Atari 2600 not working.

[SkiDragon]

This really makes me angry because I have been looking for one of these for a long time.

I got the system a while ago, but just tried it today because the power supply I had to order came today (not official, but one by "Atari Guide". I checked and it has the right properties.). I plugged the power supply in, inserted "Donkey Kong" and flicked the switch to "on". I have never actually used one of these before that I can remember. It was switched to "color" and "channel 3" (which the TV was on). No controller was plugged in. Just so you know, it is a black 4-switch "Darth Vader" model, it is cosmetically in good shape, and it is plugged into the TV with one of those "Gold plated phono to f adapter" things.

When I switched the system to "ON", nothing happened... there was just normal TV static. I tested the power supply with a meter, and that worked (it read 12.5 volts or something. All power supplies read high. Is that because I am putting no load on them?? Anyway...). I dont know what the problem is. I am guessing it is that voltage reagulator thing with the 3 pins, because whenever a system is totally dead, that seems to be the problem. Unfortunately, there is no LED so I suppose its possible that the problem is in the RF cord or its workings on the circuit board, but somehow I doubt it.

I bought it off my uncle with some games and accessories for $20, and it came with no power supply or RF switch. I suppose its possible he could have tried it with the wrong power supply or something.

This really sucks, because currently the only way for me to play 2600 games is through that screwy adaptor for my 5200 4 port. Please help me find the source of this problem, and how to fix it.

Thank you.

[Jibbajaba]

This really makes me angry because I have been looking for one of these for a long time.

I got the system a while ago, but just tried it today because the power supply I had to order came today (not official, but one by "Atari Guide". I checked and it has the right properties.). I plugged the power supply in, inserted "Donkey Kong" and flicked the switch to "on". I have never actually used one of these before that I can remember. It was switched to "color" and "channel 3" (which the TV was on). No controller was plugged in. Just so you know, it is a black 4-switch "Darth Vader" model, it is cosmetically in good shape, and it is plugged into the TV with one of those "Gold plated phono to f adapter" things.

When I switched the system to "ON", nothing happened... there was just normal TV static. I tested the power supply with a meter, and that worked (it read 12.5 volts or something. All power supplies read high. Is that because I am putting no load on them?? Anyway...). I dont know what the problem is. I am guessing it is that voltage reagulator thing with the 3 pins, because whenever a system is totally dead, that seems to be the problem. Unfortunately, there is no LED so I suppose its possible that the problem is in the RF cord or its workings on the circuit board, but somehow I doubt it.

I bought it off my uncle with some games and accessories for $20, and it came with no power supply or RF switch. I suppose its possible he could have tried it with the wrong power supply or something.

This really sucks, because currently the only way for me to play 2600 games is through that screwy adaptor for my 5200 4 port. Please help me find the source of this problem, and how to fix it.

Thank you.

Well you said you have a meter. Open up the system and start probing while the system is plugged in and on.

Chris

[vintagegamecrazy]

you could always take it to your local radio shack and try a unversal one and just check another one out, slim chance but you never know.

[The Manimal]

I am actually having an Atari 2600 problem. Strange.


Sometimes when I am playing the screen goes from color to black and white. Stays that way. I have to turn it off, and turn it back on for it to go back to color. WTF?

Thanks.

[The Manimal]

@Manimal
From your description, I would suspect a capacitor. You might also try adjusting/cleaning the 500k color pot.

That sucks

Guess when I have time, I'll have to open it up and check it out...

[omnedon]

Or issues with the colour b/w switch.

check 'em all!

[SkiDragon]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try them when I have the time.

To clarify, since I have the system set to channel 3 (I tried both), the TV shows static. When I turn the system on, I still see static. Is there a way to see if the system is really "on". That would narrow the problem down. If it really was on, then I know it is not a power supply problem.

Also, are the "Atart Guide" power supplies reliable?

[SkiDragon]

I havent had a chance to work much on it yet, but since nothing appears on the TV, and I am pretty sure it is hooked up correctly, I guess that means the Atari is "totally dead".

[omnedon]

Or the power switch is. or the AC adapter jack is, or the RF cable is. The symptoms you describe can have blindingly easy fixes.

[SkiDragon]

Ok, I opened it up and tested some stuff. The power supply seems to work ok. The jack also works. So does the power switch. So does the RF cable.

Im not sure about the Color/BW switch yet.
I have no idea what the RIOT chip was.

BTW, I might have seen a slight flash in the static as I turned the system on, but I am not sure.

I will probably go buy another voltage regulator, since that is how I fixed my SMS.

[rbudrick]

It sounds like your rf switch is no good. If it looks the same on and off, then that would be my guess. I believe there is a composite mod you could try....dunno how to do it though.

-ROb

[SkiDragon]

I am not using the switch. I am using the Phono to F adapter thing.

I just installed the new voltage regulator, will try it immediately.

[SkiDragon]

Success!!!!!

The problem was what I thought it was!!! I am now playing Donkey Kong!

Thanks for all of your suggestions, although my first hunch was correct.

[SkiDragon]

Ok, two questions.

What does the color/bw switch do? It seems to be in color either way.

Also,

What is a good way to add a power indicator LED? I dont want to make a new hole, but can it shine out a pre-existing one? Like maybe where the power switch it?

[SkiDragon]

Thank you. I am just trying to think what hole it could shine out of. For now though, I think ill just leave the Atari as it is.

[omnedon]

Do you want me to suggest a hole for it to shine out of?

[The Manimal]

I tested the VCS again and I notice that before it goes from COLOR to B&W, there are two stripes of "static noise" that travel from the top to bottom of the screen during the transition from COLOR to B&W...