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P L A Y S T A T I O N :
TROUBLESHOOTING/INFO
F. A. Q.
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Author: paranoidxe
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Version: FINAL
Revision Date: 12/17/00
Console Release Date: 9/9/95
E-Mail:
[email protected]
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[Author's Note]
Well now that the playstation life is starting to end, as the
Playstation2 will become the dominate force for Sony no doubt, but
I have decided I will update this FAQ one more time. However, most
of the information in this document will remain the same, it is
more like a new "LOOK" to the FAQ rather than a full blown update.
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-[Terms & Conditions]-
* Do not reproduce this in any form other than electronic
* Do not attempt to make profit from this FAQ, it is FREE
* Do not put this up on another website with out proper
permission from me, the author.
* Do not modify this document in any form
If you don't agree to this, please click BACK now, and exit this
document immediately.
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ººººººººººººººººººººººººººººººººººº
ººT a b l e o f C o n t e n t sºº
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I. I n t r o d u c t i o n
II. T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g
III. F A Q S
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I. I n t r o d u c t i o n
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a) Playstation History
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After Nintendo suddenly dropped their partnership with Sony, Sony set
out to make their own console...they had no idea how successful the
playstation would be..
Sony first produced about 200 prototypes of the Playstation, and even
created demos to test these prototypes. Sony then suddenly scrapped
the project.
Sony then decided they would remake it again by changing their plans.
They called the project "Playstation X" which would explain why people
call the Playstation "PSX" for short.
Ken Kutaraqi was put in charge for producing the PSX processor.(same guy
that created part of the SNES)
After years of development the playstation was supposed to be a huge
disappointment...but it would soon rocket them into the center of the
videogame market.
Meanwhile, Nintendo knew 16-bit consoles wouldn't be dominate forever
as their product sales began to lower slowly. Sega was ready to launch
their 32-bit system in May of 1995 in the U.S. but it bombed horridly.
As it was going for $300 at initial release.
Sony took this as a advantage and released their Sony Playstation, which
at the time was about $100 less than the Sega Saturn release. Playstation's
other minor competition included the Jaguar Atari system, which didn't
make it. Also the Panasonic 3D0 which was pretty much doomed from day
1.
In 1996, Playstation was becoming a "must-have" system. With releases of
many soon to be popular games such as: Resident Evil, Crash Bandicoot,
Tekken series, Tomb Raider, Mortal Kombat, and of course Final Fantasy.
In 1997 the Playstation's price declined to $150 and the first party
products were also cut down in price.
Square then released Final Fantasy VII which had 3 discs, full with
awesome FMV's and effects. It immediately became the best selling
videogame of the year.
The Playstation is noticeably the dominate force in 32-bit/64-bit
consoles, Playstation has now aged gracefully as the Playstation2
now takes the stage to fight the next stage in console wars.
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b) Playstation Specifications
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[CPU - Central Processing Unit]
R3000A 32-Bit RISC Chip 33.8 Mhz
Clearing Capacity of 30 MIPS
Bus bandwidth of 132 Mb/sec
Data Cache - 1K
Instruction Cache - 4kK
[3D Geometry Engine]
High speed matrix calculator
Clearing Capactiy of 66 MIPS
1.5 million flat-shaded polygons/sec
500,000 texture-mapped and light-sourced polygons/sec
3D Polygon transformation:
Flat shaded = 1.5 M per second
Gouraud, textured and light sourced= 500 K per second
[Data Engine]
Clearing capacity: 80 MIPS
CPU, direct bus connection
compatible with JPEG, H.261 files
[Sounds]
ADPCM, 24 channels
Sampling Frequency of 44.1Khz
Digital Effects: Envelope, Looping, Digital Reverb
Load up to 512K sampled waveforms
Supports of MIDI Instruments
[Graphics System]
16.7 million colors
Resolution of: 256x224 - 740x480
Sprite/BG Drawing
Adjustable frame buffer
No line restriction
Unlimited CLUTs (Color Look-Up Tables)
4,000 8x8 pixel sprites with individual scaling and rotation
Simultaneous backgrounds
360,000 polygons/sec
Color Depth Options:
16 colors
256 colors
32,768 colors
[Memory]
Main RAM: 2 Megs
VRAM: 1 Megs
Operating System ROM: 512K
RAM cards for data: 128K
CDROM Buffer: 32K
Sound RAM: 512K
[CDROM]
Double-speed CDROM
XA compliant
300/k per second transfer rate
Audio CD Play compatibility
Maximum Capacity - 660 Megabytes
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c) Playstation Models
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If you think there is only one model of the playstation you are wrong
there are many models, in fact the early ones had problems with
overheating. Here is the list:
SCPH-100x The initial Playstation release that has issues
with heat, in fact after a couple of hours it
may overheat so much it could actually warp the
lazer!
