Atari 7800 Plays 2600, Not 7800 - Help? [PIC OF BOARD ADDED]

[Hobie-wan]

I'd think that there's maybe a pin that the 2600 cart's don't use that the 7800 ones do, so getting a signal on that line lets the system know to run in that mode. SInce you've cleaned the pins, check continuity on pins from the plug side to the solders on the board perhaps? Maybe find a schematic that talks about the selection pin or method?

[Jagosaurus]

I'd think that there's maybe a pin that the 2600 cart's don't use that the 7800 ones do, so getting a signal on that line lets the system know to run in that mode. SInce you've cleaned the pins, check continuity on pins from the plug side to the solders on the board perhaps? Maybe find a schematic that talks about the selection pin or method?

That's a good point. I was thinking more of a chip set required. Pins look okay to my eyes at first glance but I'll dig for some diagrams.

[ExedExes]

As an aside, thanks for not giving up on this. It was neat to see the 7800 board and the chips there. I want to see this fixed as much as you!

[Jagosaurus]

As an aside, thanks for not giving up on this. It was neat to see the 7800 board and the chips there. I want to see this fixed as much as you!

I enjoy breaking down systems so I'm enjoying it. I received this as a gift so all is well if it'll only play 2600... I'll just buy 2600 games that fit the slot (not all do like Tiger vision carts) & enjoy those! The 7800 library is interesting to me though so I'd like to fix it.

I'm going to look into pins/connection to board as Hobie suggested, as well as the Maria chip (which the 7800 titles use) per the guys @ Atari Age.

Man, the RF shield was a hooker to get off. Took me 15 minutes

[Jagosaurus]

Okay, broke this out again today and upon close inspection...

The board has three marker strikes on it (two black, one yellow) & the area housing the RF hook up has the same marker "loop" that was on the RF shielding.

The guys over at Atari Age hadn't seen the first marking I noticed before (on RF shield) so my guess now is that it was broken and repaired by Atari or a hardware shop at some point in it's life, long ago.

Thoughts? I can take picks if you want to see more marker :] original marker I noticed:



Any1 know which chip is Maria? All the chips look fine to the naked eye.

[ApolloBoy]

Any1 know which chip is Maria?

It's the longest chip on the board, located on the left-hand side.

[Jagosaurus]

Any1 know which chip is Maria?

It's the longest chip on the board, located on the left-hand side.

I'll take the shell off & give Maria a closer look this weekend.

Wait.....

[Jagosaurus]

Mark on the RF housing I mentioned:


Marks on the board:


Think I can say it was worked on in the past.

And here sits the issue I believe. Some of Maria's connections don't look attached to the board. See upper left:


Thoughts?

[Hobie-wan]

What about the solder on the bottom of those pins?

[Jagosaurus]

What about the solder on the bottom of those pins?

Yeah that's what I was seeing also. Might be worth borrowing an iron from someone @ work or finally buying one.

Guys on Atari Age also pointed out the same. We likely found our issue! Step one of the problem lol.