ChipSlayer is an experimental PlayStation 2 hardware interface board designed to better control how installed modchips interact with the console.
The project was created after observing that many PlayStation 2 modchips continue influencing console behavior even when partially disabled or disconnected. Simply removing power from the modchip was not always enough to fully isolate it from the system.
ChipSlayer focuses primarily on:
- reset-line interaction
- modchip isolation behavior
- startup consistency
- high-impedance switching
- minimizing electrical loading on sensitive console signals
This repository serves as the primary:
- documentation hub
- testing archive
- revision tracker
- research reference
- compatibility database
for the ChipSlayer project.
ChipSlayer is currently considered:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Experimental | Active hardware development and testing |
| Prototype Hardware Exists | Physical revisions have been manufactured and tested |
| Under Active Investigation | Compatibility and behavior still being explored |
| Not Fully Open Hardware | Production files are not currently publicly released |
The primary goals of ChipSlayer are:
- provide cleaner modchip enable/disable behavior
- reduce unintended modchip interaction
- improve startup consistency
- minimize reset-line loading
- improve repeatability between installations
- document console behavior across revisions
- maintain a research archive of findings and testing
ChipSlayer is designed around the idea that:
A modchip may continue influencing console behavior even when partially disabled.
Rather than simply removing power, ChipSlayer investigates more controlled methods of electrically isolating modchip behavior from the console.
Current development focuses heavily on:
- reset-line behavior
- startup-state interaction
- high-impedance switching
- signal integrity
- grounding interaction
Current development has primarily focused on PlayStation 2 Slim systems.
| Console Family | Status |
|---|---|
| SCPH-700xx | Primary development platform |
| SCPH-750xx | Active testing |
| SCPH-770xx | Active testing |
| SCPH-790xx | Limited testing |
| SCPH-900xx | Future investigation |
| PS2 Fat Models | Future investigation |
Current testing has primarily involved:
| Modchip | Status |
|---|---|
| ModBo 5.0 | Primary testing target |
| Matrix-derived clones | Partial testing |
Additional modchip support may be explored later.
The repository is organized into several primary sections:
.
├── Documents/
├── Hardware/
├── Images/
├── References/
├── Store-Links/
├── Test-Data/
├── CHANGELOG.md
├── LICENSE
└── README.md
Contains project documentation including:
- project overview
- hardware concepts
- compatibility notes
- installation examples
- testing methodology
- known issues
- revision history
- future development plans
Contains hardware-related files and references.
Possible contents may include:
- schematics
- PCB revisions
- prototype layouts
- BOM references
- board photos
Some production manufacturing files may not be publicly released.
Contains project-related images such as:
- board photos
- installation examples
- prototype revisions
- scope captures
- testing setups
Contains supporting technical information and related research including:
- datasheets
- hardware notes
- related projects
- signal research
- component references
Contains validation and testing information including:
- console logs
- startup observations
- PS2Ident reports
- scope captures
- troubleshooting notes
Current areas of investigation include:
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Reset-line behavior | Startup consistency |
| High-impedance switching | Reduced loading |
| Ground isolation | Reduced unwanted interaction |
| Signal integrity | Improved stability |
| Cross-revision testing | Broader compatibility |
| Installation refinement | Cleaner installs |
Different PlayStation 2 revisions may behave differently.
Observed behavior can vary due to:
- motherboard revision
- modchip revision
- installation quality
- wiring length
- grounding quality
- power conditions
- signal integrity
- existing console damage
Testing on one console does not guarantee identical behavior on another.
ChipSlayer remains an experimental hardware project.
Some revisions shown within this repository may include:
- temporary wiring
- bodge modifications
- incomplete layouts
- prototype-only features
- experimental switching methods
Behavior may evolve significantly as testing continues.
This repository currently exists primarily for:
- documentation
- research
- revision tracking
- compatibility analysis
- testing history
ChipSlayer hardware is not currently intended to be fully open-source hardware.
Production-ready manufacturing files and commercial production data may not be publicly released at this time.
https://retrogame.fatbalddad.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FBDRetroGame
https://www.ebay.com/usr/fatbalddad
ChipSlayer development exists within a broader PlayStation 2 hardware ecosystem including:
- modchip development
- BlueRetro
- OPL
- PS2Ident
- HDMI modifications
- SD2PSX/MMCE projects
- custom power-management systems
- console preservation efforts
Additional related information can be found in:
References/
└── Related-Projects.md
Current known issues and areas still under investigation include:
- reset-line sensitivity
- startup inconsistency on some revisions
- incomplete Deckard testing
- incomplete cross-modchip validation
- ground isolation behavior
- high-impedance refinement
Additional information is documented in:
Documents/
└── 06-Known-Issues.md
Future work may include:
- improved switching behavior
- reduced component count
- simplified installation
- expanded compatibility testing
- diagnostic features
- improved miniaturization
- alternate isolation methods
Additional details are documented in:
Documents/
└── 08-Future-Development.md
ChipSlayer is an experimental hardware modification project.
Installation requires modification of PlayStation 2 hardware and should only be attempted by individuals familiar with:
- fine-pitch soldering
- console repair
- electronics troubleshooting
- signal integrity considerations
No guarantees are provided regarding:
- compatibility
- reliability
- functionality
- long-term stability
Use at your own risk.
Developed and documented by:
Fat Bald Dad (FBD Retro Game)
Additional contributors, testers, and collaborators may be credited throughout the repository as development continues.
ChipSlayer is as much a research and documentation effort as it is a hardware project.
The long-term goal is to better understand how PlayStation 2 modchips interact with console hardware and to develop cleaner, more controlled methods of managing that interaction.
This project uses AI tools to help with writing, organization, documentation, research, code examples, and design planning. While I review and edit the information, some details may still be incorrect, incomplete, or outdated.
Not all ideas, code, research, methods, or technical information in this project should be credited only to me. This project may reference, build on, or be inspired by community knowledge, open-source projects, datasheets, forum posts, Discord discussions, manufacturer documentation, and the work of other developers and modders.
Credit will be given whenever a source is known. If something is missing credit or needs correction, please let me know so I can update the documentation.