7 replies to this topic

[Lendorien]

I recently picked up a Colecovision lot that included the Expansion Module #2 and Turbo. Upon trying it out, I found that the steering wheel did not work, though the foot pedal worked fine. Seems others have had this issue.

Does anyone have any repair suggestions? I suspect it's the optical sensor, seeing as the regular controller works just fine in the joystick port. The optical sensor, (called the Dual Photo Coupler in the tech manual) but I wouldn't know for sure or how to proceed to fix it. I'm not even sure if that part even is available any more, or if there's a suitable equivalent.

I've done some internet searches, but have not found any concrete information on how to fix this. If it is the optical sensor, does anyone know a suitable replacement?

Suggestions?

Edited by Lendorien, Mon Sep 5, 2011 11:25 PM.

[SlowCoder]

While the sensor could be the problem, have you checked that the cable isn't the culprit?

[Lendorien]

SlowCoder, on Tue Sep 6, 2011 5:25 AM, said:

While the sensor could be the problem, have you checked that the cable isn't the culprit?

Any suggestions on how to do that? As I said, the foot pedal works, so there must be some sort of signal getting through.

[rmaerz]

I had problems with erratic steering. The problem was that the terminals in the battery compartment were rusted. I sprayed them with Liquid Wrench, sanded off the rust and gave it one final cleaning and now it works like a champ.

[Yurkie]

I bet it's the sensor. The pedal is just a simple normally open switch, when you push down it closes... Like touching 2 wires together.

I have seem optical sensors however I don't have a link saved, nor am I sure it would mount in place and/or work as a replacement if it could be mounted in place. I have wondered if, but actually never took the time to check if the wheel and the roller controller use the same exact optical sensor... If they did an RC with one working axis could be fixed or used as a donor for another RC or a Wheel. I have seen your question before and I have never seen anyone offer a link to a drop in replacement.

Although it is a shame to throw away classic gaming hardware that is probably the best route to go. There seems to be very little interest in the expansion modules, unless they are boxed.

I can't even sell a really nice clean working Roller Controller for $25.

[rmaerz]

Yurkie, on Tue Sep 6, 2011 10:00 AM, said:

Although it is a shame to throw away classic gaming hardware that is probably the best route to go. There seems to be very little interest in the expansion modules, unless they are boxed.

I can't even sell a really nice clean working Roller Controller for $25.

That's a surprise actually. I was always under the impression that there were demands for expansion modules since they are rarely included (in auctions or thrift finds) with the base unit.

I know I spent some time trying to find a Roller Controller that worked. I was lucky on the driving controller since it was included with a Craigslist find.

Like they say giving CPR "don't worry about breaking the ribs because they're gonna die anyway" - take the driver controller apart and see if there's a stink bug in the sensor. Clean everything up and see what happens.

[Lendorien]

Well, I took it apart and couldn't find any issue physically. The battery thing was a good suggestion since I pulled out 4 corroded C batteries when I got it. So I cleaned the leads again and then tested for current with my multitester. Whatever I did, it fixed the issue because the controller works now.

Still, if you ask me, we should all knock our heads together and find a replacement sensor. The tech manual calls it a "Photo Coupler" and even has a part number. But who knows what that part number corresponds to. I've looked for specs on the part to no avail.

The circuit board is not very complex, so I'm sure something could be jury-rigged if necessary. I simply do not have the electronics know-how to do it myself without assistance.

The Colecovision is not the only item to use this type of sensors. Mice with rollerballs use them too in much the same fashion as the wheel, so it has to be something that is somewhat available. The question is voltage and whether it would work with the wheel assembly.

Edited by Lendorien, Tue Sep 6, 2011 10:48 PM.

[Yurkie]

If you really want to try something, this might work

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 350489911067

If you actually buy this item and install please post results.