Retro GEM PS2 Fat Installation: Difference between revisions
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Starting May 2026 all future PS2 fat kits (Rev B) use a topside mount. This no longer requires the metal shield swap or power supply removal as needed before. The toslink port also remains intact. There is both a cut and not cut option, with the not cut being a new fan backplate. You can convert your original kit to the new style with a few different parts. All you need is the the mini extension: https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/mini-hdmi-extension-kit and the STL mount(s). | Starting May 2026 all future PS2 fat kits (Rev B) use a topside mount. This no longer requires the metal shield swap or power supply removal as needed before. The toslink port also remains intact. There is both a cut and not cut option, with the not cut being a new fan backplate. You can convert your original kit to the new style with a few different parts. All you need is the the mini extension: https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/mini-hdmi-extension-kit and the STL mount(s). | ||
https://docs.pixelfx.co/3D-Models/PS2F_Mount.stl | |||
https://docs.pixelfx.co/3D-Models/PS2F_Mini_10mm.stl | |||
Thanks to therealphoenix for originally designing the backplate: https://www.printables.com/model/394175-playstation-2-quiet-fan-mod-compatible-with-fans-f | Thanks to therealphoenix for originally designing the backplate: https://www.printables.com/model/394175-playstation-2-quiet-fan-mod-compatible-with-fans-f | ||
| Line 127: | Line 130: | ||
[[File:GH-026_CABLE_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-026_CABLE_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Solder the 5v line. | Solder the 5v line. | ||
| Line 141: | Line 145: | ||
Solder the adapter flex to the main flex. Do not bridge the 3V3 Jumper (circle in purple) if you have a GH-015. | Solder the adapter flex to the main flex. Do not bridge the 3V3 Jumper (circle in purple) if you have a GH-015. | ||
[[File:FLEXADAP_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:FLEXADAP_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
You will need to solder some extra wires as compared to the other fat installations. CLK, VSYNC, HSYNC, GND, 1.8V (GH-015 Only) | You will need to solder some extra wires as compared to the other fat installations. CLK, VSYNC, HSYNC, GND, 1.8V (GH-015 Only) | ||
| Line 147: | Line 151: | ||
Refer to the the pinout images and follow the hookups below. | Refer to the the pinout images and follow the hookups below. | ||
[[File:GH15_PINOUT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH15_PINOUT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
[[File:30KGH15_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:30KGH15_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Solder the first arm. | Solder the first arm. | ||
[[File:GH15_FINGER1_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH15_FINGER1_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Solder the second arm. | Solder the second arm. | ||
[[File:GH15_FINGER2_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH15_FINGER2_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Flip the flex as shown. | Flip the flex as shown. | ||
[[File:GH15_FLIP_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH15_FLIP_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Solder the last arm, this can be challenging. | Solder the last arm, this can be challenging. | ||
[[File:GH15_FINGER3_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH15_FINGER3_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Tape down the flex and solder the audio arm. | Tape down the flex and solder the audio arm. | ||
[[File:GH15_AUD_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH15_AUD_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Remove some of the solder mask for the GND layer and solder the flex cable down as shown. | Remove some of the solder mask for the GND layer and solder the flex cable down as shown. | ||
[[File:GH15_GND_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH15_GND_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Hookup the rest of wires, 1V8, 5V, 3V3, CLK, HSYNC and VSYNC. Use 30AWG or smaller wire for the CLK/HSYNC/VSYNC | Hookup the rest of wires, 1V8, 5V, 3V3, CLK, HSYNC and VSYNC. Use 30AWG or smaller wire for the CLK/HSYNC/VSYNC | ||
| Line 179: | Line 183: | ||
PAY EXTREMELY close attention to the 1V8 hook up on the flex. It is only connected to one side of the 3v3 jumper circled earlier. | PAY EXTREMELY close attention to the 1V8 hook up on the flex. It is only connected to one side of the 3v3 jumper circled earlier. | ||
[[File:GH15_HOOKUP2_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH15_HOOKUP2_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
== Installing the controller hookup == | == Installing the controller hookup == | ||
There are two ways to setup the controller hookup. | There are two ways to setup the controller hookup. Using the supplied flex or with wires. The flex pinout is the same on all motherboard revisions. Sometimes there are in components in the way that make soldering the flex even harder. | ||
You should only attempt to do the flex method if you have a stereoscopic microscope. Its difficult to solder so using 30AWG solid core wire is also recommend. | You should only attempt to do the flex method if you have a stereoscopic microscope. Its difficult to solder so using 30AWG solid core wire is also recommend. | ||
| Line 189: | Line 193: | ||
