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Finished Modding My O2


StephenJ

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Hi everyone,
I just finished modding my Odyssey 2 and I thought some of you may be interested in the results.

I'd first like to thank the following AA members:
- thevnaguy (Willie) for his Youtube video (ArcadeUSA channel), where I learned about the controller mod
- metarog for providing me with the necessary additional Odyssey 2 wires/connectors
- grips03 for giving me advice for the technique, and Dremel-bit used, for cutting the connector holes

 

First I installed the Composite AV mod kit that I ordered from Retrofixes (https://store.retrofixes.com/collections/upgrade-diy-kits/products/odyssey-2-composite-mod-upgrade-amp-kit-coming-soon?variant=14876367559)... It was very easy to install.
-> I just realized that I didn't get a photo of the installed AV circuit (sorry)...it's positioned underneath the motherboard where the RF box use to be.

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I used a male/female connector so that the bottom half of the system could be easily separated.

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I really wanted to install an AV kit that had an S Video output (like the one I installed on my 2600) for a better picture quality on my modern flat screen TV, but there were none available.

As it turns out, the composite image quality is pretty good...better than I expected.

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Next was the controllers. I did these mods for two reasons.

One: I wanted to be able to disconnect the controllers from the system, without having to take it apart.

Secondly: I wanted to have the option to use Atari 2600-compatible joysticks...partially for variety, but mostly because replacement Atari parts, and even brand new Atari 2600-compatible controllers, are readily available

...not so for the Odyssey 2.
Since there was plenty of room on the inside...left and right sides of the system, I decided to install two 9-pin connectors on each side

...one wired for the Odyssey 2 controllers and the other wired for Atari-compatible controllers.

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I included a photo of the new controller-ports with dust-covers...just cause.

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I replaced the Odyssey 2 controller wires (the ones that have to be connected on the inside of the system) with wires that connect to 9-pin connectors.

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Both the Odyssey 2 and Atari controllers worked fine with this new configuration. Also, I found that I could have both types of controllers connected at the same time with no problems

...and was even able switch back-and-forth in the middle of a game.

I hope this proves to be of value to some of the Odyssey 2 fans here on AA.

 

All the best,

StephenJ

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Nice work.

 

For those doing O2 composite video mod, remember I have a free pcb deign on OSHpark.com. Might cost around $5 for them to print and mail the PCB to you. Add electronics to the PCB and you are good to go. Search for grips03 on OSHpark.com under Shared Projects.

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That is a great looking O2! I really like the dual joystick ports with dust covers... just a great idea.

 

As to the keyboards... they are usually fine. Ive only had two or three fail me in the 30 or so consoles Ive worked on. The ribbon connector to the main board was usually the issue.

 

Congratulations on the successful mods.

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Hi everyone,

I just finished modding my Odyssey 2 and I thought some of you may be interested in the results.

 

I'd first like to thank the following AA members:

- thevnaguy (Willie) for his Youtube video (ArcadeUSA channel), where I learned about the controller mod

- metarog for providing me with the necessary additional Odyssey 2 wires/connectors

- grips03 for giving me advice for the technique, and Dremel-bit used, for cutting the connector holes

 

Looks great, thanks for sharing. I'm jealous. :) I've been wanting to add composite connectors to my O2 for quite a while, but can never find the time. Which Dremel bit did you use? Do you have any other tips for someone wanting to mod their O2?

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Looks Great and excellent workmanship! Now i need to get off my A** and do a nice controller mod like yours.

 

I use the passive video mod for composite and the video looks great on my Plasma so will stick with that. I did the same on a friends 02 and it did not work well for him.

 

I actually like the 02 controller much better than the atari joysticks but finding them is neither cheap or easy.

 

Did you just just a dremal tool for the DB-9 opening or a a DB-9 punch? they are very clean and where did you get the covers?

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"...Looks great, thanks for sharing...Which Dremel bit did you use? Do you have any other tips for someone wanting to mod their O2?..."

"...Looks Great and excellent workmanship!...Did you just just a dremal tool for the DB-9 opening or a a DB-9 punch? they are very clean and where did you get the covers?..."

Thanks jimj and Everett1954!!

 

I used a 9904 Tungsten Carbide Cutter for my Dremmel as recommended by grips03.

Since I have no confidence in maintaining a steady hand, I decided to make a template buy cutting out a portion of a discarded computer at work.

I covered the edges of the template with electrical tape so as to not scratch the O2.

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First...I drilled the holes for the screws and then attached the template (with the screws) to keep the template from moving while I carved-out the DB9 holes.

As recommended by grips03, I used a small drill-bit to make holes in the corners and center of the intended DB9 areas...to give starting points for the Dremmel bit and to clear-out more material.

Note: The DB9 holes are far from perfect because the metal of the template I used was carved-away a bit, along with the plastic of the O2 shell.

If you are going to try this approach, I suggest trying to find a template made of thicker metal...like from a video card or something.

 

I got the DB9 covers from my Retron 5...but I need (2) more. Unfortunately, Hyperkin won't sell them separately.

If you guys discover any extras in your travels...let me know.

 

Hope this was some help,

StephenJ

 

Please consider sharing photos of your mods.

 

 

 

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  • 2 months later...

Nice job. 100% out of they way down there.

Thanks grips03.

Originally I wanted to have the power button glow, but the plastic isn't translucent at all.

The rest of the cartridge panel is off limits because it would be hidden by the Voice module.

I just didn't like any other places on the top silver area, so I settled on a less conspicuous spot.

 

Thanks for looking,

StephenJ

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