Vectrex Repair - sound but no picture, power switch refurbish.

I was given this Vectrex to try to repair, at first I thought it was down to blown capacitors but on further investigation it was discovered to be a faulty power/volume switch.
I couldn't find any guides on how to tear down a faulty switch in detail so made this to show those who want to tackle this simple repair.

Some links that helped me:
Vectrex repair guide has list of components to check.

This talks about repairing the -13V circuit (removal of PSU board required)

Switch removal and Cap replacement guide (German)

[ya]

Many thanks for your video, it help me to repair my Vectrex 🙂

[GrantMeStrength]

In case it helps someone, I’ve just cleaned my switch for the same reasons (sound, no picture - which implied that one of the contacts inside the switch wasn’t making a good connection). I was able to disassemble the switch in situ without having to desolder it from the circuit board. Once the back cover was off, there’s just enough room to prise up the three tabs and remove the switch innards for contact cleaner and sandpaper. The trick was putting the switch back together - it was impossible until I used a little locktite thread fastener (a tiny, tiny amount) to hold the white plastic “bow tie” and the brown disk in place. By rotating the switch shaft until it was in the “off” position, the assembly slid back into place and I could bend the tabs back. Note: it is essential to line up the metal “claw” on the brown plastic component with the matching piece of plastic on the part of the switch that rotates. You’ll see it if you slowly turn the knob. You *must* understand how the pieces fit back together or you will have a frustrating time! Incidentally, before cleaning, the video would just be a white dot, but the sound worked. With a little contact cleaner sprayed into the switch and resoldering the switch wires, things got a little better, but results were a bit random. Once I took it apart and cleaned it properly, it seems to be back to excellent condition.

[sebsebus]

I have exactly the same breakdown ;) Thanks I know what I'm going to do this weekend !

[banterman]

Thanks for this video, chap. Just used it to fix mine! (same issue. Sound, no picture). Worked a charm. Now to figure out why the cartridges aren't working :D.

[ebutuoytm]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you, just about to tackle mine with your help (same issue)

[ForeverArcade]

I always wanted one of these. Another great video 👍🏻

[libbn]

Did you not use any contact cleaner and dielectric grease or some kind of lube for the power switch. You were in there, should have gone the extra mile :) Great job! Im on my own Vectrex path to install Buzz off kit with LM386 audio amp from ebay with three wires. The two that needs to be soldered to the power switch should be a shielded cable. You can take a shielded network cable for that if you want!

[WinrichNaujoks]

How did you know right away that the issue was witht the power switch? You didn't measure it through for resistance or continuity...

[ngoulet]

I bought two Vectrex's brand new in the early 80s. One still works great, the other after being in long term storage does not power on at all. Where would I start to troubleshoot? Is there anything that commonly fails that would cause no power?

[gtd]

Bought mine brand new from Woolies in '82 or '83

[painco]

it seems I have a similar failure (I get sound, but nothing the CRT). Is there an easy way to confirm that the problem is the same you encountered?

[helibournon]

22/7/23 My Vectrex has the same problem but I dont know anyone who van fix it. It is in perfect condition otherwise

[SuperGamesLegend]

I have doubts that cleaning the power switch was the issue.
It's working and I'm happy for you though.
It's worth mentioning that the brightness control knob in back should be tried before just tearing into a 40 year old piece of electronics. I have a Vectrex and I'm a Technician of 25 + years. I would hate to see someone get hurt or damage thier system unnecessarily.
Make sure you unplug anything you are working on and use the proper equipment and precautions!