How To Refurbish Your NES Pin Connector

[KDub]

While I usually post my RetroActive videos in my designated thread I felt like this one would be more beneficial here in the long run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWbMhs_2OAM
In this video I show the steps on taking apart the NES and refurbishing the current pin connector

[CRTGAMER]

Very nice, I added your Quote and Video Clip Link to the Game Cart Cleaning Guide.

Anyone taking apart a NES console, be sure to discharge the capaitors. This can be done by unplugging and pressing the power and reset switches a few times.

[KDub]

Thanks, and thanks for the link.

[Zing]

Nice video!

I find that boiling is much easier than trying to manually bend the pins. I'd also suggest being very careful when trying to "clean" the pins with folded paper. The first time I tried that, I ended up bending one of the top pins inside

[CRTGAMER]

Nice video!

I find that boiling is much easier than trying to manually bend the pins. I'd also suggest being very careful when trying to "clean" the pins with folded paper. The first time I tried that, I ended up bending one of the top pins inside

I read a couple other members boiling electrical components to spring back the springs. I can't imagine a bent spring returning to its original "tension", but maybe it could? Not sure if a good idea though. Would it be hard to get every bit of the corrosive moisture out even with a can of air or blow dryer?

Good point on the folded paper, added your Quote on the paper to the Cart Cleaning Guide.

[Luke]

edit*

I've heard of not wanting to push down on the cart anymore after a refurbish in other threads. What's the story on that? Is it stress, or did the refurbish change something else as well?

[CRTGAMER]

I've heard of not wanting to push down on the cart anymore after a refurbish in other threads. What's the story on that? Is it stress, or did the refurbish change something else as well?

The springs are usually bent to a smaller gap, so the cart does not have to be pressed down. Sometimes the geometry of the pushed down cart will bend the repositioned springs off the cart connector.

[KDub]

Yes be careful with the folded paper/index cards. As I said in the video, make sure they aren't thicker than a game board.

I'm not keen on the boiling idea myself, which is why I go this route. Has worked great for me so far so I stick with it.

The games don't have to be pushed down because the gap is now tight. The pin connector was originally set up to get tighter once the tray is pushed down but now you've half taken that process out. Some games might work better when pushed down still but it is best to try with the game up first; less tension on the pins.

[floattube]

This fixed my NES, all games load up first try now.
But I did break the controller port while doing it, unplugged it with a screwdriver. Hard to plug back in though, be careful if you do this.

[KDub]

Glad it worked for you! Bummer about the controller port though.