PlayStation 3 Eye IR Modification
Posted By Mike Bender ~ 29th September 2010
As I noted in my previous post, modification to my new Playstation 3 Eye was performed last night (I really just couldn’t wait). I am currently awaiting my 850 nm bandpass filter from Peau Productions which will hopefully be here next week, early!
Well let’s get started with a brief write up on this initial mod to the PS3 Eye, removing the IR filter. Below is a picture of the camera as I received it. Now let’s hack!
Once I finally freed my new camera (stupid heat sealed plastic containers!) the first step was to take an X-acto knife and pop the 4 covers off of the case screws (unfortunately in my excitement I forgot to take a picture of this). From there I proceeded to remove the 4 screws. Next using a small flat head screwdriver I worked my way all the way around the case seem slowly loosening it until it popped free (below is a picture after front of case was removed).
PS3 eye front of case removed
Camera PCB front
Next I removed the 2 screws on the base to completely free the back of the case. There were 5 screws that hold the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) in place, these 5 screws are identified below. I removed these to remove the PCB.
Remove these 5 screws (red arrows) to free the PCB
Almost there I then had to remove the 2 screws holding the lens on the CMOS sensor. These are identified below.
Screws to remove camera lens assembly
At this point the lens assembly was off of the PCB exposing the CMOS sensor (below). I use a lot of care while this fragile component was exposed and recommend that you do to if you try this mod.
PS3 Eye CMOS Sensor
Finally using an X-acto knife with a new sharp blade I began to cut around the IR filter (above: lower left arrow) until I was able to pop it free. This took a few minutes so do not rush and you do not want to damage the internals of the lens assembly.
After reattaching the lens assembly the following blurry photo was capture from a live stream. It should be noted that upon the receipt of my new 850 nm bandpass filter this blurriness should be corrected.
Blurry but functioning
Once I receive my filter I will update this post to explain the installation of it.
