Can you identify my problem?

[JohnnyBlaze]

I got a Colecovision from a thrift store. It works, but sometimes it doesn't. I mess with the actual power plug that goes into the unit and that fixes it.

 

So, should I get a new Power Supply or is it something on the board? It looks to me as if the pins don't make contact like they're supposed to sometimes.

[Ikrananka]

I got a Colecovision from a thrift store. It works, but sometimes it doesn't. I mess with the actual power plug that goes into the unit and that fixes it.

 

So, should I get a new Power Supply or is it something on the board? It looks to me as if the pins don't make contact like they're supposed to sometimes.

These power supplies can often be a bit dodgy and so I would firstly use a multimeter to check that you are getting correct voltages on all pins from the power suply and that these do not vary when wiggling the cable around. Although, these voltages may well drop significantly under load when the power supply is failing. If you're up for it the better test would be to remove the cover of the CV and measure the voltages at the CV main board when powered on and therefore under load.

 

If the voltages are okay but dip when moving the plug around, then I'd then suggest spraying/applying deOxit contact cleaner/conditioner into the holes in the power supply plug that goes into the CV. Also, apply the cleaner to the power pins on the PC itself.

 

Hope that helps as a start. Alternative, you could contact Yurkie about his refurbishment services.

[JohnnyBlaze]

Basically, when moving the plug around, it turns on and then off and sometimes gets garbled....

[Yurkie]

There are 2 things that happen with the power jack. The cord is either loose fitting or the pins inside the power jack are loose . If the pins aren't too loose, or even if they are you can sometimes get lucky and smash the jack together with a pair of channel locks or a vice. Basically squeezing it together so the plug fits tighter. You can also wrap electrical tape around the plug to increase the size and cause a tighter fit.

 

You'll have to take the case a part to squeeze the jack.

 

Take the 8 screws out of the bottom.

Use one hand to pull out on the face plate and the other hand to pry the bottom half away from the top half. The bottom half sits inside the face plate a little, that is why you have to pry out.

Repeat this on the other side.

You will end up with the 2 pieces the top half with face plate attached, and the bottom with the board enclosed in steel shielding.

If you take your time and pry the case a part like this you NEVER need to remove (ruin) the face plate sticker.

 

Alternatively I can fix that and get everything working like new and mod it up for you, if your so inclined.

Edited October 15, 2011 by Yurkie