Nes problem

[Famicoman]

My NES displays a black screen when I boot it up with a game in it. If the only solution is to bent the pins back, can some one give me a step by step, or at least explain where the pins are.

[Max-T]

Assuming you have a horizontal-loading NES, you'd have to take the top part of the system's case off to access the ROM socket. Before you do this, make sure that the system won't load any cartridge, not just a particular one. It's not that common, but sometimes, dirty contacts on a cart can cause loading problems, and usually all that's needed to clean a cart's contacts is a Q-Tip with rubbing alcohol or even a small piece of pencil eraser.

 

But if you take the top off of the NES and find that the pins are dirty, clean them as described above. If they are bent, you will need to VERY carefully bend them back as straight as possible using small needlenose pliers or tweezers. They don't all have to be perfectly straight -- fortunately, the NES contacts are rather wide (maybe 1/6") so they have some wiggle room. But make sure that no two contacts are touching each other -- this will cause a short. They need to be close enough to touch at least part of the gold fingers on the cartridge, but separated enough that they are electrically isolated.

 

If all else fails, buy a new console. If there is a short in the system end, you could be damaging your games every time you try to power up the unit. And you can still find NES consoles for very cheap.

[vintagegamer89]

It would make more sense to install a new 72 pin connector. They can be purchased off of Ebay for around $9. They last forever too.

[mynameistom22000]

The pin bending technique does quite well, I have done it on both my NES systems...Or you could buy a new 72 pin connector but that costs money ...here is another in-depth guide:

 

http://www.classicgaming.com/features/arti...cles/nesrepair/

 

Just follow that...not saying the description above is bad, it's just another helpful guide incase you need it

[Avid Fan]

I used a needle to bend my pins. The kind that come in flannel shirts. It was about 2 inches long and strong enough, and it was small to do the whole damn thing in about 10 minutes. But if your opening it up, you might wanna get some very fine grit sandpaper. I havent tried it, but its supposed to work good. Mine worked fine just after the bending and an earlier cleaning.

But still be sure to put the carts in correctly, dont slam them in all the way, and make sure its in evenly

[Dones]

If you have the patience and skill to bend all 72 pins without making mistakes, then by all means go ahead (good luck, you will need it!). Don't be cheap and buy a replacement connector. Like someone said, they are abundantly available in Ebay (about $6 bucks) and it will only take about 10 minutes to do.

 

Also don't forget to search the forums archives --- there is plenty of information that has already been posted on this subject.

[Raijin Z]

. . .

 

Bend the pins. You'd have to be retarded to screw the job up, and even if you do, you can always buy a new connector AFTER you fail.

[Jeffy Arensmeyer]

Do the 72-pin connectors require the use of a soldering gun? I've considered installing some new connectors in my NES consoles, but I'm not handicapable with a soldering iron.

 

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[RavenonesGF]

Nope there's no soldering required. Its not all that hard.

[Stingray]

The 72 pin connector just slips right on the board. It takes about 10 minutes start to finish to replace one including taking apart and reassembling the case. Nothing to it.

 

-S

[Jeffy Arensmeyer]

Dang. I've been hesitant about doing it since I thought you had to desolder and resolder. The Game Genie really "wallows" out the pin connector, so I try to use it on only one of the consoles. Looks like I'm going to be ordering some pin connectors. Thanx for letting me know.

 

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[Bruce Tomlin]

You can also order them direct from MCM Electronics, but I think they have a minimum order. From their March catalog, their prices are Q1-4 = $8.79 Q5-9=$7.89 Q10-29=$7.39 Q30+=$6.79. I found out recently that they still have over 20,000 left.

 

The people selling single ones probably bought an order of 30.

[Jeffy Arensmeyer]

I'll have to check online about the pricing, but that's really not that much if you price NES consoles on eBay. And I love MCM, especially their catalogs. Those are like the Sears Christmas catalogs to me. MCM is where I got my large and small NES bits.

 

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[Famicoman]

wich pins are we talking about? I saw the classic gaming article, and I think its the pin connecting to the circuit board, but when I bend them up, they just spring back down. If there the other pins, where do you put the screw driver to create leverage?