Messiah & PS2 Laser Clicks

[Mr. Buffet]

Charlie,

(sorry long post)

To pick up on what you say above, I have a wierd problem (I've asked you before, and tried your recommendations) - that is somewhat different but still quite related...

I have a NTSC V4 datecode 1B with a Messiah (NTSC fix and everything) installed as per the instructions with the Messiah PCB fixed to the PS2 mainboard as can be seen on http://www.china-messiah.com (so you can figure how long the wires are). Wires used are UDMA 100 for all with exception of +3V, RESET, GND and SCEX which is UDMA 66 cable.

Now after the install my DVD drive makes a mechanical clicking noise when I try to load a game (both originals , imports and backups on DVD and CDR) or watch a movie, and returns a disc read error. If I press the reset button once, while it is 'clicking' it actually loads the game / plays the movie with no hick-ups what so ever.

When the clicking sound appears I can see the laser assembly moving from the center of the disc towards the outside of the dics, and while one would think it is trying to focus - it does not *AT ALL* look like it actually tries to focus, and it only makes it ~ 1/2 inch from the center-most position of the disc when the mechanical click sound appears and the assembly moves back - this repeats itself a few times, and then the PS2 reports a disc read error. Focussing works fine when the RESET have been pressed once.

I checked all connections and they seem fine, I reseated all the ribbon cables and they look good too.

I have cleaned the lens -- no result...

Now the big questions are;

1. Could this just be a case of laser misalignment / need for a laser azimuth calibration ?

2. Have I fried something during install (a couple of components around the SCEX solder point did get heated) ?

3. Is this serious enough to warrant a repair - I mean the console is working after I press reset once...? -- If you think it is serious enough to warrant a repair, do you know somebody how has a technical readout values on the components around the SCEX solder point, so I can verify if this is the problem -- I'll gladly pay for the information if you / your contact would require me to do so.

Help is much appreciated...