Easiest way to play import/backup PS1 games on a console?

[aboblyndsae]

I have:
PlayStation model 9001 (without the port that plugmods use)
fat PlayStation 2 with the front cover of the drive removed for slide card purposes

One of the games I specifically want to play is Vib-Ribbon, so something like the PSX-Change or other disc-swap method is out of the question.

As far as I can tell, my best option is this modchip: http://www.modchip.ca/store/product.php?productid=16151&cat=256&page=1

I can't find information on how to install it anywhere, just places selling it or people commenting on how easy it is.

I have never soldered anything, I have never seen anyone solder anything, I don't know anyone who has soldered anything, and I don't have access to a soldering iron.

What exactly would I need to do to install this modchip should I decide to go that route? Or is there a better solution that I have not considered?

[aboblyndsae]

Sorry, I just noticed you have an import forum. If a mod could move this there, I'd appreciate it.

[The 1 2 P]

Why can't you use the PSX-Change to play Vib Ribbon on your PS1? Unless you are constantly changing disc it should work just fine.

[Haoie]

As noted just above me, a boot disc is a good option, and no messing with wires or soldering.

Note it does have issues with multi disc games. But if you don't play those, no worries.

[aboblyndsae]

Vib-Ribbon generates levels from music CDs you swap in. This does not work if you're using PSXChange (with the spring or tab) as it doesn't register that the drive has been opened. Same problem as with multi-disc games.

[Cauterize]

Youre much better off getting an older PS1 with the ports on the back and a a PS1 Smart Cartridge.
The demand for PS1 consoles is extremely low right now. At least in the UK, were talking no more than £5 for a working console + leads. The modchip would probably cost you more in the long run.

[Daria]

You need one of these babies:

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/7453/psxdebug1ds9.jpg

[Nebagram]

Youre much better off getting an older PS1 with the ports on the back and a a PS1 Smart Cartridge.
The demand for PS1 consoles is extremely low right now. At least in the UK, were talking no more than £5 for a working console + leads. The modchip would probably cost you more in the long run.

Hell, I picked up a fully-modded fully-import capable PSOne model, CIB and everything for £25. They're not hard to come by.

[roushimsx]

Go with the modchip that you linked to. It's a fairly painless install, though if you're extra shaky with a soldering iron then have a buddy with steady hands do it. The PS1 is a fun system to practice soldering on anyway (if you screw it up, it's cheap to buy another one!) :)

Stealth chips are totally the way to go for importing stuff. The only people that ever got fucked over by the mod chip protection in games (like Bust a Move 2, Biohazard 3, etc) were legitimate users (cracks were available online within days). I not-so-fondly recall having to disc swap Biohazard 3 when it came out in my old PS1 because my newer one that I typically played games on was chipped with a non-stealth chip. Boo-urns!

I'll dig around and see if I can find the instructions for installing that sucker for you. A soldering iron + a little solder isn't terribly expensive and might come in handy if you ever need to pop a chip in any other consoles (Saturn, PS2, whatever).

edit - Hello World (http://www.modchip.ca/install/ps/9001/9001.php)

[PapaStu]

I moved this to the import forum, though it could just as easily have gone into Tech & Resto.

Since you're adverse to modding, just hunt down a Japanese unit. They are cheap enough to get and then you won't have to worry about getting a soldering iron or anything else.

I'd suggest the debug route as Daria mentioned, but they arn't as easy to get as they used to be.

[The 1 2 P]

You need one of these babies:

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/7453/psxdebug1ds9.jpg

These aren't nearly as cheap as an import convertor, but they would do the trick nicely.....if he could find one. I'm never selling mine, unless I get a really good offer:D

[Daria]

These aren't nearly as cheap as an import convertor, but they would do the trick nicely.....if he could find one. I'm never selling mine, unless I get a really good offer:D

Yeah I hadn't realized that they'd gone up. I paid $80 for mine and remembered that I didn't get a deal. Still it's the sexiest route to playing import PSOne games.

[The 1 2 P]

Yeah I hadn't realized that they'd gone up. I paid $80 for mine and remembered that I didn't get a deal. Still it's the sexiest route to playing import PSOne games.

I think import convertors are sexy regardless of which system you use them for. For the PS1, I would also recommend the Net Yaroza systems which are completely region free rather they are ntsc/Us, ntsc/Jap or pal. I got a really good deal on one a few years ago for about $70 and it was basically complete without the main box.

[ProgrammingAce]

I really recomend against using dev systems for imports. For one, they *aren't* identical hardware (different graphics chip in this case). Two, they're far more expensive then just buying a different PS1 with a plug on the back.

Different topic, but i still don't really get why some people are so dead set against mod chips...

[ProgrammingAce]

Huh, haven't done a double post in a while...