72 Pin Connector questions.

[Gamingking]

First of all, does anyone here own a new 72 pin connector? Do they actually work? And how do you switch them. I've took the top off my NES but don't know what to do from there?.

[Mobius]

I don't have a new one, but I did "refurbish" my old one. It's really very simple. Going off of memory... Remove the RF shield (the big metal cover), remove the "cradle" piece that the cart slides into, then remove the screws holding the 72-pin adapter. It can then slide right off the motherboard.

It's very easy when you look at it, just take your time and don't force anything.

[Cinder6]

Yeah, I replaced my 72-pin connector. I can attest to the fact that my NES plays as if it were new (I don't even need to push down the cartridge slot on 99% of my games). Your days of blowing on cartridges (which you shouldn't do anyways) and making minute adjustments to the game while it's turned on will soon come to an end :)

After taking the top off, you must remove the RF shield and unscrew a bunch of things (I can't remember it all off the top of my head). You have to wiggle the old connector off. It's on very tight, so it will feel like you're going to break it, but don't worry. Putting the new one on is easier. Just give it some time and constant pressure, and it will finally give.

Or, you can just use this tutorial (some one I did):
http://www.jandar.net/nes72pin/

[coreys429]

I order new ones every few months or so. They work as long as you clean the whole system. I clean it even if it already looks cleaned. If you get a new 72 pin. I am not sure what to do to refurbish an old one.

[Mobius]

I order new ones every few months or so. They work as long as you clean the whole system. I clean it even if it already looks cleaned. If you get a new 72 pin. I am not sure what to do to refurbish an old one.

All I did was bend each pin up a bit so that it would create a tighter connection. Works like new! Though I might have gone a little too tight, as it takes some work to get the games out now. :embarrassed:

[heybtbm]

Keep in mind that there is a huge failure rate of "new" 72-pin connectors. They don't exactly have the best quality control wherever they're made in China. Your best bet is to buy a few and maybe one will work. I remember hearing failure rates of 40% a few years ago.

Anyway, I've never had one that totally eliminated the lines or even came close to making a NES "work like new". New connector or old, you'll still have the lines from time to time.

[Mobius]

Lines?

The only problem I have with my NES now is a flaky RF connection.

[GnarlyNES]

If you buy a new 72 pin, make sure you are cleaning your games too before you use them. A new 72 pin and old dirty games make your NES sad. Very sad.

[DefaultGen]

.....

[Juganawt]

I have had 2 new 72 pin connectors, one for my PAL NES, and one for my US NES, and they worked perfectly. They take less than 5 minutes to install, and for me they totally eliminated all issues with loading my games. Well worth the £5.

[DeputyMoniker]

I replaced my 72 pin once. It didn't stop the blink.
Just a heads up...the connector isn't always the problem or the failure rate is a little high..