Recommended PSone modchip & installation service?

I'm thinking of importing an NTSC PS1 and use it with a modchip. The PSone seems like a good model (reliable, small, can use a 230V power supply).

- Which mod chip would you recommend? I can see Bad_Ad84 here sells different kinds.

- I'm a bit confused by all the different installation instructions. There are so many console models and chips, plus the instructions often differ. Pictures are frequently so low-res it's hard to even make out the solder points. Are there known-good instructions with HQ pictures for the recommended chip?

- Could you recommend any EU installation service? It seems like many install options require soldering to SMD components, QFP legs etc. I can probably pull that of, but it's always a risk with a pricey (shipping & customs...) import NTSC console. I'd love to just buy a pre-modded one or send mine in, provided it's a trusted person that doesn't do a cold solder joint + hot glue mess, lol.

Thanks for suggestions!

 

@Zer0-2k11 may be able to help you and is in Canada (NTSC land). Not sure if he is still doing premodded systems.

 

There are many board revisions and several types of chip so there are many install diagrams floating around the interweb. These are the install diagrams for psone (102 board) http://www.psxdev.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1227 the first is MM3 (suitable for NTSE psone) and the second is Onechip (PAL psone). I could do the chip and install for you if u live in the UK. Don't worry, no cold joins or hot glue

 

Good point regarding Zer0-2k11, but looks like he currently does neither installations nor sells pre-modded systems :/ I think Bad_Ad84 also doesn't do installs (anymore?).

I did some more reading and it seems like the Mayumi V4 is the best choice for PSone systems? Reliable & stealth? Bad_Ad84 sells those pre-programmed. Presumably you have to specify which region fimware you want. Are these instructions correct:

https://quade.co/ps1-modchip-guide/mayumi-v4/

? They seem to cover both PSone mainboard revisions.

So just for fun I did some more soldering tests. Dug out my flux & kynar wire and an old GPU with similar chip packages and small series SMD components. Was able to solder wires to chip legs and capacitor pads with little issues. Thing is, I'm just not super confident with these fine pitch components and stuff goes south easily. Like, put down a solder blob that bridges two SMD components, try to clean it up and remove an SMD part from the PCB, try to solder it back in place and burn the pad off the PCB ;-)

I'm in Germany :/

 

Whats the reasoning for wanting an NTSC console?

Why not just get a PAL one and install a ONEchip if you are going to mod it anyway?

Also, install docs should be in my sales thread.

 

PAL -> NTSC converted consoles or soft mods tend to have issues. They don't run at quite the right refresh rate, which can cause stutters, display compatibility issues and audio & video desync. I don't know how bad this is with the PS1, but see here for some reports on the issues PAL consoles running NTSC games can have:

https://www.videogameperfection.com/products/dual-frequency-oscillator/
https://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=5744.msg39689#msg39689

I'd like to avoid that!

I looked at the instructions for the Mayumi V4 on PSone in your document, but I find them hard to read. I can barely see what pin 3 is supposed to be connected to, the picture too low resolution. Also, you only have instructions for PM-41, not the PM-41(2) board?

 

I higly recommend Bad_Ad84 modchips and services.
It is very easy to install them and as Bad_Ad84 saying he has all the installation diagrams.
About PAL modded consoles playing NTSC games, if you use RGB on CRT it's nothing to worry about.
For PAL consoles and OneChip: http://www.fatcat.co.nz/psx/

 

Its connected to the resistor its pointing too. Its pretty clear, especially if you have the console open in front of you.

PM-41(2) board install attached

 

Thanks so much! I'm a bit intimidated by the fine pitch soldering, the Phantom Universal I got from you was so much easier to install ;-)

You have the Mayumi V4 in stock and can program them with the firmware for NTSC consoles? Seems like that's a good choice for an NTSC PSone, and that's currently what I intend to buy.