ColecoVision Modifications/Upgrades, What's Next?

[doubledown]

As the self-proclaimed king of ColecoVision mods, I DoubleDown, ask you the people, what kind of modifications or upgrades would you like to see me perform on this "The Arcade Quality Machine" next? I've already completed Composite Video, S-Video, Analog Audio, and decorative/power LED indicators, but what would really impress or wow you? Tell me what you think.

 

p.s., Let's keep this reasonable, I can't add a microwave to a ColecoVision.

 

Thanks in advance for the input.

[SteveW]

A Vectrex/Sega Master System style set of 3D glasses. Plus, around a dozen games that uses them. You don't want it to be like the NES console's R.O.B., having only two games to use it with. You have to make enough 3D games to make buying the glasses worthwile. Now, start programming!

[jsoper]

I made a jaguar controller adapter in about 15 hours, can you beat that time? Some people have cut their CVs down to half size and they said that project is also a real bear.

[jetset]

I can't add a microwave to a ColecoVision. 

 

856939[/snapback]

 

Rats! I was gonna suggest that!

 

I like the idea of a controller adapter of some sort. The CV controllers are the worst! The stick needs to be taller, and the fire buttons on the same side. The Jaguar idea would be awesome!

[frank_c]

Some people have cut their CVs down to half size and they said that project is also a real bear.

857044[/snapback]

 

from what i remember, the space under the controller storage is empty. can't see how that would make it too difficult. i may be forgetting something though, since i haven't had my CV open in who knows how long.

[jsoper]

from what i remember, the space under the controller storage is empty. can't see how that would make it too difficult. i may be forgetting something though, since i haven't had my CV open in who knows how long.

857056[/snapback]

Yes, it's empty but making it look good is the hard part, especially with that metallic faceplate. Lee Krueger did it, maybe he'll pop in and comment.

[Bill Brasky]

As the self-proclaimed king of ColecoVision mods, I DoubleDown, ask you the people, what kind of modifications or upgrades would you like to see me perform on this "The Arcade Quality Machine" next?  I've already completed Composite Video, S-Video, Analog Audio, and decorative/power LED indicators, but what would really impress or wow you?  Tell me what you think. 

 

p.s., Let's keep this reasonable, I can't add a microwave to a ColecoVision. 

 

Thanks in advance for the input.

856939[/snapback]

 

Geez, getting a little full of yourself are you? I and others were modding CV's years and decades before you started your first. Quit talking like you invented it or have a patent on the process.

[omne]

DD is the King, and I'm the Prime Minister. OSG ColecoVision page

 

Silent cooling fan?

 

Built in controller cable extensions?

 

Wider controller storage slot to make them nest better?

 

OoohOoooh- Wireless controllers!

 

A Smoooove looking CV jr? That one would really impress me actually. Cutting plastic and making it look factory is hard.

Edited May 18, 2005 by omne

[jesusc]

Geez, getting a little full of yourself are you? I and others were modding CV's years and decades before you started your first. Quit talking like you invented it or have a patent on the process. 

857081[/snapback]

 

Must suck to have such a sandy vagina.

[cimerians]

yeah but DD does it FOR people.

 

I've been waiting years for someone to do it FOR ME and pay them for it. Mainly cause I'm a lazy ass and I don't have the knowledge.

 

As far as new features...how about a mini CV as mentioned?

 

Or...how about getting a different, more universal, AC adapter to work for it?

 

Lugging around that big Coleco AC adapter is a pain not to mention if it goes bad your off to EBAY to search for another. I'm not technical in electronics so I'm not sure if it can be done.

[GrizzLee]

from what i remember, the space under the controller storage is empty. can't see how that would make it too difficult. i may be forgetting something though, since i haven't had my CV open in who knows how long.

857056[/snapback]

Yes, it's empty but making it look good is the hard part, especially with that metallic faceplate. Lee Krueger did it, maybe he'll pop in and comment.

857067[/snapback]

 

 

Yep, I made a CVjr. It isn't as easy as cutting it with a hack saw. A little planning and a good band saw are definitely needed. I made a custom new face plate for mine (see attached pic). Getting the sides to match is hard. I also had to use a dremel tool to cut the controller ports (Meticulus work). If you are successful at cutting it down, then you have the problem of gluing it back together. Your cut better be straight 'cause when you glue it back you don' want any gaps. Also, you must be very selective about your glue (most will eat plastic). I ended up using an epoxy mix that dried white. I had to "touch-up" the white glue that squeezed through. All-in-all, it looks cool. Since I had it open I did the A/V mod. However, if it ever needs work again, it will become a doorstop. Getting it apart will destroy it. You also have to re-locate the power receptacle and use the dremel tool to do so.

