INTV III Controllers problem

[coyo5050]

Can anyone direct me to a link on how to troubleshoot and maybe fix the controller? I have the one on the left that works fine except the disc doesnt like to go left, have to keep pressing and maybe if you hit the right spot it will maybe go left. The right side one doesnt seem to do anything. Can the unit be opened and these swapped to help trouble shoot? Thanks!

[jaybird3rd]

Unfortunately, the original Intellivision Master Component and INTV System III consoles aren't the easiest machines to work on. It is possible to open the console and swap the controllers, but as I recall, you have to desolder and remove the RF shielding to expose the connectors (they're little nine-pin headers at two corners of the board). You may also have to do some untangling, as one of the controller cables is coiled up with some power wires going to the switch.

 

I would start by opening and cleaning the affected controller. The Intellivision controller is made of layered mylar sheets, similar to those used in computer keyboards. If some dirt or residue has gotten between the conductors on these layers, you should be able to swab them clean. Fortunately, the controllers are screwed together, so they're not nearly as difficult to get apart as the Intellivision II controllers.

[coyo5050]

Hmm, I'll try taking apart the controllers first and see if I can figure anything out. Thanks for the info!

[coyo5050]

Opened it up and cleaned between the mylar sheets, no real change. The left controller disk does not seem to recognize going left when playing Atlantis for example. With Astrosmash it will sometime go left if I hit it just right in the bottom left of the disk. Do the mylar sheets need to align up perfectly? I am not even sure how the mylar sheets make the controller work

[coyo5050]

http://www.kohtz.com/andrew/intv_sm/

 

Looks like you can disconnect the controller from the cable running into the system without opening the system up. Assuming the cable and the unit itself are ok. Too bad I don't any replacement controllers. Maybe I can disassemble the controller fully to get a better view of what is going on.