Channel F problems

[atari2600land]

So I got a Channel F and cart #1. I turn the power on and it flashes "G?" for a few seconds, then it flashes between "S?" and "M?" and I can't get it to do anything. Could it be the cartridge is bad and I need a new one or what?

[Tanooki]

It's normal I remember that much using one as a kid and teenager my mom had I inherited (until my nitwit father threw it out when I left town as I was storing it in their more than ample room third car garage.)

https://archive.org/stream/Fairchild-Channel-F-Manual/Fairchild%20Channel%20F%20manual_djvu.txt

Read that, it should help some as it's the original manual in text format.

[Niku-Sama]

if its flashing S & M maybe its just dirty

[Tanooki]

Actually the varying flashing letters are a queue to the user if you're in a mode or number of players. I just don't remember the specifics as I haven't used one in 10 years.

[goldenband]

if its flashing S & M maybe its just dirty

Heh. :D

[atari2600land]

I think it automatically selects a game? I have one #1 cartridge right now, but I bought a couple on eBay so I'll see how that goes when they get here.

[Niku-Sama]

Heh. :D

YAY some one got it!
where at in Oregon are you at about?

[atari2600land]

YAY some one got it!
where at in Oregon are you at about?
Salem.

[Niku-Sama]

Hmm lemme ask around and see if any one knows of a place around you that might know how to diagnose it. I kinda get the feeling it may be some one in Portland though.

Fairchilds being what they are and the age of them make them a bit difficult. I've not had one but I'd certainly like to take a crack at one but only if it was my own.

I really wish some one would put on a repair clinic or some thing like what they have for the pins and arcades at Portland retro gaming expo. Some of this stuff is getting down to be that age

[Niku-Sama]

Well i can't find any one. Would a thought some one around up there would have known a little about fixing it.

Sorry dude