PS2: No rumbly

[davidbrit2]

This is odd. My PS2 suddenly refuses to power the motors in Dual Shock controllers. It won't run them on either port, and I tested the controllers on a PS1, and they're fine. Is there a motor power supply fuse I should be looking for somewhere in the PS2?

[Gamereviewgod]

Personally, I'd love to see that happen to mine. Has to be the most annoying feature ever. Loved it for Star Fox, but now it's just dumb.

Oh, how to fix it? I have no idea.

[§ Gideon §]

Gamereviewgod: Killing the rumble has got to be the easiest mod ever! Open the controller and snip two wires; it's fun, so try it!

[davidbrit2]

Normally I don't really care for it, but Rez just isn't Rez without the controller spazzing out in your hands. Heh.

[Mr. Smashy]

If memory serves, you probably have a problem with a surface-mount fuse. I'm not too handy with this kind of thing but I would imagine that your questions would be better suited for the fine folks at the Technical and Restoration Society.

[davidbrit2]

Good call. I'll see what they have to say over there if I don't see anything like that on the board.

[omnedon]

I can confirm that it is indeed a blown SMF fuse. The location depends on version of PS2. The SMF is mounted directly on the mobo, and requires very fine soldering skills, and a proper replacement SMF.

Not only is your rumble gone, but with that function loss, you have also lost multi-tap compatibility, and compatibility with some other controllers like some DDR pads, wheels, and perhaps the eyetoy.

I've repaired it a number of times. There are others on this forum that can do it too. getting the fuses is half the battle. I do have spares if you want one, and are skilled with an iron.

:)

[davidbrit2]

Ah, excellent, thanks for the information.

I s'pose I could just short the fuse solder points if I get desperate... ;-) Would this work, and would there be any really nasty side effects?

[omnedon]

Well, whatever caused the fuse to blow in the first place (faulty controller/ third party controller) could take your mobo with it I suppose, if you simply bridge it. Might not. It's your PS2...

No gaurantees.

Where's jjessop when we need him? LOL

[§ Gideon §]

Oohoohoo. You're an animal, davidbrit!

[davidbrit2]

Yeah, I'm kind of wary about doing that, too. I had a memory card get fried, and I think the two incidents are probably related in some way. Maybe I'll poke around with the multimeter.

[dreamcaster]

Gamereviewgod: Killing the rumble has got to be the easiest mod ever! Open the controller and snip two wires; it's fun, so try it!

Y'know, the easier (and less destructive option) is to just switch off the 'vibration' feature on your in-game menus. :roll:

[§ Gideon §]

If it were that easy, why doesn't Gamereviewgod know that? I think there are some games that don't allow this option.

Plus, cutting wires is fun! You cut wires and immediately you are a l337 hax0r who modz and is cool.

[zmweasel]

If it were that easy, why doesn't Gamereviewgod know that? I think there are some games that don't allow this option.

I'd be shocked if you or anyone else could give an example of a PS2 game with vibration effects and without a vibration on/off option, seeing as the latter is apparently an SCEA (Sony Computer Entertainment America) technical requirement for any PS2 game with the former.

-- Z.

[djbeatmongrel]

If it were that easy, why doesn't Gamereviewgod know that? I think there are some games that don't allow this option.

Plus, cutting wires is fun! You cut wires and immediately you are a l337 hax0r who modz and is cool.

agreed