I have recently learned that some CD-based systems have a feature called APC, or Advanced Power Calibration. See l_oliveira's post here: http://www.assemblergames.com/forum...i-CD-DVD-Media&p=541733&viewfull=1#post541733 He mentions that some late model PS1's have this. Which models? Is it only the PSone series, or does it extend further back to the 9XXX and 7XXX model numbers? Secondly, I have been on the hunt for a DTL-H1000 for some time now, and I'm very close to achieving that goal. Since this is an old PlayStation, and one used for testing purposes at that, it will probably not be in the best shape and since I'm going to use it for gaming I intend to remove the original laser and place it into storage for safekeeping. I have read that the "best" replacement laser assembly for an original SCPH-1000 or DTL-H1000 model PS is the one which is found in the PSone generation of the system. However, if that system features APC, this could lead to problems down the road when I attempt to play CD-R's. The APC enabled Sony consoles essentially self-destruct when they detect unlicensed media. So is the APC part of the laser assembly, or is it on the motherboard of the system? Could ruining the laser assembly do any damage to the rest of the system?
APC is implemented on the laser power control circuitry. All PS1s but the very early models with RCA connectors have APC.
That seems unfortunate. Are they known to self-destruct in the same manner as the PS2 when they detect unlicensed media? Also, is the laser power control circuitry part of the laser assembly, or is it on the motherboard?
What is worse about the PS2 self destruct (regarding the CD laser in combination with modchips) feature is modchips that keep sending the "SCEx" pulse while the game is running. That ticks the APC and causes the laser to "slow burn" faster than it's supposed to as it will power the laser with currents even higher than it would just reading the disc without mods of any kind.
Ok, so I'm assuming the PS1 does not need that constant pulse from a modchip in order properly function. Then the only worry would be from increased voltage necessary for reading the disc due to low reflectivity from CD-R media, right? But exactly how much extra voltage is this? If we're talking about shortening a lifespan by 10%, then I see that as an acceptable loss. If it can lead to sudden catastrophic failure that is a bit different. Would the Chinese laser assembly clones that are currently available suffer from the same problems?
Same, but if you can get a steady supply of them, you don't need to worry much, right ? The APC problem is much worse on the PS2, really. The only PS1 models that have the APC problem really bad is the last set (900x and PSOne series). These units have almost fully automatic adjusts (they only have the pot which limits the maximum current for the laser, which is on the pickup itself)... Being VERY honest I never liked the newer PS1 units so I kept my old Japanese launch PS1 to this day. The one with S-video port lol
I also prefer the S-video models. Those are the ones that I remember gazing at in issues of EGM so many years ago. Those are the systems that really bring out the mystique of "PlayStation", when it seemed so different and alluring when all I knew was Nintendo and Sega. For that reason I'm also searching for a SCPH-1010 controller to complete the early PSX experience. I think I'm going to buy a clone laser and install it in the DTL-H1000. Just to be sure, this can't harm the rest of the system can it?
I don't see how it can be harmed by using a counterfeit laser. Maybe at worst you could blow the motors/coils driver chip if the motors or the laser pickup has short circuit on it's actuators/motors.
