Broken Atari 2600 - Advice needed

[Tidus79001]

My sister bought an Atari 2600 (4 switch woody) from someone on eBay, and after hooking it up I found several issues with the console. Can anyone advise me on what could be causing these issues, and how to fix them if possible? Any advice you offer would be appreciated.

 

The following issues are what I found with the console:

 

- Games do not load correctly when system is powered on (graphics are scrambled, or console is making random noise)

- When the game does load the neither of the 2 joysticks will not respond when pressing up (tested both joysticks on another console, and they are working without issue, and other joysticks that I have do not responds when pressing up when using them with console that my sister purchased. Having done this I know that the joysticks are not the issue as they all of these joysticks work ok on my Atari 2600, but not on the one she purchased). Also tested the cartridge in my console as well, and all works normal on it, but not on hers.

- If the console is moved, or bumped slightly it caused the game to crash

with the console.

Edited June 14, 2018 by Tidus79001

[fiddlepaddle]

Try cleaning the slot where the cartridge goes using a credit card wrapped in thin cloth soaked in 91% alcohol or contact cleaner.

 

Bumping/moving causing game crash is likely an intermittent connection in the power path, maybe on the power cord or connector. Try reflowing the solder on the power connector (inside).

 

The "up"-not-working issue sounds like a bad chip, or maybe needs resoldering or reseating if socketed. Could also be the connector(s)...visually inspect solder points for failure or loose wires.

 

IT CAN BE FIXED!