Adam problem... needs me some help!

[the-topdog]

I just picked up a Coleco Adam with 8 controllers off of Craigslist for $5 without a printer. I figured that was fine because I picked up an external Adam power supply from a fellow AAer. But when I plug it in, the screen goes blank.

 

I tried just powering it up to the default screen and also tried booting it up with a Colecovision game cartridge... still the same... just a blank screen.

 

So either the power supply is bad or the Adam. Is there any way for a non-tech person (I know next to nothing about electronics) can troubleshoot more? Should I try it with a different power supply or printer? If so, does anyone have one they want to sell or trade for? Also, I have 6 spare controllers if anyone is interested.

Edited February 19, 2011 by the-topdog

[retroillucid]

I've a Exp module 3, so not the stand-alone version

 

I also have buy a power supply from a member here

 

When I first use my ADAM with the Printer everything was working fine, but sometimes, with the custom power supply I'm getting Black Screen

 

I'm no way an ADAM expert, but I think the custom power supply act different, ..... also make sure that when you're using your ADAM, the cartridge power is not ON

 

Also, make sure the fan is ON when using your custom power supply, otherwise it'll heat

 

 

I'll say, try different things.... otherwise, maybe a problem with a chip or something like this in your ADAM

 

 

Hope it help

[the-topdog]

I've a Exp module 3, so not the stand-alone version

 

I also have buy a power supply from a member here

 

When I first use my ADAM with the Printer everything was working fine, but sometimes, with the custom power supply I'm getting Black Screen

 

I'm no way an ADAM expert, but I think the custom power supply act different, ..... also make sure that when you're using your ADAM, the cartridge power is not ON

 

Also, make sure the fan is ON when using your custom power supply, otherwise it'll heat

 

 

I'll say, try different things.... otherwise, maybe a problem with a chip or something like this in your ADAM

 

 

Hope it help

 

How can I tell if the cartridge power is on? I don't see any power switches on the unit, just a reset switch for the computer and a reset switch for the cartridge.

Edited February 19, 2011 by the-topdog

[retroillucid]

Ok, so when cartridge is inserted, reset the cart

 

Or

 

If you use DDP, reset the tape

 

 

Never put a cart and a DDP at the same time

[+evg2000]

You said when you plug it in the screen goes black, what did it look like before you plugged it in? What I'm saying is, when you turn the adam on does the screen actually change? How do you have it hooked up to the TV via RCA video cables, or to the antenna lead? Do you have the TV set to the correct channel? Never turn the adam on with a DDP (Digital Data Pack) in the drive, it can erase it. Set up the adam, turn on the power, even if the screen is blank insert a DDP, pull the reset lever. If the Drive start making noise you are getting power, and you may have the video set up incorrectly. If it does nothing then it may be a bad Power Supply.

 

good luck

[NIAD]

I just picked up a Coleco Adam with 8 controllers off of Craigslist for $5 without a printer. I figured that was fine because I picked up an external Adam power supply from a fellow AAer. But when I plug it in, the screen goes blank.

 

I tried just powering it up to the default screen and also tried booting it up with a Colecovision game cartridge... still the same... just a blank screen.

 

So either the power supply is bad or the Adam. Is there any way for a non-tech person (I know next to nothing about electronics) can troubleshoot more? Should I try it with a different power supply or printer? If so, does anyone have one they want to sell or trade for? Also, I have 6 spare controllers if anyone is interested.

You have the Stand-Alone ADAM Memory Console with the built-in ColecoVision Game Board, not the Exp. Mod. #3 ADAM that plugs into a ColecoVision Game System, so there is only one power supply with power button on the p.s. and the two reset switches on each side of the cartridge slot will reset the system accordingly. The Computer Reset will cause a soft reset of the system and reload the ADAM TypeWriter/SmartWriter program and display it on the screen, but if there is a Data Pack in the Data Drive, then that data drive will attempt to load the data pack if a self-booting program like Super Buck Rogers is contained on it (if the data pack is a storage data pack for say word processor files, then the drive will work for a short time before the system realizes there is not a self-booting program contained on the data pack and then dump you back to the TypeWriter/SmartWRITER program). If you press the Cartridge Reset switch without a cartridge in the slot, then the infamous Coleco BIOS screen will be displayed with the message to insert a cartridge and if a cartridge is in the cart slot then that game will come up.

