How do I get my Atari 7800 to turn on?

[Pichu]

And how do I hook it up to the tv.

The power light doesn't come on.

Is it broken?

[Leo_A]

It could be that the AC adapter is broken, that you have a faulty power switch (A common problem in Atari 7800's but easily replaced), or that the system is actually powering on but the power light indicator has failed (Never heard of this happening on any console, but it's possible).

You hook it up like any classic console. Either plug the AV cable exiting the 7800 into a TV/Game switchbox which then will attach to your television using the traditional screw connectors (Or to an adapter that converts that connection to coaxial for a more modern tv) or directly hook it up via coaxial (The TV/Game switchboxes that RadioShack has sold since the 90s include a coaxial connection along with the standard screw connection).

The best method short of modding the console for modern connection methods is to buy a cheap F type connector that will let you hook up the A/V cable of the 7800 directly to your television's coaxial cable input and avoid the failure prone and interferance prone TV/Game switchbox of year's past.

[Pichu]

Alright, I will buy a new Power Adapter, and I will just hope my Power Button isnt broken. And i have found all the cables I need to have the picture show, its just that damn power. thanks

[jb143]

Does it do anything if you wiggle the cord where it plugs in? The plug is a small little things just seems "perfect" for bad solder joints. I don't know for sure though because I could never find a power supply for mine and ended up adding my own plug for a power supply that I did have.

Also, do you have a multimeter to test the power supply? That would be easiest way to make sure it's working or not.

[Pichu]

No and no to the above poster