Atari 7800 help

[mattimeo310]

I recently found an Atari 7800 for $5 at the local flea market. It was really dusty but I figured I couldnt complain for all of $5. So when I plug it into my tv and fire it up, the games play but the display is filled with static and the color seems to be missing. I'm thinking the main problem is that there is ALOT of dust in the system, and I mean alot. Is this the most probable cause of this problem? If so does anyone know of a tutorial I can follow to take it apart and clean the inside? Thanks in advance!

[CRTGAMER]

Check the connectors. Be sure the TV is on the right channel, try 2 or 3 or 4.

[old_skoolin_jim]

Also, if it's a connector that uses that slidey-switch gizmo, make sure it's slid ALL the way over to "game", or you'll get a similar color-deprived static.
If could also just be a beat up old TV adapter... I've had them go bad before as well. You can (probably) still get a replacement at Radio Shack for $10 or less... maybe one with a co-ax cable connection if you're in the mood to be a big spender!

[mattimeo310]

Also, if it's a connector that uses that slidey-switch gizmo, make sure it's slid ALL the way over to "game", or you'll get a similar color-deprived static.
If could also just be a beat up old TV adapter... I've had them go bad before as well. You can (probably) still get a replacement at Radio Shack for $10 or less... maybe one with a co-ax cable connection if you're in the mood to be a big spender!

I actually bought a new video out cable for it figuring even if it didn't work, these things aren't that easy to come by for the 7800 if I'm not mistaken and I could use it at a later date. I'm certain that's not the problem.

[InsaneDavid]

Toss the RF switchbox away and pick up a phono to type F converter, it'll run you about $3.00 at Radio Shack.

One of these...

http://www.atariage.com/howto/images/rca_coax_adapter.jpg

Plug your Atari (or any other old system that requires a manual switchbox) into that then screw it directly into the coax port on your TV. You will get much better performance with one of those.

[Steve W]

Don't use an automatic RF switchbox like the NES and Genesis used. It won't work. The 7800 wasn't designed to use those, so it'll just show a faint image. You'll have to get a manual switchbox, or get an adapter like InsaneDavid suggested. The adapter is the best way to go, it'll give you the clearest picture. And I've found Atari 7800s in terrible shape, and they've always had clean pictures, so I don't think it has anything to do with dust. It's in all likelihood your switchbox.

And by the way, there's no such word as ALOT. It's two words, "A" and "Lot" separated by a space. Just call me the grammar Nazi.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Do what Insane David says. I have one type F convertor for each of my old systems and it clears things up.

You should also check the connection between the cord and the system, where it plugs in. I turned on my 7800 a couple days ago to play some Food Fight, and the image was very, very sporatic. I reached behind the unit and jiggled the cord a little and it suddenly became perfect. I think things are getting a little loose back there. (That's what she said)

[mattimeo310]

And by the way, there's no such word as ALOT. It's two words, "A" and "Lot" separated by a space. Just call me the grammar Nazi.

Hehe after I posted it I remembered that "alot" is not a word and I figured someone would call it out.

And I actually do have that converter, problem still persists.

[shadowkn55]

Just equip the system with s-video and call it a day.