PS2 SCPH-39001 - KHS-400C laser replacement?

[pool7]

So, I recently bought a used SCPH-39001.
After doing some tests, it seems the laser is not working as it should: it doesn't read PS1 CDs, PS2 CDs/DVDs; however it seems to read (sometimes) DVD-Rs (yes, it has a modchip; not sure which one though).

I've seen (supposedly) original KHS-400C lasers in MercadoLibre (local eBay) and eBay for over USD 50, which is plain crazy.
So, I'll go with a generic/clone laser.

My questions are:
1-I've read there's a KHS-400M laser. Would that be compatible? (I don't think so, but I thought I'd ask)
2-Any suggestions to look for when buying a generic laser?
3-Can anyone provide a picture of an original KHS-400C laser? (I'm suspecting the one in my PS2 is not original)
4-Any suggestions as to where to get the laser from?

Thanks in advance.

[feder]

Last week I replaced the lens in my SCPH-50k, it had a KHS-400C too.

1-There is no KHS-400M, but there is a third party laser, the KHS-400Q. It replaces both the KHS-400B and KHS-400C, but I haven't seen one for sale in ages.
2-Just make sure it's the laser you need.
3-I have the dead laser I pulled out of the console, I'll post a photo later.
4-I got the laser here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320919879782...84.m1497.l2649

I've been using the console for a week now, the laser reads every DVD/CD perfectly and has no problem detecting any tipe of disc, but I don't know how long it will last.

Regarding the MercadoLibre "original" lasers. I'm from Argentina too, and those lasers are NOT original, they are just extremly overpriced generic lasers. Don't waste your time with local sellers, they will rip you off.

[l_oliveira]

Actually there is a 400M, made by the same pirates who make the Q. I think it's a version that mimics the heavier lens from the Sanyo SF-HD7 laser.

Edit: I have an 400Q here and it's build with generic laser diode, laser photodiodes and standard DVD lens parts. But under it there's a special chip which takes these inputs and transform on the proprietary format used by the PS2 single chip laser diodes+photodiodes. :)

[pool7]

@feder
Don't worry, I wasn't planning on paying the 550 pesos (some USD 120) they were asking in ML... :)
How long did shipping take?
Most items I buy from US/UK take 2 to 3 weeks.

@l_oliveira
As usual, thanks for the info :)

[feder]

It took about 20 days to arrive. It came in a small white box, it had a lot of bubblewrap inside to protect the lens.

[pool7]

Excellent; I just ordered one :)
I hope I get both the laser and the HDD so I can start working on this PS2 right away ^_^

[pool7]

I finally received the laser and installed it successfully (it was quite a pain to get the flat cable in).
The first original DVD game I tried (FFX) didn't work (it kept on reading it; the disc is mint with no scratches). I then tried some other original PS1/PS2 CDs/DVDs and everything is working :)

There is one thing that concerns me though, which I realized after I installed and tried the laser:
I was looking at the item description in eBay, and it has the following line:
Special Note:
Before install it, please remove the solder joint which is designed originally for antistatic disturbance.

Is this a must? Will the laser (or console) get damaged if I don't remove the solder joint?
Can someone help me with a picture pointing to this solder joint, so I can easily identify it and remove it?

[l_oliveira]

Special Note:
Before install it, please remove the solder joint which is designed originally for antistatic disturbance.

Is this a must? Will the laser (or console) get damaged if I don't remove the solder joint?
Can someone help me with a picture pointing to this solder joint, so I can easily identify it and remove it?

It would not power the laser up if the solder joins were short as they actually short the laser diodes.

[pool7]

So it's not supposed to work until I remove the solder joint?
Would you mind explaining (preferrably with a picture) where is the solder joint that I should remove?
(sorry, I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to electronics...)

[l_oliveira]

http://china-webstore.over-blog.com/...-11326674.html

This. You're supposed to remove the blob of solder with the soldering iron only after the laser is installed and the flat cable is connected.

[pool7]

I'm glad I was thinking about buying a soldering iron; however I find that non-practical for most people (I know, I know, laser replacement is not supposed to be done by end users...).
Did they really have to include that to protect the laser?
Couldn't they do it in a way that did not involve the soldering iron?
Just saying...

As usual, thanks Leo!