VIC 20 video distorted

[mikem]

I have a VIC 20 that is virtually brand new. Got it as a Christmas gift a million years ago & never used it. I need to downsize my collection, so I want to sell this one since it doesn't really have any nostalgic value for me.

It has a brown RF box that plugs into the 5 pin jack on the computer, and provides an RCA jack connector. The box has a CH 3 / CH 4 switch. I hooked the box up to an NES RF cable, and connected that to an old CRT. The video displays very distorted:



Any idea what's going on?

Thanks!

 

[Hugo Holden]

I have a VIC 20 that is virtually brand new. Got it as a Christmas gift a million years ago & never used it. I need to downsize my collection, so I want to sell this one since it doesn't really have any nostalgic value for me.

It has a brown RF box that plugs into the 5 pin jack on the computer, and provides an RCA jack connector. The box has a CH 3 / CH 4 switch. I hooked the box up to an NES RF cable, and connected that to an old CRT. The video displays very distorted:

View attachment 61572

Any idea what's going on?

Thanks!

The is RF interference or noise in the modulated RF carrier or the RF carrier is very weak. Possibly the TV could be tuned to the wrong sideband, try altering the fine tuning controls. Check for any fractured/open connection in the RF cabling. Try another TV to locate the issue.

 

[mikem]

Thanks. I've ordered a composite cable for the computer - hopefully that has better results.