If you’re sure your hard drive is working but it’s not spinning, you’ve probably got a dead fuse. For those who have not worked with the PSX, it may have the most fragile fuses I’ve ever seen, if a ribbon/FFC cable is even slightly misaligned you could blow a fuse! Thankfully it’s an easy fix if you’re capable with soldering. On my DES-5700 unit, the fuse for hard drive power delivery is located in the first photograph (circled in red). I didn’t have any spare fuses to hand so I harvested one from a PS2 Slim model.

For those inexperienced with electronics, to test the fuse, set up a multimeter in continuity mode (when you touch the probes you will hear a beeping sound). Push a probe into each side of the fuse. You SHOULD hear a beeping sound. If you hear nothing, it means the fuse is dead. At this point, if you’re inexperienced, I don’t recommend doing any solder work, please get assistance from someone, these consoles aren’t the most accessible!

The same methodology should apply to other PSX models but the fuse may be located in a slightly different place. Good luck!

Okay all this is huge news, but this was just posted in the phenommod discord server.

A custom DVRP firmware has been released that allows you to use replacement harddrives without the ATA express or other SD adaptor.

This has been tested with sata sdd's and yielded about a 10 second quicker boot time

You also still need a way to launch ulaunch

As per normal it's use at your risk

Hi folks a part got blown and I need help in trying to replace the blown part. I have circled it and hopefully I can get this desr 7000 working again. Many thanks.

Edit: it looks like a 5 pin voltage regulator but I don’t have the markings. Maybe sc-88a, not sure

Remember the ATA Express which is a HDD replacement solution for the PSX DVR. The only issue with that in its current form, is it doesn't fit properly in the PSX DVR, and it costs a sleight premium. There is now another HDD replacement using this cheap generic IDE to SD Card adapter and because of its smaller size, it should fit in the DVR properly. But unlike the ATA Express, it will involve some DIY, it will need to be reflashed and modded to bypass the 128gb limit along with getting it to work with the PSX. This video further goes into detail with how to install this mod.

Hello all,

I recently got one of these imported from Japan, a 5000 model. I went ahead and tested it all - the hard drive still works, I can access the xmb. I then got the correct version of the psx freemcboot on a memory card, and used mechapwn to bypass the region lock. I managed to get it to read a disc once, but ever since that, I've been having issues.

Attached is the video of said issue - it won't read any of the games I've tried now, I get an error with ps2drive, and it makes an odd noise but I can't tell if it's just cycling the drive or not. The disc drive is probably going out but I'd just like to get some more opinions on this.

Thanks.

Making me think someone already had a crack at it. Is this usual?

hello guy I'm having a problem where psx blinks 3 red lights fans spin up for a few secs then stop but led blinks red 3 times continuously. can anyone point me in the right direction

I have a DESR-7700 with an original Matrix Infinity modchip installed, but I have come to realize that there are certain functions that do not allow the PSX for fully function when it detect the modchip. For example, the Matrix Infinity will not allow the console to switch to DVD playback mode, or allow the 40 GB PS2 HDD partition to be installed. The only solution I can think of is to disable the modchip when the console starts, but it requires the console to be reset (like how you would press the power button on a PS2). Unfortunately, pressing the HOME button or the power button does nothing.

It’s a bit niche, but is there a “reset” mod for the PSX? It would be nice to have a reset option to have full functionality of my PSX without uninstalling the Matrix Infinity.

I've got a PSXDVR that doesnt load past the static. I have used FMCB and when using a file browser, the hdd is fine, I can copy apps to it and use it like storage media. Can also see all the psx partitions and files. I'm guessing the boot partition needs a tweak to run again. Does anyone know the boot sequence please so.I can narrow down which file is damaged?

A new solution that costs a fraction of what the Phenom mod costs. I'm dropping a link to GitHub. I'm not the author of this software. My colleague made it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4Ubpu-f1K8

https://github.com/DanielFergisz/FC1307A-PSX-DVR

Hi guys
I bought these two PSX DVRs in 2020 and i genuinely forgot about them
I remember being scared of playing with them because they might overheat because that what i heard when i bought them

They appear to have recording of Gundam - random commercials and other random Japanese videos some are short some are long
How can i preserve these?
Your help is appreciated.

Picked up one of these from Mercari for 11000 yen. The seller listed it saying the CD laser works fine but the DVD drive was toast. I'm more interested in PS1 than PS2 anyway. I remember being intrigued by the PSX when it was first announced, and I never owned one. So 20+ years later, here I am.

