Fatcat.Co open again:
Back again.... There will be a few days delay in replying to emails, sorting out orders or getting your console back until I catch up. 

So please bear with me.
 

New cell phone number
Due to a change in service provider, I now have a Vodafone number.

021-300547 

The old Telecom 025-2807068 will be terminated soon, so please use the new number and update your phone lists :o)
 

Fatcat.Co will be closed from 4 - 23 July 2003:
I will be away in Asia from 4 - 23 July 2003. During this period I will not be able to accept or send orders for any product, receive or return any PlayStation, PSone, PlayStation 2 or Xbox sent for modification and/or repair.

Any current and outstanding orders, modification and repair work will be sent out by or on 3 July 2003.
 

New phone number and change in hours of business
Due to change in family, tech and work circumstances/commitments I have had to change the hours when I can carry work etc. 
 

Messiah 2 PRO PS2 Modchips - New Price NZ$85.00 incl courier :o)
New stock of the Messiah 2 PRO has arrived. The firmware version is v1.30 which suits consoles upto and including the SCPH 3900x ie all current NZ/AUS models. The only console not covered by this firmware is the SCPH 5000 (Jap) which will be supported in the next release. These chips are now priced at NZ$85.00 including courier or Installed for NZ$160.00 excluding return freight. More information on the Messiah 2 PRO chip can be found here.
 

Emails and Viruses
- Emails,  My apologies to everyone who is waiting on a reply. I have a large back log of emails to reply to and should have replied to most people by now or in the next day or so.

- Viruses, I have been bombarded by email viruses again over the last 4 or so weeks. Just the usual ones. Someone out there needs to run a virus checker through their PC. Maybe you should run one through your PC as well, you might be surprised.
 

Xbox Page etc
Yes -  this page is still being worked on, I just have to sort a few things out. Any questions send them to xbox@fatcat.co.nz
 

Website update:
- Website, I am in the process of re-designing my web site yet again, as my year so far has been very busy and I need any extra time I can save. I have the frame work sorted out, just need to sort out the content. I will be streamlining everything to make it easier for you to get the info you need for your console. Upgrade the existing forum/bbs (which I have to admit I have not even visited myself in the last 9 months due to the pop ad's) with a far better one which will be based on my server and not thru a third party company who shower you with horrid pop up's ads. Update and sort out the FAQ's for each system etc. All this will hopefully reduce the amount of emails etc and make the site alot more friendly and give me more time to keep it upto date :o)

The last redesign of the website I never released to the public even through the wife said get it up, I just wasn't happy with it so I am re-doing it again.

Messiah 2 PRO PS2 Modchips - Back In Stock - New Price :o)
This stock of the Messiah 2 PRO has the new firmware version 1.30 which suits consoles with Bios versions upto and including 090. This release of the Messiah 2 PRO also has the PCB fixed. These chips are priced at NZ$95.00 including courier. More information on the Messiah 2 PRO chip can be found here.
 

New Products for Xbox
- Controller Extension Cable - Will allow you to extend your Xbox controller cable by 2 metres.
- Xbox controller to USB adaptor - use to connect a PC USB Keyboard or Mice. In fact any USB device as long the software you use supports it.

Messiah 2 PRO PS2 Modchips
Plenty of Messiah 2 PRO chips in stock at NZ$110.00 each. Don't waste your money a on cheap Magic 3 or clone. You may pay more for a Messiah 2 PRO but you are getting a quality chip.
 

Products back in stock
- PlayStation Laser Hubs, quality replacement hubs for your PSX/PSone laser drive
- PSX/PS2/N64 Controller - PC USB  Adaptors, use your console controller on your PC. All buttons function including vibration.
 

Messiah 2 PRO PS2 Modchip - Now in stock

The chip  have in stock is the Messiah 2 PRO, firmware version 1.08, date code 0243. this version of the chip will work with all PS2 consoles except for the USA V6 Mainboard.
The Messiah 2 PRO page has been uploaded along with the current installation documentation. Installation is pretty much the same as the previous messiah chip.

PSX/N64 USB Adaptors and PSX Laser hubs - On back order

I am still waiting on my order to be filled for the above items and except delivery of stock later this week or next, depending on xmas rush etc.

Messiah 2 PRO PS2 ModChip - Is on it's way

My apologies for the delay in receiving stock of the Messiah 2 PRO, but this has been beyond my control. But the good news they are on there way and should be here about Friday or Monday.

I should have my Messiah 2 page up later this week or early next.

