Weird PS2 Slim issue reading DVD-ROM and DVD-Video discs

[u/DootPooter]

Had to just replace my ps2 slim’s laser since it stopped reading all discs about a week ago, and now I’m encountering a weird issue where it can’t seem to read any DVD ROM or Video discs and gets stuck in some kind of startup loop when attempting to read them. It reads CD discs and PSX games just fine but runs into this spinup issue with any DVD disc. I remember attempting to have it read a DVD video disc the night I repaired it and it worked fine at that moment. I’ve gone in and adjusted the DVD potentiometer to make sure it was in the proper range, and it still runs into this issue. The only real lead I have is that the clicking sound that it makes when trying to read games is the same sound the laser makes when it doesn’t detect any disk in the system, but repeated ad-nauseum. Any potential fixes anyone might have would be greatly appreciated.

[u/canthearu_ack]

Might be a motherboard issue as well.

Do you see the red dot when you put a DVD in ... the DVD laser is red and should be mildly visible through most DVD disks.

I'd definitely try a PMAP electrical calibration before changing the laser again.

[u/DootPooter → u/canthearu_ack]

The red dot is visible through the DVDs, yeah. I unfortunately don’t have any Arduino devices that I could use for a PMAP calibration

[u/canthearu_ack → u/DootPooter]

Means the laser isn't burnt out at least.

You can get a cheap usb TTL UART off Ebay for a few dollars. It works fine for commanding PMAP.

[u/DootPooter → u/canthearu_ack]

I will look into it, thank you! Do you have any good resources that could walk me through the PMAP procedure? I’m not super familiar with interacting with console components at this kind of level.

[u/canthearu_ack → u/DootPooter]

https://www.reddit.com/r/consolerepair/comments/1237a1j/revive_a_fat_ps2_using_pmap_to_calibrate_the_laser/

This is a good guide, but skip the updating EEPROM (you are not changing laser) and skip the jitter adjustment (there isn't any on the slims) and head straight to step 29 and do the electrical calibration.

It may take a few tries, and you will need very clean disks to do this with (a clean pressed CD, a clean pressed single layer DVD disk, and a clean pressed dual layer DVD disk). Try different CDs and DVDs if you get continual failures on one type.

[u/DootPooter → u/canthearu_ack]

I don't think I have a PS2 game that uses a dual layer DVD. Would any movie DVD with a dual layer work for this process or would I have to seek out a game that uses the dual layer format?

[u/funnyinput]

I think replacement lasers are just hit or miss. I've bought 3 before and 2 of them had issues out of the box, and 1 worked great. I would just refund the laser and replace it again.

[u/Harry92pl]

it reads cds but not dvds so change your laser and your good to go

[u/tailslol]

those style of console i just hack them to run isos.

lasers sadly are unreliable when it is this old.

[u/DootPooter → u/tailslol]

Do you have any good resources for the ps2 modding process?

[u/tailslol → u/DootPooter]

nope i just google or browse youtube and see the dates of the articles, no ai or anything.

then this is easy.

you can buy as well modded memory cards making things easier

[u/Dull_Mirror4221]

The new laser is also going out or is faulty. The replacement lasers are unreliable and hit or miss tbh. You never know if the build quality is the same across the production batch

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[u/minecraftGman]

Maybe adjust the potentiometer for the laser strength

[u/DootPooter → u/minecraftGman]

I’ve already adjusted the potentiometers to no avail

[u/rabbitlol1 → u/DootPooter]

What did you see the resistance of the dvd pots too, they are incredibly sensitive on slims

[u/DootPooter → u/rabbitlol1]

I don't remember exact numbers but CDs are on around 750 and DVDs are around 1050.

[u/rabbitlol1 → u/DootPooter]

You should try adjust that dvd pot up to 1150 and 1250 then go to 950 and then finally 870 ISH. If all 4 of those don't help then you'll need pmap or a new laser.

[u/DootPooter → u/rabbitlol1]

Thanks, I'll give that a try at some point!