Scottradio

I finally got back to working on this unit and decided to try to clean the ribbon contacts and the ribbon sockets on the board. I used an old toothbrush and some alcohol. After that it started reading the cartridges again. Easy repair. The ribbon connection is very finicky though so you need to insert it just right to get it to work. As for the sound I guess I just didn't notice it the first time I powered the unit up but from what I gather from the forum people here it is normal. I'm so glad I have a working Fairchild again and thanks again for the comments and advice.

OK, thanks for the replies. I finally got back into the Fairchild and I did find out how to fix part of the problem. It turned out that the power cord white wire on the plastic connector that connects to the pins on the shielding had been pulled out and reattached incorrectly (by myself) and so I put it back in the correct slot (see the pictures below). After I did this I was able to get the built-in game to work but the system is sending a static noise through to the TV for some reason (this is the channel F model with the speaker built into the system); I don't believe this noise was there before. Also, it still will not read the cartridges; I get a screen similar to the one posted above with some cartridges and with others it just goes back to the built in game. I tested the continuity between the ribbon leads and the contact pins on the cartridge assembly and it was OK. I also tested to see if there were any shorts between the ribbon leads and there were no shorts. I also tested under the board to see if the ribbon sockets had continuity and if there were any shorts on the ribbon socket pins; it tested fine. I am wondering if the power wires running from the cord into the board are connected properly or if there is some other problem.

My first generation Fairchild Channel F VES stopped working after I took it apart to spray contact cleaner on some non-working button switches. At first it would still play the built in game but not read the cartridges. After I checked to make sure the cartridge assembly ribbon was firmly in the socket I powered it up again. Now it just displays the non-moving screen pictured below. Any ideas as to what I can do to fix my system?