V12 Modbo modchip installation diagram

The very first revision of the slim PlayStation 2 was the V12. They were found in most of the SCPH-7000x and all SCPH-7001x models. They retain full PS1 backwards compatibility, and require some form of a laser fix. Matching console model numbers and board numbers are listed below.

You can find the model number on the sticker on the bottom of the console, and the board number is printed on the PS2 main board if you take apart your console. Note that there can be multiple board numbers within a specific model number.

• NTSC-J (Japan):
  • SCPH-70000 (GH-035-11)
  • SCPH-70006 (GH-035-11)
  • SCPH-70007 (GH-035-11)
• NTSC-U/C (USA)
  • SCPH-70011 (GH-035-21)
  • SCPH-70012 (GH-035-21)
• PAL
  • SCPH-70002 (GH-035-61)
  • SCPH-70003 (GH-035-61)
  • SCPH-70004 (GH-035-61)

Note that there are multiple versions of the Modbo modchips available, but the installation diagrams are all the same. Some example versions are Modbo 3.0, Modbo 4.0, Modbo 5.0, and Modbo 750.

For more information about Modbo modchips click here, for more information about PS2 modchips in general click here.

V12 Modbo installation diagram

V12 laser fix diagrams

There was a defect in the design of the V12 console that can cause the laser to burn out when playing back games once a modchip has been installed. There are three main fixes out there. I recommend installing the summ0ne’s fix at a minimum, but ideally you’d want to install the PIC fix. I don’t recommend the diode fix.

1. summ0ne’s fix
   This fix involves soldering two resistors to your PS2’s main board. Read the label on the resistor marked R:{303,683,01D}. Based on that value install the corresponding Rst resistor, and then install the 4.7k-ohm Rsf resistor.It’s a very easy and cheap fix that reduces the maximum power doing into the laser preventing burnout.The disadvantage to this fix is that it can reduce the effectiveness of a worn out laser (because the laser may actually need a higher voltage as it wears out).
2. Matrix PIC fix
   This fix involves soldering a programmed PIC12C508 chip, along with a 1.5k-ohm resistor, to your PS2’s main board. The PIC will sense when the disc mechanics (mechacon) controller crashes, and shut off the system when that happens so the laser won’t get burned out.This is a great fix, since it only interacts with the system when things go wrong, and not all the time. The disadvantages to this fix is that it costs the most, and it could potentially shut off your system when you’re playing a game.
3. Diode fix
   
   This fix involves soldering a couple of 1N4148 diodes to your PS2’s main board. It works by reducing the voltage of the signal coming from the CD/DVD controller, which in turn reduces the amount of voltage going to the laser.I’ve heard of many cases where a system’s laser will still burn out even with the diode fix installed. Because of that I do not recommend the diode fix. It can also reduce the effectiveness of a worn out laser (because the laser may actually need a higher voltage as it wears out).

Installation tips

Here are some tips I have for you when you are soldering your chip into a V12.

• Using 30 AWG solid core wire works well for most of the points.
• Use some thicker wire for the 5V and ground wires.
• Make sure wherever you are putting your chip won’t cause any issues when putting the system back together, PS2 slims fit together very tightly.

Diagram success rate

Here’s a list of people who have successfully modded their console with this diagram. Leave a comment and I’ll add you to the list.

1. William Quade (me)

Example installations

This section has photos of some successful installations which you can use to get a better understanding of how everything is wired and positioned. Leave a comment and I’ll add your installation to the list

1. William Quade (me)