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katsumoriyama · 05-16-2007, 01:57 AM

Figure 3: Removing the LCD

Next, you need to remove the metal tray that held the LCD, which is tricky because it is linked to the UMD release on the top of the PSP. So, carefully make sure that you have removed all visible screws that hold the tray down (note where each screw is to be placed when you rebuild the PSP, and also make sure you remove the two screws from the battery cavity (these might have been removed by you earlier). These will be silver screws, not the previously removed black screws. Once all the screws are removed, open the UMD door and then lift the display tray off the PSP. Figure 3 shows you the general location of the screws.

The Wi-Fi Antenna

Earlier I had noticed what I thought was an antenna on the right side of the PSP under the PlayStation controller circuit board. To verify this, I slowly pried the circuit board over the upper catch and lifted it up off the PSP. This piece could be fully removed if you wanted to take out the Right trigger button, but I just wanted it out of the way. To achieve this, I simply lifted the circuit strip connector and flipped the controller circuit board over the top of the PSP. This gave me a clear shot of the antenna and its connecting wire, as detailed below (Figure 4). With this now laid bare, it would be fairly easy to add my own external antenna. However, if the WNIC had a connector on it that I could plug into, the embedded antenna could be complete stripped! Hmm...

Figure 4: Wi-Fi antenna and connecting wire.

The Main Circuit Board

Next I targeted the main circuit board from the PSP. This proved to be difficult. First I had to remove one screw previously hidden by the LCD tray. Then I had to remove the left side PSP controller, which was snuggly inserted between the circuit board and the case of the PSP. Removing this once again involved lifting a circuit strip connector, but by now you should be familiar with how this process works. Next I had to disconnect a circuit strip located near the bottom of the PSP that connects the UMD drive to the main board. Once this piece was disconnected, I slowly worked the circuit board up off the PSP. As I learned, the board was connected to the rest of the PSP via a male/female connector. This connector is located almost directly under the LCD connectors on the circuit board. As a result, you can leverage the circuit board up by using the upper left of the PSP to push the board out of the male/female plug. Figure 5 shows you what the PSP should look like at this point. You can optionally remove the small connectors at the bottom of the PSP that connect up to the speakers. However, for my purposes, I left these connected and simply flipped the main board over once it was removed.

Figure 5: PSP with Circuit board off

Getting to the Wi-Fi Card

I was still not at the Wi-Fi card! Beneath the main circuit board is a grounding/protector plate. This is easy to remove, and only requires the removal of three more screws, as indicated with red X's in Figure 5. Once these screws are out, you first have to take out the plastic black piece, which then allows the silver shield to be removed. I could finally see the Wi-fi card, which simply lifted out the PSP. As I had hoped, the antenna was indeed connected to the card via a socket connector. In addition, I also noted that my WNICs hardware address was stamped onto the cards surface. Finally, I also should note that the Duo stick slot is also integrated into the same circuit board as the WNIC.
Figure 6 shows the PSP complete disassembled in all its glory!

Figure 6: The full PSP in all its glory

Summary

With this thing taken apart, I can now start looking for ways to modify it for various functions. My ideas are to increase the Wi-fi strength with an external antenna and perhaps alter the shell a bit to allow me to raise the screen for on-the-desk viewing. Other enhancements could be to add a bigger screen, or maybe even some sort of input device. I have heard rumors of a keyboard or InfraRed controller. Regardless, please keep in mind that none of this is sanctioned by Sony. While taking apart the device is not technically reverse-engineering, Sony explicitly outlaws any modifications to their PSP. If you don't believe me, check out page 15 of the manual where they state, "No authorization for the analysis or modification of the system, or the analysis and use of circuit configurations, is provided."
We hope this provided some useful insight as to how the PSP was put together. I know I had fun taking it apart!

05-16-2007, 01:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
katsumoriyama Senior Member I Modded My PSP Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TN Posts: 342	Guide: How To Take Apart Your PSP Figure 3: Removing the LCD Next, you need to remove the metal tray that held the LCD, which is tricky because it is linked to the UMD release on the top of the PSP. So, carefully make sure that you have removed all visible screws that hold the tray down (note where each screw is to be placed when you rebuild the PSP, and also make sure you remove the two screws from the battery cavity (these might have been removed by you earlier). These will be silver screws, not the previously removed black screws. Once all the screws are removed, open the UMD door and then lift the display tray off the PSP. Figure 3 shows you the general location of the screws. The Wi-Fi Antenna Earlier I had noticed what I thought was an antenna on the right side of the PSP under the PlayStation controller circuit board. To verify this, I slowly pried the circuit board over the upper catch and lifted it up off the PSP. This piece could be fully removed if you wanted to take out the Right trigger button, but I just wanted it out of the way. To achieve this, I simply lifted the circuit strip connector and flipped the controller circuit board over the top of the PSP. This gave me a clear shot of the antenna and its connecting wire, as detailed below (Figure 4). With this now laid bare, it would be fairly easy to add my own external antenna. However, if the WNIC had a connector on it that I could plug into, the embedded antenna could be complete stripped! Hmm... Figure 4: Wi-Fi antenna and connecting wire. The Main Circuit Board Next I targeted the main circuit board from the PSP. This proved to be difficult. First I had to remove one screw previously hidden by the LCD tray. Then I had to remove the left side PSP controller, which was snuggly inserted between the circuit board and the case of the PSP. Removing this once again involved lifting a circuit strip connector, but by now you should be familiar with how this process works. Next I had to disconnect a circuit strip located near the bottom of the PSP that connects the UMD drive to the main board. Once this piece was disconnected, I slowly worked the circuit board up off the PSP. As I learned, the board was connected to the rest of the PSP via a male/female connector. This connector is located almost directly under the LCD connectors on the circuit board. As a result, you can leverage the circuit board up by using the upper left of the PSP to push the board out of the male/female plug. Figure 5 shows you what the PSP should look like at this point. You can optionally remove the small connectors at the bottom of the PSP that connect up to the speakers. However, for my purposes, I left these connected and simply flipped the main board over once it was removed. Figure 5: PSP with Circuit board off Getting to the Wi-Fi Card I was still not at the Wi-Fi card! Beneath the main circuit board is a grounding/protector plate. This is easy to remove, and only requires the removal of three more screws, as indicated with red X's in Figure 5. Once these screws are out, you first have to take out the plastic black piece, which then allows the silver shield to be removed. I could finally see the Wi-fi card, which simply lifted out the PSP. As I had hoped, the antenna was indeed connected to the card via a socket connector. In addition, I also noted that my WNICs hardware address was stamped onto the cards surface. Finally, I also should note that the Duo stick slot is also integrated into the same circuit board as the WNIC. Figure 6 shows the PSP complete disassembled in all its glory! Figure 6: The full PSP in all its glory Summary With this thing taken apart, I can now start looking for ways to modify it for various functions. My ideas are to increase the Wi-fi strength with an external antenna and perhaps alter the shell a bit to allow me to raise the screen for on-the-desk viewing. Other enhancements could be to add a bigger screen, or maybe even some sort of input device. I have heard rumors of a keyboard or InfraRed controller. Regardless, please keep in mind that none of this is sanctioned by Sony. While taking apart the device is not technically reverse-engineering, Sony explicitly outlaws any modifications to their PSP. If you don't believe me, check out page 15 of the manual where they state, "No authorization for the analysis or modification of the system, or the analysis and use of circuit configurations, is provided." We hope this provided some useful insight as to how the PSP was put together. I know I had fun taking it apart! __________________ Ouch! This Hurt http://www.metacafe.com/watch/500798... ing_him_flip/ Watch this video and be amazed!