How to get a Atari 7800 running?

[Pichu]

Sorry CRT, I just feel like it would belong here.

But I don't have a volt meter and I don't know how to test internally.

[CRTGAMER]

Why did you make a new post? The troubleshooting sequence started on your old post.

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 30#p268330

Hey I have a problem, how do I get the thing to turn on?

Push the power button.
Sorry had to say that.

The video cable hookup is actually an RF connection, hook it up to the antennae input of your TV.
Whichever cable you use the appropriate adaptor Previous Page.

As far as my old quote you will need to do the above too.

First of all, is the power light supposed to be on?
Because mine doesnt turn on. Can anyone help?

1. Test the power supply with a volt meter to see if it is working.

2. Test voltage going to power switch internally, be careful of where to test return line at. Maybe connection at back of 7800 is marginal.

3. If power is good then very likely the power switch. Very easy fix, first jumper the two wires going to that power switch internally to see if 7800 powers up. If it works then may have to clean or replace that power switch. To clean that old switch, unplug the power, spray in a little contact cleaner while holding 7800 in a way that the excess drips out. You can easily add a small separate power switch to say the back or even an easier to reach location in the front.of the 7800.

[CRTGAMER]

Sorry CRT, I just feel like it would belong here.

But I don't have a volt meter and I don't know how to test internally.

LOOKS LIKE THE REPLIES GOT MERGED, thanks Mod for getting rid of similar thread.

Anyways beg or borrow a voltmeter, part of basic toolkit when trouble shooting old Retros.
Well worth it, you will save money in the long run.

Go with my previous Reply, maybe will help a quick narrow down of the problem. the other weak area is the connection of that proprietary square power connector at the back of the 7800. You can easily hardwire or put a standard "earphone" power jack back there. But first get that voltmeter to verify power at the various stages, power supply, jack inside 7800 and finally power at the power switch and the appropriate return line.

[Pichu]

Ok then. Thanks.

[CRTGAMER]

But I don't have a volt meter and I don't know how to test internally.

Voltmeter very easy to use. I find the dial analog ones, though not as accurate gives a better visual reference.

All you have to do is set the dial to AC or DC volts and the maximum anticipated volt range.
There is AC Volt, DC Volt as well as a MilliAmp range. The power transformer label tells you the volt output.

Guide for Analog.
http://www.firehow.com/201001188039/how ... meter.html

Guide for Digital.
http://www.firehow.com/200912186226/how ... meter.html

[Hobie-wan]

So I just replaced the power switch in my 7800 and it comes on every time now. I need to rig some stuff so the external button will push on the switch, but pushing it directly works every time as it should now. I cracked open the factory switch since it was obviously dead and this is what I found. Keep in mind this was sealed so dust wouldn't get in.



All that corrosion on the center contact and on the bottom of the metal disk. A bunch of loose brown corrosion floating around in the switch. No wonder it wasn't working.

So do this to test yours. Open it up and plug it in. Use something metal to briefly touch the 2 contacts on the left side of the switch in the very bottom left corner of the board. If the system powers on, then it is fine and you definitely just need to replace the switch.

[CRTGAMER]

For aesthetics, a replacement micro switch under the original button?
Or perhaps a separate power switch located on the side?

[Pichu]

So I just replaced the power switch in my 7800 and it comes on every time now. I need to rig some stuff so the external button will push on the switch, but pushing it directly works every time as it should now. I cracked open the factory switch since it was obviously dead and this is what I found. Keep in mind this was sealed so dust wouldn't get in.



All that corrosion on the center contact and on the bottom of the metal disk. A bunch of loose brown corrosion floating around in the switch. No wonder it wasn't working.

So do this to test yours. Open it up and plug it in. Use something metal to briefly touch the 2 contacts on the left side of the switch in the very bottom left corner of the board. If the system powers on, then it is fine and you definitely just need to replace the switch.

Oh that is interesting, I will try that.

[jeffro11]

That looks yummy! Where was this thing stored?

[CRTGAMER]

That looks yummy! Where was this thing stored?

Crappy Atari buttons, you should look inside a 5200 controller.