Intellivision I - Is this dead, or fixable?

[wberdan]

Hi, I justr picked up an Intellivision I the other day- the thing looks close to new. The problem would be that it doesn't work.
I havn't tried cleaning the cartridge slot yet (the pins), but when I turn it on the screen it black and maybe flashes some white lines every few seconds or so...
It doesn't do that every time, but thats basically it.

Does that sound like a typical dead Intelly I?
I have never had an Intelly I- so I don;'t know

willie

[omnedon]

Let the power supply warm up a bit and clean the slot.

The power supply could be operating under spec, or the power switch could be dirty. These are just guesses... but experienced guesses.

[wberdan]

Let the power supply warm up a bit and clean the slot.

The power supply could be operating under spec, or the power switch could be dirty. These are just guesses... but experienced guesses.

i cleaned the connectors- no luck.
i didnt let the power supply warm up or anything really... ill try that tommorow.
its probably given up the ghost, but im holding onto hope.
anything i can do if the switch is whats screwed up>?


willie

[chadtower]

Not much other than fix it or give it to someone to be fixed... but obviously don't toss it.

[omnedon]

You could try to squirt some contact cleaner into the switch. Not as good as rebuilding the switch, but it can't hurt.

[chadtower]

Could you elaborate on this? I was just working with an NES last night where the power switch is flakey contact wise (it's VERY touchy). I tried to get it apart to clean it but there was no way to do that without breaking it open.

[omnedon]

Well, an NES uses a VERY different switch, that is mechanically different in every way. Momentary I think? Anyway, an Inty 1 uses 6PDT slide switch I believe. Slide switches work on friction, and a kind of 'sliding bridge'. When you clean it (usually by disassembling) you improve contact among the bridge and posts in the switch. If there is poor contact, the switch can be causing the failures. My terminology may be off, but I think I'm getting the concept across.

An NES switch would likely only have a mechanical problem, that would be easier to replace than repair.

[DStriemer]

For opening up the switch to rebuild it, do I just gently bend off the little prong things from the switch? That appears to be all that is holding me back from getting a couple of switches open on a few machines I'm working on.

[FABombjoy]

For opening up the switch to rebuild it, do I just gently bend off the little prong things from the switch?

That'll work. Just be careful not to break any of the tabs off & be sure to snug them down fully and evenly when reassembling. It can be tricky to get them apart/back together correctly.

[DStriemer]

Thanks, that is what I assumed, but with old electronics, I am trying to assume nothing. I try to think that my assumptions could be the difference between a paperweight and a videogaming masterpiece.