**If you plan to use wires for your controller installation you must update the firmware on the retro GEM after installation. The controller might not work initially, and this is expected with wires. You can update your firmware to the latest firmware using a CEC (Your TV remote), or the rescue system.** | **If you plan to use wires for your controller installation you must update the firmware on the retro GEM after installation. The controller might not work initially, and this is expected with wires. You can update your firmware to the latest firmware using a CEC (Your TV remote), or the rescue system.** | ||
=== | === Flex === | ||
Align the flex and solder into place. Confirm the traces are on the flex are facing up. | Align the flex and solder into place. Confirm the traces are on the flex are facing up. | ||
[[File:GH-023_CONFLEX.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-023_CONFLEX.JPG|500px]] | ||
Align the controller flex on the main flex and solder into place. (Make sure the traces are facing up) | Align the controller flex on the main flex and solder into place. (Make sure the traces are facing up) | ||
[[File:GH-023_CONFLEX2.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-023_CONFLEX2.JPG|500px]] | ||
=== Wires === | === Wires === | ||
| Line 204: | Line 207: | ||
Refer to your motherboards pin out and run wires from each alternative place to the main flex. | Refer to your motherboards pin out and run wires from each alternative place to the main flex. | ||
[[File:GH-023_CONWIRES_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-023_CONWIRES_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
=== GH-019 === | ==== GH-019 ==== | ||
[[File:GH-019_CON_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-019_CON_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
=== GH-022 === | ==== GH-022 ==== | ||
[[File:GH-022_CON_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-022_CON_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
=== GH-023 === | ==== GH-023 ==== | ||
[[File:GH-023_CON_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | |||
==== GH-026 ==== | |||
[[File:GH-026_CON_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | |||
== Installing the reset line == | == Installing the reset line == | ||
| Line 227: | Line 229: | ||
Run a line from the reset test point to the point on the flex. | Run a line from the reset test point to the point on the flex. | ||
[[File:GH-023_WIRE_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-023_WIRE_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Refer to your motherboard below: | Refer to your motherboard below: | ||
| Line 233: | Line 235: | ||
=== GH-015 === | === GH-015 === | ||
[[File:GH15_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH15_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
=== GH-019 === | === GH-019 === | ||
[[File:GH-019_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-019_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
=== GH-022 === | === GH-022 === | ||
[[File:GH-022_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-022_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
=== GH-023 === | === GH-023 === | ||
[[File:GH-023_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-023_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
=== GH-026 === | === GH-026 === | ||
[[File:GH-026_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GH-026_RST_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
== Testing == | == Testing == | ||
Its possible to test the console with it partially | Its possible to test the console with it partially dissembled. Be extremely careful, there will be live a/c mains. | ||
Before testing its highly recommend you test each pin to verify no pins are bridged. Use the pinouts page for support. | Before testing its highly recommend you test each pin to verify no pins are bridged. Use the pinouts page for support. | ||
| Line 264: | Line 262: | ||
Partial shorts (100ohm) are expected between ground and the power rails from bleed off resistors. | Partial shorts (100ohm) are expected between ground and the power rails from bleed off resistors. | ||
Before attaching the retro gem confirm the analog/composite video still work correctly. If you have any problems with composite this will signify you have bridged or | Before attaching the retro gem confirm the analog/composite video still work correctly. If you have any problems with composite this will signify you have bridged or disconnected pins. | ||
== Mounting the GEM Board== | |||
=== Rev A === | |||
For DTS and Dolby sound needs a special wire routed to the retro GEM. After removing the SPDIF port solder a small 6in wire as shown: | |||
[[File:GH-026_SPDIF.JPG|500px]] | |||
We will solder the other end of this wire after the GEM board is mounted. | |||
Bend the main flex as shown. | Bend the main flex as shown. | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_BEND_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_BEND_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Break apart the Plastic Panel | Break apart the Plastic Panel | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_PANEL_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_PANEL_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Attached the HDMI | Attached the HDMI extension and cover to the mount as shown. Use the M1.6 screws and nuts. Do not overtighten. | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_M16SCREW_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_M16SCREW_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_M16NUT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_M16NUT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Attach the Antenna | Attach the Antenna | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_ANTPLUG_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_ANTPLUG_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Remove the Toslink support mount on the metal shield: | Remove the Toslink support mount on the metal shield: | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_SUPPORT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_SUPPORT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
