Atari 5200 Questions

[Atari and Beer]

After playing to death my Atari 2600 and 7800 systems, I decided to step into the world of the 5200. I picked up a 5200 console at a garage sale, but it had no power supply or controllers. The seller claimed it still worked, he had lost the accessories. Two questions: First, I was told I could pick up a power supply from Radio Shack. Is this true, and if so what would I ask for, or does someone have a part number for this? Second, Ive heard the horror stories about the 5200 controllers being pure crapola and always breaking. Any recommendations on an alternate reliable controller? Thanks in advance for any replies!

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

There are the Masterplay Interface and Wico controllers with Y-cables, but eBay prices on those can get nutso.

AtariAge just announced a new thing called "Redemption" which looks rather promising, however. It certainly caught my eye.

[AB Positive]

these questions are more easily answered if you tell us which version you have. There is a 4 and 2 controller port model.

-AG

[congobongo]

You'll have a hard time finding a power supply at the Shack for the 5200. Most of the multi-purpose power supplies don't have the amps it takes to run the 5200. The 5200 is a hardy system though and if you can get a power supply chances are it works.

[Tempest]

I believe the Atari 400/800 power supply will work as well.

Tempest

[Pantechnicon]

As has been stated, it would be helpful to know if you have the two or four-port model.

I may even have some spare stuff (power, controls etc) you can use. Private message me if you're interested.

I hope I'm not breaking any rules by propositioning a trade in the non-trade forum. Forgive my noobness.

[Rogmeister]

Regarding controllers, you might look for the Wico joystick designed for use with this system. It's two parts...one joystick and another piece with the keypad buttons (mostly just used for setting up certain options). Sometimes you can get a y-shaped connection wire to connect the Wico with a normal Atari 5200 controller so you can use the keypad buttons on the Atari stick.

[NoahsMyBro]

DON'T USE AN ATARI 800 POWER SUPPLY!

I'm not 100% sure, but I'm fairly certain the Atari 800 P/S puts out about 31 volts, whereas the 5200 P/S put out either 9.5 or 11 volts, depending on which P/S Atari shipped with that particular 5200.

Last Fall I spent a couple of months repairing a 5200 that had been fried at some point. The previous owner said he had received an Atari 800 power supply with the system, and the system was fried when he got it. I believe the 800 P/S was used with that 5200, and that's what fried it.

5200 Power Supplies are easily found online, through vendors and eBay. Don't use the supply from the 800.

...and now back to you regular discussion....

[Gunstarhero]

Power Supplies are common on Ebay

As for alternate controllers, I just got one called the Competition Pro Joystick, which is IMHO a much better alternative to the Wico Stick, because the Comp Pro is DIGITAL, which is of much better use for many many 5200 arcade ports, especially defender, or any of the Pac-Man games.