[ISSUE]: PS2 slim 79003 converted to DTL-H79001 does not play NTSC PS1 backups

[uxdxdev]

Checks

• I provided nvram backup file
• I provided sticker photo

Console model

SCPH-79003

Describe the issue

PS2 slim 79003 converted to DTL-H79001 does not play NTSC PS1 backups

nvm.bin file for 79003.zip

I have a 77003 and a 75003 converted to their NTSC equivalents, DTL-H77001 and DTL-H75001, using Mechapawn v2 and they both play the same NTSC ps1 backup disc with no problems. But my 79003 converted to DTL-H79001 using Mechapawn v2 and Mechapawn v3 RC4 does not play the NTSC ps1 backup disc.

The converted 79003 to DTL-H79001 does however play the original NTSC ps1 disc with no issues, so it's just the backup disc it won't play.

[uxdxdev]

If I set "Diagnosis" to "on" my DTL-H79001 will read the NTSC ps1 back up disc fine, this needs to be done every time I reset the console.

When "Diagnosis" is set to "off" the disc read error is displayed in the browser view, and there is a clicking sound.

Does this mean I need to replace/clean the laser? I'm guessing the "Diagnosis" option does something to the laser to allow it to read the silver backup CDs? adjusts focus maybe? and when "Diagnosis" is not "on" the laser is too worn to work correctly?

[AKuHAK]

Yes, diagnosis can help only if your cd laser is near to death.

[uxdxdev]

Yes, diagnosis can help only if your cd laser is near to death.

Thank you @AKuHAK , can you expand on what "near death" means? I'd imagine lasers don't "wear out" but instead maybe voltage changes to the laser affecting laser strength? or are there some mechanical elements in the laser component that wear out over time?

I'm wondering if I just clean the laser lens will this restore it to full working order? I will do this to test of coarse but would like to know what else might help without completely replacing the laser component