Task: Purchase Contact Cleaner for Reseating Chips and Cleaning Contacts on Atari 8-Bit Computer Circuit Boards
Needed: Contact Cleaner
Time: 5-10 minutes
Introduction
I have been posting about tools and technology that can be used to assist with the repair of non-working Atari 8-bit computers. For example, I recently posted about purchasing an oscilloscope for checking chips for proper function and purchasing a desoldering iron and hot air rework station for removing bad chips. However, there is sometimes an easy fix that can get an Atari back to normal.
Over time, the contacts of the chips and the circuit board can get oxidized thus interfering with the electrical continuity of the components. The oxidization can be easily removed using commercially available contact cleaners that come in a spray can. A common brand is Deoxit which is sometimes used as a verb. There are other effective brands as well.
Instructions
Step one is to purchase a contact cleaner. There are several different brands available via Amazon or your favorite hardware store. Deoxit is a popular brand that sells for about $29 on Amazon. I purchased the WD-40 branded “specialist” series contact cleaner for around $12. I also have a can of CRC QD Contact Cleaner I paid about $11 for. All of these brands come with a narrow red spray tube that attaches to the nozzle for a more precise spray which is good for circuit boards.
Step two is to deoxit that socket! Simply spray the contacts of a chip socket or other circuit board contact that might not be working due to oxidation. You might need a toothbrush to scrub the socket if it is particularly dirty. Reseat the chip or component and see if that brings the computer back to life! Sometimes it is just that easy. The good contact cleaners will evaporate leaving no residue behind on your circuit board. You can also spray a Q-tip or cloth / paper towel to use for cleaning.
Comments
I deoxit every socket I pull a chip out of. I also deoxit other contacts such as the cartridge slot and video port.
I once fixed a Commodore 64 by simply reseating the kernel ROM after cleaning the contacts of the socket.
Deoxit brand actually has a light lubricant in it that can make chips slide in and out of sockets easier.
Always have a can nearby!