That Console Repair Guy - TCRG - Your First Stop for Quality Repairs!
Tired of the “I Can Fix It Too” repairs?
Tired of paying way too much to get your game console up and running?
That is where “That Console Repair Guy” came into the picture. After looking at how others repair consoles and even charge good money for the job, “That Console Repair Guy” decided to do a better job. After years of repairing computers a friend approached him with the idea of using those skills for game consoles. The idea sounded like a lot of fun. It is.
I am That Console Repair Guy and enjoy bringing joy back into the life of a gamer with a broken console. The repairs done by TCRG are the result of many hours of research, trial (lot of crap info out there) and even buying others “repair manuals” to find the ones that really work well.
TCRG will repair PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360, DS, Wii and more.
While TCRG doesn't have a Re-Flow Bench ($1000) the methods used closely follow those used on such an expensive machine. TCRG has a less than a 1 in 10 come back rate. FYI, 1 in every 10 consoles can't be repaired and if a console fails more than a couple times it probably won't stay running reliably but is good for parts. TCRG will purchase your console from you if you desire.
From simple repairs (tray won't open on Xbox – drive belt) to blinking red light on PS3, TCRG can fix them all quickly and reliably.
Controller mods and case mods are another service offered. TCRG is in the process of testing several different types of rapid fire mods. Some are simple, others are not. Depends on what you are looking for when fragging your competition.
First things first - check to see if there is any warranty on the console before you do ANYTHING. Microsoft covers RROD for 3 years. I am not sure what Sony and other cover, but this is the most common problem.
What I do to repair:
I have purchased special tools and materials to do these repairs and can add up after a while. It really isn't worth the trouble to try the repair yourself and have it fail and not repairable Even then, the console broke because it is defective and the repair may or may not last very long. The only thing is that you will get some more play time without spending lots of money. Most can be repaired 2 or 3 times and still work good.
I test the unit to see what the error is and how it reacts. Some consoles can't be repaired. If its been repaired before and it is a bad job, or you used a YouTube towel repair, then I can't warranty the job or even say it will work. I have a pretty good success rate with any repairs.
The unit is then dis-assembled and cleaned using clean pressurized air and soft brushes. All parts are examined for other damage and usability.
If it is a RR problem (Xbox) or YLOD (PS3) the chips are put through a reflow process that can take some time.
New compound is applied and heat sinks installed carefully. Xbox gets the clamp kit and fan mods.
The unit is then assembled and tested to make sure it is working. I check controller connecting, game and video reading, sound, networking, and updates.
Repairs:
Xbox 360 - $35 plus parts
Parts List
Tray Won't Open - $5 for new drive belt (With the RR repairs, if it needs the drive belt I include at no extra costs)
1, 2 or 3 Red Rings - $15 and covers the new clamp kit with special thin head (no flexing of the board), 12 volt fan mod (runs much cooler) and heat sink for chipset.
Drive has Open Tray error, doesn't read games or dvd – usually a bad laser. The laser for Xbox 360 from $15 to $20
Drive broken – Xbox drives are around $30 and up, new or used.
Case Mods:
Add extra fans, place drive externally for better cooling, add larger heat sinks, etc. Price depends on what you want to do. I can install custom cases, skins and more with no risk of damage.
PS3 Repairs:
YLOD, no video, any operational problems - $35
Bluray drive problems – Labor plus parts.
Parts:
Drive doesn't read games – usually a bad laser – these run from $60 - $70 depending on model
Totally bad drive - $80 - $90 for replacement new or refurb.
Hard drive upgrades or replacement – depends on size and costs of new drive. PS3 you can use any laptop drive!
Controller Mods:
PS3 or Xbox 360 rapid fire mods - $35 including parts. You supply the controller.