Can't Get Rid of Green Screen On My NES!

I have a front loader NES, and we've had it probably since 1989. I usually use the top loader, but I'm going to college, and I don't think I'll have any devices that use RF, and I don't want to modify a retro system. I've tried just about everything to get rid of the green screen. I disassembled it, took contact cleaner to the contacts on the inside of the NES motherboard (under the 72 pin connector), I did the eraser thing, and I also cleaned it with rubbing alcohol. The contact cleaner appeared to take off a lot of dirt. I also changed out the 72 pin connector. However, none of these things have made it work any better. It works probably about one out of 20 times. Does anyone have any advice on what might work?

Thanks!

 

I've never heard of a green screen?

 

Yeah, I remember it being blue or something lol. When it works, the games look fine though.

 

Yes that is strange. After all the cleaning you did it should work, i gather your carts have been cleaned too. When you get the game working, if you tap the console with yout finger or wiggle the cartridge a little does it fuk the hell up?

Also did you try it on a different TV? You never know... Also maybe try cleaning the power switch.

 

Yeah, if I wiggle it, it will freeze. I also tried my old TV, and the same problem. I will check out the power switch, thanks for the tips!

 

it might be your games dude.

I had a copy of blades of steel that never worked, then I disabled my lockout chip and it's flawless.

The pin connector on the top loader is only half the reason it's more reliable - it also doesn't have a lockout chip.

I had this same exact issue, new 72 pin - nothing. Lockout chip disable - golden.

 

I have a top loader as well, and the games play pretty well on it. They usually work the first time. I don't get a lot of blinking on my NES, mostly just that green screen, but yeah, that modification sounds pretty simple so I will give it a try.

 

I just finished doing the mod, and unfortunately no luck. No more green blinking screen, which is a step forward, but I'm still getting green screens. I guess I can keep scrubbing it with cleaner and keep trying.

Thank you guys for all the input, I really do appreciate it.

 

You could try replacing the 72-pin connector with a new one. They sell them on eBay. That's what I did when I was getting a green screen, and my NES works fine now.

 

What I do with some NES I had in my hand is after cleaning (you do that already) instead of buying a new 72 pin adapter what I just do is with a small flat screw driver I go trough every contact and do gently a lifting. The game get more tighter in the slot and make good contact with the adapter. I dont trust those chinese 72 pin adapters.

 

Thats what I did too. I never tried the new 72 pin connectors you see on ebay either.
I refurbished several NES this way. Instead of using a small flat head screw driver ( i did not have one small enough on hand ) I used a trombone, straightened it and flattened one end with a hammer after heating it with my micro torch. After lifting all the pins a little I boiled the connectors in soapy water (laudry detergent) for 10 min. All my NES worked great after. ( Did about 5 )

 

The 72 pin connectors are pretty cheap. I don't see what you have to lose. They're very easy to install, and you can always put the original one back if you want.

 

I'd do what la- said, just grab a new connector. All this messing around isn't worth the time really. Also it will last longer as well.

 

Personally I wish we had a supplier of NES connectors that use industry standard vertical form. (like those you can buy for SMS and Mark 3)
I'd hate to kill Game Genies, top loaders, and Famicom adapters more than necessary. Tempting as modding the toaster to top-load is...

 

Here in canada, with shipping included it costs around 8$/connector for quantities 5-10. That is on ebay, if you know of a better source please advise

I don't know if they really last longer than a refurbished, cleaned, lubricated old connector but I'll likely get some.
I have a couple more NES that need a refurb. Not sure i want to go through the hassle of repairing the old connectors again. Furthermore im planning on selling those, better to advertise them having new connectors.

 

Shoot, I thought I put it in the first post, but I did try out a new 72 pin connector. No difference. Here's the link I used: http://www.ebay.com/itm/380460654226?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Maybe I will mess with the old connector to see if I can get that one working properly.

 

Nintendo used to just GIVE out new 72Pin adapters. I had a stock of them back in 2004/2005. They stopped since then obviously. Didn't even pay shipping.

 

It couldn't be a cap issue could it?

 

Just to let everyone know, alot of these "new" front loader connectors are not as good as the original connectors. They are too tight fitting on the carts which is bad for the carts. They just aren't right. It's better to refurbish an original connector.

It could be a bad cap issue if it seems like when it's been off for awhile that it always green screens but after messing with it (and leaving it on) that it finally starts working. I actually have a NES that is dead apparently. No idea why. But the CPU chip gets REALLY hot if you leave it on. The PPU chip seems to be ok as it offers a stable picture, until the CPU has been on long enough that it seems to bother the PPU then.

 

Yeah, I had mine off for a couple days, but I just plugged it in, and it worked just fine. The next game I tried, no dice. Once a game works though, it doesn't crash or anything unless it's bumped.

On craigslist, I found a NES with a new connector for $20, so I went over there and grabbed it. Works beautifully. I eventually want to get my old one working, as it's the one my brother and I have had for as long as we can remember, but as far as a temporary solution goes, this will do nicely. But any other ideas on stuff that might help?