Integrated circuits are delicate devices. The legs are fragile and the internal circuitry is prone to damage from static electricity. Before handling be sure that you take anti static measures, the best way is to wear a grounding cuff (available at most electronic supply stores) properly connected to an earth ground, alternatively touching a bare metal surface that is grounded immediately before handling the chip can be effective.
Do not drop the chip out of the tube that it is supplied in onto a hard surface if the legs are bent they may be impossible to straighten without breaking. Allow the chip to slide gently from the tube into your free hand doing your best only to handle the chip by it’s casing.
IC chips are polarized, you’ll note a notch at on end of the chip, and there is a notch in the socket that the chip inserts into also. These two notches must be aligned, inserting the chip into the socket backwards and powering up the game will destroy the chip.
The chip can be accessed from either the front or the rear of the game. It is located in the upper corner of the board toward the front of the game. The notched end of the chip also faces the front of the game. Which access you wish to use is up too you, choose the one that allows you the best visibility and ability to perform delicate tasks.
First the old chip must be removed. Do this by using a chip-pulling device, or by gently inserting a small (jewelers type) flat blade screwdriver between the IC and the socket and lifting one end of the chip slightly and then the other end until you feel the resistance of the socket holding the chip lessen, the chip can then be gently lifted out by hand. If you use the second method be sure that the screwdriver is inserted in the correct spot and not under the socket or the board will be damaged.
Carefully pick up the new chip, be sure that the notch is facing the correct direction. Align the all the legs of the chip with all the holes of the socket, be sure that all the chip’s legs exactly insert into each hole before attempting to push the chip in or it will be damaged. When everything is lined up apply gentle even pressure to the chip until is seats fully, there will be a small gap about 1/16” or less between the chip and socket and the chip will sit evenly in the socket.
