RangerG Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 My modded Colecovision is getting really fussy. First it was the colors, then small lines and misplaced sprites, and now garbled graphics. The power switch seems fine (hte problem everyone talks about), but where the power supply connects in the back seems to be the problem (to my novice eyes). If I tap it in the back where the cord attaches, the graphics go crazy. It seems loose. How would I correct this? Any help is appreciated. The Coleco FAQ suggests to hardwire the power supply - what exactly would this entail? (I can solder minimally and I have taken apart a Colecovision several times) - thus, Im game for simple repairs. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ApolloBoy Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I'd try checking the solder joints on both ends of the power connector. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph74 Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I'd try checking the solder joints on both ends of the power connector. I'd still be thrilled if I could find instructions for an internal Power Supply mod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgallair Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I'd still be thrilled if I could find instructions for an internal Power Supply mod. Yeah, me too. Closest I found was this link on Ben Heck's website. http://www.benheck.com/Games/Coleco/ColecoP.htm It lists the components you'd need to get the irregular power outputs of the Coleco but that pretty much it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubledown Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 I worked on a console once that had the same problem. What seemingly happened is that the female contacts within the plug end opened up a bit causing a loose connection. I fixed it by simply solder tinning the male pins within the console's connector, in effect adding the needed increase in diameter to the pins to make a more positive connection. If you try it add just a little bit to each pin and try untill it's snug, but not hard to press in or pull out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubledown Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 (edited) The internal power supply mod is fairly simple. All you need to do is find a triple output power supply with the proper voltage and amperage outputs that will fit inside the ColecoVision. Install, wire, add an external AC connector and cord, and voila, internal power supply. Edited November 25, 2008 by doubledown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerG Posted November 25, 2008 Author Share Posted November 25, 2008 I read in one thread here (or maybe on DP) about just bending the prongs out a bit with pliers to make better contact. Would this be a good first step? Also, has anyone hardwired the power adaptor (is that what you mean by internal power supply mod)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ApolloBoy Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Also, has anyone hardwired the power adaptor (is that what you mean by internal power supply mod)? The internal power supply mod is just what it is; it puts a power supply (not the original one) inside the system, and then you can use a standard AC cord to plug it in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rik Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 (edited) I had the same problem with 3 of my CV'S.Ended up being cracked solder joints in the modulator box inside console.I opened up the console,opened up the silver rf modulator box,in the back,where the cord goes in from the tv switchbox,or RF co-axial adapter if thats your case,and resoldered(reflowed) the solder points inside the box,or wherever you see a solder joint in or around that box,re- do it.The loose box was garbling the screen whenever i moved console,which moved the cord.Did this to all 3 of my CV'S,and the problem was fixed.Not sure if this is the solution for all the symptoms you mentioned,but it was the case for me.Good luck.Ive had loose power supply plug issues also that caused the same problems,I just tightly wrapped electrical tape around plug that goes into console. Edited November 25, 2008 by Rik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerG Posted November 25, 2008 Author Share Posted November 25, 2008 I used a pair of pliers to widen the prongs and this helped, but it wasn't foxed. I think Doubledown's idea of putting solder in the plugs to widen them would help also. But - I found a really easy solution. The plug on the trackball-roller works great. The power supply goes into this and it is much firmer going into the console - no movement, perfect graphics! I'll keep the roller installed for now (play in joystick mode). I'm tempted to cut this piece off and just leave it in my console, and get a new roller (but I hate to hack apart a perfectly good trackball). Anyway - a good solution for now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theking21083 Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 I had this exact same problem on mine. I fixed it by soldering all of the connections on both ends of the power cable on the inside of the Coleco. The end that connects to the female plug and the end that connects to the board. I would give that a try since it's very simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph74 Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 Any suggestions on where to find said Triple Output power supplys resonably priced? I've got one CV I toasted thinking it was the vid chips based on a DP article. Much rather rule out power connections first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerG Posted November 26, 2008 Author Share Posted November 26, 2008 I had this exact same problem on mine. I fixed it by soldering all of the connections on both ends of the power cable on the inside of the Coleco. The end that connects to the female plug and the end that connects to the board. I would give that a try since it's very simple. That's something that I could do - I'll try it during the holidays. I think the roller plug works so well because it it is much wider and in effect does this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_c Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 Any suggestions on where to find said Triple Output power supplys resonably priced? x2, but i'm not holding my breath... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubledown Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 Any suggestions on where to find said Triple Output power supplys resonably priced? I've got one CV I toasted thinking it was the vid chips based on a DP article. Much rather rule out power connections first. Probably all depends on your definition of reasonably priced. The one I use costs $40.00, plus the connectors, wiring, AC connector and cable, and installation. But to qualify the price, the power supply I use, outputs a lot more amperage than the original to help power other mods I've installed into consoles which the standard one cannot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph74 Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 Any suggestions on where to find said Triple Output power supplys resonably priced? I've got one CV I toasted thinking it was the vid chips based on a DP article. Much rather rule out power connections first. Probably all depends on your definition of reasonably priced. The one I use costs $40.00, plus the connectors, wiring, AC connector and cable, and installation. But to qualify the price, the power supply I use, outputs a lot more amperage than the original to help power other mods I've installed into consoles which the standard one cannot. Ahh, see, my electrical engineering background is nil, so I was searching for a unit with the same voltages and amperages. Didn't realize the amps could be higher and still function. That is a step int he right direction. Any chance you'd be willing to share a source on this mod? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubledown Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 Ahh, see, my electrical engineering background is nil, so I was searching for a unit with the same voltages and amperages. Didn't realize the amps could be higher and still function. That is a step int he right direction. Any chance you'd be willing to share a source on this mod? The voltages are what's critical. As they are controlled by the power supply, and required by the console, they have to match... +5VDC, +12VDC, and -5VDC. The console will only draw as many amps on each line as it needs, so the power supply must provide at least what is required by the console. Any more available current is is basically unused ulness other mods are added like lighting, VGA converter boards, or analog to digital audio coverter boards, to name a few that I've done. Seeing as I'm not performing as many mods as I use to, this one time I'll reveal the secret: http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail...ey418-CFM40T-01 The installation is up to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph74 Posted November 28, 2008 Share Posted November 28, 2008 Ahh, see, my electrical engineering background is nil, so I was searching for a unit with the same voltages and amperages. Didn't realize the amps could be higher and still function. That is a step int he right direction. Any chance you'd be willing to share a source on this mod? The voltages are what's critical. As they are controlled by the power supply, and required by the console, they have to match... +5VDC, +12VDC, and -5VDC. The console will only draw as many amps on each line as it needs, so the power supply must provide at least what is required by the console. Any more available current is is basically unused ulness other mods are added like lighting, VGA converter boards, or analog to digital audio coverter boards, to name a few that I've done. Seeing as I'm not performing as many mods as I use to, this one time I'll reveal the secret: http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail...ey418-CFM40T-01 The installation is up to you! Very interesting! Thanks for sharing your brilliance! Time for another project coming on I think! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom-Cat Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 (edited) Sorry for reviving this thread... but... I just got a pretty good condition PAL ColecoVision (after a cleanup ofcourse) which came with NO power supply I found the picture of the power supply and the needed voltages but I don't have exact numbering of the pins... can someone tell me how exactly are the pins numbered for the voltages ? I don't want to fry it. I will use a PC AT power supply, since it has all required voltages... i.e. if looking at the console from the outside you see the power connector. Is the numbering right for looking at the power connector from there ? 1 2 o o o o 3 4 1 = +5 2 = -5 3 = +12 4 = GND Thanx in advance ! Edited March 23, 2009 by Tom-Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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