Hardware
| Catalogue ID | CVH-0338 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ikrananka |
| Region | United States |
| Person or team | Ikrananka |
| Year | 2019 |
| Type | Other Hardware (Other) |
| Platform | ColecoVision |
| Status | DIY / Open Source |
| Manufacturer site | https://github.com/ikrananka/ColecoVision-Power-Flashing-Pause-LED-Mod |
The ColecoVision Power/Flashing Pause LED Mod is a hardware modification designed by Ikrananka to add both a power indicator and a true pause function to the original ColecoVision console.
The modification addresses two features absent from the original ColecoVision: there is no factory power indicator light and there is no means of pausing a game during play.
A red LED remains continuously illuminated whenever the ColecoVision is powered on during normal operation.
When the pause function is activated, the same LED begins flashing to clearly indicate that the console is paused. The flashing frequency can be adjusted by the user from approximately 0.6 to 3.3 Hz.
When play is resumed, the LED returns to its continuously illuminated state.
The modification pauses the ColecoVision by pulling the /WAIT line of the console's Z80 processor low, stopping Z80 processing and effectively freezing the game at its current position.
Because stopping the processor alone does not necessarily stop the ColecoVision's sound hardware, the modification also disconnects the console's audio output while pause is active. This prevents a continuously sustained tone or sound from remaining audible while a game is paused.
The modification can also pause games enhanced for the Super Game Module (SGM) because these games continue to use the ColecoVision's Z80 processor.
The installation instructions provide a recommended audio connection point after the console's original SN76489A audio and the expansion-port audio have been combined. When wired this way, SGM-generated audio is also muted during pause.
The pause function does not operate with Expansion Module #1, since the Atari-compatible expansion module contains and operates its own processor and sound hardware.
The modification is installed internally and consists of a custom circuit board, wiring harnesses, pause switch, LED holder and mounting hardware.
Installation requires modification of the ColecoVision console. In particular, holes must be made in the upper console housing for the switch and LED installation. Although most of the electronics can subsequently be removed, these alterations to the original housing are permanent.
The design incorporates connectors allowing the upper and lower halves of the ColecoVision case to be disconnected during future servicing.
The project has been made available with its schematic, PCB design, Gerber manufacturing files, bill of materials, installation instructions and 3D-printable spacer.
This allows ColecoVision enthusiasts to construct the modification themselves and preserves the design as an open-source hardware project.
Product: ColecoVision Power/Flashing Pause LED Mod
Designer: Ikrananka
Introduced: 2019
Type: Internal Modification Kit
Functions: Power LED, hardware pause and automatic audio muting
Pause Method: Z80 /WAIT line
Pause Indicator: Variable-rate flashing red LED
Flash Rate: Approximately 0.6–3.3 Hz
Super Game Module: Compatible with recommended installation
Expansion Module #1: Pause function not compatible
Console Modification: Required
Distribution: Open-source design / DIY hardware
License: MIT