Atari Jr. Black Screen

[BRIK]

So I took the plunge and bought an untested $11 Atari Jr. off Ebay. I finally received it the other day and whenever I turn it on, I get a black screen. I can perfectly tune it to this black with no static, but that isn't really fun to look at. I've tried it on two different TV's with the same result.

After a bit of research I found that my connection method wasn't exactly the same as what I saw in the net, everyone is using a switchbox.
I bought my RF lead off Ebay which was supposedly made for Atari 2600's in mind though, so I don't know. Here is a picture of it for reference:



The lead on the right is the one that plugs into the Atari. It should also be noted that I've tried it with four different games with the same result.

[CRTGAMER]

Since you are getting a solid black screen unless your TV "screen saver" is black, then the channel selector must be set right. I suspect the problem is the cart connector or maybe all your game carts might need cleaning. Although sometimes a poorly contacted cart might give a random color or glitch on the screen display.

I recently posted a 2600 Composite Guide, you can see a pic of my Atari 2600 that has been exposed to rain at a Swap Meet. Crazy thing is the silver contacts are still in very good condition. Maybe some of the "springs" on your console contacts may have to be bent in slightly for a snugger cart fit. Also in the Guides section, I posted how to clean the dust cover style Atari 2600 carts. Take a look for disassembly and cleaning of both console and carts.

[BRIK]

Great! Oh and for the record I cleaned one of the carts with rubbing alcohol and it made no difference. I'll take a wizz at your guides and see if I can figure anything out.

[BRIK]

Um, I can't seem to find your article where you clean the console and the carts . Can you please link it for me?

[BRIK]

So I spent a good portion of the day cleaning the Jr's PCB with rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush. Seemed to clean a lot of shit up, but it still doesn't work. The only difference is that I know get colourful static sometimes.

Here is what the insides looked like when I first opened it up:



And this is what it looks like now:

[CRTGAMER]

Um, I can't seem to find your article where you clean the console and the carts . Can you please link it for me?

In the Guides section. If the cart cleaning does not do it, try slightly bending the console contacts for a more snug fit of the game carts. You can use a needle. Once you do get it working be sure to reinstall the RF shield.

Contact Cleaning: http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 02#p501002

2600 Composite Mod: http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 14#p561814