SCPH-3000 The 2nd version designed with only moderate
improvements over the orignal. This model's
lazer was actually relocated to the upper left
hand corner as opposed to the left side.
SCPH-550x The 3rd version that is virtually flawless in
terms of both heat problems and sound/video
skipping. The 550x model is what you should
have.
SCPH-900x The Final Version of Playstation console, this
one removes the I/O Port that allows the
Gameshark, Game Enhancer, etc. which stinks!
There is also benefits, this has NO problems
with heat when it comes to constant use.
PSONE The portable Playstation, the PSONE makes it
easy for you to carry your playstation to
carry around, no technology advancements in
this travel version of the playstation.
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d) Playstation Safeguards
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Note: All of these rules apply to ALL models unless noted otherwise.
1. Never spill any liquid of any kind on the playstation
2. Never insert or poke objects into the opening of the lazer in
the CD holder.
3. Do not use devices that aren't created by the manufacturer (Sony)
4. Don't set the playstation in any liquid, or near any liquid. Also
don't set any of it's components such as it's controller.
5. Make sure the powercord is set in a way where it won't get tripped
on, or will be stepped on.
6. Make sure the ventilation slots (bottom and sides) are free of
any obstruction or it may cause the unit to overheat and cause
malfunction to the playstation.
7. Don't place the playstation and/or its components on places that
are unstable.
8. Don't set the playstation by a heater or in a confined area, as
overheating may occur.
[Safety Precautions]
1. Don't attempt to disassemble the Playstation at all, as the lazer
emitted from the system is damaging to the human eye.
2. If any liquids fall into the system call 1-800-345-SONY
3. Unplug the unit from the wall anytime it is not in use to prevent
overheating of the playstation.
[Health Precautions]
1. Be sure to take breaks 15 minutes of each hour of play
2. Do not play the game when you are tired or short of sleep
3. Play in a well-lit room and keep a safe distance from the TV
[Operation Precautions]
1. Operate the unit only on 120V AC, 60Hz
2. Do not block the air vents on the machine
3. Avoid rough handling or abusing the unit
4. If the unit causes interference of another electric unit, move
it away from the other electrical unit.
5. NEVER touch the Laser lens inside the CD Holder as it will most
likely cause skipping, static, or otherwise undesirable effects
when on.
[Handling Discs]
1. Do not leave the discs near heat sources or expose them to direct
sunlight or excessive moisture
2. Do not touch the surface when handling the discs
3. Do not stick paper or tape on the discs
4. Do not write on the discs with a marker
[Misc Guidelines]
- Don't connect the Playstation to your Projection TV as it may cause
some serious TV problems, even perminent damage.
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e) Installation of your Playstation
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First plug in the power cord into your playstation and to an
outlet.
[Connecting to your TV]
Connect your "Playstation" to the TV using the supplied AV cable
matching the plug colors.
If your TV is monaural, do not connect the red plugs.
If your RV has S VIDEO INPUT connector, you can connect by using
SCPH-1100U S video cable.
After the connection process is complete consult your manual for
information for proper Video Input mode.
[Connecting to your VCR]
Connect your Playstation to the VCR using the supplied AV cable
matching the plug colors. If your VCR is monaural, do not connect
the red plugs.
After the connection process is complete consult the VCR and TV
manual to find out how to put it on the appropriate channel/or
input station.
