What causes the messed up display?

[Charlie_]

My Coleco Vision has messed up graphics for a few minutes when the system is cold. I have to turn it off and re-insert the cart several times before the display is correct. I'm talking about the random lines and dots that appear on the screen as if the cart isn't inserted properly.

 

Sometimes it looks fine, but when I get to say, the 2nd level of Popeye, its all messed up.

 

Ive cleaned the cart slot really good and I know my cart is clean (atarimax sd).

 

It seems to go away after a few minutes.

 

What causes this?

[Charlie_]

*Bump* I've read it could be the power switch. Can someone explain how the power switch could cause these glitches? I mean, Isn't the system just on or off?

[SlowCoder]

Simply put, if the power switch isn't conducting the electricity reliably, some components in the CV won't work right.

[NIAD]

*Bump* I've read it could be the power switch. Can someone explain how the power switch could cause these glitches? I mean, Isn't the system just on or off?

For a vast array of information on the ColecoVision as well as some tremendous Mods and Refurbishing, check out Yurkie's profile. There are links to everything you need to know as well as numerous threads on the CV/ADAM Forum where Yurkie has provided all the information needed.

 

I would start with the power switch. Yurkie has stated numerous times that the solder points and the power switch are the main culprit for most systems not working properly and the most tried and true method is to desolder the switch completely, clean it up, apply some new de-electric grease (double check that one with him, it's hard to retain everything as I advance in years ) and then solder the switch back in place.

[+5-11under]

http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/163446-diy-modifications-for-colecovision/page__view__findpost__p__2019087

[Charlie_]

Thank you for the replies.

 

I removed my power switch from the board last night. When I took it apart I saw it was discolored and dirty inside.

I cleaned it up really good. I went to the electronics store but they didn't have any de-electric grease. I used a few drops of wd-40 ( ) and put it back together.

 

Works great! No more graphic glitches.

[Bruce Tomlin]

I removed my power switch from the board last night. When I took it apart I saw it was discolored and dirty inside.

I cleaned it up really good. I went to the electronics store but they didn't have any de-electric grease. I used a few drops of wd-40 ( ) and put it back together.

You get di-electric grease at an auto parts store. WD-40? I don't think so, Tim.

[Charlie_]

WD-40? I don't think so, Tim.

 

Works great.

 

Good to know about the auto parts store. I'll ask for some next time I'm in there.

[S1500]

WD-40? I don't think so, Tim.

 

Works great.

 

Good to know about the auto parts store. I'll ask for some next time I'm in there.

 

I use contact cleaner spray(which I swear is re-branded brake cleaner fluid) on my Thinkpad's fan last night, and it came back to life. No overheat, noise, etc.

 

I've been using that on my Colecovision controllers, and enjoy a decent(not 100%) success rate getting controllers working again. Wouldn't dielectric grease just make things worse?

 

Either way I'm backlogged on getting 2 CVs cleaned up, as I experience the same problem you have. Lotsa vertical lines on sprites, tile graphics, etc.

[+5-11under]

After cleaning, the dielectric grease will help seal out air and moisture, preventing oxidation and corrosion of the contacts.

[Yurkie]

Thank you for the replies.

 

I removed my power switch from the board last night. When I took it apart I saw it was discolored and dirty inside.

I cleaned it up really good. I went to the electronics store but they didn't have any de-electric grease. I used a few drops of wd-40 ( ) and put it back together.

 

Works great! No more graphic glitches.

 

It will likely gum up in a week or so and be like it was. I strongly advise against WD-40 for anything ColecoVision related.

[Charlie_]

Thank you for the replies.

 

I removed my power switch from the board last night. When I took it apart I saw it was discolored and dirty inside.

I cleaned it up really good. I went to the electronics store but they didn't have any de-electric grease. I used a few drops of wd-40 ( ) and put it back together.

 

Works great! No more graphic glitches.

 

It will likely gum up in a week or so and be like it was. I strongly advise against WD-40 for anything ColecoVision related.

 

If it happens I'll open it up and get some of that grease. I found you don't have to remove the whole switch, just unsolder the 2 tabs and the switch top comes off pretty easy.

 

So if it messes up again in a short amount of time I'll post back with the reults.