Colecovision Help

[Den82]

I got a Colecovision recently. I currently have only Atari games, but I have the expansion thing. However, nothing is happening. The screen is blank and there is no sound. I DO get the screen telling me I have to insert a game or something, but that's it.

[Werewolf]

Do you have access to an Atari to test the games on? They could be fried or they could just need cleaning. Also the oversized Superchanger and Tigervision carts don't work.

[bizzaro megomauler]

Coloecovision is THE WORST culprit of dirty connectors. you should disassemble the entire system, and clean the contacts with contact cleaner. i had the same problem and mine works like a charm now!

[Bruce Banner]

Yeah, definitely clean the cart slot, the contacts and all the connectors. Make sure everything's free of dust and debris.

[Den82]

I haven't hooked up the Atari in ages (I had that gold connector for hooking it up to newer TVs, but it's gone...think I sold the TV at my last yard sale and forgot it).

But all the Atari games worked last time I played them and I did clean them too. I guess I'll just take it apart and clean it up.

[Den82]

As it turns out, the game I had was an Atari one, lol. I got Mouse Trap and it works great.

However, when I use the expansion thing for Atari 2006, the screen is black and nothing happens. Not sure what could be the problem, anybody have an idea?

[Figuremod73]

they all had good ideas to what the problem could be. my guess is the connector for the 2600 games is dirty. its also quite possible that time hasnt been good to it and the insides are no longer any good. its always hard to tell with something like that when theres not another one around to compare it with.

[Captain_Dan]

I was going to hook mine up and tinker around with it. I dont have the expansion for the Atari, wish I did though.

[Figuremod73]

i havent seen an colecovision in ages. im always wonder what the span of systems like that are. does playing them on occasion keep them working compared to never playing them at all?
i know tv's usually last twenty years or so then they just "fizzle out".

[captact]

What is best used to clean these old contacts? Is there a home product or does it require a more industrial product??? Have one of those to with same problem,,,and needing a switch thingy to convert from TV to Game mode.....anyone has a spare for sale?

[ctc]

>What is best used to clean these old contacts?

I use q-tips and some isopropyl.

Don C.

[Werewolf]

im always wonder what the span of systems like that are.

That's a good question. I have no idea. My Intelevision, 2600 and 7800 are still going strong. On the other hand, my 3DO died a few years ago. I think the disc drive burned out.

I think what goes bad on a lot of older TVs are the picture tubes. They probably can be fixed if you can find the parts.

[Figuremod73]

I had a dreamcast laser go out like that. Biggest problem with disc based systems.

[noelani72]

I got a Colecovision recently. I currently have only Atari games, but I have the expansion thing. However, nothing is happening. The screen is blank and there is no sound. I DO get the screen telling me I have to insert a game or something, but that's it.

either the contacts are dirty, or the Atari Expansion module just doesn't work anymore perhaps. I have units still and if you send it to me; I could test it for you.
I modded my Colecovision to eliminate the Game/TV switch box. I can now use RCA jacks and connect to any newer tv.
I still have a few Colecovision systems around..gotta keep more than one on hand 'just in case".
I have my Atari 7800 and 5200 systems still in the house by the tv.
I have a couple 2600s prolly in the garage in a box.
I really miss the days of these systems...gotta keep em alive.

[jwyblejr]

I thought I had seen it that Radio Shack has some kind of device that let's you play older game systems without the switch box. Been awhile since I've been to one,so not entirely sure on it.