Atari 2600 Won't Issue/Atari AV Mod w/ pictures

[christoph]

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[Hobie-wan]

Since you're going to be modding this one and you're sure the game is actually starting I wouldn't even bother trying to diagnose the RF output anymore. That LE mod hooks directly to the chips and resistors at the bottom there, so hopefully you're going to be sidestepping the issue. If you have a parts box, just try to find some black screws to use for the s-video port so it looks nicer than it would with the silver screws you'll probably get.

[christoph]

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[CRTGAMER]

Doesn't seem to be same problem as earlier where you saw a fuzzy image of game. Hopefully simple as cartridge contact. Maybe try different game carts unplug and plug in a few times, then turn on. Until you get it working don't even use that RF switch, one less thing to worry about while trouble shooting. Direct connect RF cable from 2600 to the TV Antennae/TV cable in connector and put TV to channel 2, 3 or maybe 4 if I remember right. Other Atari maybe on a different channel.

[christoph]

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[CRTGAMER]

Is this the same Atari that gave you the fuzzy pics you posted on the first page? If so, now Atari has no snowy signal? If yes then that looks pretty sure to be the RF Modulator inside the 2600. That direct video mod looks like the way to go, plus will be a lot cleaner signal compared to a working RF setup.

[christoph]

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[CRTGAMER]

I'm leaning towards the game cart connector. Did you try different carts unplugging several times to clean the contacts?

You mentioned a separate RF cable. Does this mean your 2600 doesn't have a RF cable hard wired in? If so maybe where connector goes into 2600. My Atari 5200 4 port Video Switch Power Box RCA jack (RF Signal) was loose from plugging in the cable. I had to take it apart and lucky was able to do a simple solder on that very rare Video Power box.

On the other hand if yours has a hard wired RF cable (I think that is the norm) try a continually check with an electrical tester all the way up to inside of RF Modulator.

[Hobie-wan]

On the other hand if yours has a hard wired RF cable (I think that is the norm) try a continually check with an electrical tester all the way up to inside of RF Modulator.

Pretty sure most of the 2600s I've dealt with the RF cable was socketed on the board. I know it was on the one I just svideo modded a few months ago.

[CRTGAMER]

On the other hand if yours has a hard wired RF cable (I think that is the norm) try a continually check with an electrical tester all the way up to inside of RF Modulator.

Pretty sure most of the 2600s I've dealt with the RF cable was socketed on the board. I know it was on the one I just svideo modded a few months ago.

You are right, don't own a 2600, was basing that on the 5200 being hard wired. So possibly that 2600 RCA Jack (RF signal) might be bad or loose in its solder connection.