PS2 v15 GH-052-12 Modbo 5.0 Chipping issue.

Hello all,

I am trying to modify a v15 ps2 console with motherboard GH-052-12 I used a diagram similar and this is listed as compatible http://www.gamemaster.com.au/modchip/ModboV4/gh-051-02.jpg

I have the modchip soldered to the location shown in the pictures on my dropbox https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rinb1a1ie8hs278/AACY9G7FVqKqv9rpHgq23hKja?dl=0 under the Version 15 GH-052-12 folder.

Has anyone encountered this motherboard before? What diagram did you use to get a modbo 4.0 (or 5.0) working? I can boot the console as normal, but it doesn't detect the modchip at all.

Thanks all in advance,
HaloSlayer255

 

No behavior typically means 1 (or a combination) of 3 things:

1: Inadequate 3.3V
2: Poor ground
3: Poor oscillator connection (CX)

Check your voltage input on the chip.
Check your ground. If you want to avoid pulling a choked ground, plant your ground directly on the ground-plane on the main-board. Your solder joint looks awfully cold on that ground.
The Modbo 4/5 doesn't have an on-board crystal to drive the chip. It relies on the PS2's clock signal in order to operate. If CX isn't properly terminated, you'll get 0% operation.

The BIOS hooks can also wreak havoc. Check those, too. Make sure you don't have a bridge there, or you've miscounted the pins and have those connections misaligned. Typically, that yields erratic behavior, often giving you a black screen on boot.


Here's a GH-0521-02 that may help you. Practically identical to the board you're working with.One of a trillion that I did over the years. I can't seem to find my folder of PS2 mod-work pictures.. Hopefully this will help.

Keep your conductors short, and try to avoid overlapping.

 

https://assemblergames.com/l/threads/ps2-modbo-4-0-not-booting-backups.50478/

 

Thank you voultar and Mord.Fustang for the replies,

Just tweaked my install to the way voultar did his, those A G H I B wires were a pain to do like how you have them voultar, how do you do yours so easily looking? A question on the CX location in your picture voultar, is that the first via on the left facing you or the via in the middle?

Still can't get it up and might have to double check that location again.

Thanks again for the replys,
HaloSlayer255

 

Please post back with your results. I am planning on doing a similar install (V14) for myself in the near future.

 

Tried soldering the bios wires directly to the bios chip, no dice again.

Will see if I can trace the cx point to a more solid location.

Will update with the attempt in the next few days.

Thanks in advance,
HaloSlayer255

 

Does the console still work if you remove the chip?

 

Everything works perfectly, with the chip installed (minus any of its features) and without (like a stock console).

Will post some revised pictures of the install to the same dropbox link shortly.

Thank you for the reply,
HaloSlayer255

---Edit---
Newer pictures uploaded
--- End Edit---

 

Is there a bridge on this one?

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rinb1a1i...ersion 15 GH-052-12?dl=0&preview=100_3242.JPG

 

Not sure about that one, will double check that pin.

Thanks for the second opinion on that.

 

Well the chip I used on that console must have something up with it. Swapped the chip and it is now fully working.

Thanks all for the help and suggestions,
HaloSlayer255

 

No worries, I thought that might be an option. I guess the low prices of these chips these days means that quality control is a bit of an after thought.

 

Try to stick with Modbo 4.0 v1.93, Modbo 750's gold padded, and Matrix Infintiy v1.93 clones.

The Modbo 5 is junk. Probably needs a good reflow, they're bad for that.

 

I guess another plus side of doing that is that the 4.0 and 750 share the same installation config (I think) so you wouldn't need to rewire anything on the board if you needed to change chips later.

 

Correct.