Astrocade Intermittent Problem Fixes
By Ken Lill
March 7, 2008


The main problems associated with "intermittent" problems are:

1) Loose connection to the power connector inside the unit

2) Bad connection or wire to the RF modulator unit.

    a) There is a piece of copper under the modulator that may not 
       be making good contact 

    b) The 7 pin connector is not making good contact.  Try re-seating
       the modulator.

    c) The long RF cable is not making good contact or has a break in it.
       Try rotating the connector where it enters the Modulator at
       least 1/4 turn.

3)  One or more of the custom chips has worked itself loose.  Try pushing
    down on the 2 end of the chips firmly, but not super hard.

4) The cartridge connector inside is not "up to snuff."  It may be
   dirty (rubbing alcohol on a rag usually cleans it fine), or it may
   have one or more contacts not making contact well with the cartridge.
   This requires bending them up CAREFULLY.  You'll need to take the
   unit most of the way apart, including the top and the large black plastic
   assembly that holds the keypad contacts.  Be careful here not to loose the
   spring and not to break any wires going to the keypad.

If the above four don't seem to have any effect, the problem is probably a break 
in one or more circuits on the PCB.  Those are HARD to find especially when it 
works most of the time.

I hope this solves your problem.