Best way to repair a broken Inty I controller?

[ColecoGamer]

I have an INTY I console with a faulty second controller. The buttons on the controller work, but the disc only works when you press up and down. When you press left or right, nothing happens.

 

I was hoping someone could offer some advice on how to fix the issue. Since the controllers are soldered to the motherboard, I'd imagine that finding replacement controllers isn't easy.

 

If I can somehow repair or replace the controller, I'd really like to upgrade this Inty console with the A/V mod.

 

Edited for spelling.

Edited September 8, 2017 by ColecoGamer

[+fdr4prez]

The controller is not soldered to the main board.

 

You can get a non-working console off of ebay and swap out the controller

 

You can purchase an Intellivision Flashback controller and the adapter, but the individual controllers tend to be sold out on the Intellivision Lives site.

 

You can purchase an Intellivision Flashback unit off of ebay, OfferUp, Letgo, craigslist, etc, and then purchase the adapter for the original console.

 

You can attempt to repair your existing controller, which some people here have done. Do a search for controller repair and you should find some threads about it.

[Intymike]

I opened a faulty Inty I controller 2 weeks ago (didn't go up) and cleaned the circuit foil with glass cleaner. After that it worked fine.

[Keatah]

And the foil can sometimes repaired with conductive ink.

[mr_me]

If the second or fourth row of keypad buttons also didn't work then it could a continuity issue with pins 3 and 5. Since the keypad does work it should be an issue under the disc. Hopefully the plastic circuit is not worn through. You should be able to visually tell when you open it up.

 

Like Fdr said, flashbacks are a good source for replacement controllers. Try and pay under $25 for one with two controllers. You can contact atariage user Nurmix about an adapter. When you open your Intellivision you'll see each controller has a 9pin connector but its different than the DE9 connectors on other models or the flashbacks.

Edited September 9, 2017 by mr_me

[ColecoGamer]

I really appreciate the responses! I'll try cleaning the controller first. If that doesn't work, I'll search for an Intellivision Flashback and buy the adapter.

Edited September 10, 2017 by ColecoGamer

[HunterZero]

I really appreciate the responses! I'll try cleaning the controller first. If that doesn't work, I'll search for an Intellivision Flashback and buy the adapter.

 

Be VERY careful if you open the controller to attempt to clean the mylar. The printed traces are very fragile, and rubbing too hard with isopropyl alcohol can take sections of the traces off the mylar.

 

More than likely, the left-right area of the traces are worn on the mylar inset, and replacing it will be the best option. The hand controllers are very easy to disassemble, just 4 screws on the back of each, but when you take the front off be careful to note which way everything goes back together, including how the mylar is folded.

 

I tried conductive pen to attempt to repair traces on an Atari Lynx mylar controller insert, but had no luck. Anyone actually tried this on an Intellivision mylar insert with positive result?

 

- J

Edited September 11, 2017 by HunterZero

[+BBWW]

I have a few Controller Matrix IC's and lots of buttons.

[mr_me]

I have a few Controller Matrix IC's and lots of buttons.

Are your controller flex circuits marked "RR-N" or "EURO RR REV-D"? By buttons do you mean the rubber side buttons or keypad?