Don't forget the Messiah 2 PRO is suitable for ALL PAL, USA and JAP/ASIAN PS2 consoles.

All those that are waiting these to arrive expect a email soon :o)

 

MORE Installation Guides and Diagrams
I have uploaded the reminder of the disassembly guides for the PlayStation/PSone range of consoles with:

SCPH 102 / Mainboard PM41(2)
-  Multi-Mode v2.x/v3.x Modchip 4 wire only - Diagram only
-  ONEchip - 6 Wire Install (Std Modchip (4 wire + NTSC Bios Fix - Diagram only
-  ONEchip - 8 Wire Install (Stealth + NTSC Bios fix) - Diagram only
-  ONEchip - NTSC PAL Colour Correction - Diagram only

SCPH 1002 Colour Correction Module OLD and NEW Mainboards
-  SCPH 1002 Old Mainboard - Colour Correction Module Installation Guide
-  SCPH 1002 New Mainboard - Colour Correction Module Installation Guide

Any feedback on the guides/documentation welcome
 

NEW PSone / SCPH 102 Mainboard - Connection points
I have now verified the connection points for the new PSone console and will upload the new diagrams/photos for this model tomorrow. All functions of the ONEchip work in this new Mainboard, including "Anti-mod" chip games.
 

MORE Installation Guides and Diagrams
I have uploaded the reminder of the disassembly guides for the PlayStation/PSone range of consoles with:

- SCPH 102,   Disassembly Guide for PlayStation Model SCPH 102
- SCPH 1002, Disassembly Guide for PlayStation Model SCPH 1002
- SCPH 7002, Disassembly Guide for PlayStation Model SCPH 7002
- SCPH 7502, Disassembly Guide for PlayStation Model SCPH 7502
- SCPH 9002, Disassembly Guide for PlayStation Model SCPH 9002

I will be uploading the Colour Correction Module guides and Diagrams for both the OLD and NEW models of the SCPH 1002 and new PSone diagrams soon.

Any feedback on the guides/documentation welcome

NEW PSone / SCPH 102 - New model now in New Zealand
I have received a email today from a customer enquiring about his PSone he brought and that the motherboard inside this console was different to the one on my installation page. Well it looks like that New Zealand stores are starting to stock this model which has been in Australia for a while. The Mainboard is marked as PM-41 (2) on the right hand side and you will notice that the 4Mb EDO Ram chip (IC310) is missing from the left hand side of the Mainboard. I have put together a diagram using the photo emailed to by the customer today.

I have provided the connection points on the diagram for:
- ONEchip wired as a 8 Wire chip (Stealth + Bios Fix)
- ONEchip wired as a 6 Wire chip (Std Modchip (4 wire) + Bios Fix
- Multi-Mode V2.x/V3.x wired as a 4 Wire chip 
- NTSC-PAL Colour Correction Fix

Diagram - SCPH 102, PSone New Mainboard PM41(2) Diagram

I have yet to verify the connection points until I get my hands on to one of these Mainboard (can't be to long now :o) as I guessed one or two, but I am pretty sure that they are Okay. So use it your own risk. If it does not work in 8 Wire mode try it out in 6 Wire mode.

Messiah 2 PRO ModChip - Due approx 25 November 2002.

The all new Messiah 2 Pro ModChip is about to be released to the world in the next few weeks.

Features:
 - One chip for ALL PS2 console - PAL (NZ/AUS/UK/EUROPE), USA and JAPAN/ASIA models
 - No jumpers need to be set, auto configuring
 - PS2/PSX mode selection is now simpler and more intuitive.
- Pin markings now incorporated on the PCB for easier identification.
- Multi-disc Game and DVD9 compatible.
- Fully pin compatible with original Messiah design.
- Fully compatible with older Japanese SCPH-10000 Models and gives these models the same functions newer models enjoy, such as corrected screen position for PSX games, PS2 logo is maintained etc.
- The ability to “switch off” the chip has been included to permit the PS2 to behave as though there is no ModChip fitted (transparent).
- Game loading sequence is unimportant - they will start by either pressing the RESET or EJECT buttons or by pushing the tray. Games load exactly as they do on an original unmodified console.
- Automatic region and version detection and configuration
- 24 Wires, the additional wire is used for clock signal from the PS2 to drive the Messiah 2 chip. 

I am anticipating stock to arrive about 25 November as long as all is going well at the other end :o)

Preordering: I do not accept preorders, as I like to have the stock in my hand first before I accept any customers money.
Pricing: Will advise once the stock has arrived.

