Vic 20 video troubleshooting.

[MagitekAngel]

Just got my hands on a vic-20 at value village. Can't figure out how to get video!

Tried just using a model 1 genesis cable. No sign of life in multiple TVs.

Then tried using the RF, connecting composite video to that, an f connector to that, into coax. Mixed results.

 

TV1: Scrolling video signal, video is off to the right. I can make out the text as it scrolls by.

 

TV2: No signs of life.

 

Any ideas?

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 170676467537

[+FujiSkunk]

The Genesis cable is not going to work in all likely hood. Even though the ports are the same, different pins are used for different purposes. Coincidentally I reminded myself of this the night before last when I tried to use the cable that had been plugged into my VIC-20 on a Genesis, with no success.

 

I believe an A/V cable meant for the Commodore 64 will also work well enough on the VIC-20. Generic cables that break the connection out into 4 separate patch cables will also work. That's what I use.

 

As for connecting the VIC-20 to the TV, connecting the RF output to composite definitely won't work, but connecting it to coax should, if the computer is otherwise functional. Does your TV have a manual vertical hold or "V-hold" knob or control anywhere? If so, try playing with that.

Edited November 9, 2012 by FujiSkunk

[MagitekAngel]

Thanks for the pointers; I've ordered a cable, and found a Canadian seller I'll try again when it arrives.