How do you get a PS2 Tool dev kit to read discs?

A: Noise of the fan makes it really difficult to hear. My room is fairly empty and everything is echoing, so I can't tell. Pressing my ear to the case I think I hear a spin up. I can definately hear the laser tic, tic. That usually means "I'm not reading anything mate!" on a standard unit. Which would also indicate some spin up.

B: Original, Colin McRae Rally 3. Nearest to hand.

 

How long have you waited ?
It seemed to me that it was longer than running the same disc on a console...

 

I've managed to run retail but, I was never successful whenever I tried to do it by changing the reboot parameters in the Target Manager. I ended up copying dsreset to a Linux box and pointing it to the TOOL's IP. I do recall thinking things weren't working though because I didn't wait long enough for it to boot and it still seemed rather hit or miss to what actually would run. Katamari Damacy worked. Sly 1 worked. Lot of other stuff appeared in Japanese crashed or wouldn't boot ( just stayed on black ).

 

So, is it true to say that dsreset cannot be run from the TOOL's own linux command line & has to be executed remotely, either from ProDG, or another linux box? In the case of the latter, how did you 'point it at the TOOL's IP'?

I guess what I'm really asking is to what degree you need external software/hardware to do stuff with the TOOL?

Cheers, Limey (proud to be a TOOL-noob! ;-))

 

I tried 3 times with 3 different titles using ProDG Target Manager. Each time the screen went blank. First time, I was potentially impatient and didn't give it enough time, but subsequent attempts have seen me wander out the room, go off for a cup of tea and return to nothing.

I'm confident that the laser is either not tracking properly or it has blown. I didn't see any black marks on the coil when I took it apart, which is the main indication. I'll have to go back in and test it.

As for using a Linux box and pointing > pardon? lol Do you mean setting up a PC to run Linux as OS and then getting it to communicate rather than trying to get all of this to run under Windows?

Does that simply mean I can use the same PC, boot into Knoppix and do it that way? If so can you tell me how as I am not familiar with any of the Linux commands or set up. Thanks!

 

In process of taking unit to pieces and removing old laser. I may be some time, so please chat amongst yourselves lol ;-)

 

..and just when Parris thought that his TOOL-troubles were over!

Call the Manchester folks for spairs I say

 

Assume the Tool Laser is the same as a regular PS2?

 

Yes, the DVD drive is an adapted, but almost identical PS2 standard (early) unit. I am interested in looking at the unit further as the last time I took it to pieces and quickly snapped this image I paid little attention to the mechanism. The brass doodah at the top intrigues me as the PS2 Test unit I have has a little step motor which ensures that it attempts to realign the laser to get the best reading depth. I'm not sure that the Tool is capable of that, but I'll have a better look tonight.

 

I've taken the laser out. It's a KHS 400A (which is harder to come by these days), but is a standard PS2 laser. It differs slightly from the 400B (more in a second).

To test the laser I used a PS2 Test DTL-30001 as it's the closest thing to the laser revision I have (400 B). I am sure you could drop it into a PS2 retail to test, but check online whether the laser will be accepted by the motherboard before attempting this as you will find that not all mobos will accept the laser and you could damage both.

In order to make this work you might also need to plonk a bit of Blu Tac molded to fit onto the side of the laser....



Otherwise the pizo switch at the spindle doesn't trip! Not good!

Once you have closed everything up, you should be able to test the laser.

Mine was fried unfortunately. So, I need a KHS 400 A if someone has a functioning one out there!

<Note, this is the TEST DVD drive with the Tool laser. Note the motor attached at the back of the laser guides. That's the neat little laser adjusting unit that would have been a god send if found on a retail!>

 

@Parris: Ask Bury to send you the whole optical drive from mine for 10 pounds or something.

Btw, I m still awaiting a refund, and this weekend I didn't even have enough to buy food ><

 

God, they really are messing around with this refund. First they blame the delivery firm (which we know is a lie), then they take an age to pick up the unit and lastly seem incapable of refunding money.

I could ask about the optical drive and IC cable, but I don't trust their technical skills. I guess they'd use RIP techniques rather than careful removal.

I'll see, it might be my only option to be honest, especially if all the UJ parts are in poor working order :-(

 

I'll test the dvd drive soon.
By the way, a ps1 title can't work on the Tool, so stop trying, Parris!

 

Can an ordinary music title CD be acknowledged in a Test? That's the only other thing I tried. I now that my Test could be tempramental (some PS2 titles it liked and others it didn't, so it needs a new laser), however I can't remember whether I tried inserting a standard CD!?!

I did tonight, just to see whether the 400 A had ANY life about it. None

No PS1 games have been used in the testing of the Tool, just the laser from it ;-)

 

The Test should be able to read audio cd, I haven't find anything in the docs stating the opposite.
Is your Test open?
Can you check how much ram it has?

 

UJ I remembered, but I still can't get that heatshield off the motherboard. It refuses to budge an inch. Each time I try, the heads of the little screws get mashed up just that little bit more and I don't want to force it. I've still got it open, so tomorrow I will try with a better set of tools.

 

Don't smash the screws completely...

 

Parris - i have just literally (past wekor so) got rid of a giant box of PS2 spares which included 40+ Lasers.. (Used) and i remeber there being some 400As in there aswell..

Sorry

 

2 Months ago I did exactly the same, but I am pretty sure all the lasers were either dead or close to it. Don't worry, I'd rather obtain a new(ish) or reconditioned laser. A friend of mine in Glasgow should be able to get hold of one.

Thanks though!

 

*wishes for a PSP from Santa Parris * :love: