I have finally managed to get the UK version of the Fairchild Channel F, which stood for Channel FUN from Retro Bristol
This was imported by the company Adam Imports LTD (Adman) under their Grandstand name, the same company has previously imported Pong clones and electronic handheld and table top games, so the first of the second generation of video game consoles was a natural progression for the company
The second generation of consoles included the Atari 2600, Mattel Intellivision, Magnavox Odyssey 2 (Philips Videopac G7000)
The Fairchild was originally released in 1976, with the UK version, which was based on the Fairchild Channel F II, arriving to our shores in 1978, there were also other companies importing the console throughout Europe
This version featured a reduced componant count, detachable joysticks which used the Atari nine pin socket but was not actually compatible with the Atari standard and also featured sound through the TV instead of an onboard speaker
This console also featured strange controllers as you will see later
We'll start with the box, which is like a pizza box and features fancy artwork
Around the sides features game screenshots and the logo
No polys are included
I got all this documentation with the console
Finally the console itself, I have removed the controllers and stands
A power switch, reset button, and four option buttons labelled Time, Mode, Hold, and Start. The hold button is what we would call a pause button today, and this console was the first time it had been a feature
The cartridge slot is on the right and features a spring loaded door and an eject button
Of course being from the 70's, the woodgrain effect is in abundance here
The console from the sides with yet more woodgrain
The rear of the console with the stands for the controllers
The controller ports and TV (RF) connections, the power lead is permenantly attached
The base of the console, the label looks like it's been coloured in with a marker pen
Now it's time to examine the controllers, here they are in the carrier
The carrier loose and attached to the console
When I say attached, they just rest on the console, there are locating pins to keep them from moving about, but they will simply fall off if the console is turned upside down
The locating pins themselves
These are the actual controllers, it's like a joystick without a base, you hold the stick part and use your other hand to move the triangle shaped part around, and push it down for fire
The cable exit of the controller
The moving part of the controller
The controllers in their storage with the cable wrapped around them
The RF lead
On the end of the power cable which is attached to the console, is a four pin DIN plug
The power supply has the matching socket, this is the opposite way round to most, if not all other consoles of the time. I'm not sure if the mains lead is supposed to be that short, but it is
Closeup of the socket with and without the plug inserted
Standard three pin, but no longer compliant UK mains plug
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