Hi, Thanks for the offer to help jeff. Thats great ! but i just ordered the compatible replacements from digi-key. I will try to get that working first, partly for challenge/experience of fitting a 44-plcc into my 40-dip spot as well as making the repair. However, if the chip turns out to be not so compatible with my old circuit or i really muck things up then i might surely need to take you up on your offer.
thanks again for offer (and shenzen heads up) i really appreciate that, robb