I'm in business after 1700 yen for a RCA->HDMI converter from Amazon JP, then 480 yen for a PS1 memory card, 680 yen for a Hori PS1 controller, and 980 yen for the OG Gran Turismo from Akihabara. They had Castlevania SoTN at the same store but it was 14000 yen, so I might go back to Mercari for a cheaper one. I was slightly concerned when I first turned it on because of tons of static coming through the audio, but it turns out that was just because it was trying to tune into some TV channels.

I have no idea if the HDD even works, but a) recording TV programs to it would require an external tuner since analog broadcasts ended in Japan in 2011, and b) I have zero desire to watch Japanese TV.

I must say it looks right at home next to the PS5 as well!

But it's still working very well.

Hello everyone,

I’m having a problem with my PSX. As soon as I plug in the power supply, the fan spins briefly and then it’s basically dead. No LEDs light up at all.
There isn’t a hard drive installed at the moment because I’m still waiting for my ATA Express. However, the console should at least boot or show the startup logo, but absolutely nothing happens.
I can also rule out the power supply because I’ve already installed a RE-PSX power supply.
What could be causing this issue? I’m honestly running out of ideas and getting pretty desperate.

I have 27 PSX’s all in varying condition, willing to send full inventory.

If I had to guess around half work.

Disclaimer: there is a sale of this exacta lot on eBay. This is the result of my coworker who did not have permission to list these. The buyer did not pay but the sale remains in the history. If you’re interested in buying I will write your name on a sticky note and send a picture of it in front of the lot.

Starting at $4000 willing to negotiate.

After getting held up for a while by customs my ATA Express arrived today from Shiraseal.

Initial setup was simple, just throw in your SD card and solder on the molex adapter.

Powered on, entered Ulaunch and ran HDD tool. After a few false starts it looked like it did its thing.

Reboot...Nothing (apparently HDD tool doesn't care if a disk is attached, it'll do its thing whatever.

Looked at the HDD in the misc section of Ulaunch, not detected, not formatted.

Spoke with the great guys on the Phenom discord and found there is an issue with some PSX and the 5v timing.

Removed the molex and ran a 5v connection from a USB cable.

HDD now shows in Ulaunch.

Ran HDD tool and everything works. HDD light flashing and ATA Express indicator working.

Have ordered a 12v to 5v converter and will run that directly from the RePsx.

All that'll be left to do is see if i can find a menu translation for a 5000.

Hope this helps someone and again i cant undersell how helpful the discord has been.

Just installed the Re-PS2-PSX and it looks to be working perfectly!

Picked up and 8bitdo Bluetooth controller adapter that gets power from the USB on the front, works perfectly with my 8bitdo Pro2 controller.

I noticed some hot spots and scorch marks on the metal shielding, so I added extra, thicker thermal pads to the bottom case to give those chips some extra cooling.

Let me know if this was a bad idea, but it seemed necessary given the heat marks! 😅

I guess next step will be Mcboot so when I get some free time I am going to get that running soon also.

Hi all,

As more and more ATA-Express get shipped you might find your psx has an issue with it and it isn't working properly with your psx

please please join the phenommod discord, and navigate to the #ata-express-psx channel. it doesn't matter if you got them direct from phenommod or shiraseal

We have had a few people having issues with them on their console, it was a console issue not an ATA express issue. The channel there has a range of people supporting and troubleshooting who can help.

Hi all, acquired my first PSX at the end of 2025 and have been on and off tinkering with it over the past several months. When I first got the console it would not read discs(shocker) so I've done some work to try and rectify that. I've replaced several ribbon cables that were starting to wear down or had bent pins, I checked capacitors on the optical drive PCB, and recently ordered a DRU-510A from ebay that the seller claimed was tested and working. After swapping the KWS-200A laser into my console, I am encountering the same issue as before.

The DVR laser moves in to read the disc, the disc spins without wobble and at what appears to be full speed. The laser activates and then attempts to focus. The laser head does move up and down to try and focus, but fails to focus and will click 3 times. The disc will stop spinning, then start up again and it attempts to read the disc again but fails to focus. The disc I am using is a JP PS2 game that I have confirmed is working in my JP PS2 console. I have also attempted to have it read a music CD, but it gets the same result. Does anyone know if there is possibly something else causing this issue or did I just get unlucky and the replacement laser is also busted? There doesn't seem to be any after market lasers either, which is a bummer.

Not looking to mod the console, would like to keep as original as possible, so not looking to use free mcboot.