==== SCPH-5000X ==== | |||
Attach the top and bottom metal shield. Make sure to use the small spacer supplied with the 3D prints | Attach the top and bottom metal shield. Make sure to use the small spacer supplied with the 3D prints | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_SPACER_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_SPACER_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_SPACERSCREW_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_SPACERSCREW_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Attach the fan and mount: | Attach the fan and mount: | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_FAN_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_FAN_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_INS_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_INS_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Mount the power supply (don't forget the plastic insulator) but do not screw it into place. Test fit the GEM board. Some power supplies might have a metal shield or components that are in the way. The components can be tilted out of the way. If you have one with the heatsink shield in the way, this will have to be cut. | Mount the power supply (don't forget the plastic insulator) but do not screw it into place. Test fit the GEM board. Some power supplies might have a metal shield or components that are in the way. The components can be tilted out of the way. If you have one with the heatsink shield in the way, this will have to be cut. | ||
| Line 331: | Line 319: | ||
**Make sure the flex cable routes under the retro GEM mount** | **Make sure the flex cable routes under the retro GEM mount** | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_5K_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_5K_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_5K2_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_5K2_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Secure both the power supply and retro gem with the oem screws. | Secure both the power supply and retro gem with the oem screws. | ||
| Line 339: | Line 327: | ||
Route the flex cable as shown and insert into the FFC of the Retro GEM. | Route the flex cable as shown and insert into the FFC of the Retro GEM. | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_FFC5K_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_FFC5K_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Attach the Antenna as shown | Attach the Antenna as shown | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_ANTMOUNT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_ANTMOUNT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
==== SCPH-3900X w/ SCPH-5000X power supply & Shield ==== | |||
The 5000x shield shield needs this small tab bent flat: | The 5000x shield shield needs this small tab bent flat: | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_TAB_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_TAB_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
The power connector plastic on the mainboard needs to be trimmed as shown (Do not cut the pins): | The power connector plastic on the mainboard needs to be trimmed as shown (Do not cut the pins): | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_PLASTIC_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_PLASTIC_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Attach the top and bottom metal shield. Make sure to use the small spacer supplied with the 3D prints | Attach the top and bottom metal shield. Make sure to use the small spacer supplied with the 3D prints | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_SPACER.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_SPACER.JPG|500px]] | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_SPACERSCREW_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_SPACERSCREW_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Attach the fan and mount: | Attach the fan and mount: | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_FAN_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_FAN_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Mount the 5000x power supply (don't forget the plastic insulator) but do not screw it into place. Test fit the GEM board. Some power supplies might have a metal shield or components that are in the way. The components can be tilted out of the way. If you have one with the heatsink shield in the way, this will have to be cut. | Mount the 5000x power supply (don't forget the plastic insulator) but do not screw it into place. Test fit the GEM board. Some power supplies might have a metal shield or components that are in the way. The components can be tilted out of the way. If you have one with the heatsink shield in the way, this will have to be cut. | ||
| Line 376: | Line 360: | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_5K_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_5K_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Secure both the power supply and retro gem with the oem screws. | Secure both the power supply and retro gem with the oem screws. | ||
| Line 382: | Line 366: | ||
Route the flex cable as shown and insert into the FFC of the Retro GEM. | Route the flex cable as shown and insert into the FFC of the Retro GEM. | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_FFC5K_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_FFC5K_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Attach the Antenna as shown | Attach the Antenna as shown | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_ANTMOUNT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_ANTMOUNT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