[Connecting your Playstation with Aerial Input]
Connect your Playstation to aerial imput on the TV using the
optional SCPH-1121 RFU adapter follow these directions.
After it is connected set the channel switch on the RFU
adaptor and the channel selector of your TV to VHF channel
CH 3 or CH 4, whicheever is not active in your area.
[Connecting to a TV with connected VCR]
Connect your Playstation to the aerial input on the TV with connected
VCR using the optional SCPH-1121 RFU adaptor. In this case, the sound
will be monaural.
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f) Playstation "Blue Prints"
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| |
| ____________ |
| / \ |
| _ | | |
| /6\ | 4 | |
| \_/ | | ___ |
| ___ | | / 3 \ |
| / 5 \ \____________/ \___/ |
| \___/ |
| _________________ |
|_________||__1__| |__1___||_________|
|_________||__2__|___|__2___||_________|
1) Memory Card Slot: This is where the memory cards slide into, these
allow you to save your games and take em with you to friends. Great
for portable moving. MOST GAMES require you to have one of these to
be able to save your beloved game.
2) Control Slot: Allows up to two players, this is needed to play the
console obviously needed to play. There are many different
Playstation controllers which will be explained in the Components
section of this FAQ.
3) Open Button: Used to open the CD Cover to insert games.
4) Disc Cover: Used to protect the CD in the console so mean people
can't mess up your Playstation. Also used to protect you against
the console's lazer.
5) Power Button: humm...Do I have to explain this? ok, it is to turn
the console on.
6) Reset Button: Used to restart the game, in case you run into the
infamous playstation freezes.
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I I. T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g
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Q: There is no power going to the PSX, What’s going on?
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A: Make sure that he powercord is plugged into both a functional Wall
Socket and that it is all the way plugged into the back of the PSX.
If this doesn’t work, if you have another power adapter for the PSX,
try using that cord instead, if that doesn’t work or you don’t have
another adapter call SONY : 1-800-345-7699.
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Q: I am experiencing no picture, how do I fix it?
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A: Which ever AV/RFU Cable to the VCR/TV you have make sure it is
completely in then try it again, if it still doesn’t work try buying
a new one at the store they aren’t hard to find, if that still doesn’t
work you need to call SONY and get a replacement for your Playstation,
Also make sure you are matching it up correctly like Yellow with
Yellow, White with White, and Red with Red.
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Q: I am experiencing no sound.
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A: Try adjusting the TV Volume, or make sure that the TV is not on mute.
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Q: No Picture #2.
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A: You may be on the wrong channel for example on VCR's L1 is not the
correct channel if you have an L1 and L2, select L2 would make it work
in this situation, The General rule on TVs is Channel 3 or 4.
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Q: FMV (Full Motion Video Skip) or Sound Skips.
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A: This there are two solves for, one is permanent Solve another is a Temporary
Solve. This may also be a damaged CD like finger prints,
Scratches, etc. Solves for this situation is answered below.
Temporary Solve
Flip the system upside down while it is off with the disc in, and then
play it, this makes the laser closer to the disc making it easier for
the disc to be read. this is easiest to do from the permanent Solve.
Permanent Solve
You need to take apart the system (explained above). When you open it
look at the lens and where it is connected (Orange see-through
Connection) right by there will be two Small and I mean small screws.
First try turning the one screw labeled BIAS and move it slightly
clockwise, keep checking until you fix the problem. If this doesn't
work you can try the other one if you wish. It is highly recommended
you use a device that can tell you how much you have rotated the
screw so you can reverse in case you make it unbootable.
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Q: The CD has froze during gameplay.
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A: Have you been playing the game for say more than 3 hours?
If so there is probably I would say 80% chance that the System has
overheated so, I would give it a rest and then try it again in 30
minutes or 45 minutes. If you haven’t been playing it for a long
time then the Disc may be bad, the chances of the CD being dirty
and actually freezing the game is very rare because 99 percent of
the time dirt will make it skip not freeze it, so if you have not
played it for awhile I would suspect a defective CD, you may want
to call the company that made the game and ask about it.
