Odyssey2:Garbage Screen Fix

When you turn on your Odyssey 2, it may display a screen with garbage or scrambled symbols and shapes. This always occurs if you turn the console on without a game inserted, so if there is a cartridge inserted, it is not being properly detected.

Example of a garbage screen.

Methods to Fix

1. Check that the cartridge pins are clean. See this page for tips on how to clean the cartridge pins and cartridge connector.
2. Pull the cartridge partially out of the slot, then turn the system on. If it boots, the pins on the cartridge slot likely need adjusting to their original positions.
3. Reflow the solder joints of the cart slot. External force on the cartridge may have broken the joints.
4. Check continuity of every pin of the cart slot to the next via. A common issue is that the cartridges were pressed down too hard and the traces that route underneath the connector are broken. If this is the case, you can solder wires to jump the broken traces as done in this video from Artifact Electronics.

   

   Cartridge slot repair by Artifact Electronics