Lite-On laser assembly compatible with PS1?!

[Xanvier]

As to why this was done, it is a long story, but I decided to plug in a laser assembly from an old Lite-On LTN-362 CD-ROM drive (Nov '98!) into a spare SCPH-9002 (PU-23) as much as it could fit in from the pin 16 side (ribbon has one extra pin) and it actually worked somewhat! The laser diode didn't light up since its pins weren't connected (very likely). I can try cutting the side where pin 1 is to test it out if you want.

I think this may just be a coincidence, but could it be made compatible to work with the PS1? A custom drive assembly would have to be made indeed, but it's worth it if the laser assembly could be made to work since it would be a billion times more reliable than the cheapo ones found in stock consoles.

If you want me to, I could record a video of it.

(a bit OT: that SCPH-9002 is still waiting for its PSIO btw)

[Shadow]

It is actually possible to use other dives lenses, but it's very tricky and a lot of work.

[Xanvier]

I just tested it out again, PS1 does actually wait for a response (BIOS screen is a little longer).

So what would go into this then? Would simply hooking up the diode do the trick just for the laser? I don't know how exactly the CD drive in PS1 works exactly. (how data lines are hooked up, if it's anything like serial Tx, Rx, or something else etc.)
This is literally the most important part because the rest could be adjusted mechanically.

I could use the original spindle motor (with a custom spindle hat ofc., the original one is garbage) and maybe even the original sized rails, but I'd rather use something more of a higher quality than cheap plastic gears and rails.

[Shadow]

I just tested it out again, PS1 does actually wait for a response (BIOS screen is a little longer).

So what would go into this then? Would simply hooking up the diode do the trick just for the laser? I don't know how exactly the CD drive in PS1 works exactly. (how data lines are hooked up, if it's anything like serial Tx, Rx, or something else etc.)
This is literally the most important part because the rest could be adjusted mechanically.

I could use the original spindle motor (with a custom spindle hat ofc., the original one is garbage) and maybe even the original sized rails, but I'd rather use something more of a higher quality than cheap plastic gears and rails.

Put up some photos so we can see what you've done so far.

[Xanvier]

Literally absolutely nothing other than jamming the ribbon into the connector. It's so stupid it hurts. From the images you can tell not even all of the pins are connected.
Right now, it thinks the laser is at the starting position (like as if the sensor was pressed, maybe that's why BIOS waits?).

Sorry for keeping you waiting, would've uploaded them sooner but someone was playing an online game and I didn't want to annoy them. :V

(not using img here since the images are too hi res lol)

http://puu.sh/mjuhN/6a59e267af.jpg
http://puu.sh/mjwBq/3049698478.jpg
http://puu.sh/mjwHf/6944193071.jpg

This image shows the lens in upper position.

http://puu.sh/mjwQd/0e825833ad.jpg

[Shadow]

Literally absolutely nothing other than jamming the ribbon into the connector.

Well there's your first problem...

[Xanvier]

If I had actually tried, I would've probably even gotten the diode to light up lol

All I wanted to know why this actually worked. I was only goofing around when I plugged this thing in, really. As a matter of fact, what I'll do is that I'll try to compare the original to this one because who knows, it might actually be pin to pin compatible.

So, do pinouts exist for the laser connector at all? Or will I have to hack up something on my own (regarding the connector itself only)?

[Shadow]

So, do pinouts exist for the laser connector at all? Or will I have to hack up something on my own (regarding the connector itself only)?

They are in the schematics.