Getting started with ColecoVision

[Angband]

I would like to get into ColecoVision! I have some questions that I'm hoping this forum can help me answer.

1. I don't have space for a CRT in my life. What would be the best mod to seek out for having a ColecoVision hook up to my 4k TV via a RetroTink 2X Pro? I have no technical knowledge, so I'd need to head to the marketplace here and see if anyone has one on hand or maybe is willing to sell me a ColecoVision so I can then ship it off somewhere to get modded.
2. Are there any refurbishments I should keep in mind when purchasing a ColecoVision for increasing its lifespan?
3. What is the best flash cart for the system? This one? https://www.atarimax.com/colecosd/documentation/index.html
4. Are there any controller mods I should be on the lookout for? I've heard the joystick is nothing to write home about...
5. Alternatively, does anyone here have experience with the Edladdin controller on the AA store? Is it worth the hefty price tag? https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1190
6. Is the Atari 2600 expansion port compatible with the Harmony Encore flash cart? What about with 2600 homebrews?
7. What are your favorite homebrews?

If there's anything else I should be aware of, please let me know. Thank you in advance!

[Kiwi]

1 hour ago, Angband said:

I would like to get into ColecoVision! I have some questions that I'm hoping this forum can help me answer.

1. I don't have space for a CRT in my life. What would be the best mod to seek out for having a ColecoVision hook up to my 4k TV via a RetroTink 2X Pro? I have no technical knowledge, so I'd need to head to the marketplace here and see if anyone has one on hand or maybe is willing to sell me a ColecoVision so I can then ship it off somewhere to get modded.
2. Are there any refurbishments I should keep in mind when purchasing a ColecoVision for increasing its lifespan?
3. What is the best flash cart for the system? This one? https://www.atarimax.com/colecosd/documentation/index.html
4. Are there any controller mods I should be on the lookout for? I've heard the joystick is nothing to write home about...
5. Alternatively, does anyone here have experience with the Edladdin controller on the AA store? Is it worth the hefty price tag? https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1190
6. Is the Atari 2600 expansion port compatible with the Harmony Encore flash cart? What about with 2600 homebrews?
7. What are your favorite homebrews?

If there's anything else I should be aware of, please let me know. Thank you in advance!

1. I just use the rf with the gold bead like on Atariage store.  There are compositive, and even F18A mods to upgrade your Colecovision to work on modern TV.
2. I recommend Rugger to do quality of life improvement. Colecovision is stubborn to get it working properly.  Get good power supply.
3. Yup. Ultimate SD cartridge.
4. I using modded Genesis controller with a passthrough.
5. I heard good thing about his controller.
6. Should be since it's a Atari 2600 inside.  Homebrew games should work well.
7. Many to count.

[Ruggers Customs]

For video output, I'd recommend the F18a or the Pico9918.  Both have VGA out which can easily be connected to any HDTV with a simple VGA to HDMI adapter from Amazon.  I should have some Pico9918s here soon for testing but from the info I've been given from the creator @visrealm, it's going to be the best and cheapest alternative for video upgrades going forward at only 35 to 45 usd (I'm not exactly sure on the pricing but it's around that area).

Edited Saturday at 03:54 PM by Ruggers Customs

[Angband]

Thank you for these helpful comments!

[thecavalry]

For PSU, check out Lundy electronics power adapter solution. You’d need to also buy the specific meanwell PSU that they outline for use.

 

https://lundyelectronics.com/product/colecovision-power-supply-adapter/
 

As well as their dram to sram conversion kit that removes the need for +12v and -5v on the board, and replaces what can be questionable original ram modules.

 

https://lundyelectronics.com/product/colecovision-ntsc-dram-sram-converter-upgrade/

[Angband]

3 hours ago, thecavalry said:

For PSU, check out Lundy electronics power adapter solution. You’d need to also buy the specific meanwell PSU that they outline for use.

 

https://lundyelectronics.com/product/colecovision-power-supply-adapter/
 

As well as their dram to sram conversion kit that removes the need for +12v and -5v on the board, and replaces what can be questionable original ram modules.

 

https://lundyelectronics.com/product/colecovision-ntsc-dram-sram-converter-upgrade/

This is also helpful, thank you!

[Angband]

On 9/28/2024 at 11:53 AM, Ruggers Customs said:

For video output, I'd recommend the F18a or the Pico9918.  Both have VGA out which can easily be connected to any HDTV with a simple VGA to HDMI adapter from Amazon.  I should have some Pico9918s here soon for testing but from the info I've been given from the creator @visrealm, it's going to be the best and cheapest alternative for video upgrades going forward at only 35 to 45 usd (I'm not exactly sure on the pricing but it's around that area).

The pictures on your Facebook website look fantastic. Would you be open to me PMing you to discuss what I'd need to send your way to get a ColecoVision modded, refurbished, etc?

[N0mi]

Another PSU alternative is the ColUSB which uses a standard 5V USB-C input.

It wasn't available for some time but is about to be re-stocked now. 

[Ruggers Customs]

13 hours ago, Angband said:

The pictures on your Facebook website look fantastic. Would you be open to me PMing you to discuss what I'd need to send your way to get a ColecoVision modded, refurbished, etc?

Hi there!  You can either contact me on facebook or message me at orders@ruggerscustoms.com.