 

I assume the power supply you bought was from DJPUBBA. I have also purchased one from him and it works great, although the cooling fan is a little loud and if you unplug the fan connector from the PCB, it will run a little too hot for my comfort. I have tried this power supply out on multiple ADAMs including the Stand-Alone and Exp. Mod. #3 Memory Console and it has worked flawlessly... even with a number of additional interface cards installed inside the Memory Console. So I doubt the power supply is the issue, especially if the red power light is ON on the keyboard.

 

From my recent experience with these "OLD" systems, the problem you are explaining is one I also experienced on three different systems and results were different with each one.

 

The first system, an Exp. Mod. #3 with an RF Cable hookup only, powered on alright but all I got was a black screen. This problem continued for numerous powering up attempts and after pressing the Computer Reset about 30 times consecutively the old warhorse finally came to life. I then tested it on a ColecoVision that was modded for Composite Output and it worked flawlessly. Just from the outward physical appearance, I knew I had to open her up and give everything a good cleaning, which I did and the system has worked great every since.

 

The second system, a Stand-Alone, was hooked up with an old RF Cable with Coaxial Adapter and I only got a black screen as well. Nothing I attempted solved the problem. Then for the hell-of-it I plugged in a C=64 DIN/Composite Monitor Cable and switched the TV to Input-1, turned on the system and the system came to life. I then pulled out a new RF Cable with Coaxial Adapter and that worked as well. So the problem was a bad RF Cable.

 

The third system, a Stand-Alone, was hooked up with an RF Cable with Coaxial Adapter and I got a black screen with it as well but I could hear the SmartWRITER program sound at startup and when pressing a keyboard key. I ended up having to open up this system and give everything a thorough cleaning as well as checking all connections and socketed chips to make sure there was nothing loose. To disassemble the system is a bit tedious as there are two circuit boards in the Memory Console (the top board is the ColecoVision and the bottom board is the ADAM and there is a card edge ribbon/connector that joins the two) plus their are heat shields on top and bottom of each board that have to be removed as well, but when all else fails! Especially check the card edge ribbon cable that joins the two boards for looseness... early productions systems tended to have a problem with this connector coming loose and this caused Coleco to add a molded black plastic insert that filled the open space behind the connector so that it could not come loose. Anyway, after doing all the above and reassembling the system, it fired right up and has worked flawlessly ever since!

 

A fourth system was completely shot and I raided it for spare parts.

 

Getting back to how you are hooking up the system to a display source... I assume a TV with RF Cable/Switchbox or RF Cable/Coaxial Adapter. Their are three display connections on the back of the Stand-Alone Memory Console:

 

TV - for use with an RF Cable and Switchbox and to display on Channel 3 or 4 (there is a channel selection switch on the back of the Memory Console as well so make sure it and the TV are set accordingly).

 

MONITOR - for use with a Composite Video Cable and a Composite Display (monitor or TV). This connector only provides Video.

 

AUX VIDEO - for use with a Composite Display and uses a 7-Pin DIN Cable (although a 5-Pin will work just fine). This is your best option as it provides Composite Video as well as Audio.

 

So basically, make sure you are using the right connection here.

 

Another important item to check if you open up the system are all the video connector wires that connect to the ColecoVision Game Board. Make sure there are no frayed wires (insulation is missing) that could cause a short due to the wires being in contact with the metal heat shield. I make it a point to always check for this and then place electrical tape on the heat shield in areas where any wires may come in contact.

