Strange Color Problem - 8-bit Domain S-video Mod

[Strange Color Problem - 8-bit Domain S-video Mod]

Update: problem solved. I ran the s-video output to a Onkyo AV receiver connected to the HDTV and the color is fine now. I guess the Onkyo is doing something with the s-video signal to make it more palatable for the HDTV.

 

Anyone having trouble with a 2600, a s-video mod, and a HDTV might want to try running the signal through an AV receiver to see if it helps.

 

Thanks for the reply SpiceWare. I should pull out my old c=1084S monitor - does a fantastic job with older video game consoles. Just wish it was a bit bigger . . . .

[Strange Color Problem - 8-bit Domain S-video Mod]

Hi Folks,

 

I'm having the strangest problem with my 4-switch 'vader' 2600 (NTSC) after I installed an 8-bit Domain s-video mod. I've connected the 2600 to a LCD rear projection Sony HDTV and I get wonderfully sharp color images for some games, B+W images for others, and (here's the strange bit) certain screens on otherwise full-color games turning B+W.

 

Here's a list of games I've tried using s-video out and the results:

 

Stampede - full color, no issues

Ms. Pac Man - full color, no issues

Jungle Hunt - full color, no issues

Amidar - no color

Space Invaders - full color on select game screens, actual game B+W/no color, switches back to color after game finishes

Pitfall II - full color on beginning screens, changes to B+W on screen with first "save game cross" and gold brick, switches back to color after that

 

I tried using the RF connection and no issues with color (mod still installed). Haven't tried the composite connection yet.

 

Anyone know what's going on here?

 

Did I damage the TIA during the install (I had to desolder the chip in order to install the mod - I thought all 2600s were socketed - apparently this 'vader' circa 1980 wasn't)?

 

Did I damage another component? I hamfistedly bent a component located next to the TIA during the install. Its still attached, but for a second I thought it had broken off of its pins. (see pics - circled component)

 

 

 

Or is this one of those issues with modern HDTV TVs and the 2600?

 

Otherwise the mod has been great. S-video is an amazing improvement over fuzzy RF!

 

Thanks in advance.

[Cartridge Port Hack – Troubleshooting]

Also, any forum members have recommendations for a good solder? I'm using Radio Shack silver solder and it doesn't seem to flow/adhere very well using a temp controlled soldering station set to 350 C.

 

I tired of dealing with RS's inconsistent solder. I was thinking of getting some Kester 62/36/2, but then I found a site selling Cardas solder (tin, lead, silver, copper eutectic. 61/35/3/1) for less. I've heard good things about Cardas solder especially that its very easy to work with, but I'm wary of the whole audiophile snake-oil phenom.

 

Thanks.

[Cartridge Port Hack – Troubleshooting]

A question for all of those forum members that have successfully modded their flashback 2’s.

 

I just finished trying to install a cartridge port on my flashback and all I get when I insert a cartridge is random noise and random screen video (interestingly the noise and random video change each time the console is turned on with a cart inserted). The carts I’ve used to test are Asteroids, Pitfall, and Ms. Pacman.

 

I’ve checked all of my connections to the cart port with a multi-meter for continuity and they seem to check out ok. The original games still work when I use the DPDT switch.

 

I though I might have wired the cart port backwards, so I reversed it – but still no dice. Here’s an annotated picture of the cart port and the way I soldered the leads.

 

 

Any ideas as to what I might be doing wrong here?

 

Thanks in advance.