C64 Power switch flakey

[AtariLeaf]

This is the second c64 I picked up in the last week. I returned the first to the "Computers for Kids" yardsale that I picked up last Saturday which didn't work at all - bad chip from what I read.

 

So they had another on hand and this one, although it comes on, has a very finicky power switch. When I turn it on I have to fiddle with it to get it to actually come on by gently tapping or rocking the switch once its in the "On" position.

 

Any suggestions, considering I have NO soldering skills?

 

EDIT - FYI this is the newer beige C64, not the breadbox original or whatever they call it.

Edited November 26, 2011 by AtariLeaf

[channelmaniac]

Find a friend that can solder in another switch!

 

If you have a pic of the switch, I probably have one here on a parts board.

[Hatta]

If you can open the C64C up, try blasting the inside of the switch with a bunch of contact cleaner. There's probably not much of an opening on the switch, so any gap will have to do. Just squirt a whole bunch and then work the switch back and forth for a bit. If that doesn't help, you're going to have to break out a soldering pencil.

[marcfrick2112]

I also recommend using a god quality contact cleaner. I use Tun-O-Wash by Chemtronics, which is very good, but $30 a can....

 

I have so far had 2 64's, and a 128 with dodgy power buttons. In both cases, the contact cleaner fixed it up...

[AtariLeaf]

I'll try to find some contact cleaner, been meaning to pick some up anyway so this'll be a good excuse. Thanks guys

 

BTW, where does one find contact cleaner with God's seal of approval?

[pocketmego]

I'll try to find some contact cleaner, been meaning to pick some up anyway so this'll be a good excuse. Thanks guys

 

BTW, where does one find contact cleaner with God's seal of approval?

 

LOL. I hope you do a video if you get it working, Leaf.

[Oge]

Toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol do miracles, do you know?

 

 

Cheers,

Oge

[AtariLeaf]

I'll try to find some contact cleaner, been meaning to pick some up anyway so this'll be a good excuse. Thanks guys

 

BTW, where does one find contact cleaner with God's seal of approval?

 

LOL. I hope you do a video if you get it working, Leaf.

 

Oh for sure I will.

 

@ Oge, I tried that, it didn't seem to work. Hopefully the contact cleaner (when I get a chance to go out and get some) will do a better job