 

For the price of $5, I think the seller knew something was up with the system.

 

Hope this helps and please let us know how things work out.

 

Jim

[NIAD]

Ok, so when cartridge is inserted, reset the cart

 

Or

 

If you use DDP, reset the tape

 

 

Never put a cart and a DDP at the same time

You can have a Cart, DDP and Disk all inserted at the same time without a problem. If you press the Computer Reset than the system will attempt to boot from the Disk Drive. If you press the Cartridge Reset, then the cart will be loaded.

 

The ADAM load heirarchy after pressing the Computer Reset is:

 

Disk Drive #1

Disk Drive #2

Digital Data Drive #1

Digital Data Drive #2

and if all the above fail/don't contain a self-booting media then SmartWRITER is loaded.

 

A boot eprom installed on an interface card inside the Memory Console will take precedence over everything, but let's not confuse the issue. Also, language cards where included with systems sold in foreign language countries that took precedence in the boot order as well (never was lucky enough to come across one of these cards).

 

MOST IMPORTANTLY... NEVER TURN ON THE SYSTEM WITH A DATA PACK OR DISK INSERTED IN A DRIVE!!!

 

You can, and must, insert a cartridge you want to use into the system before powering on, just like with a ColecoVision or other game console.

[the-topdog]

When the computer is off I get standard static on the screen... when I switch the Adam on, the screen goes blank. When I try powering the system on then insert a tape, the tape drive spins but still no picture. I tried all three video outputs with the same result. The power LED is not lit on the keyboard.

 

I knew it was a gamble when I bought the computer for so cheap, but I don't want to write it off just yet. I'm still wanting to check it with another power supply or printer. I did not get mine from DJPUBBA.

 

If all else fails, then I have 8 Adam controllers to sell... I figure I'll get more than my $5 back that way.

[NIAD]

When the computer is off I get standard static on the screen... when I switch the Adam on, the screen goes blank. When I try powering the system on then insert a tape, the tape drive spins but still no picture. I tried all three video outputs with the same result. The power LED is not lit on the keyboard.

 

I knew it was a gamble when I bought the computer for so cheap, but I don't want to write it off just yet. I'm still wanting to check it with another power supply or printer. I did not get mine from DJPUBBA.

 

If all else fails, then I have 8 Adam controllers to sell... I figure I'll get more than my $5 back that way.

Weird that the Data Drive would spin when you press the Computer Reset with a data pack in the drive, yet the Keyboard LED is not lit. Try plugging in the keybaord cable to the ADAMnet port on the left side of the Memory Console and see if the LED comes on when you power-up. The two ADAMnet ports on the Memory Console are interchangeable, it doesn't matter which one you use.

 

Starting to think that you may have two issues going on, the power supply and the video output that is part of the ColecoVision board. I know you mentioned you're not one to tinker, but for the little effort to remove 12 screws on the bottom in order to pull the top cover and faceplate, it's worth a shot before spending more money on a printer or another power supply.

[the-topdog]

Weird that the Data Drive would spin when you press the Computer Reset with a data pack in the drive, yet the Keyboard LED is not lit. Try plugging in the keybaord cable to the ADAMnet port on the left side of the Memory Console and see if the LED comes on when you power-up. The two ADAMnet ports on the Memory Console are interchangeable, it doesn't matter which one you use.

 

Starting to think that you may have two issues going on, the power supply and the video output that is part of the ColecoVision board. I know you mentioned you're not one to tinker, but for the little effort to remove 12 screws on the bottom in order to pull the top cover and faceplate, it's worth a shot before spending more money on a printer or another power supply.

 

I tried the keyboard in the other port and the keyboard LED still didn't light up. I will try opening the unit and cleaning it up... the most technical thing I can do is reflow the solder on the board.

[Murph74]

Have you tried booting WITHOUT the keyboard connected? Not likely the issue, but possible.

