Magnavox Odyssey - Video connections to modern TV

[SgtSpike]

So I picked up an original, 1972 Magnavox Odyssey off of craigslist for $25 (with the shotgun, even). Woohoo! But I can't seem to figure out how to turn the VHF signal into something usable by a modern television. And by modern, I just mean a typical CRT from the 90's with coax in the back.

I bought one of these (http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103912) from Radioshack, and it almost works. Two problems though:
- The two ends that need connecting are forks, and I don't have a screwdown platform to connect them, so I could only just touch them together to get a signal to go through.
- The resulting signal seemed like it was zoomed in too far (only showed part of the screen, as it was completely black until I moved the "ball" with the controller a bit), and scrolled bottom to top very quickly over and over.

Because of this, I get the feeling that I am trying to use the wrong kind of adapter. But what adapter should I be using?

[betamax001]

I THINK you need something like this. http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Matching-T...9671936&sr=8-2

Not entirely certain though. I'm sure some else can verify/dispute this.

[SgtSpike]

Thanks for the reply. I suppose I'd have to throw a female-to-female coax adapter in there as well, but that shouldn't cost too much.

I just wonder though, how it is different from the adapter that I already tried and got the scrolling display. Would that just be due to a weak signal, since I didn't have a proper way to attach the two? The one I tried said 300ohm to 75ohm as well...

[Icarus Moonsight]

I've never dealt with an Odyssey, but I had an O2 and used a connector for the older systems (2600 and even TG16 for a while). If it has an RCA male plug that carries a RF signal or an RCA RF out try one of these.

Direct connect, no RF box required.

[SgtSpike]

No RCA plug, that would be too easy.

Download this PDF: http://www.replacementdocs.com/request.php?4830

Page 5 shows you the monster I'm dealing with.

[SgtSpike]

Well, apparently my link to the download PDF of the service guide has to be reviewed by a moderator before it can be posted. Regardless, see the below image. What I am dealing with is the device on the right. The two "forks" are the output, and what needs to be connected to the TV.

[Icarus Moonsight]

That's the RF box right? If the connection to that box from the system is RCA, that adapter will do the trick and without the RF switch box.

[alec006]

Well, apparently my link to the download PDF of the service guide has to be reviewed by a moderator before it can be posted. Regardless, see the below image. What I am dealing with is the device on the right. The two "forks" are the output, and what needs to be connected to the TV.

Ah yes back in the old days of twin lead antenna switch boxes. What you do is connect the weird Magnavox Odyssey cable to the game cord input on the switchbox. Then you need one of these to adapt the twin lead to coaxial coming from the switchbox to your TV:

http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Matching-T...9713919&sr=8-2

Then flip the box to game and you should be set, however I warn you, since the switchbox is so old it may not show any picture what so ever on a newer flat screen TV. You can connect it to a VCR with a tuner thou and the VCR should be able to pick up the signal. Remember you can always switch between channel 3 or 4 in the battery compartment since no one is broadcasting on analog anymore. The picture will of course be fuzzy and the Odyssey has no sound, but the best way to play Odyssey is on an old CRT.