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Thread: My Atari 2600 jr arrived in the mail is there something wrong with it?

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    Default My Atari 2600 jr arrived in the mail is there something wrong with it?

    The picture I get from it is extremely staticy and unplayable. I think it is because I am using an NES RF adapter but I'm not sure. What do you guys think?
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    I've tried NES and Genesis RF adapters on ataris and intellevisions and they have come out fuzzy before too. I'm not sure if that is the reason for it or not but it has happened to me too.

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    I believe the NES RF switch expects a certain DC bias on the console input to trigger the switch. The Atari (and most other old consoles) don't provide this voltage, so you get the half-baked signal that you're seeing. Use a manual switch box, or better yet, a plain RCA-to-F-Connector adapter.

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    Do NOT use an NES or Genesis RF, they are automatic switches, which require a voltage higher than Atari can give it, resulting in a half-working signal. Use a manual RF switch, or converter which goes straight into the back of the TV.

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    Thanks guys, I'm glad to hear its not the system thats the problem.

    also here is a picture of my current Atari 2600 collection

    http://i.imgur.com/WvTTc.jpg
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    very nice collection so far, keep going.....

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    Did I get any rare games?
    I know the copy of Dare Diver I got is ranked a 4 on Digital Press, and ranked 5 on Atariage for being rare, and I got the Sears versions of Pac-Man and Defender which are slightly more rare than their normal counterparts.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Schiggidyd View Post
    Do NOT use an NES or Genesis RF, they are automatic switches, which require a voltage higher than Atari can give it, resulting in a half-working signal. Use a manual RF switch, or converter which goes straight into the back of the TV.
    Better yet, go to Radio Shack with and pick up an RCA to COAX/RF adapter. It'll run you about $3.



    Though, don't expect the 2600 to look great on any HDTV, even if it has a COAX input. Best to use an old CRT if you have one.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Frankie_Says_Relax View Post
    Better yet, go to Radio Shack with and pick up an RCA to COAX/RF adapter. It'll run you about $3.



    Though, don't expect the 2600 to look great on any HDTV, even if it has a COAX input. Best to use an old CRT if you have one.
    Great advice. Also, make sure you run the power cord and the TV cable away from each other. You dont want to wrap the cords around each, it can cause ghosting. Run one out to the back left, and the other cord to the back right.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Urzu402 View Post

    also here is a picture of my current Atari 2600 collection

    http://i.imgur.com/WvTTc.jpg
    Frogger and Berzerk i still play today,Solaris is an interesting one as people tell me it has the best 2600 graphics and to be honest i have not seen anything better yet.

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