NES Toaster Lifespan?

[Clownzilla]

Ok, I have been collecting a nice series of fun NES games that my friends and I enjoy playing on weekends. Anyway, I have one of those Faketindos (the one made by NEX) and it's putting weird graphics on my games (horizontal lines on the road in RC Pro Am, and the same lines on the backdrop of Track and Field). Although playable, they are starting to get annoying. Well, I was looking into investing in a toaster NES, but I am wondering if they are easy to fix WHEN (I went through four of them between Christmas of 1985 to 1995) they break. I have quite a bit of knowledge when it comes to electronic repair, and can fix many things. I am just wondering how accessible the NES is to repair. Also, would I need any special tools to repair my system?

[cyberfluxor]

Well a clone is something that should be tossed when it's broken because it's an NES on a chip, unless there's something else wrong which in case if you're really good at electronics you might be able to fix. Otherwise best off chucking it and buying another clone.

Toasters though, I haven't seen a dead one before, usually just pins that need replacement. You can break it by driving over it, turning it on while submerged underwater, plugging a higher Amp adaptor in ect, but basic breakdown from age, never heard of it. I'm sure there's some obscure stories that'll be told but overall, if it's still sealed in box expect a good 20+ years of gameplay. :)


Edit: Wait, four units in 10 years? What kind of abuse did you put that thing through? Were you rubbing it across the carpet while playing?

[Penguin]

Yea get a used toaster anywhere, even if it blinks, go on ebay and buy a brand new 72 pin connector, install it and you'll have a perfect nintendo. :)

[NES_Rules]

I've got several toaster NESs and they all work like new. And they all have their original connectors. It's a little tricky the first time, but once you do it it gets really easy to repair the connector. All you need is a Phillips head screwdriver and a small metal pick, to bend the pins and a toothbrush and rubbing alcohol for cleaning.

[InsaneDavid]

Yea get a used toaster anywhere, even if it blinks, go on ebay and buy a brand new 72 pin connector, install it and you'll have a perfect nintendo. :)

Cleaning goes a long way...

I must sound like a broken record (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1164491&postcount=58). LOL


I've got several toaster NESs and they all work like new. And they all have their original connectors. It's a little tricky the first time, but once you do it it gets really easy to repair the connector. All you need is a Phillips head screwdriver and a small metal pick, to bend the pins and a toothbrush and rubbing alcohol for cleaning.

Yup, disassembly and cleaning are the keys to keeping NES systems running without replacement parts. Make sure you keep your cartridges clean too.

[XxHennersXx]

Cleaning goes a long way...

I must sound like a broken record (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1164491&postcount=58). LOL



Yup, disassembly and cleaning are the keys to keeping NES systems running without replacement parts. Make sure you keep your cartridges clean too.

yeah, and if you choose to replace your 72 pin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ3i7F9s8aQ

I walk through exactally step by step in this video.

the whole video is 22 minutes though, it's some where in that episode of my online show.

[XYXZYZ]

Bought mine in 1986, a couple years ago I removed the 72 pin connecter, bent the pins forward a bit, reconnected it and now she still runs like new. Just played Iron Tank a little while ago.

[madman77]

Toasters though, I haven't seen a dead one before, usually just pins that need replacement. You can break it by driving over it, turning it on while submerged underwater, plugging a higher Amp adaptor in ect, but basic breakdown from age, never heard of it.
Plugging in an adapter that outputs a higher amperage will not break it. Electricity is like water in that it only takes as much current as the circuit needs. Think of it like your kitchen faucet, there's a large pipe going to it, but you can turn it on so that just a few drops come out at a time. The extra energy will be given off as heat, so this isn't always a smart idea, but a couple hundred mA won't hurt anything.

Now plugging in an adapter that outputs a much higher voltage, that's a different story.

[cyberfluxor]

I haven't taken an electronics course in 4 years and barely remember most of that stuff. I recall the faucet analogy a few times but forget what each really ment. If I cracked out a book and reviewed over a few things I'd be fresh in my memory again, I'm just no EE.

[dlopez9069]

toaster nes great, clone horrible. I wouldn't even bother cleaning the pins just get a new one ($6 on most sites not including EBAY).and dude im only 16 and i fix mine all of the time. not hard at all

[DefaultGen]

.....

[marvelus10]

The best tool to fix a pin connecter is one of those pics a dentist uses looks like this http://www.dreamstime.com/thumb_3/1093200965iKbZR1.jpg it works like a hot damm I would never of bought replacemnet conncters if I had known aboot these. Oh well live and learn.

[c0ldb33r]

The best tool to fix a pin connecter is one of those pics a dentist uses looks like this http://www.dreamstime.com/thumb_3/1093200965iKbZR1.jpg it works like a hot damm I would never of bought replacemnet conncters if I had known aboot these. Oh well live and learn.
How do you use this to fix the pins? What exactly do you do?

[NES_Rules]

Yup, disassembly and cleaning are the keys to keeping NES systems running without replacement parts. Make sure you keep your cartridges clean too.

Yeah, I always give any games I bring home a good cleaning before they go into the collection. And I usually give them a quick swab with some alcohol before I play them.

[NES_Rules]

How do you use this to fix the pins? What exactly do you do?
I use something very similar. I just insert the tip under the pin and give it a little twist, it usually bends the pin back up right where it belongs.

[exit]

You could just throw down for a top loader, I got mine for around $35 on e-bay and it was worth every penny.

[77punk]

i have 3 units that are just off, i tried all i could, changed the pins, moved the cart when trying and all.. there alignment is off. I wish the 72 pin converters would work like everyone on here says they do.
I love Sega, its great how the master system never has problems at all. SEGA!!

[XxHennersXx]

You could just throw down for a top loader, I got mine for around $35 on e-bay and it was worth every penny.

yeah if you want RF with shittier picture quality than the original.

[DefaultGen]

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[whoisKeel]

What you want is to cruise the Technical and Restoration forum for some tips:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=22


Basically, either replace or "refurbish" the 72-pin connector in the NES. It is easy to do either, but a new connector will have a very tight fit (YMMV, some people complain more than others).

Then buy a "gamebit" (mcmelectronics.com or ebay, etc.) 4.5 mm security bit to open up the carts.

Lastly, pick up a white plastic eraser (something like this (http://www.dick-blick.com/items/215/00/21500-0000-3ww-l.jpg)), open up the cart and erase the contacts. You can pick this up at a Hobby/Art/Crafts store like Michael's, etc. This method works way better than any q-tip/water/alcohol combo for cleaning. Once you go eraser you never go back.

Insert and enjoy.

[NinjaJoey23]

You could just throw down for a top loader, I got mine for around $35 on e-bay and it was worth every penny.

I have a toploader, and while it works great, the picture is awful. I want my toaster back, honestly.