SlowCoder
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Posts posted by SlowCoder
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Being 49, I almost feel like a grandfather here.
Yeah. You're old, grandpa.
But not much older than many of us. I play games almost daily, and to see physically older folks than myself playing gives hope to my future. My message to you, old man, is "GAME ON"! -
A common practice, back then, was one player plunking their quarter down on the game glass, which meant "I'm playing this game next." Kind of rude, to think about it now, but it was just normal then. Sometimes all the machines were being played, and cutting in was the only way to get to play anything.
That's a standard practice here in MA/RI at the local bars for pool tables and arcade games.
Yeah, that was, and still appears to be, standard practice. I never considered it rude, just the cost of playing the good games.
As many quarters as I dropped into those machines, I'm sure I could have bought any new arcade machine of my choice.
It's a pity. In my area arcades are a thing of the past. There is only one that I'm aware of in one of our local theaters. But it only has about 10 machines, and none of the classics. AND they charge at least 75c to play. I rarely see more than 1 or 2 players in there, and they are usually 8-12 years old, begging coins off their parents.
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I am also 36. For a few short years I had a Sears 2600. It disappeared when we moved and I remind my parents of that mistake often. Their response ... 'I don't remember ever buying you one'. Funny, I remember them playing with me every now and then.
That was the only console I owned as a kid. I had friends with NES and C64 systems, and for a short time I used an Adam before we got our new IBM XT computer. The ADAM went to storage until about a year ago, but that was given back to me recently. Unfortunately it lived in an attic for so many years, I doubt it will ever fire back up.
Any way, I agree with others of my gehildtion who hold nostalgic value in playing on original equipment. Holding the original 2600 joystick in your hands vs. pressing keys on an emulator keyboard ... no comparison.
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Not bad, especially for newcomers who don't have any previous experience working on the hardware. Specifically the diagram indicating chip ID and location is best. I could have used it a few months ago when I got started.
IMO, a good find.
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Alrighty folks, I think I may go with the SNES controllers of StoneAge's. They appear to be compact enough for my purposes, and I think the number of buttons available is acceptable.
I appreciate everyone's input.
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I've thought about doing the same. It is easy enough to obtain copies of the labels here by searching the cartridges. But I think the trick is to get the proper type of paper to print it on.
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Going off-topic for just a sec ... Based on other posts I've read, I realize some of you don't find controllers an important part of a collection, presumably because of their lack of monetary value. While monetary value is of interest, I also find interest in difference in editions of hardware. For instance, I just got a Vader. Though not a particularly valuable console moneywise, I plan to keep the black controllers that came with the unit, as they are paired, in my opinion.
And now, back on topic ... Also included with the H6 were the paddle controllers on the left of this image. On the right, the version I normally see.
They are slightly different internally, and the sticker on the front is a mono color, rather than the dual-colored ones I've seen in the past. Can I assume they are also 1st versions?
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Y, the music mates work quite well. I have 8 of them, but too many carts. The other thing I use is shown in this picture:
I have two of them and they hold approximately 30 carts plus a systems and controllers.
I have one of these too. IMO they are great for storage. But the only way to access the games is to remove the Atari from the top. It does not have drawers.
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I'm gonna go bake a table now.
Seems it's not the kitties who need to stop using the Goof Off.
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Actually, I wasn't referring to residue from another sticker on top of the serial label, but the area I outlined in red below.
Hmmm. Whatever that was there was gone when I got the console. What might have been there?
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I have emulators for multipe game systems. I play them on a laptop, which I often take on trips. I would like to be able to use a controller that is both: compatible with the widest variety of console platforms (enough buttons to support all functions), and is small enough to pack in my laptop case.
I have been using the PS3 controller with Bluetooth without problems, but it's a little bulkier than I'd like for travel.
The rectangular NES controller is ideal size, has the Start and Select buttons, but only has 2 play buttons.
The Sega Genesis controller has 3 (or 6) play buttons, and Start, but no Select. I guess I could configure one of the play buttons as Select for the platforms that require it. I've never seen one of these firsthand, so I don't know how bulky it actually is.
I know I can purchase a USB conversion kit for an existing controller, or purchase a converted controller (e.g. RetroZone), or a 3rd party controller. However, but my real question for those of your who emulate is, what controller to do you prefer?
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I've yet to try, as I have to bathe my cat.
Need to reconsider your priorities.
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...the paint on the stick base is very bright and nearly perfect. It also looks to be a bit too "yellow" -- does it look like it might have been repainted?
