With constant use, the power socket in an Atari Lynx can start to fall apart or its inner pin that makes contact with the power barrel can get bent and twisted inside the socket. This guide describes how to replace the power socket on an Atari Lynx. We use a model 1 Lynx for demonstration purposes but the same concepts apply to model 2. Replacement power sockets are available from K-Retro. If you need to know how to take your Lynx apart, please check this article first - Lynx 2 disassembly steps and Screw size chart.
Step 1 - Locate the power socket and remove hot glue
The power socket is located on the top side of the Lynx motherboard. There is usually hot glue blobs helping to hold the socket in place. These need to be removed using side cutters or needle nose pliers. Once removed, the socket should only be held on by its three pins.
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Step 2 - Desolder the power socket
Flip the Lynx motherboard around to the bottom side and either using a desolder gun or desoldering braid, remove the solder around the three pins that secure the power socket. Be careful to not lift any traces.
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Step 3 - Solder in the new socket
Push the new socket in, use some Blu-Tac (or similar) to hold it in place, then solder it's legs into the motherboard. Trim the legs if required. Then using some IPA clean any remaining flux residue.
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This page is part of the Atari Lynx Repair and Troubleshooting Guides series.
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