allansim

Z80 is the CPU of the system. It's the long chip on the board between the cartridge connector and the expansion slot. Since you have 1 working colecovision you could swap that chip onto the board that doesn't work to test if that fixes it. If it works, then the Z80 is bad, but you're in luck because its a very very common easily-found chip that's been used in a slew of different electronics for decades. Conversely if the Texas Instruments graphics chip was no good though, that'd be harder to source a replacement. I assume you don't get the 'Turn Your Coleco Off' message when you turn it on without a cartridge in it? If you see that message, the Z80 is probably good and i'd look elsewhere, like cleaning/replacing the cartridge slot.

I live in Canada and ya, same as the US really. The CPU looks to be working and same as the display chip. I'd do the A/V mod and forget about the RF.

Awesome! Broke one of mine decades ago and somehow glue couldn't fix it. 😆

Looks like most of Syd's collection went to U of T in Mississauga so it lives on? https://www.utoronto.ca/news/14000-titles-u-t-mississauga-s-syd-bolton-collection-takes-video-game-studies-next-level "The U of T Mississauga Library has set up a space for anyone who wishes to make an appointment to play a game from the Syd Bolton Collection"

I like that it takes a standard supply and can be mounted in the CV. Great work!

I have a 300 baud modem that fits into a slot. I can't contribute much, but for a wishlist it'd be nice to have cards for each slot that could do all the important stuff, like 80-columns with VGA output, ADE or FujiNET, expanded memory module + enhanced sound (not sure if that last one is possible or if it can only be done on the side slot).

I just saw this, it's not a bad idea. Maybe next year?

Great game! Played it so much as a kid and I have the CV cartridge in my collection. I didn't know at the time it was ported to other systems, like Commodore 64. There was also a remake by the original author you can get on Steam.

I think you could just use 2 flathead bolts with nuts and a couple of washers? Some hardware stores sell 'rivets' which have a thread in them so they don't require a rivet gun to install and can be undone later if needed. I've never removed the slot myself.

Anti-static chip for the controller ports is a wise move. There's also a composite mod that can be done so that you don't require the RF switcher box to connect to a tv anymore. Other than that, 5volt RAM mod, maybe? That would help in going to a small modern power supply later. Speaking of which, be aware that a decades-old power supply can cause problems with the hardware. Try to clean the cartridge slot out with isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush as well as your cartridge teeth if they are dirty. The slot is held on to the board using rivets so if you have to remove it, you'll have to destroy those and replace them, hopefully with something more easily removable. I remember replacement cartridge slots can be bought if needed as its an off-the-shelf part still sold but I don't know where.

I didn't know about this and will see if i can try it on my ADE when I have time because it looks good. Github has always been confusing as hell to me, but you get it on the Releases page. https://github.com/tschak909/vhs-head/releases

Adam expansion module 3 Mint in Box for $225 in Milton, Ontario, looks complete. https://www.kijiji.ca/v-old-video-games/oakville-halton-region/colecovision-adam-expansion-module-3-mint-in-box/1636156845 ADAM that includes a ColecoVision for $350 in London, Ontario. https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1631671968 He also has some other interesting listings like a boxed VIC20, 13 (!) boxed Edge Joysticks for NES, a boxed IBM PS/2, one dirty Sega Genesis, and a 1961 Cadillac Deville 😀

Excellent game! I enjoyed it on my friend's C64 way back when.

I don't know the answer but I want to say this is a good idea.

This is very interesting. Just need a little dot-matrix printer to attach to it ? Seriously, can't wait to see how it turns out!