Need advice on repairing a ps1

[erehwon]

This ps1 is a garage sale find. I've opened it up and it seems that there could be a modchip inside. The problem with this ps1 is that it doesn't always play. It's only played a few times for me. The other times when I start it, I only get a black screen. A few times when I have gotten it to at least start up, it's locked up on the white sony screen or the black playstation screen.

I have gotten a backup to play once, but only once. I'm only trying to deal with backups because my copy of Valkyrie Profile has a bad disk 2. I really need to be able to get this unit playing since I don't really have the money to get another copy of VP. So, I really need some help in figuring this out.

[omnedon]

You first need to know if it reads originals with any consistency.

If so, and it's chipped, the chip is fine. That leaves the laser.

[erehwon]

You first need to know if it reads originals with any consistency.

If so, and it's chipped, the chip is fine. That leaves the laser.
It does read originals, but the problem is getting to read anything with consistancy. I'll start it up and it'll play. If I reset it or turn it off and back on, I'll just get a black screen. If I wait a little bit, it might start playing again. These are just my observations with it while testing it. I haven't used it for playing yet.

[omnedon]

If it won't read orioginals with any consistency, it's very likely got a weak laser that needs replacing.

[erehwon]

Thanks for the help. I also tried adjusting that little thing on the lens that controls how much power going to it. I found something about that in a guide I found on some other site. I figured I didn't have much to loose. It didn't work and I set it back.

So, I guess I'm going to have to find a place where I can buy a new one.

[Candycab]

Could also be the powersupply or the main board taking a dump.

http://www.geocities.com/psxrepair/basic.html?200722