 

See it here:

CVjr

 

Check out my Coleco Jag pad as well (John Soper has a better idea though):

Jag-to-Coleco Pad

 

 

-Lee

[doubledown]

Everybody rags on the ColecoVision controller, but do you all realize that there were more than half a dozen 3rd party replacements, including the Championship Electronics Keypad allowing you to use any controller with a DB9 connector, providing your game only required one button. I personally think that the Super Action Controller or the Spectravideo Quickshot Deluxe III SV*103 are great replacements. I've been working on this subject too, but of course other projects have come up postponing any releases.

 

Now of course I realize that I was not the first person to "Mod" a ColecoVision, but it is what I like to think that I am known for. I've done 28 in about 10 months, and I don't do it all the time. I definately thank others for "paving the way", but a lot of customers that I've done business with thank me for providing this type of service, when they haven't been able to find it anywhere else.

 

The power supply is one of the 4 new mods that I am currently working on, I'm waiting for some parts. I think that this mod will be the second most amazing of the 4 that I am working on.

 

Wireless controllers don't appeal to me. "Oh shit, I'm not getting a good signal and I died, or oh shit, the batteries died and I almost had the high score of the world. Damn!" Who wants to deal with that?

 

The ColecoVision junior case is an awesome idea, and I've talked to a few plastics fagbricators, but the cases would be a ton of money unless I had a couple thousand made, and I can't see them paying for themselves. I'm still dealing with them to figure out less expensive possibilites, for this is definately one mod I think people would love, but I don't think that it's price competitive. I'll still probably have them proto me one to my specs, for my bad ass ColecoVision, but selling it to the mass markets without a ton of initial buyers doesn't seem possible.

 

I can't release any other details of my 4 new mods, soon to be unveiled, but please keep pitching ideas. I love to make people happy. Let me know what you want.

[Elthesh]

Everybody rags on the ColecoVision controller, but do you all realize that there were more than half a dozen 3rd party replacements, including the Championship Electronics Keypad allowing you to use any controller with a DB9 connector, providing your game only required one button.  I personally think that the Super Action Controller or the Spectravideo Quickshot Deluxe III SV*103 are great replacements.  I've been working on this subject too, but of course other projects have come up postponing any releases. 

 

Now of course I realize that I was not the first person to "Mod" a ColecoVision, but it is what I like to think that I am known for.  I've done 28 in about 10 months, and I don't do it all the time.  I definately thank others for "paving the way", but a lot of customers that I've done business with thank me for providing this type of service, when they haven't been able to find it anywhere else. 

 

The power supply is one of the 4 new mods that I am currently working on, I'm waiting for some parts.  I think that this mod will be the second most amazing of the 4 that I am working on. 

 

Wireless controllers don't appeal to me.  "Oh shit, I'm not getting a good signal and I died, or oh shit, the batteries died and I almost had the high score of the world.  Damn!"  Who wants to deal with that?

 

The ColecoVision junior case is an awesome idea, and I've talked to a few plastics fagbricators, but the cases would be a ton of money unless I had a couple thousand made, and I can't see them paying for themselves.  I'm still dealing with them to figure out less expensive possibilites, for this is definately one mod I think people would love, but I don't think that it's price competitive.  I'll still probably have them proto me one to my specs, for my bad ass ColecoVision, but selling it to the mass markets without a ton of initial buyers doesn't seem possible. 

 

I can't release any other details of my 4 new mods, soon to be unveiled, but please keep pitching ideas.  I love to make people happy.  Let me know what you want.

857278[/snapback]

 

A pushbutton replacement for that craptastic power switch. I THINK the reset is the same as the power switch, and if so, using a spare reset button to keep with the colecovision's look would be nice as well instead of some odd new button there. To make it cooler, a professional power led hidden in the button or somewhere on the system. Preferably not underneath or in the cartridge port...

 

I really can't stand the switch. It's worthless and usually broken unless you pay to fix it. and, well, since it usually has to be removed to fix the damn thing... Why not just... replace it! with a far superior push button design. Maybe microswitch or some kinda contact that won't crap out after a few years.

[Zonie]

It needs a T.P. Dispenser.

[Zonie]

Everybody rags on the ColecoVision controller, but do you all realize that there were more than half a dozen 3rd party replacements, including the Championship Electronics Keypad allowing you to use any controller with a DB9 connector, providing your game only required one button.  I personally think that the Super Action Controller or the Spectravideo Quickshot Deluxe III SV*103 are great replacements.  I've been working on this subject too, but of course other projects have come up postponing any releases. 

 

Now of course I realize that I was not the first person to "Mod" a ColecoVision, but it is what I like to think that I am known for.  I've done 28 in about 10 months, and I don't do it all the time.  I definately thank others for "paving the way", but a lot of customers that I've done business with thank me for providing this type of service, when they haven't been able to find it anywhere else. 