| Line 392: | Line 376: | ||
</details> | </details> | ||
==== SCPH-3900X with REPS2 or similar power supply ==== | |||
Attached the 39000x mount feet using the supplied M3 nuts and screws. You will need a P0 Screw driver to fit inside the 3d printed hole. | Attached the 39000x mount feet using the supplied M3 nuts and screws. You will need a P0 Screw driver to fit inside the 3d printed hole. | ||
| Line 399: | Line 382: | ||
Use the longer M3 screw with this mount: | Use the longer M3 screw with this mount: | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_M3LONG_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_M3LONG_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_M3LONG2_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_M3LONG2_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Use the shorter M3 screw with this mount. | Use the shorter M3 screw with this mount. | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_M3SHORT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_M3SHORT_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Attach the top and bottom metal shield. Make sure to use the small spacer supplied with the 3D prints | Attach the top and bottom metal shield. Make sure to use the small spacer supplied with the 3D prints | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_SPACER_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_SPACER_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_SPACERSCREW_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_SPACERSCREW_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
Install the REPS2 or similar device now. Do not forget the flat plastic insulator. | Install the REPS2 or similar device now. Do not forget the flat plastic insulator. | ||
The power supply pins need to be cut shorter so it does not make contact with the GEM board. After install the power supply. Trim the pins. | |||
Install the GEM board as shown. Bend the arm on the right so the gem can slide in. Push the arm back in place and secure the GEM using the OEM power supply screws. | Install the GEM board as shown. Bend the arm on the right so the gem can slide in. Push the arm back in place and secure the GEM using the OEM power supply screws. | ||
| Line 422: | Line 404: | ||
**Make sure the flex cable routes under the retro GEM mount** | **Make sure the flex cable routes under the retro GEM mount** | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_METAL_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | [[File:GEM_PS2_METAL_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_METALBEND_SMALL.JPG|500px]] | |||
=== Rev B === | |||
Route the flex cable as shown and install the bottom shield. | |||
[[File:REVBPS2.JPEG|500px]] | |||
Install a small wire to the spdif port. | |||
[[File:REVBSPDIF.JPEG|500px]] | |||
==== Mini HDMI Mount ==== | |||
Now is the time to install the Mini HDMI connector. You can either choose a no cut 3d printed backplate or a cut option to the original back. | |||
===== No Cut ===== | |||
The following STL is needed for the back plate. Then the Mini HDMI can be installed with the supplied M2 screw and nut. | |||
https://docs.pixelfx.co/3D-Models/PS2F_Mini_10mm.stl | |||
===== Cut ===== | |||
Follow this video on how to perform cut installation. I use a 3/32 drill bit. There is no audio in the video. | |||
<youtube>MVjbdGNk-wo</youtube> | |||
==== GEM Mount ==== | |||
Depending on your version of heatsink you will need to mount the GEM in one of two ways. If mounting on the the metal shield use the supplied 3M UHD Tape. | |||
[[File:PS2FATREVB.JPEG|500px]] | |||
== Finishing up the SPDIF wire == | |||
Install the other end of the SPDIF wire to the GEM board on PIN 1 of Jumper F. | Install the other end of the SPDIF wire to the GEM board on PIN 1 of Jumper F. | ||
| Line 447: | Line 448: | ||
[[File:GEM_PS2_SPDIFWIRE.JPG|500px]]GEM_PS2_SPDIFWIRE.JPG) | [[File:GEM_PS2_SPDIFWIRE.JPG|500px]]GEM_PS2_SPDIFWIRE.JPG) | ||
Now would be another good time to test the installation and make sure everything is working well. All that is needed is the basic Reassembly. | Now would be another good time to test the installation and make sure everything is working well. All that is needed is the basic Reassembly. | ||
Latest revision as of 12:00, 13 May 2026
Introduction
Disclaimer
This kit is for **advanced installers only**. Install at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for damage to your console and/or kit. Each kit is individually tested and confirmed working before being shipped.
Important Information
Starting May 2026 all future PS2 fat kits (Rev B) use a topside mount. This no longer requires the metal shield swap or power supply removal as needed before. The toslink port also remains intact. There is both a cut and not cut option, with the not cut being a new fan backplate. You can convert your original kit to the new style with a few different parts. All you need is the the mini extension: https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/mini-hdmi-extension-kit and the STL mount(s).
https://docs.pixelfx.co/3D-Models/PS2F_Mount.stl https://docs.pixelfx.co/3D-Models/PS2F_Mini_10mm.stl
Thanks to therealphoenix for originally designing the backplate: https://www.printables.com/model/394175-playstation-2-quiet-fan-mod-compatible-with-fans-f
Please review the installation video. Always reference these install docs and use the video as an aid for techniques on how to preform the required steps.
Pre 39K (GH-015 Only) motherboards are now supported These require an additional flex that can be purchased here: https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-kit-replacement-parts This is a hard flex to install and should only be preformed by an experienced technician.
