Atari 2600 help needed

[swvcc]

I have a 4-switch that works fine for the first 5 minutes or so then after 5 minutes or so the screen all the sudden gets fuzzy and stays that way. The only way to fix it is to turn the unit off and back on then it works fine again for the first 5 minutes then gets fuzzy again. I just bought a new power supply (meeting exact power requirements) so I don't think that is the problem.

Any ideas?

The RF (is that what it's called?) cable coming out of the unit has a small tear and you can see a LITTLE bit of the wiring inside - could this be the problem?

I want to give this unit as a gift and want to get it working properly. Thanks for any help you can provide.

-Scott

[den68]

the power requirements may be the same but how securely does it fit in the jack? I've experienced similar symptoms from a power supply that was loose fitting.

check the fitting of the RF too, if it's damaged like you say it may have been jarred loose inside the unit. see if you get the same symptom by jiggling the tv/game switch too. I've had this happen as well.

is it doing this with all games? maybe it just needs good cleaning.often times Activision carts or any other without the contact covering will play for awhile then loose contact.

that's all i can think of.

[swvcc]

I'll open it up and make sure the connection is OK inside. I tried jiggling the RF cord to see if I could "create" the fuzzy screen but I can't - it does it about 5 minutes after being turned on.

The power supply fits snug in the back of the unit. I'm not using a switchbox - I plug it into the "in" of my VCR. It does it with ALL carts. Thanks for your help.

-Scott

[bigdaddychester]

You might try one of those gold RCA to "F" connector to get a better signal to your TV. I also found out if I turn my VCR and my cable box off, it eliminates some of the interference