Need help repairing Channel F’s

[ianoid]

I have two US Model 1 Channel F units with issues. Does anyone have experience repairing these and is willing to help out?

 

The first unit barely shows a poor picture “G?” And then goes to snow very quickly. I can get the picture back sometimes but unreliably. This unit I replaced the caps and the rectifier. The unit is in pieces on my desk so I can get to it easily. I can use a multimeter but I’m not capable of logic testing at this point. Hope to be in the future. What parts in the RF circuit can cause this and be easily replaced? Or is it likely to be something else? I suspect the logic is intact for this unit.

 

The second unit shows a good picture for a little while and then goes to snow. I am not sure if it is losing power if it has to do with power. It actually works for a few minutes to play games and then it goes to snow. I’m tempted to recap it, but then the other unit it didn’t seem to matter at all. 

 

I have tested both units with multiple power supplies and controllers and they don’t seem to be an issue. Unit #1 is in pieces and unit #2 is still inside the shield. 

 

If anyone has any recommendations on reattaching the flex circuit from the card connector to the motherboard, I would appreciate it. It looks like it will be a challenge and I don’t want to damage it. Part of my reluctance to take apart the second unit additionally. 

 

Thanks

[wolfy62]

Man,I wish I could help.

I have one that looks to be in great shape,and at least I can get a black screen.

Time to inspect it some more! 

[+atari2600land]

e5frog would be the expert on Channel Fs around here. Let him chime in.