Fixing Jamma connector edge on PCB

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caldwert
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Fixing Jamma connector edge on PCB

Post by caldwert »

As the title says I need to fix the edge of the board that is inserted into the Jamma connector from my cabinet. The problem is whatever is used on the connector is worn through on one of the pins thus I can't go left on player 1 on this game, Metamorphic Force. I know its pin #20 on the parts side of things. I was wondering if anyone else has fixed similar problems on boards and what they used to fix the problem? I wasn't sure exactly what the pins are made out of. Also, I don't see how someone could be so rough they'd wear away the edge of the board, makes me wanna quit buying crap off of Ebay. Any help is appreciated! Thanks.
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Dave_K.
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Post by Dave_K. »

Sometimes the PCB edge just needs to be cleaned. If its really worn, you could try flowing some solder over whatever is remaining to have it make better contact with the edge connector pin.
Gwyrgyn Blood
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Post by Gwyrgyn Blood »

Would using a Trace pen work for this? I honestly don't know but it's an idea.
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Michaelm
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Post by Michaelm »

Make and adapter so you end up with a decent connector :idea:
All errors are intentional but mistakes could have been made.
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Dragon1952
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Post by Dragon1952 »

That's good advise!
"wax on...wax off!"
caldwert
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Post by caldwert »

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll look into a trace pen or solder. Does anyone know what the pins are exactly made out of?
PC Engine Fan X!
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The 411 on cleaning the pins on a 56-pin Jamma PCB...

Post by PC Engine Fan X! »

To get those 56-pin Jamma edge interface connnection all nice and shiny, do the following:
1.) Get a gray-colored kneadable artist eraser (from an artist supply store, etc.) and rub the pin contacts on the 56-pin Jamma edge connection interface.

To get the pins super shiny and super clean, do step #2 as well...

2.) Get a few Q-tips and dip it in some rubbing alcohol...rubbing it directly on the pins themselves until they are super clean. Be sure that they are completely dry before powering up the Jamma PCB itself.

The above two steps have worked wonders for my arcade PCBs, especially some cool oldies that have been bought off of eBay with some very dirty pin connectors (previous arcade operators or arcade PCB hobbyists who are too lazy to do even simple cleaning upkeep with their arcade PCBs)... ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
Last edited by PC Engine Fan X! on Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Squirrel
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Post by Squirrel »

For cleaning contacts, well not on PCB boards but I'm sure it works too, I do this to my NES games.

I use 800 grit sandpaper. Works like a charm, I have never seen shinier contacts than after using the sandpaper. I clean cartridge slots and cartridges this way, and it has never, ever failed me, and I don't have to clean them for a year at a time.
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caldwert
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Post by caldwert »

Thanks for the tips guys. I tried to find a trace pen today but nobody had one, so I guess I will have to get one online. That should do the trick I'd imagine.
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