Hooking Retro Console to VERY Retro TV

[racketboy]

I've been on the lookout for nice-looking retro TVs. I scored a late 70's portable B&W TV that will be a nice addition to my office (at least I hope).

I doesn't have a jack for the normal RF adapter, so how do I go about hooking up something like an Atari or NES?

[Hobie-wan]

If it just has the screw terminals you'll need a 75 to 300 Ohm transformer like this to add on the end of the coaxial cable.

If you don't have one from an old 80s system, someone else might have one to pass along or hit up Radio Shack or Wal Mart or whatever as they might still have them.

[racketboy]

If it just has the screw terminals you'll need a 75 to 300 Ohm transformer like this to add on the end of the coaxial cable.

If you don't have one from an old 80s system, someone else might have one to pass along or hit up Radio Shack or Wal Mart or whatever as they might still have them.

Oh sweet -- thanks!

[Hatta]

Those are called "baluns" by the way.

[flojocabron]

If you're gonna hook up an atari 2600 you wont need to use the adapter that Hobiewan mentioned.

but removing that to play another console is a different story.

[Ziggy]

Pretty sure I have at least one of those stashed in my pile of parts that I'm never gonna use. I wouldn't mind sending it to you for free, though the problem will be finding it.

[racketboy]

Pretty sure I have at least one of those stashed in my pile of parts that I'm never gonna use. I wouldn't mind sending it to you for free, though the problem will be finding it.

I appreciate the offer, but don't stress it I can order one online if need be.
No worries!

[vlame]

saw one of these at the dollarstore so for you $1 plus shipping.

[Hobie-wan]

If you're gonna hook up an atari 2600 you wont need to use the adapter that Hobiewan mentioned.

Actually that's a good point. If you have the correct old metal switchbox for the 2600 it will have pigtails on it for you already.

I just went digging and I have a spare balun that you can have Nick. PM me if you don't find one in your stuff, from a friend locally, or dirt cheap.

[Anapan]

You could get a VHF Transmitter/Modulator. They take Composite and wirelessly send out the picture and sound to any TV that has an antenna or coaxial input. I got one so I could use my TV Wristwach and Game Gear TV tuner to play Xbox 360. It works great. I couldn't find a NTSC one on ebay today, but they're usually available there. There are circuit diagrams and guides on making your own on various sites if you Google it.