Saturn picture has the "jitters"

[Bassman]

I bought a Saturn of ebay a few weeks ago and an RGB lead and it worked fine. I tried it the other day and the picture has lines of interference. I presume this is a dodgy joint somewhere. Does anyone have experience of the problem. I opened the case, but didn't investigate further as the video socket was hidden under a board. Is it just a matter of using a connection cleaner spray on the socket perhaps?

[Mofoman]

Could be your RGB lead mate, have you checked that by checking the soldering at the top of the scart plug, perhaps a wire has came loose.This is generally the problem of this.

Video problems with the connector are almost impossible to sort out, as new boards are a bit thin on the ground nowadays.

[Bassman]

The lead was brand new, but I will check it. Strange it worked OK the first time I used it.

[Escape-To-88]

Yeah dodgy connection is right!! Having modded a whole bundle of saturns over the years, its a recurring problem that doesnt seem to be linked to one particualr thing. I have replaced many laser units and still had the same prob, as my initial thought with a jittery image was the laser needs realigning or replacing, but this is not so. Ususalyy if you have a cd head cleaner, these can casue the jittery pic. and severely damamge your console would u believe! Ive blown about 2 lasers this way so dont try it! The best thing to do is to take the saturn apart and look at the connections around the laser eye. If not try a replacement as it can help, but tends not to totally eliminate it!
If you need a new mod-chipped & switched saturn. give me a buzz.

[Bassman]

Problem solved. The Saturn prefers a direct connection to the TV rather than going through a scart switch box (or two!!).