NEW Colour Correction Module for SCPH 1002 and SCPH 5502 from NZ$14.00
New design, cheaper and just as stable as my previous Colour Correction Module for the PlayStation SCPH 1002 and 5502.
I have uploaded the Colour Correction Module Installation guide for SCPH 5502 and I am working on the guide for SCPH 1002 at the moment. I am still quite surprised at the number of these old consoles out there still.

NEW Installation Guides and Diagrams
I am start to redo all my installation guides and diagrams that I have neglected over the years. I have started of with:

- SCPH 5502, Disassembly Guide for PlayStation Model SCPH 5502
- SCPH 5502, Colour Correction Module Installation Guide for SCPH 5502

Note both are graphic intensive and may take a little while to download all the graphics. I may change the graphics from .jpegs to progressive .jpegs

Any feedback on the guides/documentation welcome

Xbox - Look out for the NEW Xbox Massive Entertainment Pack!!! - NZ$599.00
Due for release on 14 November at your favourite gaming store.
Just in time for Christmas, what do you get for your NZ$599.00?
- Xbox game console and controller
- DVD Playback Kit (DVD remote/IR Dongle)
- Halo Game
- Jet Set Radio Future Game
- Sega GT 2002 Racing Game (Note: Jet Set Radio Future and Sega GT 2002 are on the same DVD-Rom)

If you where to buy these items separately it would knock you back approx NZ$950.00 , so if you where contemplating do I buy a Xbox or I buy a PS2 for Xmas maybe this will help make your move to Xbox.

On a side note Sony are going to released a little pack for Xmas bundled with a couple of Platinum games (Gran Turismo and another title I can't recall) for about NZ$579.00

And yes - I have started work on my X-box Page again.
 

Messiah ModChip Back in stock.
Now only NZ$135.00 including courier. Pricing on the Product and Service pages have been adjusted accordingly.
Only suitable for models SCPH 30002, SCPH 35002 and SCPH 30002R support for SCPH 39002 coming in the new Messiah 2 series.

Messiah ModChip Update: Out of Stock.
New stock due in the next 1-2 weeks

Messiah ModChip Update: New Stock arrived.
Messiah chips are now back in stock. This is still only the Messiah chip that supports the SCPH 30002, SCPH 35002 and SCPH 30002R. I am still deciding which way to go with the chips for the SCPH 39002 model. I will make a decision of what chip to support once the new Messiah is released (in PCB and manufacture stage at present - so a few weeks away yet :o) - But I have always been a Messiah fan :o)

Xbox: Having fun :o)
I am enjoying my Xbox immensely at the moment. I have had a good play around with my Xbox and managed change the BIOS, network it to my PC and upload various tools/emulators etc to the the Xbox hard drive. Installed my original Halo game to the Hard drive and run it from there without any problems. Next thing to do is install a bigger HD than the one that comes with the Xbox. Admittedly you need to know what you are doing and have a little knowledge on hardware, networking and using FTP tools and make sure you backup the data on the HD before poking. But things are getting easier with new tools etc being released all the time.

Just a word of caution if you are planning to get a chip for your Xbox in the near future ENSURE the chip is a BIOS REPLACEMENT NOT a PATCH chip. This will be explained in the Xbox page coming up soon with more info, pictures of my setup etc. And what I recommend for it chip/s wise. Any questions direct them to: xbox@fatcat.co.nz

Messiah ModChip Update: New Stock arriving in soon.
I am expecting more Messiah chips to arrive by end of the week. It will only be the current Messiah chip that only supports the models SCPH 30002, SCPH 35002 and SCPH 30002R not the new SCPH 39002. Expect to see a new Messiah chip sometime soon with support for the SCPH 39002 and chip also rumored to have 'DVD Region Free' movie playback as one of the new features.

PlayStation 2 - Model SCPH 39002:
This model is now wide spread in New Zealand. Externally it is identical to the SCPH30002R. This model is not supported by the current Messiah chip. A new Messiah chip is expected to be released in a month or so which will include support for this model.

The current mainstream non-swap chip for the SCPH39002 is the Magic chip 2V7. Chip price is about NZ$200.00. This chip did have problems and was recalled to have the firmware upgraded to sort out a few issues. The Magic 2 will do what the Messiah does with one exception. It is that the Magic 2V7 chip will not allow NTSC (USA/JAP) PlayStation/PS one games to load on PAL V7 PS2's it will only allow PAL PlayStation/PS one games to load otherwise all functions the same as the Messiah.

