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ColecoVision Cartridge Reader Replacement

Device	ColecoVision
Difficulty	Very difficult
Time	30 minutes
Steps	4

This guide is by Anastazia Kidder on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

The purpose of this guide is to communicate steps on how to replace or repair the cartridge reader on a ColecoVision.

Tools: Phillips #1 Screwdriver; Metal Spudger; Spudger; FixHub Power Series Smart Soldering Iron; Desoldering Pump

Parts: 15 Pin Card Edge Connector (Cartridge Reader)

Step 1

• Flip the console upside down and remove the eight 15mm Phillips #1 screws.

Step 2

• Use the metal spudger along the bottom rim of the front panel to safely remove the top of the console. Set aside the top.

Step 3

• Remove the two 15mm Phillips #1 screws holding the casing in place.
• Remove the casing to reveal the cartridge reader.

Step 4

• Desolder the sides of the cartridge reader using the soldering iron and desolder pump (https://www.ifixit.com/en-ca/products/desoldering-pump).
• Refer to this soldering technique guide for reference (https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+To+Solder+and+Desolder+Connections/750)
• Patiently wait for the cartridge reader to cool down after being desoldered.
• CAUTION: It's very important to remove all the tin from the motherboard and cartridge reader before lifting it from the motherboard. Failure to do so could damage the motherboard.
• Carefully lift up the cartridge reader. A plastic spudger might be helpful in order to easily remove the cartridge reader.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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