Teenage Dirtbag Posted November 16, 2002 Share Posted November 16, 2002 I've got a 400, an 800 and an 800xl. I'm trying to downsize, so I want to keep just one system. Its looking like the 800 is the one. I would rather hold on to the xl for a couple of reasons. Its so darn sleek and sexy. It doesn't have a mark on it (got it at a thrift for $1 still in its original styrofoam). The problem is that I can't get it running. It doesn't look like it was ever used, the exterior is literally flawless. I really don't have any experience the 8-bit line of computers other than playing cart based games, but it appears like a problem that a 2600 might have with a dirty cartridge. When I power up the xl with nothing in it, I get a fast flickering blue screen. If I put a game in, I get either a blank screen, or garbage characters. All my carts work fine in my beat up 400 and 800. The xl has a spotless slot, so I don't think thats a problem. Could it be the power supply? It appears to be the official one and says part no: co 61982. Should I be cracking open the case? Maybe it looks brand new because it never did work right, and some guy boxed it up and left it for 15 years before taking it to a thrift store. Thanks, Sean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callipygous Posted November 16, 2002 Share Posted November 16, 2002 I always suspect the Power Supply first. Swap out with a known good one or test the one you have if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teenage Dirtbag Posted November 16, 2002 Author Share Posted November 16, 2002 I check through my box of stuff, and I used the power supply from my dead 600xl. Same symptoms as with the first power supply. Any other suggestions? I cracked open the case, but I'm not sure what too look for as possible problems. Thanks, Sean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callipygous Posted November 17, 2002 Share Posted November 17, 2002 Check for obvious loose connections, of course. Next, on an 800xl, you have to open up the shielding and get at the mother board. Electrical resistence built up over time at the chip sockets will often prevent the computer from working. Remove chips, one at a time and then put them back in. Just the pulling and replacing will help them make better contact. This reseating will often solve the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn Jefferson Posted November 18, 2002 Share Posted November 18, 2002 There aren't usually too many chips in the 800XL models that are socketed. I would also try a different method of hooking it up to your TV/monitor. Use the RF cable and a TV, or use the monitor jack and a composite input on your TV/VCR. Also, inspect the motherboard for burnt out components. I bought a 800XL on eBay only to find that it had a capacitor that was blown (it was very obviously toasted!) I replaced it and everything works fine. You should be able to turn on the 800XL without a cartridge and get Basic's READY prompt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
somePUNK Posted November 18, 2002 Share Posted November 18, 2002 i got the same problem with my 600xl brand new oh well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldunko Posted November 18, 2002 Share Posted November 18, 2002 my 800xl has the same problem... the power light turns on but i get some wavy grey lines that gyrate over the black background with blue/red/green accents waving aswell. i've tried numerous times to get it to work but alas the same result... i figured mine had something to do with the cable that hooked into the rfu adapter, the one that had the atari logo on it and the "to computer" part on it. but i opened that up and started playing with that... maybe the metallic (possibly a magnet ) thing has lost it polarity over the years? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teenage Dirtbag Posted November 20, 2002 Author Share Posted November 20, 2002 Tried different video connections, no go. At this point I figure I'm gonna try to find a working cheap 800xl, and stick the mainboard into my nice "new looking" shell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryBrigden Posted November 21, 2002 Share Posted November 21, 2002 I too recently got an 800XLfrom ebay only to find memory faults when starting up. Does anybody know if I have to replace the memory chips themselves? Can you still buy the memory upgrades? I just got my 2nd 800XL today, powered up and all looks well. That is until I attempt to load from cassette. I get a error 21. It makes no diff which tape I use, I get the same error. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goochman Posted November 21, 2002 Share Posted November 21, 2002 The Cassette drives are flaky - as are the cassettes themselves. I tried to collect some of these for the fun of it and all I got was a pain in the arse trying to get it to work. Someone told me to adjust the spindle in the drive to make better contact with the tape - All that got me was a meltdown in my 1010 which doesnt work at all now Ive also heard that a bad 1010 can ruin your cassette tapes therefore even if you find a good one its too late................. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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