Malfunctioning Atari 7800

[FlufflePuff]

As I have no experience with restoration of systems beyond the NES, I wanted to throw this question out there to see if anyone can help me. I have an Atari 7800 in near pristine condition. Everything appears to be in almost brand new shape. As it is in great shape, I want to try and fix the problem instead of buying a new one. I'm having problems with the picture/audio on the unit. I've tried multiple rf switches, as well as phono cables. I get a black and white fuzzy picture and no audio. I've tried multiple carts, both 2600 and 7800. If you jiggle the plug on the back, the picture sometimes improves, but never to the point of clarity. If anyone has any suggestions, other than getting a new one, I would greatly appreciate the help. Thanks in advance.

[NoahsMyBro]

This may be a dumb question, but how is the 7800 hooked up to the TV?

The 7800 will not work with a common NES/Genesis and later systems RF adapter. Rather, it requires the old-fashioned manual TV/Game switchbox.

Another possibility is that you've got a cable running from the 7800 to your Video input jack. Again, that won't work. The RCA plug at the end of the signal cable on the 7800 connects to an RF switchbox, nothing else.

Info:
http://www.atariage.com/7800/faq/?SystemID=7800#cat2_4
http://www.classicgaming.com/museum/atarifaq.shtml#fuzzy

[vintagegamecrazy]

Check the type of switch out, if nothing solves it, the system is very easy to take apart. You may want to check the inside connections for loose wires or connections.