Xbox - Coming to New Zealand 3 October 2002:
The gaming stores are getting geared up for the 3 October New Zealand Xbox release. It will have a price tag in the region of NZ$500.00. I have had a Xbox for a couple of months now and I do like this console (Xbox sitting in the lounge where the PS2 was.)

There is a quite a range of ModChips and BIOS replacements, Tools (Networking/FTP Clients/GFX/HD/File and many more tools) , emulators, media players (DVD Region free, DIVX, MP3 etc) and not forgetting a Linux OS available for all versions of the Xbox consoles. You can replace the 8 Gig HD with a bigger one, place your games into your hard drive and run them from there. More Xbox information to come soon...

Incidentally if you all ready own a Xbox - your local NZ Electronic Boutique store is already stocking same Xbox titles.

Fatcat.Co will be closed from 17 June 2002 until 2 July 2002
During this period I will not be able to accept or send orders for any product, receive or return any PlayStations, PSone or PlayStation 2 sent for modification and/or repair.

All current and outstanding orders have been sent and all PlayStation's, PSone's and PlayStation 2's sent for modification and/or repair have been returned to their owners.

However I will still be checking my email and can be contacted at psx@fatcat.co.nz and any of the usual email addresses you normally contact me on.

Messiah Modchip.....
I have many happy Messiah users out there now :o) I have not had any failures or returns since I started installing the Messiah chip since Jan 2002 - just happy customers.

A few more Non-Swap chips starting to be talked about and with one or two about to hit the market. I do not have to much information on the new chips, except that they are meant to be based on the Messiah chip. The Messiah people are looking a releasing upto 8 new products, but they have been very vague on what they are apart from the their much awaited Messiah chip for the USA PS2's and the MX-Messiah (X-Box chip)

Back from holiday...
I am now back from a weeks holiday down south. I have a very large back log of emails to reply to and will take me about two days to get on top of it. I have processed alot of orders today and got those out with the rest of the outstanding orders going out tomorrow. I will start on the modifications and repairs again on Tuesday and hopefully have these sort by Thursday / Friday.

Messiah Status - Back In Stock

NZ$215.00 per chip including courier.
Limited to one chip per customer

For more information go to the Messiah page

Messiah Status
Stock is due very soon - I received a email last week to advise that the Messiah Clones should be shipping shortly, so I am expect the stock to arrive in the next week or two.

Unfortunately I have not control over supply and likewise with my wholesaler we are at the mercy of the manufacturers. This is the reason why I had to go to another wholesaler as my original wholesaler was fed up with all the BS that was going on and being hassled by his customers - which has resulted in a longer delay in the supply of this order. This is the reason why I have not and will not take pre-orders for the chips, as I to do not wished to have huge amounts of emails all saying "Where's my chip you said it was going to be here yesterday blah blah". 

On a happier note it looks like that the Messiah/Messiah will be going onto a dedicated ASIC chip instead of the programmable device currently being used. This will remove one or two steps out of the manufacturing process and hopefully improve and speed up the distribution side of it. 

All customers who have had Messiah/Messiah chip install are very happy with the chip and how it functions and they can play all there Original Import games - Like I am playing the USA version of Final Fantasy 10 :o)

PS2 Modchips: New and Re-leased: 
There are a few new chips due out soon:
- Novachip, this is a 18 pin PIC chip based on the Origa chip and will allow you to load Original Imports. But still need to use a Action Replay 2 cartridge. Installation is essentially the same as a the Origa chip. At present only available for the USA and JAP versions of the PS2 with the PAL release later.
- Eurochip with clip, this is a NEO4.1 chip with a clip to reduce the wiring count from 44 down to 11 wires to be soldered onto the PS2 mainboard. Available for PAL,USA and Jap PS2's but not for all models and will still not load Original imports and some formats still require a disc swap.

PS2 Original Import Game online stores:
Here are a couple of reliable online stores where you can order your Original Import games. Both companies are based in the USA and ship to New Zealand. I have not used either of these two companies myself, but they have been verified by various people on one of  the NZ PS2 forums: 

Tronixs  - Tronix Multimedia Corp
NCS - National Console Support, Inc 

Something different:
I had a Japanese SCPH1000 come in to be serviced the other week. This model is decked out with a good range of AV connections. It comes with: standard PSX AV socket, a S-Video socket and a Composite Video, Left and Right Audio RCA sockets. The picture shows the comparison with a SCPH 1000 (top) and a SCPH 9002 (bottom) the last of the old styling. Also notice the missing Expansion Port.