 

The power supply is one of the 4 new mods that I am currently working on, I'm waiting for some parts.  I think that this mod will be the second most amazing of the 4 that I am working on. 

 

Wireless controllers don't appeal to me.  "Oh shit, I'm not getting a good signal and I died, or oh shit, the batteries died and I almost had the high score of the world.  Damn!"  Who wants to deal with that?

 

The ColecoVision junior case is an awesome idea, and I've talked to a few plastics fagbricators, but the cases would be a ton of money unless I had a couple thousand made, and I can't see them paying for themselves.  I'm still dealing with them to figure out less expensive possibilites, for this is definately one mod I think people would love, but I don't think that it's price competitive.  I'll still probably have them proto me one to my specs, for my bad ass ColecoVision, but selling it to the mass markets without a ton of initial buyers doesn't seem possible. 

 

I can't release any other details of my 4 new mods, soon to be unveiled, but please keep pitching ideas.  I love to make people happy.  Let me know what you want.

857278[/snapback]

 

How about using an "Off the shelf" enclosure from Serpac or Bud or someone like that. It would be plain and simple.

[Bruce Tomlin]

Everybody rags on the ColecoVision controller, but do you all realize that there were more than half a dozen 3rd party replacements, including the Championship Electronics Keypad allowing you to use any controller with a DB9 connector, providing your game only required one button.

Yep, I have a pair of them. I hate that. I traced the circuit out and found out that it really did prevent you from hooking up a 2-button controller. If I ever get around to making a 2-button Wico Command Control for the Coleco (hey, I did get around to making a 7800 controller!), I'll see if I can mod the Champ keypad for it.

[christianscott27]

since the colecovision is best loved for its arcade ports i think an arcade style controller would be in order. i'm talking about something with some heft that you can set on the coffee table and smack the buttons. do i have any idea how to make one of these? of course not perhaps something could be built out a fairly common arcade controller like the genny model or NES adavantage, with a pass thru cable to a standard CV controller for the number keypad.

[RARusk]

How about RGB Analog video output?

[Bruce Tomlin]

How about RGB Analog video output?

That might not be possible without a converter board. However, if you don't mind the 2600 expansion module not working with it, modern component video out IS very possible, since, for some unfathomable reason, Coleco used that version of the TI graphics chip.

[doubledown]

I know that at least one of my three champ keypad adapters will pass through 2 seperate fire button signals when used with Championship Electronics' Mini Champ joystick. I haven't tested the other 2 for the same compatability. Maybe they only work like that with the specially designed controller. I just don't like having them seperate especially for games that actually require use of the keypad.

 

I have started working on an "Arcade Quality Joystick" for use with the ColecoVision, but with other recent projects it's been pushed to the back burner. Not to mention that using Happ Controls components it won't be super cheap like everybody will want. I'll probably have at least my 2 done here within the next month. I just don't see a bunch of people shelling out a fair amount of money for one of them. Who knows.

 

As far as an off the shelf enclosure goes, I've looked into that too, but then it's just not the same. I still like the idea and I'll research it more to try to find something cool, but the style and design of the original ColecoVision case is what makes it a ColecoVision.

 

I've thought about the power switch as well, but just haven't decided what would be best for it. I've got a couple of ideas in mind and am still in the prototyping stages for that.

 

Like I said I've got 4 new mods that I'm currently working on, the power supply is one of them unfortunately it's not a cheap upgrade, but it will be well received, and I imagine I'll get a lot of "tell me how you did that so I can do it to mine." But the 4 new mods should be available within the next two weeks.

[Lord Helmet]

I like the idea of a different power switch...since mine is always breaking.

[Ralph3]

How about an all in one unit for countertop use possibility:

Arcade style controller,

S Video/Comp. video stereo out,

the system with the the system changer inside the controller case,

both cart slots easilly accessible with a switch to select CV or 2600,

modded for normal power supply.

Options:

Built in amp w/speakers,

Built in screen.

[doubledown]

How about an all in one unit for countertop use possibility:

Arcade style controller,

S Video/Comp. video stereo out,

the system with the the system changer inside the controller case,

both cart slots easilly accessible with a switch to select CV or 2600,

modded for normal power supply.

Options:

Built in amp w/speakers,

Built in screen.

857517[/snapback]

 

The built-in Atari Module is one I definately never thought of. It would of course definately require a new case.

[jsoper]

From studying the schematics, I think it's possible to power a CV with only a 5v supply but it would require some rewiring, new chips, and new controllers. Who knows, I may be posting pics of a portable one day

[Brad2600]

Lee's CV Jr looks really professional.

 

That would be nice to own but it's just too much work as he says. Still, a very nice project.