Fuzzy Atari 7800 Picture

[bargora]

My Atari 7800 produces a terribly fuzzy picture on my TV. It is equally bad for all cartridges. I would describe the picture as "barely playable", and certainly several notches below "enjoyable". I recently bought a new manual RFU switchbox when a wire on the original one broke, but that hasn't helped matters. I have tried all combinations of channel select switch positions combined with setting my TV to channels 2, 3, and 4. However, because a local station broadcasts on channel 3, I can not use 3 for the system. IIRC, channel 2 is the one that is usable.

This unit was sitting in a garage for a few years, so should I suspect corrosion on the pin connectors? And if so, can I swap in a new set like you would do on a NES? Or is it possible to use rubbing alcohol and some sort of swab on the console?

[Raccoon Lad]

have you tried unhooking the antenna and running it on channel 3?

[bargora]

I'm afraid that channel 3 in Cleveland broadcasts with a power of 6.3 gigawatts or something like that, because it overwhelms my poor little 7800 even with no antenna attached. In fact, I never have an antenna attached, as it is a "consoles only" TV.

[ubersaurus]

I say try replacing the RF cord itself.

[CrazyImpmon]

Yes, replace the RF cable especially if you're using the stock RF cable. If you have an extra heavy duty AV cable laying around, you can use one connector to replace the RF cable.

[bargora]

OK--I'll try replacing the RF cable with a new heavy duty AV cable. I always thought the two looked identical. If that doesn't do the trick, I'll post here again with my plaintive cries.

[bargora]

ALLLLL RIIIIGHT!

Thanks for your suggestions! The heavy duty SHIELDED AV cable was just the ticket. I guess the non-shielded stock AV cable was acting as an antenna for the TV!

The picture is now clear as a bell, and I can enjoy a couple of rounds of Reactor and Adventure. And Bowling (a game that has ONLY nostalgia value, as far as I can tell). And etc., etc. Maybe I'll even figure out Karateka this time. I mean, WTF is up with that one?