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Thread: Rolling Screen on Atari 2600 "darth vader"

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    Cherry (Level 1) Jack_Burton_BYOAC's Avatar
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    Default Rolling Screen on Atari 2600 "darth vader"

    I came across an Atari 2600 yesterday, and everything works on it except the screen rolls very quickly and constantly. I've tested it on multiple televisions, and replaced the computer<>tv switch with a phono>coax adapter. I've tried connecting it to a tv with a vertical hold adjustment. Little better, but still rollin'. I've checked the bottom of the console, and it's not a PAL unit, and all my games display in color.

    I figure the system is not properly outputting vertical sync. Does anyone know if there is a particular capacitor or transistor I can replace to try to fix the problem?

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    ServBot (Level 11) tom's Avatar
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    I can't remember exactly, but open up the VCS and adjust the RF tuner (Is that the right term?)
    You have to use a hex key (Allen key) I think. It's somewhere in the VCS but it is fairly easy to find.

    But normally you use the vertical hold on the TV set to get a stable picture

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    Banana (Level 7) Atarileaf's Avatar
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    I was going to recommend this as well but couldn't remember if it would affect the rolling issue or not. Worth a shot though.

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    Alex (Level 15) Custom rank graphic
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    What channel is it set to? I'm pretty sure the Atari 2600 can be set to channel 2 or 3, it's not just 3 or 4 like most other consoles. It's been awhile since I've looked at mine so I'm not 100% sure though.

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    Cherry (Level 1) Jack_Burton_BYOAC's Avatar
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    I tried adjusting the two places on the board with adjustments. One is the tuner and the other is the TIA, I think. The tuner didn't do anything, and the TIA just changed the color of the screen. The screen rolling problem is still there.

    I've inspected the board for leaking capacitors or weak solder points, but I don't see anything.

    And I've made sure the tv is on the right channel.

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    Insert Coin (Level 0)
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jack_Burton_BYOAC View Post
    I tried adjusting the two places on the board with adjustments. One is the tuner and the other is the TIA, I think. The tuner didn't do anything, and the TIA just changed the color of the screen. The screen rolling problem is still there.

    I've inspected the board for leaking capacitors or weak solder points, but I don't see anything.

    And I've made sure the tv is on the right channel.
    Did you ever figure this out (curious if it is the TIA chip). I am having the exact same issue:

    Click image for larger version. 

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