Colecovision not functioning properly

[Nitrosport]

Hey everyone

I purchased a colecovision online and got it today. When I try to use it, I can barely make out the writing on the screen. It's all black and white with static. Sometimes, it just flashes a bunch of colors on the screen instead and doesn't even boot the game. Does anyone know what's going on? Insurance only covers it if the package was beat up or the console looks physically beat up which it wasn't. I'm thinking it took a fall and something was knocked loose. By the way, I already cleaned the games and cartridge connector. I also checked the power supply to make sure it's working properly. Here are some pics of what I see:

http://i29.tinypic.com/26216dk.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/14ya9zt.jpg

[OldSchoolGamer]

Stupid question as I can't remember my old ColecoVision BUT:

Is it an RF output? If so is TV on correct channel? Is there a channel select on back of Coleco were signal comes out and is IT set to same channel? Is cord inserted firmly in TV/Switchbox/coleco?

I know, but sometimes the simplest is the answer..............

[Nitrosport]

It's an Rf. I have the tv on channel 3 along with the channel switch on the rear of the console. The cord is firmly in place. I just can't figure this thing out. My last CV never gave me issues besides the power supply.

[Atari 5200]

How old is the switch box? I've had older switch boxes work like a paper hammering a nail. I bought a brand new one a radio shack or somewhere, I can't remember, and it worked like a charm. It's been a while since I hooked up an older system that requires a switch box, but when I did, I came across this problem ALL of the time. When that happened, I busted out that new switch box.

[Nitrosport]

I'm not using a switch box as it doesn't need one. I'm connected directly to the tv (with a coaxial adapter offcourse). My old CV worked fine this way. I don't have anything that I can run the signal through like a vcr or something to try it that way.

On a side note, I used to go through nes and genesis switch boxes like nobodys business :) I had a huge stack of broken ones back in the day.

[OldSchoolGamer]

Did this particular ColecoVision work before? Maybe the cord is defective? OK, I'm out, hope you figure it, last thought MAYBE RF out has become loose on Coleco board? Good luck , I hope you find the answer, Colecovision is great system!

[Nitrosport]

Well, the seller stated it worked fine before he shipped it. I don't know 100% if it really did though. I paid a good chunk of change for it so I would hope it did work ;) I will test another cord just incase the original is messed up. I don't think the RF is loose but I will check that out tomorrow when I get a chance.

[Atari 5200]

I'm connected directly to the tv (with a coaxial adapter offcourse).

Oh, yeah! That's what I used!

[InsaneDavid]

Try using a different cable (any RCA cable will work) between the Colecovision and your phono to type F adapter. Also try flipping the channel 3/4 (or is it 2/3) switch on the Colecovision while connected to see if you get a flash of clear signal. If you do then clean the channel switch with some contact cleaner.

[Nitrosport]

I did what you told me about. I still get the same screens. Sometimes, instead of the startup screen being in black and white, the writing will be in color but the picture is still messed up. I tried flipping the switch back and forth while the RCA wire was connected but it didn't give me a clear signal.

[Nitrosport]

The guy I bought it from insists that it was working but I'm starting to doubt it. The console was suppost to come with star raiders boxed but it didn't and he claims that he is 100% sure that he shipped it with it. I didn't get any of the atari brochures that were suppost to come with it. Do you guys think I'm dealing with a shady seller here? Usps is saying they only cover it if it was banged up in shipping but in this case, the box looks perfect and the console is in perfect cosmetic shape.