Some PS2 fat motherboards have a large crystal (18.432MHZ) in the way. The flex can still be installed with this crystal. However a low profile crystal with identical frequency can be used. IE: ECS-184-18-23A-EN-TR/2213742
Kit includes:
- PS2 Fat Main Flex
- PS2 Fat Controller Flex
- M1.6 Screw (2x)
- M1.6 Nut (2x)
- M2 Screw 10mm (Rev B)
- M2 Nut (Rev B)
- Heatsink 3D Print Mount (Rev B)
- 3M UHD Tape for some the "weird heatsink" (Rev B)
- Mini HDMI Extension Set (Rev B)
- PS2 HDMI Mount (Rev A)
- Plastic Mount (Rev A)
- Mini Flip HDMI Adapter (Rev A)
- M3 6m Screw (2x) (Rev A)
- M3 Nut (2x) (Rev A)
Items required
- Temperature Controlled Soldering Iron
- Lead Free Solder (Leaded solder is ok, but must solderwash)
- Non Corrosive, No Clean Flux (Amtech 559 / Kester 959T)
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Multi Meter
- Solder Braid / Desoldering Tools
- Small Phillips screw drivers
- Kapton Tape
GEM Jumpers
Use the online config tool to setup the jumpers for your retro gem. Just bridge the jumpers shown in the tool.
https://docs.pixelfx.co/fxdigital-config.html?c=ps2
The typical install procedure is:
1. Test the console
2. Teardown the console
3. PS2 Main board prep
4. PS2 Main Flex installation
5. PS2 Controller Flex Installation
6. Reset Hookup
7. Testing
8. Reassembly
PS2 Fat Main Board Prep
The 18.432MHZ crystal can be replaced if chosen at this time. There is no polarity on this part.
Components highlighted in yellow need to be removed. The areas marked in purple are where the flex will be soldered, Pay attention to the 5v and 3.3v areas.
If you have Rev A of this kit The toslink port also needs to be desoldered and removed.
GH-015
GH-019
GH-022
GH-023
GH-026
Installing the Main Flex
It is highly recommend you use lead free solder. The solder used in the PS2 has tin which can create micro cracks if leaded soldered is used and not mixed well. If you prefer to use leaded solder you need to wash the pins (mix) or remove the lead free solder all together. After installing many kits I personally prefer to just use lead free.
Refer to this image for the pinout:
GH-019 and higher
All 39K+ motherboards revisions have the same video and audio hookup points. The 3.3V and 5V can be different Please refer to these images in step 1 for hookup points. For the rest of the installation I will be installing into a GH-023. If your motherboard is different continue following but use the motherboard 3.3V and 5V hookups in the images above.
Add a small kapton tape to the following areas to make sure the flex does not short to any via.
Align the main flex and solder into place, also add kapton tape in this area so the 5v is not shorted.
Solder the 5v line.
Solder the audio flex leg to the audio ic.
GH-015
GH-015 motherboards (Pre 39K) require an additional flex that can be purchased here: [1](https://www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-kit-replacement-parts)
Solder the adapter flex to the main flex. Do not bridge the 3V3 Jumper (circle in purple) if you have a GH-015.
You will need to solder some extra wires as compared to the other fat installations. CLK, VSYNC, HSYNC, GND, 1.8V (GH-015 Only)
Refer to the the pinout images and follow the hookups below.
Solder the first arm.
Solder the second arm.
Flip the flex as shown.
Solder the last arm, this can be challenging.
Tape down the flex and solder the audio arm.
Remove some of the solder mask for the GND layer and solder the flex cable down as shown.
Hookup the rest of wires, 1V8, 5V, 3V3, CLK, HSYNC and VSYNC. Use 30AWG or smaller wire for the CLK/HSYNC/VSYNC
PAY EXTREMELY close attention to the 1V8 hook up on the flex. It is only connected to one side of the 3v3 jumper circled earlier.
Installing the controller hookup
There are two ways to setup the controller hookup. Using the supplied flex or with wires. The flex pinout is the same on all motherboard revisions. Sometimes there are in components in the way that make soldering the flex even harder.
You should only attempt to do the flex method if you have a stereoscopic microscope. Its difficult to solder so using 30AWG solid core wire is also recommend.
- If you plan to use wires for your controller installation you must update the firmware on the retro GEM after installation. The controller might not work initially, and this is expected with wires. You can update your firmware to the latest firmware using a CEC (Your TV remote), or the rescue system.**
Flex
Align the flex and solder into place. Confirm the traces are on the flex are facing up.
Align the controller flex on the main flex and solder into place. (Make sure the traces are facing up)
Wires
Refer to your motherboards pin out and run wires from each alternative place to the main flex.
