Atari 2600 "Light Sixer" questions

[Luigiman]

I recently picked up an Atari 2600 "Light Sixer" at a flea market for a not so great price, but I really wanted it so I got it anyway.

I have a some of questions:

I only got a power cord that supplies 6 volts and 200 mA, could this successfully power the system? I haven't gotten it to work yet, but first I want to see if I can rule out the power cord

If not, what is the lowest number of volts and amps needed to power it?

Is there any way I can see if it works without the power supply?

What alternative power options are there?

Finally, is the channel switcher supposed to be on the outside of the case or on the inside?
I can see it inside, but I don't know if that's where it's supposed to be or what.

Thanks in advance!!!

[cookie monster]

I recently picked up an Atari 2600 "Light Sixer" at a flea market for a not so great price, but I really wanted it so I got it anyway.

I have a some of questions:

I only got a power cord that supplies 6 volts and 200 mA, could this successfully power the system? I haven't gotten it to work yet, but first I want to see if I can rule out the power cord

If not, what is the lowest number of volts and amps needed to power it?

Is there any way I can see if it works without the power supply?

What alternative power options are there?

Finally, is the channel switcher supposed to be on the outside of the case or on the inside?
I can see it inside, but I don't know if that's where it's supposed to be or what.

Thanks in advance!!!

My 2600 power cord says
Input:120 V 60 Hz .15 A
Output:9V DC 500mA


you can get the replacement power cord on ebay or a multi volt at radio shack that is the only way to power it.
The channel switch should be on the inside of the system if you have the box for the rf thing you can get a silver male female switch at radio shack it then just screws on the back of the tv. Hope this helps.

[Luigiman]

Thanks for the answer!

I did get my Atari to power on, I plugged the AC adapter I got into a 220v step up transformer (horrible idea, I know) and it turned on, and displayed the game I had, "Combat." But, whenever I tried to play, the left player's tank would just rotate in circles. I don't have any other Atari games to test, so I'd like to know if this is an internal problem with the console or the game itself. Or, is it because of the huge power addition. The tank would rotate even with all controllers removed.

I still do need to get a proper AC adapter, though.

[flojocabron]

no luigiman.

the game is like that.

you use left and right to rotate your tank and up to move it.

Remember you can use a genesis controler on the atari too.

But You should play it original.

[Luigiman]

I'm not sure if I clearly stated, I meant that it rotates in place with no controller input. Only the left tank does this. I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to do that, I've watched several game play videos, but then again, I've never actually played the game myself.


I have tried several Sega controllers, same result.

[Hobie-wan]

You should match the voltage and polarity for the system. The mA rating on the brick can be 500 mA or higher on the brick you use. The system will only pull as much as it needs in regards to that specification. 1000 mA = 1 A.

[CRTGAMER]

I'm not sure if I clearly stated, I meant that it rotates in place with no controller input. Only the left tank does this. I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to do that, I've watched several game play videos, but then again, I've never actually played the game myself.

I have tried several Sega controllers, same result.

The Tank should not spin on its own, especially if no joystick is plugged in. If the joystick is plugged in, then a stuck bubble switch inside the stick base. Strange that it also spins with a Genesis gamepad plugged in. As others mentioned, get the proper nine volt power supply. Strange that you you the six volt to fit and that it worked. The 2600 takes an earphone jack, uncommon for power supplies. Once you get the right power hookup, if the tank still spins try other games. This will confirm if the game cart or console is defective.

[Luigiman]

Alright, I spotted the right AC Adapter at my local Radioshack, but it's rather expensive, at $30.


I'll buy it just to see if the Atari really works fine, then return it afterwards.

[CRTGAMER]

Alright, I spotted the right AC Adapter at my local Radioshack, but it's rather expensive, at $30.

I'll buy it just to see if the Atari really works fine, then return it afterwards.

You could try the Thrift stores too. Just be sure its a nine volt DC and has at least 500ma. More amps is fine, just not less. The uncommon as a power plug "phono plug" might have to be wired in, even on the Radio Shack model.

[Luigiman]

I finally put together a 2600 adapter for some other parts, and it works great!But, I found one problem...
The left controller port is missing a pin, and I guess that's what's causing random spinning in my games
Is this possible replaceable?