Magnovox Odyssey 2000 Repair and Modernization

Evil Game Switch

Equally & Uniquely Evil Video Cable

As I dusted off my old Odyssey 2000 (Model BH7510) I found that one of the devils pitchforks, I mean one of the connectors on that evil game switch was broken.   I tried splicing a new connector on it but the signal quality was poor.  I then turned to world wide web (aka Google) for answers.  I know that folks have used simple Radio Shack components to bypass Atari's evil TV/Game switch the Odyssey series uses this unique video cable which makes that impossible.  Enter Ozyr's Emporium and the solution to this problem.  On this page it shows that this Magnavox video cable can be replaced with a standard RCA video cable on an Odyssey 2.  Well if it works on an Odyssey 2 maybe it will work on the 2000 unit?

To find out we popped that Odyssey 2000 on the operating table and behold!  Under a ton solder was the video connector that appeared a lot like a standard RCA cable.  We replaced the cable but now we still need a slightly more modern answer to the evil TV/Game switch.  For that we turned to Radio Shack's successor, eBay.  Shown in the picture is a RCA to COAX adapter that runs for less than five US bucks.   This same simple cheat come be used on other systems of its time like the Atari 2600/7800 and the Coleco.

Game RF Video TV Cable Adapter RCA to COAX

 
After re-assembly I now have the clearest and sharpest image I have every seen come out of this Magnavox Odyssey 2000.  Of course this carries video signal only since the internal speaker handles all the beeps and boops of pong.
. -kaokensho