namedjughead

I have both the Competition Pro and the Wico "butt plug". The Competition Pro excellent for games that play better with "digital" input, like Pac-Man, Berzerk, etc. I don't like the Wico very much, and I think that the self-centering feature is kind of over rated. I actually prefer the stock 5200 controller to the Wico for most games where analogue is preferred. The Wico likes to drift off center, and you have to mess with the trim controls frequently. On my Wico, the center locking switches aren't too secure and can be disengaged during game play. The only good thing about my Wico, is that I got it essentially for free. It was included with the 5200 I bought from a friend a few years ago for $40 for the whole bundle. I also have the track ball, and it's excellent for playing Missile Command, and even Space Invaders! I got lucky with this one as well. I purchased it for $35 on eBay in untested condition, and it works perfectly. I didn't even have to use foil tape on the keypads like I did with my 5200 joysticks. I've been considering upgrading my stock 5200 controllers with Best parts, but their website sucks. It looks like it hasn't been updated in 25 years, and was designed by someone with severe ADHD. I've hear that it's perfectly secure, and the products are excellent, but still. It's 2018 Best, it's time to join the 21st century.

I got a 2600 JR for Christmas in 1986. I asked my mother for a NES, but she wasn't able to find one. She said the store clerk told her I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the 2600 and NES, since I was only 5 years old at the time. They were wrong and I remember being a little disappointed, but I remember that I didn't show it. She also got me Ghostbusters for the system since I was a fan of the movie, and cartoon. That being my first game didn't really help my opinion of the 2600 at that time. I didn't give up on getting the NES, and eventually got one for Christmas of 1987. Since then my opinion of the 2600 has improved, and I purchased a "new" 2600 JR. It now holds a prized place in my collection next to my 2 port 5200.

I have seen Novus polish used on the Retroblasting Youtube channel to restore the plastic on vintage Star Wars toys, and I looked like it worked pretty well. I would think that Novus polish would be able to remove the micro scratches below the aluminum.

My friend and I have attempted to mod the JR unicorn with some schematics he found online. We have got picture working through composite, but the picture brightness is now very low. We have tried a few amp designs, but it doesn't seem to correct the brightness issue. Has anybody else had this issue with the unicorn? Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry for the necropost. atarti2atari can you post the schematics for the AV mod that you did on that 2600jr? I have been looking for instructions to AV MOD my unicorn, but haven't had any luck. I'm pretty inexperienced with modding, so a schematic or guide would be very beneficial. Thanks in advance.

I have a single chip 2600jr unicorn model that I'm interested in composite modding. I have searched online, but couldn't find any instructions to mod that particular revision. I have seen pics of modded unicorn motherboards, but there was no schematics or directions that i could find. The only guides i can find have instructions for the 3 chip model, and there are other differences with the revision beside the number of IC chips. Any instructions or schematics would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I picked up my copy of Star Wars on eBay last week for 6.50 + 3.50 shipping. There are still good prices to be found if you're willing to dig.

Well, it's been almost 2 years and I still haven't pinched my hands.

I am looking for directions for a composite only mod. Most schematics out there are for composite / s-video. My TV only has one s-video port, and it's being used for my Nintendo Wii right now. Does anyone have any instructions for a composite only AV mod for the 5200?

I disagree. I refurbished both my CX52s with foil tape, and they still work perfectly two years later. I use them quite regularly too. The adhesive on that tape is very strong, and should work for a very long time. If you have a harbor freight tools near you they sell it very cheaply, and you'll probably find a lot of other uses for it around the house.

I can confirm that Star Wars Arcade, also a Parker Brothers title, will start by just pressing the fire button.

I used foil tape, like the kind you use to seal AC ducts. I got a huge roll at Harbor Freight Tools for $7. If you dont have a HFT near you, I'm sure you can find it at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. I used it about 8 months ago, and it works great. The tape is a little thicker than kitchen foil, and is easier to work with. I recommend using tweezers, because you are going to cut some small pieces.

Not yet, but I've only had it a couple of days. I'm hoping that if I'm careful I can avoid that happening.

I just got my 5200 trackball in the mail today. It makes a huge difference with Missile Command and Centipede. I got a pretty good deal for it on eBay. I took a chance on an untested one, and it worked out petty good.

LOL