Suspect Cartridge Slot

[idflyfish]

I have a console which has a faulty cartridge slot. Basically sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I was wondering if there is a good technique for cleaning the cartridge slot or should I just see if I can buy a replacement?

[sometimes99er]

Read/watch all of them and make your own decisions. I had to use fine grit sand paper myself.

 

http://www.mainbyte....m/cart_fix.html

 

http://www.ifixit.co...-Game-Port/3771

 

http://www.thetechre...m-top-to-bottom

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP5pWPeoXMg

 

Edited November 22, 2011 by sometimes99er

[rocky007]

you can buy a cleaning spray specially made for connector..

 

http://www.techgsm.org.uk/KONTAKT_60_Oxide_dissolving_contact_cleaner,1895.html

 

just put inside the connector and on the cartridge pins, then insert/remove 20 times and normally it's fixed

[kl99]

This ti-shop has cartridge port adapter, brand new, for around $5 dollars:

http://www.texintreasures.com/

(currently offline)

 

Kyle offers them on ebay for $10 dollars:

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 130464156675

[idflyfish]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

I am going to try the technique that is recommended on mainbyte. One question though. Is contact cleaner really any better than Isoprophyl alcohol?

 

Also, on mainbyte it is suggested that you really don't need the felt and the felt retainer. What are your thoughts on that?

 

@kl99 It looks like Mike Dudeck's sight is no longer (http://www.texintreasures.com/) however he does sell on Ebay (http://myworld.ebay....984.m1543.l2533) .

[+Lee Stewart]

I am going to try the technique that is recommended on mainbyte. One question though. Is contact cleaner really any better than Isoprophyl alcohol?

 

Also, on mainbyte it is suggested that you really don't need the felt and the felt retainer. What are your thoughts on that?

 

Isopropyl alcohol should be fine as long as it's 100%(or close)---not rubbing alcohol, which is typically 70%.

 

I'd lose the felt strip, I think.

 

...lee

[matthew180]

The felt helps keep bigger pieces of dirt, hair, etc. out. Unless it is damaged, I would keep it. I second Lee's alcohol recommendation; the stuff you get at the store is not going to be pure enough and will leave a residue. I buy 99.9% alcohol from Mouser for my circuit board work. Also make sure there are no cold or broken solder joints on the angle adapter.

[idflyfish]

Update...

 

I picked up some contact cleaner from the local radio shack and used the "business card technique" from mainbyte. All is good now!

 

While I was in there I cleaned up the old thermal paste and applied some new thermal paste.

 

Life is good..thanks for everyone who responded with advice.

 

Mike