Brewology

So, I bought a broken PSP, this time seeking a slightly bigger challenge than an analog replacement or screen swap. This PSP won't turn on. Not with it's battery, not with my PSP's battery, not with a Pandora+MMS, not with just the charger. The light just flickers for a moment (except with the Pandora which flashes according to the Pandora's pulse). The only thing I've noticed is that the light gets dim at times, which I've never seen before (the PSP as far as I'm aware isn't like the GBAs, where the light brightness shows battery life). The only thing I can think of is that it's hardware based, not software, as the seller said he never tried modding it or opening it. He never mentioned dropping it either. So, I'm guessing I'll have to swap out the entire battery array. Is there a software based tool anyone can suggest though, I want to give a full flash a shot first. Here's to hoping. Thanks!

What are your plans now?

Well, I looked up some videos and came across one with a guy who's having a the same problem and fixed it because a ribbon cable came loose under the lcd bracket. I'll give that a shot, then if that's not the case, I'll try a full array swap.

Well, disassembled it past the screen and the ribbon cable mentioned in the video was connected. However, it also looked like it was burned in one spot. IDK if this is the problem, but it's worth a shot.

i got like 3 psp's that do this that i havent got to. tell us if it works out man good luck

yeah could be the ribbons, or you could just need to bridge the one of the fuses with a dab of solder.

If the burn marks singed away the trace lead on the ribbon then your going to need a new ribbon.

Thing is, I have no idea what that ribbon cable is called.

Here's some pics guys of what I believe is the burnt ribbon cable. It's in the middle of the board.

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lol no thats not burnt...all the psps have that black mark on that exact ribbon. And if that specific connector cable was burnt out, your umd drive wouldnt work.

Try checking the power board connectors, try bridging the power fuse.

If you have another psp around swap some of the parts to see what will bring it back to working condition. If its not the power fuse then its most likely something to do with the flash memory. In which case you'll have to swap motherboards.

Ugh, I was hoping I wouldn't have to go that far into the PSP (especially on a Phat). I never dealt with stuff dealing with the UMD drive, so I never noticed that particular ribbon cable always being black in that one spot Man, I wanted a challenge but not a pain in the **s. Thing that sucks is I want to replace the broken PSP for my current one, as it's practically brand new when it comes to the exterior.

Okay, it's not the TD main power fuse. I got a current to run through it no problem. I have no idea what it is then.

as a saftery, check the plug for thee charger thats soldered to the motherboard. my starwars editions charge port had somethiung similar to what ur saying, and when i unscrewed the thing to move the board, it fell off!!!!

Nope, the charger works fine and when I disassembled it, I specifically remember taking it off.

okay....thats good. does the battery charge?

Yes, it charges fine. I checked that fuse too while I had the chance.