N64 Cartridge Slot repair

I picked up a faulty N64. It was suprised when I took it apart it was so clean.

After testing the voltages were correct and getting to the main board I decided to fellow them and check for connectivity.

AV cables are fine.

However after testing games would work depending on the angle the cartridge slot was on.

I took off the cartridge slot, reflowed and added some solder to some points that didn't have much.

The console is still in the same shape. I have a chance of playing a game about 4/10 power of and adjustments.

Any advice? Can you take of the expansion bay on the other side and solder the cartridge slot in?

The front pin on the left side was lower than other pins. That didn't seem to make a difference for it to work or not.

Are there any replacement parts?
I did see some people mod their N64 and soldered wires to the cartridge slot and the cartridge solder points on the main board.

Thanks

 

Did you check the pins inside the slot to make sure they're getting good contact with the cartridge? You should be able to mend it the same way as an NES - bend the pins inward just a bit to make more solid contact. And check for corrosion while you're in there.

 

I do have a spare cart-slot.

 

Thanks. I took a look but didn't
give it enough attention. I'll take a look tonight.

Do you recommend any specific tools or do you know of any guides to do this correctly?

I did find this.

http://mmmonkey.co.uk/console/sega/md2-loose-cart.htm

 

Yeah don't do that on a n64, one the pins are a bit weird on that.

 

Hi bart_simpson what method do you recommend?

If it doesn't work I'll PM you about the cartridge slot.

Thanks

 

If you can post a picture of your connectior.
It will give me a idea.

 

Thanks. Here they are.

 

no mention of cleaning the Cart Slot ?.............i like to use Deoxit myself

 

Sorry I forgot to mention I cleaned it with electronic circuit board cleaner and isopropyl alcohol.

I cover a card in paper and spray a small amount of circuit board cleaner onto the paper. Then gently insert the card into the cartridge slot to clean it.

It's not the issue as I should of explained in my original post once a cart is seated correctly it plays fine. When Mario Kart was working I think I played Star Cup level with no issues at all.

 

I'm having a high percentage rate of playing carts now. I insert the cartridge all the way then life it up just a fraction to get the game to load.

This definitely looks like it is the pins. I heard a dental pick works well so I'll pick one up and see if I can bend the pins back in place.

Has anyone bought an edge connector that could replace the N64 one?
Something like this?

 

Your welcome to one of my spares that's just collecting dust.
Can have it cheap i will make sure it's cleaned for you.

 

Dont bother fixing n64 connectors. Like SNES, they pop off (tug up) and replace from a dead system.

 

Later SNES models have fixed cart slots.