At 03:00 PM 1/16/2008, you wrote: You don't need any water. Good desoldering tools would be required. [DrB] I've had Multibus 2 backplane connectors (86 pins) salvaged from backplanes for reuse on in-service systems. Pukka kit and experience are essential. For DIY you could use http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Profesional-Repair-Rework-Station/dp/B000HDJ 5J2 a bit high end but you need the desoldering iron. If this seems expensive have a look at (Cooper Tools) Weller's offerings - it's cheep. Very interested in hands on reports of whether (a posteriori) it's good value. [DrB] Your best approach to GAL/PAL extraction is a friendly wireman. There are reverse engineering plants in China that specialize on copying PALs, GALs, etc. I haven't done it, but know of someone who has. He pays about $30 or so a piece plus shipping. I think there are places in the US that do this, but they charge $1000+ (to operate a $100 device they bought from China...). [DrB] If the security fuse isn't set you can read GALs & PALs on a programmer. Otherwise, you have to work the problem... Very old devices will require "classic" programmers. The best, inexpensive device I'm aware of is the Galep http://www.conitec.net/english/index.htm very interested in alternates. What is the part number of the PAL? [DrB] Not the OEMs sticker (although that is interesting), but the chip vendors part number, date code, etc. A JPEG image would be ideal. Copying the PAL will most likely destroy it. [DrB] Not due to reading it on a "programmer". However, you would wish to (at least) socket it or replace it with a (socketed) copy. Obviously, open top reverse engineering would leave you with an ornament / trophy. [DrB] Another issue is wheter you can obtain equivalent parts. Sometimes, to avoid timing or signal integrity issues, you have to replace GALs/PALs with devices of the same silicon generation. Can you obtain the old chips in small quantities ? HTH Martin