6 switch fuzzy video issue

[TerryG]

Hi,

 

First let me apologize for even asking this as I know it seems extremely lazy but I've been searching and haven't able to find much info on my problem. I have a 6 switch that is having some issues with fuzzy video output. It doesn't happen all the time, and when it does wiggling any of the switches or lightly tapping the silver RF box (I'm not sure exactly what to call it) causes it to clear up. I've looked for any loose solder joints, but nothing is really popping out to me.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to check? Or is this something that's not really worth messing with?

 

Thanks

Terry

[fiddlepaddle]

If tapping the "silver RF box" means the switch box, you can bypass it with a cheap RCA-to-Coax connector to eliminate the box and get a better signal through. If you mean the silver RF box INSIDE the Atari, then you might be able to improve it by replacing the RCA cable with a new (heavy duty) one.

 

If there is actually a problem with the RF circuitry inside, I can't help you.

[TerryG]

I'm meaning the box inside the machine.

[zylon]

If your's has a channel select switch, try cleaning the switch. It's right by the RF box in there.

[TerryG]

I sprayed it out with some contact cleaner, let it dry, and gave it a try. It seemed to work great. There was a little fuzz when I would hit the switches, but it went away instantly. Then I powered it off, swapped games, and turned it back on to the same, original issue of a fuzzy screen.

 

Thanks for the replies so far, I really appreciate it.

[zylon]

Another free thing to try is to clean the mounting points where the screws hold the switchboard to the motherboard casting. I've seen that cause a problem on units that had long term storage.

[TerryG]

You know, that had actually crossed my mind. They look pretty nasty. I'll give it a shot and report back.

[TerryG]

I cleaned both of the mounting holes on the switch board and the metal points it mounted to. It seemed to help a little bit, but the problem was still popping up. I tried applying pressure to the bottom of the switch board, below the silver box, and as long as I held that spot it worked fine. I placed a small washer on each side of the switch board, screwed it all back together, and it seems to be about 90 percent solved.

 

At this point I may just call it good enough. I have another machine that works great, I was just cleaning up the basement and figured I would try to get it working before tossing it in the trash.

 

Thanks again for the help.