Strange issues with 5200 games

[danesp]

Hi,

 

I'm just wondering if anyone out there can explain 2 quirky issues that surfaced while playing my 5200 (2-port version).

 

1st - I just got the Moon Patrol cart. It starts fine and plays fine for about 30 seconds. Then some of the screen objects become pixelated and rocks appear without warning on the game screen. If I lose 1 life, the game ends and takes me back to the level select screen. Each time I play, something different happens that shouldn't in the game. I verified what should happen with a rom on my pc.

Is the cartridge defective? Is this a known problem with 5200 games? Can the cart be opened to clean or repair?

 

2nd - When playing Vanguard; the game plays perfect until the final boss. If I die on the boss stage, the game starts me on the level 2 quest of vanguard. It plays for 10 seconds, then the game freezes and the 5200 must be turned off. I have the official version of the game - not the prototype.

Is this a bug in some Vanguard carts? Is this a defective cart?

 

I just wanted to shout out and see if there are any 5200 experts that explain this.

 

thanks

Dan

[peedenmark7]

A flat head screw driver inserted into one of the 2 slots on the bottom should allow you to push the dust cover down.. Clean the contacts and see what happens...

[sqoon]

I recommend cleaning the console connector pins good with alcohol as well.

 

Of all my 5200 games, I have had a Space Invaders game go bad. It would not go past the Atari splash screen though, to even allow me to select or start a game.

[danesp]

Thanks for the tips.

I cleaned both carts with a cue-tip and 91% alcohol. I also gently cleaned the console connector.

But, they are still acting crazy.

 

I'm used to seeing games not even start. So, seeing the game data scrammbled is a bit of a mystery.

Unless, they came in contact with a magnet?

 

I'll have to hunt down another copy of Moon Patrol and Vanguard.

[danesp]

Update:

I ordered a different Moon Patrol and Vanguard online and they just arrived.

The Moon Patrol worked great, so that means that my original Moon Patrol is defective.

 

The Vanguard had the same strange issue. (Die on the final stage and get restarted on the 2nd quest - then it freeezes when the enemies appear)

Can this mean that Vanguard has an existing bug?

Anyone care to comment, please do...

[sqoon]

I also gently cleaned the console connector.

 

This could be the problem. Don't be gentle on the console pins (within reason of course).

 

I recommend a piece of fine grit sandpaper (400 grit or higher) folded with grit side out and run it back and forth in the console pins a few times, followed by running an alcohol-soaked toothbrush back and forth (be sure to get the bristles down into the cartridge slot in the pins) a few times. 30 year old pins like those on the 5200 console can be heavily oxidized, and a thorough cleaning is recommended.

 

As a followup, a squirt or two of deoxit or electronic parts cleaner into the console pins will do wonders as well.

Edited June 5, 2012 by sqoon