Colecobrick

The TV I was originally using would show something for my other console in question when I turned it on, so I believe that the VIC-20 ought to have shown some kind of signal. I can try another TV though, just to see.

I tried it on a tube TV and got the same exact results. That was inside a game store, and yeah I tried a few different carts. So I'm guessing with this image I'm getting it could be a number of things still, correct? I was using a 5200 power supply so that should be good.

Yeah? I suppose, they just look so grungy that I don't think anything would save them. Honestly the copper pins look completely corroded away.

I always do RCA first. Except once. Saw the sparks. Anyway, it isn't a problem with the channel, I've tried it on different channels, and this is what happens when it is on the right channel. So you think it's the switch box? It does click though, I thought that meant it was working. But I guess from what you're saying it could be the actual connection itself and not the inner workings of the switch box?

I guess I'd still have to figure out if it works or not before I invest in that. I did see some games for sale at a local shop, but the pins were so corroded I'd be afraid to even plug that into my VIC-20. Even if the damn thing is borked.

Okay, so I finally was able to get a video of the 5200 when I turn it on. Perhaps this will help?

I know it took me a couple days to get around to this, my back has been bothering me for the last few days. I went ahead and hooked up the A/V cables from the Genesis into the TV. Typed in the code you suggested and I didn't get any sound. I'm guessing this is a bad sign? I'm supposed to type out "POKE," correct?

When there's no game inserted it's solid black. When game is in, I get the weird distortion. And I have played other systems on the TV. I will try to take a video of it as soon as I can. Hopefully I can have one up today.

I tried 2 and 3. Even did 4 just in case, but none of them work. I'm wondering if it could be the game, although I don't think it's likely. It's Pac-Man, and I checked the pins, they look good. Even cleaned it. I'm thinking there's probably something wrong inside the console itself, but I really don't even know where to start.

I really appreciate your help! I hope it is just a bad RF modulator. I'm going to try it on another TV soon. Right now my back is in bad shape and mobility is limited, but after I see the doctor hopefully I can hook it up to the other TV with the gen AV. I will update when that happens.

I'll try another TV. Perhaps I'll get some static with that one. And the Genesis A/V trick and let you know what happens.

Just tried the static thing, turned out I had some time to do it. I'm not getting anything on either channel.

Cool, so if I'm getting some sound that should mean it's the RF and the VIC is fine, correct? And the AV is perfectly safe to plug into the tv? As far as the static, I haven't seen anything for either channel. I haven't specifically tried turning it off on both channels, so I will try that again later tonight and let you know.

Okay thank you, good to know. I appreciate you answering this, I know that probably ought to go without saying...I'm pretty in the dark with this thing. I hope maybe it's just the RF switch.

Hello. I just picked up a VIC-20 from a thrift store for $11. It has the RF and the AC adaptor. The light powers on, but when I hook it up to my small CRT TV, there's nothing. I tried channel 3 and 4, but it's just a blank screen. Now this may be a stupid question, and I have almost no working knowledge of this stuff, but since it is a computer I assume it will power on without any cartridges or anything plugged in. Am I correct with this assumption, or do I need to plug something in to fire it up? And if not what are some basic things I could do to troubleshoot? I have a Genesis model 1 A/V cable and an RF switch for model 2, is there anything I can do with those? Pardon my ignorance on the subject and thank you in advance!

Hello. I recently picked up an Atari 5200 4-port console with controllers, hookups, and Pacman for $5. I hooked everything up and turned it on. The light comes on, the switch box clicks, and I get a picture, but it's all garbled. I've read about blue screen, black screen, etc., but I don't seem to see any other people talking about scrambled screen. It's basically a black screen with some waves, color lines, just general noise and interference. I've cleaned the cart, cleaned the pin connector. Does anybody have an idea what the problem might be? I apologize if my description isn't very helpful, I have little to no technical understanding, so this will be a little tough for me to figure out, even if I can pinpoint the problem. Thanks guys!