Cartridge connection frying?

[Falco]

Is there a risk of shorting/frying an N64 if a cartridge is put in backwards or the pins are reversed?

[Mario]

Sure is. Triple-check all your connections before you try plugging in a cartridge.

[mako321]

Lost my favorite game from a bad relocation

[Bush]

I lost goldeneye to a fried 64. But, I have put in games backwards and had them survive.

[Falco]

So it can harm a cartridge, but what about the N64 itself? I accidentally switched the two pin rows, and only realized it after testing the system, and once I rewired it properly it still didn't output signal.

[Bush]

It shouldnt fry the system itself; im pretty sure. Are you getting the green fuzzy screen and have you done the RCP test?

[Falco]

There's no signal at all, so no video, and I haven't done any specific testing. I gave up on wires breaking at the solder joints every time I wiggled them though, so I'm rewiring the cartridge relocation from the beginning. I guess if it doesn't work after that something more serious is wrong.

[Bush]

Two things:
1 turn on the system without a game in, and touch the RCP with your hand. If it goes from normal to FREAKING HOT in about 10 secs, it is fried.
2 if not, buy some stuff called flux, apply some of it to the contacts and the tips of your wires. Then tin the contacts and wires. The flux will hiss and the solder will apply itself evenly and very strong. Flux makes a stronger bond between metals. Now when you solder the wires to the board, they will have very strong joints.