Intellivision burger time Intellivision II and Burger Time graphics problem

[Tuba_Gamer88]

I just recently added Burger Time to my INTV collection. I pulled it out the other day to play and I noticed that my chef enemies and burgers were only half with and colored rectangle on the left of them. I cleaned the system and the cart but it still does it. Anyone know why this is happening?

[NinjaWarrior]

It doesn't do that to me

 

How is the other games?

[+intvsteve]

Is this only for BurgerTime? It looks like it's more than just the chef. If BT is the only game exhibiting this problem, it could simply be cracked solder on the chip connection in the cart itself, or crud on the cart -- but you've cleaned it.

 

If it's only BurgerTime:

1. Even more cleaning. Look for broken / cracked traces on the PCB.
2. Open the cart and look for any cracked solder and reflow the solder points.

 

If multiple games seem to be affected, it's possibly a bad STIC or GRAM. Seems to be going around lately. My troubleshooting approach in that case would be something like this:

1. Check the seating of the STIC and GRAM chips in the unit.
2. Check the solder points for those chips and possibly reflow.
3. If those fail, check GRAM and STIC.

[Tuba_Gamer88]

Alright so I believe it's my Intellivison II just tried maze a tron and Vegas blackjack and the same thing happens with the graphics

[+intvsteve]

I'd say GRAM or connections between GRAM and STIC. Do the title screens for Maze-A-Tron and Poker look correct? If so, that's a very strong indicator.

[Tuba_Gamer88]

Yeah the titles screens are fine it's just the game play that is affected. Looks like I'm taking her apart. Thanks for all the help everyone

[+intvsteve]

Someday, someone should make some nice pics labeling which chips are where, and highlight those paths on the mobo...

[Tuba_Gamer88]

Right? It would be so much easier.

[+JasonlikesINTV]

I think if you eat some mushrooms, it will go back to normal

[HunterZero]

Here's a start - Intellivision 1 logic board with a location of all the major chips. There are a few revisions of this board, I'll try and document the ones I have seen.

 

- J

 

[mphokie]

I just took apart my non-functioning Super Pro System to see if I could possibly bring it back to life. Unfortunately, no joy so far. I was able to test the transformer/power supply (all checked out with correct voltages, etc.). I pulled out the board, but all ICs seem to be properly seated. The only other thing I can see to try (at least according to the 2609 Service Manual I found), was to use the MTE-201 test cart (which I don't have - just a ROM). Anyone know of any other way to test individual chips?

 

One other thing, in my Super Pro System, I have different (probably just later revision) different chip: U6 (PSG) is AT-3-8916

[HunterZero]

Swapping the chips with another known working unit is the only real way to test them.

 

Unfortunately, IC logic problems with the GI chips are all too common failures in Intellivision units. The system RAM, sound chip and STIC seem to be especially prone to failure. System RAM and the STIC are the first chips on the replacement list in the service manual for diagnosing consoles displaying corrupted graphics, followed by GROM and GRAM. These chips run rather on the warm side, and there is limited airflow within the console.

 

- J

[HunterZero]

Actually taking another look at the screenshots - The Intellivision font is OK, it's the custom graphics that are a bit screwed up. While it's more likely a logic issue (STIC or GRAM), there is a chance it is the cartridge slot itself, it may have a bent or oxidised pin or just need a good clean. Get some Deoxit contact cleaner and spray a bit in there, then insert and remove a cartridge or a piece of cardboard a few times. Deoxit is also good for cleaning the sockets and chips if you take the option of disassembling the unit to reseat the chips. (Word of warning - getting into the logic boards is a PITA, as it is soldered closed. You need to desolder it using an iron and desoldering braid/sucker.)

 

- J

Edited November 8, 2013 by HunterZero

[+intvsteve]

Yes, good call. Sometimes too eager to jump to the more difficult problem. The spring-like contacts in the port could be fatigued, dirty, cracked, et. al. And of course child continuity between cart pins and their destinations.

[Tuba_Gamer88]

Alright I'll scrub out the socket and see if that helps. I did happen to get another model 2 from eBay today for cheap with all original cables and the original box. We will see how this one works. If it works better i think I have a new lunch box haha