Cables
This page describes what each cable does when connecting ArcStation to a PlayStation.
On most PlayStation 1 revisions, connecting just two cables (MOTORS and OPTICAL) is enough for basic CD-ROM emulation (similar to the original CD-ROM drive). However, early models (PU-8 motherboard) do not provide enough power over the OPTICAL cable alone. Also, some ArcStation features are unavailable unless additional cables are connected.
Read the sections below to understand which cables are required for your console revision and what functionality each connection enables.
Cable function
Section titled “Cable function”| Cable | Description | Function | ArcStation use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORS | 4-wire cable with a small JST connector. Connects the CD-ROM drive to the motherboard. | Carries spindle and sled motor signals. | Used for CD-ROM emulation. |
| OPTICAL | 16-wire flat ribbon cable. Connects the CD-ROM drive to the motherboard. | Carries optical pickup signals. | Used for CD-ROM emulation, and can provide power when the POWER cable is not connected. |
| SIO0 | 10-wire flat ribbon cable. Connects the front peripherals daughterboard to the motherboard. | Carries gamepad and memory card signals. | Used for Virtual Memory Card, uplink communication, and reading gamepad state for reset via gamepad. |
| POWER | 5- or 7-wire cable (depends on console revision) with a JST connector. | Carries power and the reset signal. | Used to provide power and to send reset for reset via gamepad. |
Console connection capabilities and requirements
Section titled “Console connection capabilities and requirements”Some console revisions require certain connections, while others lack specific connectors. The tables below summarize your options.
SCPH-100x, SCPH-300x, SCPH-350x, SCPH-500x (PU-8)
Section titled “SCPH-100x, SCPH-300x, SCPH-350x, SCPH-500x (PU-8)”| Cable | Requirement |
|---|---|
| MOTORS | Required |
| OPTICAL | Required |
| SIO0 | Optional, but highly recommended (uplink is very slow without it on this revision). |
| POWER | Required (PU-8 does not provide enough power over OPTICAL alone). |
SCPH-550x, SCPH-700x, SCPH-900x (PU-18 and later)
Section titled “SCPH-550x, SCPH-700x, SCPH-900x (PU-18 and later)”| Cable | Requirement |
|---|---|
| MOTORS | Required |
| OPTICAL | Required |
| SIO0 | Optional, but recommended. |
| POWER | Optional, but recommended. |
SCPH-10x (PSone)
Section titled “SCPH-10x (PSone)”| Cable | Requirement |
|---|---|
| MOTORS | Required |
| OPTICAL | Required |
| SIO0 | Not supported without soldering (this revision does not have an SIO0 connector). |
| POWER | Not supported without soldering (this revision does not have a POWER connector). |