I did a modbo 760 install on a V14 GH041-14 PAL. I was pretty happy with the outcome and gave it a whirl, powered it up and the PS2 booted just fine. I decided to test a backup game and flipped over the 'bare' mobo + optical mechanism. That's when the playstation 'died' while it was still on. In quotes because I'm hoping to resurrect it with some help. The red/green led on the front no longer lights up. First I checked my wires, my solder points and all of that seemed just fine. I began to test and measured continuity between my 3v3 and GND lines. After thoroughly checking my work I gave in and removed the modbo install, to no avail. I measured the current going through the 8.5V power supply and it's less than 30mA. Using my flir I took a very thorough look on both sides of the mobo, but no component is generating any heat whatsoever. The diagram I used is this one: http://www.modbo.it/downloads/PAL-V14.jpg There, section 4 shows where to take the 3.3V for the modbo pcb. What kind of component is this black thing? My guess would be a capacitor. Anyway, I removed it and measured continuity between both ends. So if this is indeed a capacitor, it definitely didn't survive. Continuity between 3.3V and GND on the motherboard is also solved, but I don't have 3.3V or any indication of a working board. I can find the 8.5V from the power supply in some spots, but none of the regulators seem to get any input power... so I have no idea where the 3.3v would be generated. What next steps should I take? Any particular fuses I could look into?
PSU output is fine, steady 8.5V. I found a couple of fuse function descriptions images and a diagram for the v12 locations. Apparently, the board with the power/reset button and led runs off 3.3V. The 'PS1' fuse guards the 3.3V regulator, so I should check this fuse first. Additionally, this seems like a reasonable location given what trigger the death; the ribbon cable on the power led/button daughterboard might've gotten twisted and shorted. Will report back tonight when I get a chance to verify. In the meantime, I'm hoping the black thing I removed was indeed a faulty cap.
On a chargeless circuit the both ends of a capacitor shouldn't have continuity. My 3.3V point had continuity to ground. I removed the black component, which I believe is a cap, and the continuity disappeared. I still measure continuity on the component now that it's no longer on the pcb. So if it is indeed a capacitor I'm sure it's a faulty one, in which case I'd like to know it's ratings to replace it.
You're right. I did not consider that a capacitor might short out. Never had that happen to me before. I thought you were talking about measuring the value of the capacitor with the continuity function on your multimeter
To be honest I've only once ever heard of a ceramic capacitor dieing in this way... Hency why I'm not at all certain it is indeed a cap.
Happy update. Scored a very cheap PS2, same mobo revision so I got both my questions answered. The black thing is not a cap. It's supposed to short out. It feels like a really big 0 ohm resistor. Whatever use that has. Also my PS1 fuse was indeed blown. Now... onto reinstalling the modchip. There probably wasn't any need to remove it in the first place, but oh well. Keeps ya busy I guess.