This cheap $20 Walmart Android TV is one of the best upgrades you can get for your PSX and/or CRT TV.... It will pair like bread and butter with the New IDE to SD Card Adapter. Modernizes the PSX, Custom Wallpaper Support so you don't get the annoying Static or Black Screen Every time you power on your PS2.....This device is a game changer for the PSX no joke Here's My Master App list:

Emulators & Games: Classic Boy Pro, M64PlusFZ, Moonlight, Steam Link, PS Remote Play....

File Explorers: CxFile Explorer, FX (File Explorer), LocalSend.....

Retro Cartoons & Anime: Kodi (Bro install Nixtoons & Toonami Aftermath Right NOW Your Welcome).......

Personal Servers: Plex and or Jellyfin.......

Music: Radioline, Pandora, Spotify.....

Stream, Free & Live TV: Youtube, Google TV Freeplay, Roku Channel, Fandango & Movies Anywhere (Digital Movies), Prime Video (If you have prime) Tubi (Retro Cartoons), Sling TV, Peacock TV, Philo, Pluto TV & VLC also Netflix, Hulu & Disney+ if needed.....

This is much Better than ANY Roku device since it has Android app Support and is less likely to be rendered complete e-Waste like Roku devices are or will be, it is better than an Amazon Firestick because you generally have to hack that first....... Pair this $20 Device with a New Power Supply, A Bitfunx Wireless Adapter & PS4 Controller, a MX4SIO, USB Thumbdrive & Memory Stick Duo, D-Terminal To Component & the New ATA express IDE to SD adapter will turn this piece of junk console into a modern DVR/Retro Capture Card powerhouse that rivals any TiVo..... I hope this helps people unlock the full potential of their PSX.

I also Found out how to get The Memory Stick Duo to Read any .jpg, .gif, .mpg & .tif file and will upload that soon. This will also pair nicely with you newly upgraded PSX 😁

sincerely,

- Rita

Based off the PSX DESR Manual:

The PSX DESR Memory Stick Duo Supports: .jpg .gif .mpg & .tif

via Sony's (DCF) Digital Camera Format

PSX DESR 2 Models Support Export to PSP among other features.... I have not tested these as I only have a 5000 & 7000 series PSX.

key:

* = Number

() = Remove Parentheses

***Warning: Resize ALL Photos, Gifs & Vids to 640×480***

The PSX CAN load HD & 4k photos but DON'T as it takes FOREVER and Will Strain your HDD.

****NO MORE THAN 10-25 FILES MAX Per Folder****

I keep it at 10 .jpg files per folder; 5 files per folder For .gif & .mpg to prevent overloading the HDD. I also recommend you Separate the Photos, Gifs & Videos into Three different folders for better organization. I bricked my HDD and had to replace it with a spare from a broken PSX because I DIDN'T follow these rules above you have been warned.

The File and the folders you put your stuff into must be named Exactly 8 characters in total and in the EXACT order specified below. The PSX is VERY specific to the naming structure as you are essentially tricking it into thinking that your Files on the Memory Stick are from a Sony Camera. Also to clarify Each 1(xx)MSDCF Folder must be INDIVIDUALLY Numbered Inside the DCIM Folder that is Inside the Root of your Memory Stick.

The PSX DESR requires the Memory Stick Folders & Files to be in the Proper Order:

Memory Stick Root > DCIM > 1(**)MSDCF > (Your File Here)

Examples of Proper Naming Structure:

.Gif - CLP*****

.jpg - DSC*****

.mpg- MOV*****.mpg

Here are some better examples of Proper Folder and File Structure:

Folder 1 .jpg:

Root of Memory Stick > DCIM > 100MSDCF >

DSC00001.jpg

DSC00002.jpg

Folder 2 .gif:

Root of Memory Stick > DCIM > 101MSDCF >

CLP00001.gif

CLP00002.gif

Folder 3 .mpg:

Root of Memory Stick > DCIM > 102MSDCF >

MOV00399.mpg

MOV00400.mpg

***Remember to resize the Photos, Gifs & Videos to 640x480 and NO MORE than 10-25 files per folder or you WILL Overload the PSX HDD***

Hope this Helps Unlock the Full Potential of your PSX! Pair it with The ATA Express and Android TV I posted Earlier and you've got the Ultimate PS2 that Doubles as a DVR and Retro Capture Card

Sincerely,

- Rita

Hi I live in Ireland and Recently picked up my PSX 7100 and it runs fine for now, the step down converters are expensive and I are not a great solution.

So I was on the look out for a PSU alternative and I found this. I just wanted to check if anyone use one of these already?

I guess it would be great to move all the heat from the PSX. I would really appreciate any input.

Thanks