I think it's just that his camera's white balance is a little off. Look at the wood desk/table: It has a distinctive greenish caste. The fire button, while orange, still seems to have a very slight greenish tint to it (maybe that's just me). Anyway, a bias to green would seem to turn a light orange to yellow, hence the yellowish look of the paint on the stick.
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[edit] Looking at it again, it could be a blueish caste. [/edit]
Probably. That room is not very brightly lit, and I'm too lazy to pull out the camera for things like this. All of these pics were taken with my phone using its led flash, which is probably what puts the color off. If you guys desire better images I can oblige.
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Any luck with the regulator? I love seeing the earliest of machines getting fixed. Any machines.
It's a broblem somewhere on the mainboard. I've ruled out everything on the switch board, including regulator and RF modulator.
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Yes there was a service sticker over the white sticker. I tried to keep it dry while cleaning the bottom but failed. I removed the sticker after it got wet to get to the serial number. Before that, you are correct, it did look better.
Was the overlying sticker silver(foil) or white like the sticker underneath?
Interesting, the interest in a service tag. I'm pretty sure it was foil. It got caught on the towel I was drying with and got pulled part way off, and since it was partly covering the serial, I finished removing it.
Is it bad that I removed it?
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Yes there was a service sticker over the white sticker. I tried to keep it dry while cleaning the bottom but failed. I removed the sticker after it got wet to get to the serial number. Before that, you are correct, it did look better.
No the joysticks do not look repainted. The condition of the bezel on the h6 is also in excellent shape, save a few small scratches.
This brings me back to the possibility that this unit might have been a shelf model at one time.
Too bad it's not working.
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I came across another interesting find with this system ... its joysticks.
Note the tabs on the bottom of the rubber handle, rather than the round lip that most joysticks seem to have. Check the completely different internal assembly, using springs for all 4 directions. And the fact that the PCB has the Atari logo on it.
These controllers feel totally different than the normal ones. Much more cushy.
Based on the PCB logo I'm pretty sure these true Atari, maybe an early model?
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I did some intensive troubleshooting last night. I swapped the switch board with another one and the problem persists. So it's not the regulator or RF. I also swapped the chips from another working H6, and ... nothing ... at all ... chips don't work in this system. Neither do this system's chips work in the other H6 ... at all. I swapped back, and the other working H6 is still working, and this one returned to it's old antics.
I believe this brings it down to an issue with the mainboard.
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When was the last time this list was updated? I'd like to toss in a few recommendations, if I may.
- add the date the serial was added to the list. This will help track updates
- when was console acquired? Helps to establish ownership timelines
- what is its functional status?
Not sure why this thread isn't stickied. Based on its content I don't think it should be allowed to get lost in the thread shuffle.
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Based on the conversation, I'm considering dumping the idea. If it has a chance of frying my Atari, that's not where I want to go.
However, please feel free to continue your conversation, as it is very interesting and I'm learning a bit.
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Based on the serial number I am pretty sure you received a Heavy Sixer instead of a Light Sixer. If I were you I would mail it back, and demand a full refund for false advertising!
Edit: did not read the second paragraph!
In that case it is your call. It is a Heavy Sixer, but a broken Heavy Sixer none the less. If it is easily fixable I would keep it, if it is not then mail it back.I know it's a Heavy. The pics were too fuzzy to tell at the time. And I was also aware that it might not be functional, as that was how it was described. It accompanied another working Light 6 that does work. I would just like to know if I can revive it, and what the most likely cuplrits might be.
Both of the units I received were filthy. Once I cleaned them up, though, they are both in the best cosmetic shape of each of their models I have come across yet.
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I unexpectedly received this console yesterday (I was expecting a light 6). I suspect it was a shelf model, as it had dynamo stickers all over it labelling the switches and "Turn off when not in use". Based on what I've read on here, it may be significant that it doesn't have a channel switch or access hole.
Thoughts/input?
Also, it will work for about a minute, then will freeze/power off. Will not power back on for a few minutes, which leads me to think something is warming up. Tried different games and power supplies. I'm thinking this might be a problem with the regulator?
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I put the shower on, hold the top and bottom plastic atari holder under the water with a drop or two of dish soap. cleans it right up and dry 'em off with a towel or rag.
I don't see the need for a dishwasher or toothbrush.
Well then, you haven't been lucky enough to clean some of the one's I've had to clean. A shower and a dab of soap doesn't get it all out.
But I guess if it's just a little dusty, then maybe a light shower will be enough.
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Ditto. It only takes a couple of minutes to wash by hand.
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What do you use to clean the carts?
in Atari 2600
Posted
Seconded. 90+ % recommended. It can take multiple times to properly clean the contacts and return proper operation.