Colecovision Glitches

Having a bit of a problem with my colecovision. The graphics are all garbled, and it happens with every game I put in. The audio is fine, though. I suspect the system requires some kind of cleaning, probably in the cartridge slot. I'm hoping there's a way to fix it without doing anything too involved, because I don't want to risk killing the console. Any help is appreciated. Thanks. :3

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• colecovision
• graphical
• bug
• glitches
• graphics
• console
• video
• game
• problem
• error
• trouble
• artifacts

[newcoleco]

In my case, it was usually a voltage/power problem. If you have a second power supply, try it, it may fix the problem... or try to gently move the power cable and press reset, maybe the cable is not in good condition and if it's not right placed it may gives bad voltages and corrupt the video output.

[Matrix803]

@newcoleco

Woah, that's the last thing I would've thought it was. Didn't know that could effect the graphics of the game. Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a shot. =D

[Matrix803]

@newcoleco

I just bought a new power adapter for my ColecoVision today, so hopefully that's all the problem is.

I think this problem might've originally been caused from me leaving the console on for a long period of time. It's difficult to notice whether it's on or off because of the fact that it lacks a power LED. I may have left it on for even a week without realizing it, and that may have worn out the power adapter. We'll see when I get the new one and test it out.

[Matrix803]

@wikes85 That's what I thought it was at first, but then i noticed that the console was behaving like that with every game. And I air-blue the cartridge pin connector clean, so Im thinking the problem is something internally with the system itself.. :l

We took it apart at school and cleaned out what we could of the insides, but that didn't help.

[allen2441]

U look so stoned ! Lol

[gibs2b]

You have those glitches because some Dynamic RAM modules are dead, that's all.

[gibs2b]

@KoshKolosh I bet the issue appeared again...right ?

[KoshKolosh]

Update: The thing finally works. But I had to modify it. I completely removed the old power switch and installed a new one which is now located at the back of the system, where the channel 3/4 switch is. It was a real pain in the ass, but it's worth having a fully functional colecovision. I can't find any instructions on the 'net, but if I could do it, anyone could. Btw, the replacement switch has to be a "double throw" switch.

[KoshKolosh]

Update: I have graphical problems again. I have to either disassemble the switch and sand the contacts with sandpaper, or replace it with a new switch. I'm gonna try and fix again today.

[Matrix803]

@KoshKolosh

I went and tried your suggestion.

It definitely made the switch feel more secure, but it didn't help the graphical problem (that is, it didn't make it better nor did it make it worse). So I'm guessing you had a different problem than me. Thanks for trying though. :3

[KoshKolosh]

Forgot to mention, my colecovision works almost every time now. When the graphics or colours mess up, I just hit Reset. That only happens with games that weren't taken care of from previous owners.

[KoshKolosh]

You will also have to remove some plastic from the "switch", it's difficult to explain though. I can make a simple diagram on how it's supposed to look.

[KoshKolosh]

All colecovisions have these problems. Just today, I decided to try and fix mine again. It's actually pretty simple, but requires a lot of elbow grease. You have to open it, which can be difficult if you don't take the screws out, instead of just letting them sit in their holes. And now that it's open, take some plyers, pull the left side of the metal shield surrounding the power switch upwards. This will bend the metal down against the switch, giving it a better contact.