mojoatomic Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 When installing cap kits & voltage regulators, any type of repairs to the RF section or even color adjustments - I suggest you pickup a set of anti static adjustment tools similar to these . You don't have to buy these exact ones, I simply list them as I use these and they're high quality. Whenever you change the filter and regulation section out on an Atari, especially those with 3 pin RF sections (original 2600) - it's possible that you'll need to adjust the trimmer in the RF block as the picture will be fuzzy and maladjusted until you do. It could even be a black and white fuzzy mess with no sound. This is normal, it just needs to be adjusted. This isn't as much of a concern on 5 pin RF units, but even they sometimes need the adjustment. Read this twice, because it's important: You MUST NOT use a screwdriver, Allen key or anything metallic for this adjustment. If you touch the metal RF chassis during the adjustment and short to the coil, you WILL let the magic smoke out of the RF block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1500 Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Does this also apply to that adjustment pot on the underside of a Coleco Gemini module? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojoatomic Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 Does this also apply to that adjustment pot on the underside of a Coleco Gemini module? All CMOS based gear is especially static sensitive - I would always suggest these type tools be employed for repairs of any type for this era gear. Also, pick up a anti-static wrist strap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osgeld Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 (edited) Let's say there's no risk of anything mentioned, which there very much is, using a metal tool effects the properties of the part so when you tune it, once the tool is removed it will change anyway Edited April 4, 2017 by Osgeld Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keatah Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 A metal adjustment tool has the ability to make a microscopic chip in the ferrite core. Then when turned that crack will grow full-size and the core splits apart. A Nylon or plastic tool won't do that. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 ^ beat me to it Keatah! Damn are those ferrite cores fragile. Learned my lesson about them a long time ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojoatomic Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 (edited) They really, really are. Especially when they're 40 years old. Just look at them wrong with a screwdriver and they'll snap. One little chip is all it takes - Plus - you can't adjust anything RF or color related on an Atari with a metallic instrument anyway - it interferes with the field and the adjustments are worthless. Edited April 4, 2017 by mojoatomic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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