Intellivision console won't work

[tz101]

Got an Intellivision I system today, but the problem is it has a black screen on startup, no matter the game inserted. I have cleaned the contacts on both the console and game carts with fine grain sandpaper and 91% alcohol. Again, all I get is a black screen. I have tried the channel 3-4 switch on both channels with no different results. Also, when I hit the reset button, there is a temporary screen of white and black vertical stripes that appears for a split second, then goes away. Anyone know what to do with this? Thanks.

[+Ransom]

Have you made sure the carts aren't over-inserted, and are just inserted to the line? You may need to try inserting a cartridge slightly more or less several times before finding the right spot.

 

Old Intellivision I consoles can be pretty finicky in that regard.

[tz101]

I have tried numerous game carts inserted to different depths. No dice. I even tried using the Intellivoice module to see if it would make a difference, but all I still get is a black screen. What now?

[+Ransom]

That's about the extent of my Intellivision console problem-solving knowledge.

 

Hopefully someone more experienced will be able to help.

[fiddlepaddle]

If possible, you might try at least one cart with a different Intellivision console. That way, you'll know you cleaned the cart well enough, and that it works. I've picked up a few consoles that don't work/black screen. I assumed they had failed chips of some kind as I've read that there is one chip in particular that tends to overheat and fail (don't know which chip it is, but I think it's one that was made specifically for the Intellivision and so isn't available anymore).

[Emehr]

Try this link. Scroll down to section 7.2. I had an Intellivision with this problem and I think a voltage regulator or something is bad on it. I ended up just getting another unit. Still gotta fix it one of these days though.

[zylon]

There is a small ribbon wire between the main board and sometimes it rots. Try moving this around and resetting. Worked for me once.