N64 resurection

[Thegamer3000]

I was finally constructing the case to my portable, and man does it look cool Anyways I've been having trouble with the expansion port, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but I've had no problems pretty much. When I was putting my case together, everything is soo tight that I had to bend the expansion port a tiny little bit. anyways it stopped working, so I unplugged it put the normal one in and turned it on. It worked, then I tried putting it in the case again, it stopped working. Now I can't even get it to work at all!

I know the screen works (indicator lights) All wires are hot glued so nothing came loose and I'm sure the power works ( LED comes on )
Did my N64 fry, or did the expansion port break?

Also some other thing that may have broken it. I ground the N64's heatsink, away from the N64, but I think there was some metal dust on it. Could this short it out?

Do you guys think I should buy a new N64? Please help....

[ATOMICMAN]

prolly just broke something on the port.

[demonofaj]

Yea, I think when you bent it, you may have lifted a trace...Occasionally being pressed down correctly and now probably permanently off...tis a shame

[ShockSlayer]

Check all your traces around that area with a magnifieing(sp) glass. Also, From my experience, don't put ground through the heat sinks. Overall a dumb idea. A new n64 is pretty much a good choice. Pics of this case you speak of?

SS

[Thegamer3000]

woops read next post.

[Thegamer3000]

Sorry can't give you picks, no camera. Anyways I'm pretty sure the expansion slot is not broken I've looked on the board. NOw me and my dad have another idea. We think it might be the power switch. What do you guys think of the metal dust. Can I take a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and rub the board without ruining it? Also I didn't really "bend" it.

[Gamerdude]

Try running a continuity test with a multimeter between the contacts on the traces on the board and the expansion port plug and if that is not the problem keep looking and don't give up.

[timmeh87]

we're talking about the RAM expansion right?

you could try to blast the system down with some compressed air (probably work better than using liquid cleaner). try to get under the pins of all the chips, where metal likes to hide.

you could also try to take a soldering iron and touch up all the solder points around your expansion slot. even if it doesnt LOOK broken the solder joint can be cracked and intermittently working (see above: multimeter)

if its the power switch, a multimeter will tell you in about 3 seconds. multimeter it!