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Q: My Game doesn’t start!
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A:Sometimes the disc can get so scratched up that the PSX will not
boot it! Check the CD see if it is scratched, if it is try using
toothpaste and rub it on the scratches this should help, however
I have never tried it. Also if the game does not have the label:
NTSC and U/C on it then the US PSX will not run it. You will need
to get the American version of the game. Another problem could be
is that the Lens is damaged you may have to buy a replacement
which is about 50 dollars from Sony.
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Q: Controller Fails to work
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A: Look at the description of the Console above and see if you have
put the Controller in the controller port, also make sure it is all
the way in, See if another controller works,if it does then the
Control was defective, if both do not work then the chances are that
the control ports are defective, contact Sony to get replacements.
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Q: The game that you have played before doesn’t work now.
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A: Try another disc, if that works the CD is probably dirty clean it
with water and a lint free cloth, or even try a little of dish
soap, just be sure to wipe it clean after! If it still doesn’t
work try toothpaste on the scratches, if this STILL doesn’t work
the cd is probably for good so just throw it away.
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Q: My PSX suddenly doesnt want to boot the CD I go to the
Memory Card/Audio CD Screen whats going on?
(This happens mostly in the first two models SCPH-100x SCPH-3xxx)
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A: Go to the above question about FMV/Sound Skipping..and use the
permanent solve, after you turn it put the case on it and try it
again, repeat until it starts working.
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Q: I have a delay right before the logo switches to black how do I
fix it?
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A: This is a delay in which the PSX Verifies it is a legal CD to use
on the PSX. you cant fix it, it is usually a longer delay after the
PSX has been played for a bit and is hot, also is longer on the early
versions of PSX, you cannot repair this problem.
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I I I. F r e q u e n t l y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s
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Q: What is a MOD Chip?
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A: A mod chip is a special chip which you install on the mainboard of
the PSX, that will bypass the CD Check and Area Check on the system,
allowing you to play imported games from other countries, and also
allowing you to use CDR CDs! (Warning: MOD Chips are illegal, also
copying Rented Games from a store is also Illegal)
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Q: I don’t want to pay for a MOD Chip is there any alternatives?
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A: Yes there is but I am not going to explain them.
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Q: How do I install a MOD Chip?
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A: I cant tell you but on the Resources section you can get
information on how to install one.
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Q: Does PSX really run Audio CDs?
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A: Yes it does, boot without the CD, then allow the screen to
show up insert your Audio Disk!
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Q: Does other European/Japan Games work on my American PSX?
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A: Nope! you need a mod chip or the Japan/European Game system.
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Q: Why does Sony have those annoying White/Black PSX Logos?
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A: The white screen is used just to get the system going...but
right before it turns black it verifies the CD by reading the CD
"Areacode" the PSX then scans the PSX Hardware to find out
what version of PSX it is (American/European/Japan, it gets
the Area Codes on the hardware then matches it up with the
Areacode on the CD to verify that it correctly matches if it
doesnt your CD doesnt work. They have them to check the CD
and see if it is a proper CD.
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Q: I hear that SCPH-500x or above has a 4x CDROM drive is this true?
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A: No this could be confusing because SCPH-500x has a totally new
look inside. Without a doubt SCPH-500x or above *do* outpreform
anything below a SCPH-500x, but this isnt because of a faster
CD-ROM drive it is because of Heat improvements and changes in
the inside stuff, so no If your model is SCPH-500x or above dont
get excited it still has its little 2x CDROM Drive.
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Q: I hear that Sony is adding "Anti-MOD" tech. to the PSX CDs is this
true?
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A: There is in fact a new technology that prevents old mods from
working, but now there is new Stealth Chips to bypass this.
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Q: Does Sony use "cheaper" RAM in later versions?
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A: Yes this is true..this would explain the decline in the PSX prices,
what does this mean? the ram in the later models does not preform
as well. The early models had better RAM, but this doesnt make it
noticable to the naked eye if the preformance with the "cheaper"
ram is worse than the "good" ram in the early models.
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Unpublished Work Copyright paranoidxe 2000-2001
