Sprout

Update from yet more testing... I made one error in my configuration notes earlier - it's MY unit, not my brother's, that has the 4516 RAM. His unit is bone-stock - no mods. Otherwise, I connected an old PC power supply that I use on my bench for powering up various boards to my ColecoVision - no change. You'll note in the image above that the +5 rail is spec'd at .9A, the -5 at .1A, and the +12 at .3A. My bench power supply provides 22A for the +5 rail, 9.5A for the +12 rail, and .5A for the -5v rail. For my testing, I only connected the +5, +12, and ground, since the -5 is only used by the original 4116 RAM. In summary, I don't see any reason to believe it's power-related, and given the other reference thread, does seem to follow certain cartridges. Based upon the other referenced thread, it sounds like it may be isolated to certain PCB's. I'd be curious to see if wiping a "bad" PCB, and reprogramming with ZK has the same issue persisting. Assuming so, if it's then wiped/reprogrammed with a different AMR-based game, does it show similar issues as ZK, or work without issue? That would help further isolate to these specific PCB's in general, vs. a Zookeeper/specific PCB issue. Happy to assist with additional testing, and my offer stands to bring my ColecoVision and Expansion Module #1 to Al, along with both of the affected Zookeeper cartridges, if that's helpful.

Yep - zero issues with "real" 2600's, both Atari and Sears (I've got 4 or 5 2600's I've picked up through the years). Unknown, but wouldn't suspect power since both the Harmony Encore and the dedicated Zookeeper are both "Melody" PCB-based, and I'd expect a similar power draw. Note that my brother's unit was modified to eliminate the 4116 triple-voltage RAM (using 4516 RAM), so that should drop the stress on his power supply (which I also rebuilt). I don't remember off the top of my head if there are other components in the ColecoVision using +12/-5, but it shouldn't place any more of a load on the +5 regardless... If there is some significant different in power draw between the Harmony cart and the PCB that shipped in the Zookeeper, that could be worth exploring. I can fairly easily open up my ColecoVision and connect an external AT power supply (which carries +5, -5, and +12) that I have on my bench for repairing various PCB's to remove that as a concern...

Ok, after several PM's with John and some additional testing, a quick summary of our findings: - Issues persist across two different Colecovisions, two different power supplies, two different 2600 expansion modules, and two different Zookeeper cart's. My ColecoVision has a composite mod installed, but is otherwise stock. I modded my brothers for 4516 RAM at one point to deal with some bad 4116's, but it's using RF output otherwise. - Installing the full ROM version on my Harmony Encore works without issue under firmware 1.06. Also seems fine if I install the Zookeeper ROM over the normal multi-cart code, to have it act like a stand-alone Zookeeper cart (ie, boots directly into Zookeeper). Used the DPC+ bank switching selection, in case that's helpful. - Zero issues with various original 2600's (Atari/Sears vintage), but also didn't like my single-chip 2600 Jr (see earlier in the thread for details). @batari - John suggested tagging you; any additional testing that could be helpful? I'm also within driving distance of Al (not sure how to tag him for this thread) and could loan him my ColecoVision setup for additional testing if that's of use? Thanks! Brent

Quick update- Brother brought his Colecovision over (power supply included) - same exact issues with his. Very puzzling! The most we ever got was the AtariAge logo for a split second, and the first note of the accompanying startup music, which is what I'd seen with my Colecovision occasionally as well. Again - no issues with the Harmony Encore cart, or other carts with his configuration either. Planning to pick up Wizard of Wor at some point, so I guess I'll see if it has issues as well? Will update if I come across any new info.

FWIW, I've done some additional testing on my end - details below. Background - my brother bought two retail Zookeeper carts at the same time - one for each of us. I had him bring his cartridge over this afternoon to allow for additional testing. Results: In testing with my Colecovision and two different 2600 expansion modules, and with both Zookeeper cartridges - neither works. Consistently. That seems to rule out the actual cartridges (unless something has changed compatibility-wise in the latest Zookeeper cartridge builds?). It also seems to rule out an issue specific to the expansion module, since two are affected, and I have no issues with any other cartridges, including the Harmony Encore. I'll need to test one of my expansion modules on his Colecovision next in the off chance something wacky about my Colecovision is affecting ONLY this cartridge I suppose? Both cartridges work fine with a "real" 2600 (tested with a couple of Atari ones, and a couple of Sears ones). My cartridge also did not work with my 2600 Jr (single-chip version, with the blank spot for a ROM socket), but it's got some sound issues I'm working to resolve so I'll need to do some more testing, as I'd have sworn it worked on it when I initially did my testing a week or so back. Zero issues with the Harmony Encore cart in the Colecovision. Zero issues with the Zookeeper demo on the Harmony cart. No issues with a few other 2600 cartridges I've tested that are handy. I'd really prefer to use the Colecovision, since it's easy to just plug in the expansion module, and my Colecovision is already modded for composite output (whereas I don't have a 2600 modded - though I've got a kit on the way), and the expansion module takes up less space than a 2600 as well. Worst-case, I may just purchase the ROM version and drop it onto the Harmony Encore cart I suppose. Good luck with your configuration @johnnywc - I'd be interested in hearing how it works! Also appreciate any insight others may have into why I'm having these issues. I'll update this post once I'm able to test with my brother's Colecovision otherwise.

Google is your friend https://shatteredscreens.com/free-stuff/

It’s honestly not hard to put a check in the mail, assuming you have a checking account. I mean - this isn’t some “fly by night” organization, and I’m not concerned that I won’t get my cart... If we weren’t dealing with a plague, then a money order would be a relatively easy backup option that anybody could easily take advantage of. As somebody avoiding any unnecessary travel outside the barbed wire that keeps the zombies out, I get that folks would want to avoid that option, but between the two, it’s not a big deal to get a payment off in my opinion.

...and another pops up on eBay... https://www.ebay.com/itm/VecFever-Vectrex-Development-Cart-/264980694503 Here's hoping 2021 is the year for a follow-up product, or a comparable product going live with similar features.

Do you happen to know his email address? I sent a PM here a bit over 2 years ago that shows as unread, so my assumption is that he's no longer active on AtariAge. If there is a better means to contact Thomas, I'm sure many of us would love details.

I am also interested in picking up a Special Edition™ version - please add me to the ever-growing waiting list ?

Interested, but out of town all weekend so going to miss this one unfortunately!

Picked up three sets for myself and my brother. Long road to get there, but glad it worked out, and thanks for your efforts in making this happen!

Great news - looking forward to picking these up. To confirm - both the outer membrane and the internal mylar pieces will be available for purchase?

Running on an emulator - unclear whether this is more of a tech demo, vs. something that's a WIP. Translation from the video description: "I am running with paraJVE. It did not reach to the real thing in various ways, but it is just the atmosphere and w. The laser gun was to be left to the overlay."

Glad to see this thread back from the dead, and still up for several!

Bump - this still under consideration, or is there not enough interest to justify even the 100 unit order?

Since I'm in the middle of working/cleaning several of these - here are several shots of the parts in question for a 1st-gen/2609 Intellivision controller:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wgmfl5qjcimvsty/AAAKxTNrE1c2iNJqMhPvUWAAa?dl=0 Count me in for several replacement circuit matrices... (3 or 4).