 

Do you have a multimeter? If so, you can check the voltages coming from the power supply to make sure it's actually outputting the proper voltages.

[adamcomputer]

I might as well jump in with both feet. First and foremost; are you using a SIX WIRE cable to connect the keyboard? A regualr phone cable (2 wire or 4 wire) will plug in but NOT work. Next, use the suggestion to leave the keyboard unplugged; if the 6801 controller in the keyboard is bad, it can screw everything up. It is not beyond the possibility that your video board is bad, or the SmartWriter rom. Try the easy stuff first

[NIAD]

I might as well jump in with both feet. First and foremost; are you using a SIX WIRE cable to connect the keyboard? A regualr phone cable (2 wire or 4 wire) will plug in but NOT work. Next, use the suggestion to leave the keyboard unplugged; if the 6801 controller in the keyboard is bad, it can screw everything up. It is not beyond the possibility that your video board is bad, or the SmartWriter rom. Try the easy stuff first

From the posted pic, it looks like the original Coiled ADAMnet Cable... but that would be another thing to check. Look at the clear plastic phone style jack connector and count the number of wires that you see in there. It can be a little hard to see them all and a magnifying glass will come in handy.

 

Good point "adamcomputer" re. the 6801 controller in the keyboard.

 

If it's the SmartWRITER/EOS prom chips on the ADAM Circuit Board, at least those are socketed and can be pulled and replaced.

[the-topdog]

Yeah I checked to make sure it was the 6 conductor Adamnet cable but I did not try booting it without the keyboard... I will try that tonight. I don't have a multi-tester. (maybe I should get one since I seem to be poking around inside of vintage machines more frequently lately)

 

Would the SmartWriter chips cause it to stop working even in cartridge mode?

 

I'm still leaning toward the possibility of a bad power supply.

 

Thanks for all the help so far everyone, I'd love to bring this old beast to life to compare it against other computers of the period.

Edited February 22, 2011 by the-topdog

[Murph74]

K-mart has a a nice Craftsman mulitmeter for $20. Good luck, and please let us know how you progress!

 

Also, if you're concerned about it being the powersupply, you can wire your own up fairly simply using a switch Arcade power supply. I'd suggest checking in on Craigslist if you don't already know someone who is an arcade hobbyist that might be able to supply you. You can find more info on this type of power supply by searching these very forums.

[NIAD]

Yeah I checked to make sure it was the 6 conductor Adamnet cable but I did not try booting it without the keyboard... I will try that tonight. I don't have a multi-tester. (maybe I should get one since I seem to be poking around inside of vintage machines more frequently lately)

 

Would the SmartWriter chips cause it to stop working even in cartridge mode?

 

I'm still leaning toward the possibility of a bad power supply.

 

Thanks for all the help so far everyone, I'd love to bring this old beast to life to compare it against other computers of the period.

What type of power supply is it? The power supply pulled from the printer, an Eve Electronics PS-1, an Orphanware PS, or one of the many homebrew creations made over the years? Just interested to know.

 

BTW, last I saw, DJPUBBA had a number of his power supplies available and I think they were $40 shipped.

[Murph74]

(my post should say "switching" arcade power supply- they run about $20. Sorry!)

[the-topdog]

Ok here is an update. I tried powering it up without the keyboard and get the same result.

 

It is a homebrew power supply.

 

I'm talking with a few AAers that may be able to hook me up with another one. If a new PS doesn't do the trick, I will open the case and poke around and clean stuff.

[the-topdog]

Problem solved! Woot! It was the power supply. I got a new one from djpubba and now I'm off to the races!

 

Thanks for all the support everyone. Now to see just what the Adam can do!

[NIAD]

Problem solved! Woot! It was the power supply. I got a new one from djpubba and now I'm off to the races!

 

Thanks for all the support everyone. Now to see just what the Adam can do!

Glad to hear and enjoy the system!