Edge connector repair suggestions, anyone?

[Lastcallhall]

So, I'm trying to fix up those 5 systems I came across in my garage, and I'm noticing that the edge connector on the Sega CD side on almost all of them is worn down or corroded in some fashion. I haven't tested them with a working Sega CD yet, as my laser needs to be replaced on my own unit, and that's the only console I have for the test. However, I've decided to go ahead with the repairs and mods of the units in the meantime, and I was wondering if anyone has tried to repair the edge connector, and if so, what worked best for you? I'm considering adding a small amount of solder to cover the contacts, but I'm worried it might push out the Sega CD connector pins in the long run.

Anyway, suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

[TrekkiesUnite118]

Have you tried cleaning it as you would a Cartridge?

[Lastcallhall]

Yeah, I've used alcohol and an eraser. Both got some dirt and grime off of it, but they still look bad.

[Jax184]

I assume you mean the Sega Genesis's connector? And that you've got ones with bare metal leads, not the graphite coated ones?

I personally suggest some more time with q-tips and alcohol. I alternate wet and dry with good results. I generally suggest avoiding anything like sandpaper or other abrasives. Metal polish on a cloth might help though.

A tiny bit of solder might help. If you're patient and dabble on some flux, you can get it to coat the surface without actually making a huge glob.

[Lastcallhall]

I mean the edge connector that attached to the Sega CD's slot. Here's a couple of pics from the systems:





I'll work on them tonight with the alcohol and if all else fails I'll use the solder/flux.

[Sparksterz]

Oh that's not too bad, I've seen some in much worse shape! Though it does appear some of the metal is tarnished, if you're feeling confident you can try some Brasso on it. It is a fine abrasive however, so watch out.

The only way to not blow through those leads is to clean it in other ways...I'm not so sure the solder/flux will hold over time, but maybe...

[xelement5x]

Brasso or contact cleaner is a solid idea. I use very fine steel wool on my carts with really grungy contacts, that would probably work here as well.

I know that in theory I'm removing a small amount of the metal there as I rub the steel wool, but I don't consider it a bad thing because I've never had to clean something more than once with something as heavy duty as the steel wool.

[Guntz]

Yeah those contacts aren't too bad, they probably still make continuity. If you're concerned, test the suspect pins... Adding a bit of solder would only really be needed if a pin has lost connection with the mainboard. Use Brasso or a contact cleaner to remove the grime and rust. You'll probably find there's still good metal underneath it all.

[Lastcallhall]

Thanks, everyone. I actually bought a fiberglass pen, and I plan on LIGHTLY using it on the contacts that don't respond to the alcohol. I also have flux and solder at the ready should I need it.

[TmEE]

I advise against soldering the pins, I've seen too many ruined slots.

These contacts are already tin coated, the fiberglass pen should do wonders on them, filing off all the oxide (the really dark part).

[Jax184]

I suggest using the fibreglass pen outside. They make a huge quantity of itchy stuff which gets absolutely everywhere.

[Lastcallhall]

Good to know - I didn't get a chance to do it today, but I'll work on it tomorrow (with a ventilator mask, at that). Thanks!

[dbtmellis]

Try using a Dremel tool with some polishing compound. Just be sure to use the lower speed (5000 RPM), as i found out the hard way high speed (32,000 PRM) can ruin a game! I now clean all my games this way and they all come out clean and work great.

[MEGADRIVE Jeroi]

Use 300 sandpaper, then polish with 400 sandpaper. This way you get clean surfaces again. Remember to sand towards the pins not sideways so that you don't risk the pins to break off from mobo. Other than this your pins look decent enough and should work still. Those marks you have there are not removable with alcohol and sand paper is a very good option here (this is what professionals do). Remeber that cd's are sanded with these high number sand papers so you can use them easilly for pin fixing also.

Also I dont suggest adding solder to connector unless you have poor slot in sega-cd. Usually you can fix the slot tough by bending the contact pins. How ever quick and easy fork is then to ad tiny bit of solder to grow thickness of the contacts and it would make the connector to have better contacts again. How ever the bending slot pins is better tho.

[Lastcallhall]

Cool, thanks for the suggestions. The winds have been crazy over here for the past few days so I haven't gotten a chance to go outside and get this done. I might try the sandpaper and or dremel if the pen fails.