Need some help with an Odyssey 2

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Rookie1
Posts: 705
Joined: August 6th, 2015, 7:42 am

Need some help with an Odyssey 2

Postby Rookie1 » May 29th, 2017, 1:22 pm

So I got an Odyssey 2 and am having an issue. When I turn it on, all I usually get is a grey screen with some random blocks. If i let it sit on the screen for a while, it will usually go to a different randomized screen until I hit reset or power it off and then power it back on. Once I do that, it will go back to the same grey blocky screen.

So here is what I have done thus far:
-Cleaned the carts
-Cleaned the cart slot
-Cleaned the mother board
-Switched between channels 3 and 4
-Tried a different power supply
-Pulled out both processors, cleaned them, then put them back it
-Tried new AV cabel
-Tried multiple games
-Left the console on for a long ass time

Also, I have read through multiple forums that have had the same issue, but can seem to find anyone that has solved the problem. Here are some of the threads I have read through:

http://nintendoage.com/forum/messagevie ... adid=33066

http://videopac.nl/forum/index.php?topic=2530.0;wap2

https://forum.digitpress.com/forum/show ... en-Problem

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/218541 ... ey-screen/

https://forum.digitpress.com/forum/show ... -2-problem

https://www.avforums.com/threads/newbie ... n.2020714/

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/239822 ... wont-work/

http://videopac.nl/forum/index.php?topic=607.0;wap2

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/151333 ... eshooting/

If anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appriciated.

Thanks in advance.
Last edited by Rookie1 on May 31st, 2017, 7:26 am, edited 1 time in total.

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scotland
Posts: 2561
Joined: April 7th, 2015, 7:33 pm

Re: eed some help with an Odyssey 2

Postby scotland » May 29th, 2017, 5:57 pm

Rookie1 wrote: -Pulled out both processors, cleaned them, then put them back it


I have not waded through all your discussion links, but this problem hit me back in the day circa 1980, which to me, says that its not necessarily due to either aging or anything faulty outside the actual physical connection with the cart. My experience - for what its worth- is that it was a bad connection between cartridge and pin connector.

Cleaning both, and firmly seating the cartridge usually will fix the issue within a few attempts at reseating / pressing reset. I never have needed to go so far as pulling chips. Since you just acquired the O2, you don't know how its been used or stored. Its possible the pin connector needs adjustment for bent pins or general oxidation, not unlike how some people recommend repairing the NES side-loader pin connector instead of buying a cheap replacement.

I do have an extra 'for parts' O2 board I can send you if you want it and you can salvage out the original pin connector. You'd have to clean or soak the pin connector, as its far from clean. Send me a PM if you want the board.

gametime
Posts: 26
Joined: May 24th, 2017, 6:24 pm

Re: eed some help with an Odyssey 2

Postby gametime » May 29th, 2017, 7:48 pm

Welcome to the world that is the Odyssey 2.

Sounds like you have taken some of the right steps for trying to make it work. Glad Scotland had some more helpful directions to send your way.

Sorry I can't offer any advice above what you have already tried. Wish you the best with getting your 02 working soon.

Sinistar
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Joined: November 16th, 2016, 5:56 pm

Re: eed some help with an Odyssey 2

Postby Sinistar » May 29th, 2017, 10:51 pm

I bought an Odyssey2 last year that had a similar problem. If the grey screen has the exact same block pattern every time you turn it on, then your Odyssey is shot. Apparently it's some kind of chip that has to be completely replaced/soldered, so I just ended up getting another system altogether.

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Rookie1
Posts: 705
Joined: August 6th, 2015, 7:42 am

Re: eed some help with an Odyssey 2

Postby Rookie1 » May 31st, 2017, 7:09 am

Sinistar wrote:I bought an Odyssey2 last year that had a similar problem. If the grey screen has the exact same block pattern every time you turn it on, then your Odyssey is shot. Apparently it's some kind of chip that has to be completely replaced/soldered, so I just ended up getting another system altogether.


No, it rotates between a few screens, some of them even flicker and do weird stuff. I cant tell if it is even acknowledging the game or what, so I dont know if this is an issue with the cart slot yet or not?

From all the threads I have read, most say to swap out the capacitors, but noone has posted if that works or not. Found a site that sells capacitor kids for $3 so I took the plunge on that and will see if that helps.

Will post back if it works.

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scotland
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Re: Need some help with an Odyssey 2

Postby scotland » May 31st, 2017, 8:33 am

Good luck on the cap replacement. The cap set is pretty darn cheap if you feel like doing the electronics project.

While you wait for the cap set, may I suggest you go ahead and clean that pin connector. It takes no special tools to open up the Odyssey 2. Give it a good cleaning or even a soak. This rotating between junk on the screen was part of the system even when it was new and the carts were new.

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Rookie1
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Joined: August 6th, 2015, 7:42 am

Re: Need some help with an Odyssey 2

Postby Rookie1 » May 31st, 2017, 12:54 pm

scotland wrote:Good luck on the cap replacement. The cap set is pretty darn cheap if you feel like doing the electronics project.

While you wait for the cap set, may I suggest you go ahead and clean that pin connector. It takes no special tools to open up the Odyssey 2. Give it a good cleaning or even a soak. This rotating between junk on the screen was part of the system even when it was new and the carts were new.


Yeah, I took it all apart last night and cleaned it out with alcohol, but it didnt seem to make a different. I have heard that I may need to re-solder the pins on the cart slot, but I dont know if I am skilled enough for that.


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