Cleaning Intellivision Controller?

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VideoGameCritic
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Joined: April 1st, 2015, 7:23 pm

Cleaning Intellivision Controller?

Postby VideoGameCritic » June 2nd, 2023, 7:18 pm

I was reviewing Princess Quest for the Intellivision when I seemed to notice that there are a few "dead spots" in the disc, where I may have to push extra hard, or repeatedly, to get it to respond. For most games it's not an issue but for a fast action game like this it can be a problem.

Of course, the controller is attached because this is the original Intellvision. From what I understand you can "fix" one of these controllers by taking it apart and cleaning it. Has anyone out there ever tried doing something like this? I'm a little anxious because as I said - it's part of the console and I don't want to break it.

Advice welcome!

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Atariboy
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Joined: April 7th, 2015, 11:07 pm

Re: Cleaning Intellivision Controller?

Postby Atariboy » June 2nd, 2023, 10:54 pm

Sounds like it might be time to replace the membrane. Below are some relevant links.

https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/detai ... -set-38583

https://forums.atariage.com/blogs/entry ... placement/

You also might take comfort in knowing that the controllers aren't actually hard-wired. The port is just inside the case instead of outside.

For example, I bought a set of homebrew adapters to let me use the AtGames Intellivision Flashback controllers on an Intellivision I (And similar variants like the INTV III with internal controller jacks). Just plug the controller into one end of the adapter and the other end connects to a plug on the motherboard. Below is a picture of the adapter that I pulled off Google Images just now to illustrate (Another adapter also was sold to connect Flashback controllers to Intellivision II's and the Sears counterpart with external controller ports).

http://intellivisionaries.com/wp-conten ... rs_05R.jpg

Lastly, someone on AtariAge is also making new controllers. Not sure you're in the market for replacement controllers yet, but it's good to know just in case you ever can't resurrect one.

https://forums.atariage.com/topic/33458 ... available/

Robotrek
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Joined: June 6th, 2016, 9:24 pm

Re: Cleaning Intellivision Controller?

Postby Robotrek » June 3rd, 2023, 11:14 am

Hate to go off topic, but that game is such an unfortunate one.

It starts and you think "Wow, this is great. So impressive for the system."

But the repetition kills me. It gets so old so fast.


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