GH-019
GH-022
GH-023
GH-026
Installing the reset line
Run a line from the reset test point to the point on the flex.
Refer to your motherboard below:
GH-015
GH-019
GH-022
GH-023
GH-026
Testing
Its possible to test the console with it partially dissembled. Be extremely careful, there will be live a/c mains.
Before testing its highly recommend you test each pin to verify no pins are bridged. Use the pinouts page for support.
Partial shorts (100ohm) are expected between ground and the power rails from bleed off resistors.
Before attaching the retro gem confirm the analog/composite video still work correctly. If you have any problems with composite this will signify you have bridged or disconnected pins.
Mounting the GEM Board
Rev A
For DTS and Dolby sound needs a special wire routed to the retro GEM. After removing the SPDIF port solder a small 6in wire as shown:
We will solder the other end of this wire after the GEM board is mounted.
Bend the main flex as shown.
Break apart the Plastic Panel
Attached the HDMI extension and cover to the mount as shown. Use the M1.6 screws and nuts. Do not overtighten.
Attach the Antenna
Remove the Toslink support mount on the metal shield:
SCPH-5000X
Attach the top and bottom metal shield. Make sure to use the small spacer supplied with the 3D prints
Attach the fan and mount:
Mount the power supply (don't forget the plastic insulator) but do not screw it into place. Test fit the GEM board. Some power supplies might have a metal shield or components that are in the way. The components can be tilted out of the way. If you have one with the heatsink shield in the way, this will have to be cut.
- Make sure the flex cable routes under the retro GEM mount**
Secure both the power supply and retro gem with the oem screws.
Route the flex cable as shown and insert into the FFC of the Retro GEM.
Attach the Antenna as shown
SCPH-3900X w/ SCPH-5000X power supply & Shield
The 5000x shield shield needs this small tab bent flat:
The power connector plastic on the mainboard needs to be trimmed as shown (Do not cut the pins):
Attach the top and bottom metal shield. Make sure to use the small spacer supplied with the 3D prints
Attach the fan and mount:
Mount the 5000x power supply (don't forget the plastic insulator) but do not screw it into place. Test fit the GEM board. Some power supplies might have a metal shield or components that are in the way. The components can be tilted out of the way. If you have one with the heatsink shield in the way, this will have to be cut.
- Make sure the flex cable routes under the retro GEM mount**
- The power supply pins need to be cut shorter so it does not make contact with the gem board. After install the power supply. Trim the pins.**
Secure both the power supply and retro gem with the oem screws.
Route the flex cable as shown and insert into the FFC of the Retro GEM.
Attach the Antenna as shown
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SCPH-3900X with REPS2 or similar power supply
Attached the 39000x mount feet using the supplied M3 nuts and screws. You will need a P0 Screw driver to fit inside the 3d printed hole.
Use the longer M3 screw with this mount:
Use the shorter M3 screw with this mount.
Attach the top and bottom metal shield. Make sure to use the small spacer supplied with the 3D prints
Install the REPS2 or similar device now. Do not forget the flat plastic insulator.
The power supply pins need to be cut shorter so it does not make contact with the GEM board. After install the power supply. Trim the pins.
Install the GEM board as shown. Bend the arm on the right so the gem can slide in. Push the arm back in place and secure the GEM using the OEM power supply screws.
- Make sure the flex cable routes under the retro GEM mount**
Rev B
Route the flex cable as shown and install the bottom shield.
Install a small wire to the spdif port.
Mini HDMI Mount
Now is the time to install the Mini HDMI connector. You can either choose a no cut 3d printed backplate or a cut option to the original back.
No Cut
The following STL is needed for the back plate. Then the Mini HDMI can be installed with the supplied M2 screw and nut.
https://docs.pixelfx.co/3D-Models/PS2F_Mini_10mm.stl
Cut
Follow this video on how to perform cut installation. I use a 3/32 drill bit. There is no audio in the video.
GEM Mount
Depending on your version of heatsink you will need to mount the GEM in one of two ways. If mounting on the the metal shield use the supplied 3M UHD Tape.
Finishing up the SPDIF wire
Install the other end of the SPDIF wire to the GEM board on PIN 1 of Jumper F.
GEM_PS2_SPDIFWIRE.JPG)
Now would be another good time to test the installation and make sure everything is working well. All that is needed is the basic Reassembly.