PlayStation 2 Retro Gem Installation: A Game-Changing HDMI Upgrade!

[@2000vitaly]

Nice video! I think it would be easier to solder if you pre-tin the pads on the flex cable before soldering it to the motherboard.

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

I've never really thought about trying that. I'll have to try that out on one of my next installs and see how it goes. Thanks for the idea.

[@Firerexify]

Nice video. Lots of work! I'm IPC J STD certified, so I know I could get this done myself... but I'm lazy and only solder for work now days so I bought a retrotink 4k lol. Almost did this mod on all my consoles.. but the price was about as much as a retrotink 4k. Saved me the hassle

[@therealkarl88UF6BRXQ]

Good gob! This install is definitely not for the beginners

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

Thanks.

[@onyxeeveon887]

When you tin fresh contact pads you heat the pad and feed the solder to the pad not the solder iron. Kinda a way to distinguish between a electrician and a self taught hobbyist.

[@Mpc_Cratos]

hey! First time watcher, loved the video, what is that fume vacuum you're using?

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

It is a Hakko FA-430. Thanks for watching.

[@Mareka6969]

yoo, nice new setup

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

Thanks

[@kenjoh.4196]

Great video ... what telescopic tool are you using cuz my eyes are not helping me.

[@Ichabod_Jericho]

I only saw this mod after I bought a retrotink 5X pro for my phat PS2😭 these days I’d pay for someone to install something like this in my system. Combined with a 1 TB SSD and all my library digitized I can’t imagine getting any better than this for “retro” gaming😂

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

Its tough to surpass the image quality when you pair the PS2 with the Gem and upgrade it to the Shiny edition. I've used upscalers in the past, but I've never enjoyed the lag that is introduced when using such devices.

[@lucifermorningstar910]

Recently dropped a Retro GEM in to my original n64 while replacing the capacitors and paired it with an mClassic, bought and received a refurbished fat ps2 and looking at putting a Retro GEM in. I’m reading that some ps2 an are not compatible?

[@Aristackz23]

This guy is a golden goose 🤣✅🔥🙏✨

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

Thanks

[@VictorHugo-iz7qw]

Amazing video, clean install, but I didn't get the solder you're using you said it's ROS compliant solder? What composition is it? Is it leaded or lead free? What temp did you use for the flat cable? Although I don't like it (trying to avoid leaded solder), I did mine with leaded for me to use a smaller temp on my iron, I reapplyed some to the DAC vias beforehand to avoid it getting brittle, I heard that when you mix leaded with lead free solder without mixing properly it can get brittle becouse of the difference in composition. In you experience, is there any validation in that? What solder would you recommend?

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

Its the "Lead Free Sn99, Ag 0.3, Cu 0.7" composition solder. There are others that may be a bit better to use. I've never had issues with cracked solder joints when mixing, but I find I use a whole lot more non leaded solder in those scenarios. I imagine you'll see cracked solder joints in high heat high stress areas if you don't clean up the old leaded solder. Kester has some decent blends of solder, but the one I use is a cheap brand found on amazon. IIRC I have it linked in the description.

[@MRX.70]

As usual great work. I wonder if there is a mod for ps2 slim latest version like 90000 and up

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

The website says that model will be supported soon. docs.pixelfx.co/GEM-Support.html Thanks for checking out the video.

[@skelebrain]

Do you offer this installation service ? I would like to get this mod installed on a ps2 slim 79001. also great video :D

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

We sure do, however at this time the Retro Gem does not support your revision PS2 console. Thanks for watching.

[@mutant8273]

I recently bought the fat version for $30, it turned out that it has a chip and you can turn on copies. I'm still having fun to this day 😂

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

That's awesome. Do you know which chip?

[@jakeiswayblack3377]

Fuuuuuuuuck my customer brought me his ps2 and the mod kit, telling me he spent a lot of time researching his dream ps2 build. I got all the way down to the main board before i realized his model is a SCPH 300001, and therefore incompatible. FML

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

I hear its possible to install the GEM in there.

[@Calhoun1983]

wish you didn't cut so much out

[@eded9157]

Wayyy too much work. Is really that much better than simply use a RetroTink scaler?

[@RetroRenegadeRepairs]

I guess its personal preference at that point. Personally, I'd rather just have the PS2 and only need to bring that, vs bringing along an upscaler with the PS2.

[@ianfairbanks1318]

entirely too much flux used. like, twice what you actually need. That board is SWIMMING in flux.