this MCLR cutting thingy but as far as logic dictates - it is not required.

Your method, and thinking is sound (in theory) but fortunately, this method has been tested and proven to **** up. It IS necessary to ground the chip via the mclr (in essence keeping the chip in reset) Do not just put a switch cutting the power off (It will make your PS2 go haywire) My installer has installed many switches on Magic 3.0s and 3.1's alike and following this diagram has yet to fail.
-Me

[fooniman]

i'm trying to do this with blue chip (installation diagram pictured here)
Can someone produce a diagram for me to install the switch?
Thank you.