PDF's 2600, 1982-2003 - R.I.P.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

'Tis a sad day in the Escape Pod, my friends, for my Atari 2600 - the longest-service piece of video game hardware from my original collection in the early 80s - is officially dead. The power supply is OK, I've tried it on multiple RF switches...nada. She plays no more.

The search is on for a replacement, but this just kinda took the wind out of my sails, like an old friend is gone. And right after I came back from CGE with a buttload of new 2600 carts too.

[Raccoon Lad]

That exact fear is why I have 3 Master Systems, a Power Base Converter, and a Master Gear converter.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

I have backups for most of my cart-based systems, and the PS1 and GBC as well, but I've just never gotten round to getting another 2600. My current game plan is to find another Vader-type 4-switcher, which is what my original was (it's only fitting), and then maybe a 2600 Jr. to serve as a backup.

The one good thing is that I've been able to play my 2600 CGE loot in the 7800 in the meantime. That Looping is a nutty little game.

[ubersaurus]

I have backups for most of my cart-based systems, and the PS1 and GBC as well, but I've just never gotten round to getting another 2600. My current game plan is to find another Vader-type 4-switcher, which is what my original was (it's only fitting), and then maybe a 2600 Jr. to serve as a backup.

The one good thing is that I've been able to play my 2600 CGE loot in the 7800 in the meantime. That Looping is a nutty little game.

Open it up and see what died on the system...I bet it isn't something thats unfixable

Thats what we did with my childhood 2600, although honestly I think we made things worse...

[Raedon]

bet it's in the switches.. use some NAPTHA lighter fluid on your switches...

[AB Positive]

I still don't have a 2600, which was the second game system (third if you count the C64) my family ever owned. we sold it aeons ago and I can't find one in the wild. Should I find two however, I'll let you know

-AG

[omnedon]

I second Radeon's sentiment.

If you have sentimental value in the "childhood" console, I recommend it. Failing that, you could get an ugly (but same type) replacement, and switch exteriors.

It doesn't have to die.....

[MarioAllStar2600]

I shed a few tears, and im sorry to hear.
Sure It's not the switchbox. I thought my 2600 died so many times. But It eats switchboxes like a snack.

[kainemaxwell]

Sorry to hear about your loss PDF. It's in a bette rplace now free of judgement and puriscution by Intellivision and Coleco.

[Pantechnicon]

Well, Phos, better that they die at home, at the end of a long life, surrounded by loved ones as opposed to being STOLEN BY YOUR MOTHER AND SOLD FOR A PITTANCE AT A GARAGE SALE WHILE YOU WERE IN BOOT CAMP!!!

Sorry, was that my out-loud voice?

Uh...sorry for your loss. Lemme know if you need spare parts. x_x

[RetroYoungen]

::takes off cap:: 'Tis a sad day, my friend. I mourn your loss.

[Daltone]

Ah, tis a sad day indeed

[Gamemaster_ca_2003]

The one good thing is that I've been able to play my 2600 CGE loot in the 7800 in the meantime.

I am glad that you are able to still play your 2600 games and sorry for your loss.

[Darth Vader]

<<Vader playing Taps>>


Tis in a better place now.

[The Manimal]

A friend of mine had the system and like 300 games, and maybe 15 years ago a flood damaged all of it. They threw it all out.



Maybe you should get a JR? Those pesky switches are gone.

[XpOsUrE]

That exact fear is why I have 3 Master Systems, a Power Base Converter, and a Master Gear converter.

, okay so I am not the only one who worries about this topic , I do pretty much the same myself the wife don't like it too much though.

[Boboduo]

so sorry

[ApolloBoy]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Have you checked to see if the RF modulator is dead yet?

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

I've got about 25 RF modulators, and they work with other machines, so I've eliminated that as being the problem.

[-^Cro§Bow^-]

Most common component to die in the 2600 first?

The 7805 regulator. This is the black square chip attached by 3 prongs usually located in the lower left hand side of the main board. On older model it had a heatsink clipped to it. On the later models Atari decided to dissapate the heat with Heatsink compound and then screw the Regulator to a large square zone of metal on the main board.

Also, the 2200 mf cap used in the older models and the 4 switchers can go bad. When it does it kills the main power switch from completing the circuit. Technically I have been told today, that this cap can be completely removed and will not harm the 2600 in any way. It was apparently added to keep the power clean from the adapter to the 2600. But today most of the Power Supplies do a fine job as it is..and also the power in most houses is much better in general. In other words, you can try and simply clip that cap and then jumper the two points to bypass it and see what happens.

I am no electronics expert and I can take no responsiblity, However, I have managed to pretty much bring all 2600s and other systems I have had before me back to life and from the dead. Since you fairly close to me Earl, perhaps we could even arrange a time to get together and I can look at your sick little patient there. Least I can do for the help you have provided for the OKGE!

BTW. The banner you use on your sig here...it ROCKS!!!...

I think I will use it to replace the others...or for next years OKGE logo.