SallyCanWait

I found a ferrite core from an old TV and tried it. I don't know if the size of it has to do with anything but it didn't help. Ferrite cores are a new concept to me really. I have a fairly new set of Atari Flashback 2 joysticks that I was using with the 2600 and they don't have this problem. I'll still try some contact cleaner on the joystick as soon as I can get out to Radio Shack. I don't see it hurting anything even if it doesn't help. I need some anyway because the B&W switch on the console is a little tricky when playing Starmaster or Riddle of the Sphinx. If it doesn't help, I might look into cord replacement or maybe just replace it completely later. The problem isn't severe enough to stop using it. It's just that I cleared up the reception significantly when I replaced the switch box with a coaxial adapter. I'd like it to stay clear. It happens when I press the fire buttons or move the joystick. I just wonder if it may have been overcleaned before I recieved it and it need some lubricant or something.

I recently purchased a TAC-2 joystick. I have to say it's one of the best I've ever used. I can slam that stick around like an arcade stick which is more abuse than the Atari or even the same branded Slik Stik can seem to take. It's fully functional but there's only one little problem with it that only causes a minor annoyance. When pressing the buttons or pointing the joystick, tiny points of static interference appear on the screen. It's not too bad but it's enough for my OCD brain to take notice. I opened it up and the copper contacts under the buttons look like they've been recently cleaned/lightly sanded, and really all of the wiring looks to be in good, clean condition, too. What could be causing this and what options do I have for remedying the problem? My idea is to use electronic contact spray/cleaner on it. I think I've even seen mention of using it in other threads on this site while googling some info, which there's not much of. Is this a good or bad idea? Could it possibly help? Do I have any other options?

Thanks! Happy to be here.

Cool. No problems with Towering Inferno now. Thanks, cvga. I never would have thought to use the "wrong" joystick. Decent gameplay and kind of fun...now that I can move around. And...Starmaster also works. So, thanks to Tony The 2600 for that tip. Looks like this one is a little more complicated than I gave it credit for. Not a turn on and play type of game. Time to study that manual. Yep, I give them a good cleaning as soon as I get them, especially from flea markets. Usually the ones ordered from more reputable sites seem to be ready to go out of the envelope. Such odd gameplay for both of these, or ways to go at playing them. Thanks for the tips, y'allz...

I'm just starting the process of rebuilding my Atari 2600 collection after it being stolen over a decade ago. I've ended up with a couple of carts that are acting strange. I get it. When they're dead, they're just dead, but these are coming on, ready to play, but they're not functioning correctly. One is Starmaster that I bought at a flea market. I turn the power on and reset the game and I'm perpetually flying around the starfield with no enemies ever showing up. The other is Towering Inferno that I bought from 2600.com. I click reset and the game is going like normal. The helicopter flies to the ground and the first stage comes up and is displaying as normal waiting for me to begin, but I can't move. My little guy just stands there while the fire is killing everyone off. I'm not having troubles like these with any of my other carts. Is that just the end of it? Do I just need to spend the couple of dollars to replace them, or is there some hope that I can make them work somehow? Send me to another thread if this topic is already covered.