Installation Guide

This guide walks you through installing ArcStation hardware in a PlayStation 1 console. For SD-card setup, supported disc-image formats, and everyday use, see the User Manual.

Prerequisites

• PlayStation 1 console
• Phillips head screwdriver
• ArcStation device
• Cables (included)

ArcStation includes three cable types (six pieces total). Whether you need all of them depends on your PlayStation 1 motherboard revision. Read the next section before you start routing cables.

Console differences

Although all PlayStation 1 consoles are broadly compatible, connector placement and connector types (latching vs non-latching) vary between motherboard revisions.

You’ll need to select the correct motherboard revision so the diagrams and steps match your console. The model number printed on the case (SCPH-XXXX) is not always enough: the same model number can ship with different motherboards.

PSone exception: all PSone revisions follow the same steps — you can select PSone directly.

Disassembling the PlayStation

The following steps explain how to disassemble the console.

Danger

On all “fat” models (everything except PSone), the power supply is inside the console on the left side. Even unplugged, it can retain a dangerous charge. Do not touch the power supply board or exposed metal. Follow the POWER-cable instructions exactly.

1. Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet.
2. Disconnect all cables. Remove gamepads and memory cards.
3. Remove any disc from the console.
4. Place a soft cloth on the table to avoid scratching the case, then turn the console upside down on the cloth.
5. Remove the six screws on the bottom of the case.
6. Turn the console right-side up and lift off the top case. It should come off easily—don’t force it. If it doesn’t move, double-check that all screws are removed.

Select PlayStation revision

The easiest way to identify the motherboard revision is to look at:

• where the CD-ROM connectors sit on the motherboard, and
• the shape of the metal shield plate.

Compare your console to the diagrams below and select the matching revision.

PU-8

SCPH-100X, SCPH-300X, SCPH-350X, SCPH-500X

PU-18, PU-20

SCPH-550X, SCPH-555X, SCPH700X, SCPH-750X

PU-22, PU-23

SCPH-750X, SCPH-900X

PM-41 ✓

SCPH-10X

Prepare cables

Prepare the necessary cables. Make sure you’ve selected the correct motherboard revision in the previous step, because the rest of this guide depends on it.

For PSone, you will only need two cables from the ArcStation package. You’ll find them in a zip bag with the corresponding label:

• 1 × OPTICAL 16-pin flat cable
• 1 × MOTORS 4-pin cable

Feature compatibility

ArcStation feature availability depends on which cables you connect:

• Virtual Memory Card requires SIO0
• Reset via gamepad requires POWER + SIO0
• Uplink communication improves with SIO0 (without it, uplink is slower)

To learn more, see Cable reference.

Remove the CD-ROM drive

As the first step, remove the CD-ROM drive. Do this carefully—avoid touching the lens, and unplug the drive’s flat ribbon cable gently (it’s fragile). Handle the drive with care if you plan to reinstall it later.

1. Locate the MOTORS cable (4-wire cable) going from the CD-ROM drive to the motherboard. Unplug it by gripping the wires as close to the connector as possible (right where they enter the plug), then pull straight out. If it won’t come out easily, gently rock the plug side-to-side while pulling.

2. Locate the OPTICAL cable (16-wire flat ribbon cable) going from the CD-ROM drive to the motherboard.

   This revision has a non-latching connector. Pull the cable out by holding it as close to the connector as possible. Don’t use excessive force—if it doesn’t move, gently rock it side-to-side while pulling.

3. Lift out the CD-ROM drive. It is not screwed down; it’s held in place by the top case you removed earlier.

4. Store the CD-ROM drive in a box to prevent dust buildup on the lens.

Install ArcStation

This section covers region selection, connecting ArcStation, and installing it in place of the CD-ROM drive.

Set region

Set ArcStation’s region to match your console using the DIP switch on the bottom of the device. A small table printed next to the switch shows the valid combinations.

Marking on silkscreen	Region	Left switch	Right switch
EU	PAL	↑	↑
JP	NTSC-J	↓	↑
US	NTSC-U	↑	↓
—	None / modchip	↓	↓

The “↑ / ↓” arrows refer to the switch position as printed on the case. (The USB connector is on the left when the DIP switch is oriented upright.)

Note

If you’re not sure you set it correctly—or you’ve already assembled the console and forgot—check the LED display during startup. It shows E (EU), J (JP), U (US), or C (None / modchip).

You can also power ArcStation from USB to verify the region before installing it.

Connect cables to ArcStation

Connect the cables you prepared earlier to ArcStation.

1. Connect the OPTICAL ribbon cable to ArcStation. Open the latch by flipping up the black locking bar, insert the ribbon with the blue stripe facing up, then close the latch while holding the ribbon fully seated. Either end of the ribbon cable can be used.

2. Connect the MOTORS cable to ArcStation. This connector is keyed, so it only fits in one orientation.

Connect ArcStation to PlayStation

This section guides you through connecting ArcStation to the console.

1. Connect the OPTICAL ribbon cable to the motherboard OPTICAL connector (where the CD-ROM optical ribbon was connected).

   This revision has a non-latching connector. Insert the ribbon fully into the connector.

   Make sure you insert the ribbon in the correct orientation. The blue stripe should face the rear (AV port side) of the console.

2. Connect the MOTORS cable to the motherboard connector where the CD-ROM MOTORS cable was connected.

Install ArcStation in place of the CD-ROM

Now that everything is connected, do some cable management:

• Put gentle 90° bends in the flat ribbon cables where needed to route them cleanly.
• Avoid sharp creases and repeated fold/unfold cycles (flat cables are fragile).

After routing the cables, place ArcStation onto the three plastic posts on the console case. The posts (1) are arranged so ArcStation fits in only one orientation.

This isn’t always the most convenient orientation. The original CD-ROM drive works in any orientation, but ArcStation has an SD-card slot and LED display that are easier to access in the intended orientation.

ArcStation’s case is designed to be installed upright (SD-card slot at the bottom). This matches most “fat” revisions (SCPH-550x through SCPH-900x).

When installed in PSone, ArcStation ends up upside down. This is expected and allows the same design to fit all revisions, including early “fat” models, late “fat” models, and PSone. You can rotate the LED display 180° in settings (see the User Manual).

Test boot

Reinstall the top case (or at least press it down so the lid switch is held closed). The console won’t attempt to boot unless the lid switch is pressed.

Power on the console. If you see the Sony logo followed by the PlayStation boot animation, installation is successful.

Reassemble the PlayStation and proceed to the User Manual to learn how to use ArcStation.

If not, go through the troubleshooting section below.

Troubleshooting

BIOS menu (“No Disc”)

If you see the BIOS menu with Memory Card and CD Player options, check the following:

• The lid switch is pressed. If you haven’t screwed the case back together yet, press down on the top case so the lid switch is held closed, or press the switch manually.
• OPTICAL and MOTORS cables are connected and fully seated. Check both ends (ArcStation and motherboard).
• The OPTICAL ribbon may be damaged. Flat cables are fragile—repeated bending can break them. Try replacing the OPTICAL ribbon. ArcStation includes one spare flat cable for this reason.

“Please Insert PlayStation CD-ROM”

If you see “Please Insert PlayStation CD-ROM” (or a disc icon / blinking Reset button, depending on BIOS version):

• Make sure the region set on ArcStation’s DIP switch matches your console’s region.
• If your console has a modchip, try setting the DIP switch to None / modchip.

Note

With a modchip installed and the DIP switch set to None / modchip, you may not be able to play games from other regions on PSone and some Japanese “fat” models.

If it still doesn’t work, contact support at support@arcstation.net.