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Ok. I cleaned it the best I could, replaced that rca-like conncector with a new RCA cable like mentioned elsewhere in the forums, hooked it all up using the phono-to-f adapter, and I get more of the same jumbled screen/shreiking banshee sound. Could my system be toast? Any more ideas/hints? I'm gonna try the RCA mod if I get the time this weekend. Oh, yeah, the contacts inside look good, not bent back or anything.. I'm pretty sure they're making contact. Thanks

I just found my old Atari in a box my mom pulled from the basement. Boy was I happy! It's in pretty good condition. I cleaned it off and cleaned my cartridges. But when I turn it on, my screen is either black, or scrambled (Bouncing/flickering/beige coloured triangular shape with white lines) or I can see some "artifacts" on the left hand side. By artifacts, it looks like coloured lines/shapes just on the left edge of the screen. Sometimes accompanied by strange noises, but mostly silence. I tried cleaning the catrige slot with some Isopropyl alcohol spray and compressed air with the same results. I'm thinking maybe my switch box is damaged too, because it looks in bad condition - but appears to work switching from game to TV (its the original adaptor). I'm going to RadioShack tonight to pick up an RCA to F adaptor to give it a try and see how that works, but thought I'd post here first. If the adaptor doesn't work, does anyone think the RCA mod would work? Thanks! Let's see if I can reclaim my youth!