Intellivision troubleshooting help

[bageljt]

Hi- I have an Intv System III. I get black screen when I turn on console with cartridge in it.

 

I plugged in the IMI-2 test cartridge. When I hit reset after that, I see the letter J repeated a bunch of times. Looking at the Intellivision Service Console, there is a J error described which says to replace U6, which is a solid state device. Any ideas on that? Thanks, -Jeff

[HunterZero]

You've tried hitting reset immediately after you turn on the console with a game in? You almost always need to do this. Back out the cartridge a touch? Clean the port and check for bent connection pins?

 

U6 is the sound chip. It also handles hand controller inputs. It is a GI AY-3-8914 and is unfortunately one of the ICs that commonly goes bad. Swapping this chip with known working is the obvious choice if you have a spare. Reseating and cleaning legs is another option. You could try turning on the console with one or both controllers disconnected.

 

Black screen could be power. Check the voltages at the 5 pin ribbon connector and check the ribbon for continuity.

 

- J