Signal problem on Famicom

[Enixis]

When i connect up my famicom to the tv via the RF lead, the sound works but i get really distorted images. Anyone know if this is a cart problem (due to non use for years) or is it due to a faulty RF lead? It's definitely not the TV as its a multisystem.

[rbudrick]

Did it work before? Maybe on a different TV? Famicoms must be on channel 95 or 96 in America. Older TVs need the fine tuning adjusted too. Newer TVs sometimes just work fine on channel 3, I hear, but have never winessed.

I say do the AV mod or get an AV famicom.

-Rob

[Enixis]

Well i found the system in the house (don't ask), so i don't know if it worked before. So far, i've been trying on channel 1 and 2 as stated at the back of the system, with no luck on the video output even with fine tuning. I'll take your suggestion and try it with channels 95 / 96.

[Enixis]

Seems it doesn't work. I can get a partial signal on channel 87 but thats it. Partial meaning i see a fuzzy image of the main screen (which is macross btw).
I've been reading that there's supposed to be an RF modulator that comes with the system. Anyone know about this and what it does? Its not the RF switch is it?

[davidleeroth]

The multinorm televisions I've seen here still can't deal with NTSC RF signal, only NTSC composite. Is it possible NTSC is triggered via a menu of some sort?

The RF modulator is internal, all you should need is a straight RF lead. But like Rob said, if you're at all familiar to soldering, I'd recommend trying the a/v mod.

[rbudrick]

The RF modulator is internal, all you should need is a straight RF lead. But like Rob said, if you're at all familiar to soldering, I'd recommend trying the a/v mod.

Hmmm? My Famicom came with an RF box....not internal. Or maybe my memory is off...I'd better check when I get home because now you've got me second guessing. :-)

I suppose you could feed it through another system's RF box...not fully reccomended, but often works quite well, depending on which system's switch you feed it through.

-Rob

[Enixis]

Ok, something is odd. Is there supposed to be a switch at the back port where is says CH1 CH2? Mine seems to be missing something there although i don't see anything thats supposed to be attached when i took a look at the motherboard.

[SkiDragon]

The external thing is probably a switch, not a modulator. Old systems have internal modulators for the "convenience" of an RF coaxial connection. Nowadays we want better.