Atari 2600 Power Supply Question

[thegamezmaster]

Hello. Are 2600 power supplies repairable? I have some that I swear worked and now they're dead. I've checked and can't even figure out if theyare able to be opened? Thanks.

[APE992]

They can be opened but you aren't likely going to be able to close it back up and have it look like it did before you started.

The parts inside are indeed repairable though. Shame Atari used an unusual connector on their power supplies. Could easily pop it out and replace it with the same one used on the Genesis.

[thegamezmaster]

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate any help or input. So is pointless to try and repair a dead power supply?

[Wookie]

They can be opened but you aren't likely going to be able to close it back up and have it look like it did before you started.

The parts inside are indeed repairable though. Shame Atari used an unusual connector on their power supplies. Could easily pop it out and replace it with the same one used on the Genesis.

It's only an unusual connector from today's perspective. That 1/8" phono plug was pretty standard on Pong systems, portable radios, calculators, and other electronics in the 70's. Back then, the Sega connectors would have looked weird.

[stonic]

With a large set of channel locks, it's possible to crack the case open right along the seam where the 2 halves of the case come together, without damaging it. Inside you'll find a transformer, a cap, and a couple of diodes.

[thegamezmaster]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

[darkjack]

you should always take some sort of picture of before you open the case, so you have general idea how to put things back together. To make sure the power supply still working, Use a multimeter. Or a flashlight bulb. Or plug it into the atari in a dark room and you should see a small blue spark. Best bet is to to check the manuals.

[stonic]

:? The manuals(?) don't tell you how to fix a power supply. And I already posted a picture of what the inside of it looks like. Oh, and using a flashlight bulb for testing wouldn't be such a swell idea, considering most flashlights use a 6v bulb or less, and the power supply puts out 9v, so if the power supply is good, all that will likely accomplish is burning your bulb out.