NES Lockout chip potential screw up

[Snatch1414]

So since I was in my NES anyways refurbing the pin connector I figured I'd snip the lockout chip. Easy process, just snip the fourth leg near the two blue capacitors. Well, one capacitor was bend extremely towards the lockout chip and totally blocking where I needed to work. I didn't feel like desoldering it and putting it back on, so without thinking I snipped the fourth leg on the opposite side of the chip. Must've been a brain fart because I have no idea why I did that and I know I'm not savvy on how this stuff really works.

My question is did I screw up my NES? If nothing else I guess I'll put it back together and find out, but let's just say it's done for for whatever reason. Can I re-solder the leg back on/is this repairable? Thanks

[SpoonyBard]

Probably safest just to repair the connection. You can run a small jumper wire to bridge the cut section.

[Hobie-wan]

If you snapped the leg completely off the chip, that could be a problem if it was important. If you just clipped it at the board and there's still some there, it should be easy enough to solder a piece of wire back in to connect it to the board again.

[Snatch1414]

What kind of wire? Would putting a little solder between the broken pieces work? Sorry I need some clarification. If I deviate from simple instructions I'm kinda lost on this stuff

[jeffro11]

If you can glob some solder in there to bridge it, it should be fine. If not, any sort of wire will do... Stranded wire being your first "go-to"

Take care when heating the chip up, too much heat WILL damage the chip. If for whatever reason you clipped the legs right at the chip and there's little to nothing left, sometimes you can file away the chip and gain access to more of a "pad".

Good luck!

[Anapan]

Does it run okay with the clipped leg? Back when I was an early teen I found some fantastic "hidden" levels on my NES games by removing the cover of my NES and running my dad's keys over the pin connectors. Screw game genie codes - hardware corruption levels in Ninja Gaiden and Mario 2are way better!

[Snatch1414]

Haha no, no super secret levels unfortunately.

I bent the two pieces back together not sure if it's really making a connection or not, but that NES runs fine thankfully.

[Hobie-wan]

Just bending them back together isn't good enough. A spotty contact could cause glitches or issues due to iffy contact. Hit it with a little solder.