Thanks, Corey for the info on that pen technology. Prices seem to be higher than you suggest. I'll email you with some questions, I'll share some results - don't want to clutter this list with details. Also thanks, Jonathan, same deal. The boards I'm getting are not expensive, I think making one or two of my own would not be cheap. We can discuss wear and tear on edge connectors. I deal with some of those issues on my Web site, some pages discuss use of cleaner/lubricants like DeOxit on corroded IC sockets and (solder/tin coated) IC pins. Metal plating is interesting technology. And it's a means to repair some vintage equipment, so it's relevant here. herb -- Herbert R. Johnson, New Jersey in the USA http://www.retrotechnology.com OR .net